By Paul Osborne

Iran and China took gold at the IBSA Asia Pacific Goalball Championships on Sunday ©Getty ImagesNovember 17 - Iran and China came out on top at the International Blind Sports Federation's (IBSA) Asia Pacific Goalball Championships today at the final matches in Beijing.


The men's final saw Iran storm to a huge 14-4 victory over Japan.

The Japanese team were spared further humiliation when, with just less than two minutes remaining on the clock, the match was stopped due to the IBSA's "mercy rule", which means the game must end when a maximum goal difference of ten is reached.

But, by getting to the finals, both teams had already booked their places at next year's IBSA Goalball World Championships in Espoo, Finland where they will compete against 14 of the world's other best teams.

After suffering a disappointing fourth day at the Championships, hosts China where able put their anguish behind them by dominating Australia 10-1 in the bronze medal match.

China's women were looking to overcome their disappointment from losing the London Paralympic gold medal to Japan ©Getty ImagesChina's women were looking to overcome their disappointment after the London Paralympics where they missed out on the gold medal to Japan ©Getty Images



The women's final proved a much tighter affair as London 2012 gold and silver medallists, Japan and China, added another epic encounter to their exciting saga.

China, who lost in last year's Paralympic final, were able to make amends on home soil as they secured a 3-0 penalty shoot out win after neither side could find a winner in open play.

With both teams already having booked their place in the 2014 World Championships due to their performances at London 2012, bronze medallists Iran will also make their way to Finland in June next year.

The Iranian team won the bronze medal after losing their semi-final match to Japan yesterday.

China secured a place in the final after topping the group in the round robin phase of the competition.

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