The countdown to The World Games 2025 (TWG2025) in Chengdu, China, has officially begun, there are now less than 200 days until the opening ceremony, and the International Korfball Federation (IKF) can now confirm the teams that have secured their spots for the korfball and beach korfball competitions at The World Games!
In the beach korfball discipline, eight top-performing teams have secured their spots at TWG2025, : Poland, Chinese Taipei, Netherlands, Hungary, Belgium, USA, Australia, and China. Based on the set qualification criteria, Netherlands and China qualified in April, at the WBKC 2024, while the other teams qualified through the IKF Beach Korfball World Ranking. The stage is set. With teams from four continents represented, each bringing their different styles of play, korfball fans should expect the unexpected as these teams battle it out in the sand in Chengdu. We cannot wait to find out which of the teams will take home the Gold medal!
For korfball, the eight teams from around the globe have earned their places at the WKC 2023: Netherlands, Chinese Taipei, Belgium, Czechia, Suriname, Germany, Portugal, and host nation China. With a perfect mix of traditional powerhouses and emerging contenders, these teams represent the best and will be ready to put on a show in Chengdu.
The World Games are a unique multi-sport event that celebrates sports outside the Olympic programme, bringing together thousands of athletes from across the globe to compete at the highest level. This edition marks a milestone for korfball, as both korfball and beach korfball disciplicnes will feature for the first time on the programme which is a testament to the sports increasing appeal.
Stay tuned for more updates as the qualified teams prepare to represent in Chengdu. Follow our social media channels and website for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes stories, and all the latest news leading up to The World Games 2025!
TWG2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience for athletes and spectators alike – we cannot wait! For more information check out our dedicated event page, and the official page on The World Games website.
https://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TWG2025_header_Qualified_Teams.jpg5701500Joana Fariahttps://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/LogoIKF.pngJoana Faria2025-01-15 15:41:242025-01-16 11:55:53TWG2025: Korfball and Beach Korfball teams confirmed
The beach korfball stadium in Pattaya City is ready to kick off the long-awaited qualifier event for next year’s World Games: the IKF World Beach Korfball Championship 2024.
From 26 to 28 April, the Korfball Association of Thailand will host this #WBKC2024 qualifier event. Pattaya was a very successful host of a Beach World Cup in 2022, and this allows the local federation to build on this success as a benchmark for international beach korfball competitions.
Following the Group Draw that took place two weeks ago live on YouTube.com/ikfchannel, all teams arrived in Thailand knowing how important it’s going to be the first group phase in the fight to reach the top positions of this tournament.
Eighteen teams were drawn into three groups, with some interesting matchups emerging based on the latestbeach world rankings, which guarantees tight matches and exciting games throughout all days. Let’s enjoy beach korfball!
Group A features the current world number one ranked team, Poland, who will face off against Portugal (ranked 6th), India (7th), Australia (10th), Scotland (19th) and Czechia (23rd).
Group B is headlined by second-ranked Belgium, who will take on Hungary (ranked 5th), Hong Kong China (8th), Japan (18th), Singapore (20th) and China (23rd).
Finally, Group C includes USA (ranked 3rd), the Netherlands (4th), Chinese Taipei (9th), Thailand (12th), Malaysia (21st) and Macau China (ranked 23rd).
Where to follow / Live streams
All fans around the world will be able to watch and follow this tournament live on youtube.com/ikfchannel and on www.worldkorfball.sport (with live results and live streams, statistics, scorers, play-by-play …), as well as on social media on @IKFAsia and @BeachKorfball profiles and the hashtag #WBKC2024, #beachkorfball and #korfball, with the best image galleries, clips and highlights. Quick access site: korfball.sport/WBKC2024
Further, following the inclusion of korfball in the program of the next edition of The World Games in Chengdu (CHN), the IKF announced that the international beach korfball calendar will be expanded substantially. In 2024, in addition to the World Beach Korfball Championships, two World Cups will be scheduled, one in Europe, likely in August, and a second one in Asia, likely in December. This aligns with the vision of the IKF Council to create a year-round global calendar for beach korfball events.
Further, the IKF announced the qualification regulations for the beach korfball tournament at TWG 2025. The champion of the WBKC will directly qualify for TWG, and TWG host China will have the opportunity to directly qualify at the WBKC, provided they finish in the top-10 of the event. The further 6 or 7 spots (a total of 8 countries/teams can take part in TWG Beach Korfball tournament) will be determined on the newly launched IKF World Beach Korfball Ranking, ensuring both global representation across at least four continents and sufficient competitiveness by ensuring all participants are within the top-12 of the World Ranking as per 31 December 2023.
