By David Gold

Diego Simonet_in_action_at_Pan_American_Games_October_2011November 2 - The Argentinian men's handball team have qualified for London 2012 after beating Brazil in the final of the Pan American Games in Guadalajara with the Brazilians women gaining revenge, therefore also booking their place at next year's Olympic Games.


South Korea are also celebrating after beating Japan in the final of the Asian Olympic Qualifiers in Changzhou, China, 27:22.

Though the score was 10:10 at the break, the Koreans were too strong for their rivals by the end.

In the women's contest at the Pan-American Games, Brazil's victory in the final never looked in doubt after Alexandra do Nascimento had struck five early goals to help them to a 12:3 lead after 21 minutes.

The lead increased to 23:8 by the 44th minute with the game eventually finishing 33:18, rounding off a dominant tournament where Brazil won their games by an average of 26 points overall.

Korea and Brazil join European champions Norway and the hosts, Great Britain, in qualifying for next year's tournament.

Mexico, beaten by Brazil in the semi-finals, and the Dominican Republic, who were beaten by Argentina, played out a thrilling third place match that Argentina won 33:31 to secure bronze.

In the men's tournament, the final was a much closer encounter with both sides trading goals without being able to build a convincing lead.

The Argentinians eventually won 26-23 to secure their place in London while Chile ensured South American dominance with a victory in the bronze medal match against the Dominican Republic, winning 27-24.

Argentina joins Britain as well as world champions France in securing their place at the Olympic Games.

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