All fans around the world will be able to watch and follow this tournament live on youtube.com/ikfchannel and on www.worldkorfball.sport (with live results and live streams, statistics, scorers, play-by-play …), as well as on social media on @IKFAsia and @BeachKorfball profiles and the hashtag #WBKC2024, #beachkorfball and #korfball, with the best image galleries, clips and highlights.
The IKF World Beach Korfball Championships is the pinnacle event for the sport of beach korfball. The event is held every two years and features the best national beach korfball teams from around the world. The 2024 edition of the championships will be held in Pattaya, Thailand, from April 26-28.
About the International Korfball Federation (IKF)
The IKF is the governing body for the sport of korfball. The IKF is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the sport, including international competitions, development, and governance. The IKF was founded in Antwerp (Belgium) on 11 June 1933 as a continuation of the International Korfball Bureau established in 1924 by the Dutch and Belgian Associations. The IKF was officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1993 and is affiliated to the Association of the IOC Recognized International Sports Federations (ARISF), the International World Games Association (IWGA) and the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF).
https://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/image_WBKC2024_Krit_Suttipithuk_.jpg9601440Dani Ezpeletahttps://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/LogoIKF.pngDani Ezpeleta2024-04-25 10:35:592024-05-30 17:26:52From 26 to 28 April, don’t miss the IKF World Beach Korfball Championship 2024 live from Thailand!
The group stage is set for the IKF World Beach Korfball Championship 2024 following the Group Draw that took place this evening (Monday, April 15, 2024) broadcasted on YouTube.com/ikfchannel.
Eighteen teams were drawn into three groups, with some interesting matchups emerging based on the latest beach world rankings.
The Korfball Association of Thailand will host the World Korfball Beach Championships from 26 to 28 April 2024 in Pattaya City, which is also a qualifier event for The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China.
Group A features the current world number one ranked team, Poland, who will face off against Portugal (ranked 6th), India (7th), Australia (10th), Scotland (19th) and Czechia (23rd).
Group B is headlined by second-ranked Belgium, who will take on Hungary (ranked 5th), Hong Kong China (8th), Japan (18th), Singapore (20th) and China (23rd).
Finally, Group C includes USA (ranked 3rd), the Netherlands (4th), Chinese Taipei (9th), Thailand (12th), Malaysia (21st) and Macau China (ranked 23rd).
Pattaya was a very successful host of a Beach World Cup in 2022, and this allows the local federation to build on this success as a benchmark for international beach korfball competitions.
Exciting times ahead for Beach Korfball
Further, following the inclusion of korfball in the program of the next edition of The World Games in Chengdu (CHN), the IKF announced that the international beach korfball calendar will be expanded substantially. In 2024, in addition to the World Beach Korfball Championships, two World Cups will be scheduled, one in Europe, likely in August, and a second one in Asia, likely in December. This aligns with the vision of the IKF Council to create a year-round global calendar for beach korfball events.
Further, the IKF announced the qualification regulations for the beach korfball tournament at TWG 2025. The champion of the WBKC will directly qualify for TWG, and TWG host China will have the opportunity to directly qualify at the WBKC, provided they finish in the top-10 of the event. The further 6 or 7 spots (a total of 8 countries/teams can take part in TWG Beach Korfball tournament) will be determined on the newly launched IKF World Beach Korfball Ranking, ensuring both global representation across at least four continents and sufficient competitiveness by ensuring all participants are within the top-12 of the World Ranking as per 31 December 2023.
All fans around the world will be able to watch and follow this tournament live on youtube.com/ikfchannel and on www.worldkorfball.sport (with live results and live streams, statistics, scorers, play-by-play …), as well as on social media on @IKFAsia and @BeachKorfball profiles and the hashtag #WBKC2024, #beachkorfball and #korfball, with the best image galleries, clips and highlights.
The IKF World Beach Korfball Championships is the pinnacle event for the sport of beach korfball. The event is held every two years and features the best national beach korfball teams from around the world. The 2024 edition of the championships will be held in Pattaya, Thailand, from April 26-28.
About the International Korfball Federation (IKF)
The IKF is the governing body for the sport of korfball. The IKF is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the sport, including international competitions, development, and governance. The IKF was founded in Antwerp (Belgium) on 11 June 1933 as a continuation of the International Korfball Bureau established in 1924 by the Dutch and Belgian Associations. The IKF was officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1993 and is affiliated to the Association of the IOC Recognized International Sports Federations (ARISF), the International World Games Association (IWGA) and the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF).
https://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Participants_WBKC2024.png10801920Dani Ezpeletahttps://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/LogoIKF.pngDani Ezpeleta2024-04-15 23:11:052024-04-25 10:00:08Road to Chengdu begins! IKF World Beach Korfball Championship 2024: Groups Draw completed!
We are thrilled to announce that Portuguese korfball star, Pedro Correia, has been shortlisted for The World Games Athlete of the Year 2023! This prestigious award recognizes outstanding achievements.
Correia is a true legend of the korfball world. A seasoned athlete with over a decade of experience, he has been an integral part of Team Portugal for many years. His exceptional talent and leadership have made him a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.
Pedro takes up the baton of other korfball stars such as Ya Wen Lin (TPE), Julie Caluwé (BEL) and Suzanne Struik (NED), candidates in the previous editions. Last year, the player from Chinese Taipei finished in 4th position, just a few points off the podium.
With 62 senior international caps and over 220 goals scored for both Portugal and his club team, Correia’s impact on the sport is undeniable. His most recent achievement was his instrumental role in Portugal’s qualification for The World Games 2025 at the World Korfball Championships 2023. His unwavering dedication and exceptional skills propelled the team to a remarkable performance, securing their spot in the 2025 edition of The World Games which takes place in Chengdu, China.
Correia has represented Portugal in two previous editions of The World Games, demonstrating his remarkable consistency and commitment to the sport. He made his debut at the 9th World Games in Cali, Colombia, and then showcased his prowess once again at the 11th World Games in Birmingham, USA.
Beyond his impressive sporting achievements, Correia is also a valued member of the Portuguese korfball community. His leadership qualities and passion for the sport have inspired countless young athletes, contributing to the continued growth and development of korfball.
We encourage everyone to visit The World Games website and cast their vote for Pedro Correia! Your support could help him bring this prestigious award home to Portugal.
…
Here are the candidates for The World Games Athlete of the Year 2023! 🤩
The voting will begin at 12:00 GMT on 10th January, 2024. And from 22nd January, 2024 at 12:00 GMT, only the 10 highest ranked candidates at that time will continue in the race. All candidates will re-start with 0 votes.
All korfball fans and supporters around the world can give their votes to their favourite candidate on The World Games website once per 24 hours. Votes must be given each time to two candidates: 2 votes to a first-choice candidate and 1 vote to a second-choice candidate. If a person tries to give votes to one candidate only, the votes will not be registered.
The numbers of votes cast for each candidate will be visible throughout the campaign.
The International World Games Association reminds all voters that they shall act in accordance with fair play in sport. The IWGA will scrutinise the voting process closely, and any anomalies that appear will be investigated.
https://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/header_AOTY_2023.jpg3801000Dani Ezpeletahttps://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/LogoIKF.pngDani Ezpeleta2024-01-04 15:53:292024-01-10 14:58:38Pedro Correia shortlisted for The World Games Athlete of the Year 2023!
The upcoming IKF World Korfball Championship 2023 in Taipei will be used as the only qualification event for The World Games 2025 (TWG) in Chengdu, China.
There are eight qualification places available for TWG 2025. The framework aims at having 4 Continents representing Korfball at the TWG 2025 out of the five Continents represented in the IKF WKC 2023 – Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, Oceania. To make this happen, participants from 4 Continents should finish in the top-11 at the IKF WKC 2023.
Therefore, the final ranking at the IKF WKC 2023 decides which National Teams qualify for the TWG 2025, taking into consideration the following criteria:
All qualified teams for the TWG 2025 must participate in the WKC 2023
As host of TWG 2025, CHN must be ranked in top 13 at the WKC 2023 to guarantee the qualification as host of TWG 2025. If CHN does not finish in top 13 of the WKC 2023, a wildcard will be given to be decided by IKF Council vote, taking the interest of quality of the competition, global representation, and marketing impact into account.
If the top 8 ranking, including CHN, consists of participants of at least 4 Continents the top 8 will qualify directly.
If four continents are represented in the Top 11 then
a. CHN qualifies (if in top 13) but does not count on behalf of Asia
b. If CHN does not finish in top 13 of the WKC 2023, a wildcard will be given to be decided by IKF Council vote
c. Considering only Top 11 teams, the highest ranked team from each continent qualify
d. Starting with the highest ranked team and descending, teams who have not qualified via the steps above are then added until eight places are filled.
If three or two continents are represented in the Top 11 then
a. CHN qualifies (if in top 13) but does not count on behalf of Asia
b. If CHN does not finish in top 13 of the WKC 2023, a wildcard will be given to be decided by IKF Council vote
c. Considering only Top 11 teams, the highest ranked team from each of those continents qualifies
d. Starting with the highest ranked team and descending, teams who have not qualified via the steps above are then added until eight places are filled.
If only one continent is represented in the Top 11 then
a. CHN qualifies (if in top 13) but does not count on behalf of Asia
b. If CHN does not finish in top 13 of the WKC 2023, a wildcard will be given to be decided by IKF Council vote
c. Starting with the highest ranked team and descending, teams who have not qualified via the step above are then added until eight places are filled.
https://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/header_IKF_QUALIFICATION_CRITERIA_TWG_2025.jpg3801000Dani Ezpeletahttps://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/LogoIKF.pngDani Ezpeleta2023-10-04 12:17:392023-12-11 08:58:30IKF qualification criteria for The World Games 2025
The International World Games Association yesterday accepted the proposal of the IKF to include beach korfball as a second korfball discipline in the program of The World Games in 2025 in Chengdu, China. This inclusion implies that apart from (indoor) korfball in an 8v8 format, that has been included in every single edition of The World Games since 1985, also beach korfball will be included in a 4v4 format. The inclusion of beach korfball is a direct consequence of the overall success of our full gender-balanced team sport in the recent editions of The World Games in Birmingham, Wroclaw and Cali, and the successful inaugural edition of the first World Beach Korfball Championship in 2022 in Morocco. In both korfball disciplines, 8 teams will participate.
The IKF is delighted with this decision by the IWGA. IKF President Fransoo: “Beach Korfball has been developing rapidly over the past years. Smaller teams and the ability to play this anywhere, make the discipline accessible to everyone. Moreover, the gender-balanced nature of korfball fit very well with the beach culture. Beach korfball is as fast and dynamic as indoor korfball, but with matches of just 2*8 minutes, and typically many goals being made, a single 90-minute spectator session can easily accommodate 4 matches with all being decisive. Together with the IWGA and the Chengdu organizing committee, we plan to create a festive atmosphere in the beach stadium at TWG 2025. The inclusion of beach korfball will provide an opportunity for many more of the IKF Member countries to qualify for The World Games.”
Korfball features again in the program of The World Games 2025 in Chengdu
During yesterday’s IWGA Annual General Meeting in Madrid, the Executive Committee (ExCo) of the International World Games Association unveiled the programme for the 12th edition of the Games. Korfball will continue its appearance since 1985 (the 2nd edition of TWG in London). Since then, korfball has been included has taken part in every edition.
Jan Fransoo reelected for a second term in the ExCo of the IWGA
The president of the International Korfball Federation, Jan Fransoo, was confirmed as Executive Committee member of the International World Games Association for a 2nd term during this IWGA AGM 2023 in Madrid. With 7 candidates for four positions, he received extensive support from the membership, with 23 out of the 31 voting Federations supporting him already in the first round of voting.
José Perurena (ICF) was re-elected as the President, Tom Dielen (WA) as the new Vice President and Lukas Hinder contniues as the Treasurer. Executive Committee members for the new term: Anna Arzhanova (CMAS), Volker Bernardi (WFDF), Jan Fransoo (IKF), and John Liljelund (IFF).
Header image by Marco Spelten
https://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/beachkorfball_TWG2025.jpg3801000Dani Ezpeletahttps://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/LogoIKF.pngDani Ezpeleta2023-05-04 18:19:272023-12-11 08:58:43Beach Korfball included in 2025 edition of The World Games
The Netherlands have today (Sunday, Jul 17, 2022) won an tenth consecutive World Games korfball gold medal following victory in today’s final against Belgium in Birmingham, USA.
It was October 2021 during the final of the IKF European Korfball Championship when Netherlands and Belgium last met. The European championship final was spectacular, ending with a narrow victory for Netherlands by four goals [17-21].
Eight months later and the teams meet again in the final of The World Games 2022 in Birmingham, USA. The korfball arena was SOLD OUT for the korfball final at the BJCC East Exhibition Hall – the korfball arena for The World Games creating an electric atmosphere. There wasn’t a spare seat in the house.
Final score [23-12]. Belgium’s Kian AMORGASTE top scored in the game with 5 goals.
Saying goodbye to the world stage and playing in their last international korfball match is Barbara BROUWER (NED), Julie CALUWE (BEL), Brent STRUYF (BEL) and Jari HARDIES (BEL).
In the end it was a comfortable win for Netherlands. The result means that the Netherlands have now won an eleventh consecutive World Games korfball gold medal.
Medal Ceremony
Jan Fransoo, International Korfball Federation President and Anna Arzhanaova, International World Games Association (IWGA) Executive Committee presents the Gold medals and gifts to Team Netherlands.
Joana Faria, International Korfball Federation Secretary General and Nick Sellers, CEO of the Birmingham Organizing Committee for The World Games 2022 presents the Silver medals and gifts to Team Belgium.
Gabi Kool, International Korfball Federation Executive Vice President and Jay Karsten, COO of the Birmingham Organizing Committee for The World Games 2022 presents the Bronze medals and gifts to Team Chinese Taipei
Photo: Marco Spelten – actiefotografie.nl
Final Ranking – Korfball at The World Games 2022
1st Place – Netherlands
2nd Place – Belgium
3rd Place – Chinese Taipei
4th Place – Germany
5th Place – China
6th Place – Suriname
7th Place – Czech Republic & Portugal
IKF YouTube live streaming playlist:
*Click on the top-right icon ≣ to view all games scheduled
Missed the match? Watch it back here
For the latest information from The World Games search online using the hashtags #WeAreTheWorldGames, #TWG2022 and #Korfball.
Follow us on social media
We invite you to follow this korfball event 24/7 on IKF social media channels with the best moments, images, videos, highlights and latest information. Feel free to share your moments with us tagging the IKF on your posts and stories!
https://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/header_final_twg2022_champions_korfball.jpg3801000Dean Woodshttps://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/LogoIKF.pngDean Woods2022-07-17 21:45:092022-07-19 15:22:11Netherlands win gold at The World Games 2022
The International Korfball Federation (IKF) continues to provide coverage from The World Games 2022 to fans throughout the world. If you aren’t already, make sure you’re following the official IKF social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Due to the fact that the IKF is not the rightsholder of The World Games footage, there will be livestream restrictions (commonly known as geo-blocking) for certain countries. In countries where TV stations and broadcasters have acquired the rights to The World Games 2022 the IKF unfortunately is not allowed to provide a livestream of the medal matches.
We understand that this is disappointing for fans in the following countries and regions:
Algeria, Argentina, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chad, Chile, Chinese Taipei, Colombia, Comoros Island, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, France, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Mexico, Middle East, Morocco, Nicaragua, North Africa, Oman, Palestinian, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, USA, Venezuela and Yemen.
If you live in one of the regions impacted you should check with your national broadcaster to see if they will cover the korfball finals.
China v Suriname
Germany v Chinese Taipei
UPDATE: Korfball fans in Germany are able to watch the Bronze medal match Live on Sport1
Netherlands v Belgium
UPDATE: Korfball fans in Belgium will be able to watch the match live on Sporza’s website.
The World Games is a multi-sport event staged every four years by the International World Games Association, organised with the support of the International Olympic Committee. The 11th edition of The World Games will be held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, 7-17 July 2022. 3,600 athletes from 34 sports and over 100 countries will take part in The World Games.
Follow us on social media
We invite you to follow this korfball event 24/7 on IKF social media channels with the best moments, images, videos, highlights and latest information. Feel free to share your moments with us tagging the IKF on your posts and stories!
Today (Saturday, Jul 16, 2022) we welcomed into the korfball arena at The World Games in Birmingham former international players from the United States Korfball Federation (USKF) who won Bronze at The World Games 1985 in London, Great Britain.
The USKF 1985 medal winning squad were today each presented with a Recognition of Achievement certificate from the International Korfball Federation.
The USKF was founded in 1975 by Paul Kempff. Current President of USKF, Carl Yerger said: “Our priority now is to support passionate people to play korfball…. Our strategic goal is to support pockets of korfball by fostering it and encouraging its growth”
U.S. Korfball Team – The World Games 1985 (left to right: Margie Warren, David Warren, Kim Davenport, Rob Kinitt, Joy Gunter, Rob Bell, Mark Scruggs, Sandra Slagther, Chris Frederick, Lori Mezanko-Alexander, Joel Batchelder, Kara Swab, Eric Holmstrom, Kay Kersey).
Team USA qualified for the next two World Games in 1989 and 1993, finishing in 5th place in both.
Korfball in the USA
Pacific Northwest (PNW) Beach Korfball is the 1st beach korfball club in the USA, founded by a group of basketball players lead by Bill Johnson, based at Golden Gardens Park in Seattle, Washington
PNW Beach Korfball will be representing the U.S. in the first ‘IKF World Beach Korfball Championship’ in Nador, Morocco on 19 & 20 August 2022 in their first official game.
They held their first annual PNW Beach Korfball cup in 2021 with former Great Britain international player and coach Steve Barker, and over 50 adult basketball players participated, including players from New York, Oregon, California, Serbia, and the Tibetan Plateau.
Bill Jonson from PNW Beach Korfball said “We are taking things slowly at a pace that’s manageable for us. We would like to let it grow organically & naturally, and make things sustainable. We are now making connections with korfballers all over the world. Eventually, we will make Seattle a nice place to play beach korfball”.
“While the Olympics is moving towards mixed-gender sports, the coed aspect of beach korfball is the new dynamic that’s going to make social changes with sports like this, I feel cool to be part of korfball”. Ashley Graham.
https://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/twg1985_Team_USA_korfball.jpg9601920Dean Woodshttps://korfball.sport/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/LogoIKF.pngDean Woods2022-07-16 19:13:582022-07-16 19:13:58Medal winning Team USA recognised at The World Games 2022
Welcome to the third day of the korfball competition at The World Games 2022. Today is the final matches in the Group stage. From 13 to 17 July 2022 the World Games 2022 is taking place in the city of Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Eight teams are competing for medals at the 11th edition of The World Games.
Below you will find videos, photos and a updates – updated throughout the day.
The opening game on Day 3 at The World Games was between China and Germany. To secure a place in the semi-final and the possibility to medal Germany had to win.
The match was extremely close in the first period with very little to separate the teams. The defence from both teams was limiting the scoring opportunities.
Germany appeared to be more comfortable on the ball. During the second period Germany managed to open up a four goal lead courtesy of consecutive goals from Lucas WITTHAUS, Anna ORTH, Jan Robert HEMING and Lea SANDER [4-8].
Two additional goals from each team meant Germany went into the halftime break leading [6-10].
In the second half China never threatened, scoring just two goals which at any level is not going to be enough to win. Germany scored a further 8 goals in the second half.
The match ended with an amazing buzzer beater goal from Timon ORTH, a contender for goal of the day, for sure!
Final score [8-18]. Germany’s number 08, Lea SANDER, top scored in the match with 5 goals.
Chinese Taipei v Portugal
Our second match featured Chinese Taipei and Portugal who had so far both won and lost one match in this World Games competition. A win would keep their medal hopes alive…
A game of two halves! Portugal started strong in the first period shooting a high percentage and frustrating Chinese Taipei, limiting their chances which resulted in them taking a [3-5] lead.
Chinese Taipei, encouraged by the support in the arena of Representative Bi-khim Hsiao, Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) started to relax and began to convert their chances and went into the half-time break with the score level [7-7]
Taipei made the perfect start to the second half with three quick goals from Shu-Chi CHANG, Han-Sheng CHIU and Cin CHEN which clearly knocked the confidence of the Portuguese team.
From this point forward Chinese Taipei would remain ahead. The match finished [19-11] with Shu-chi Chang top scoring for Taipei in the match with 5 goals.
The result means that Chinese Taipei finished second in Group B and are still within a shot of a medal.
Netherlands v Czech Republic
After the result of the earlier match today team Netherlands have already secured the top position in the group. After two narrow defeats to Chinese Taipei and Portugal, Czech Republic are rooted to the bottom of the group on zero points.
The attention for team Czech Republic is now on their remaining match tomorrow (July 16). At the end of the first period Netherlands had scored 12 to Czech Republic’s four, by halftime the result had been put beyond all doubt [23-8].
In the second half Team Netherlands entered cruise control mode and started to extend their lead scoring several beautiful goals.
Final score [38-11]. Harjan VISSCHER top scored for Team Netherlands with an impressive 9 goals.
Belgium v Suriname
Our final match on Day 3 and of the Group stages is between Team Belgium and Team Suriname.
Before tonight’s match Belgium led the group with four points after their [26-9] win against Germany and [27-11] win over China.
To keep their medal chances alive Suriname must win tonight against Belgium, after yesterday’s narrow loss to Germany.
In the opening five minutes of the first period Team Suriname made life difficult for Belgium, both teams scored two each [2-2].
Team Belgium then stepped up a gear, scoring the next six goals without reply. The defensive pressure was also cranked up by Belgium resulting in several shot clock violations by Suriname and attacks without registering a shot at goal.
At half-time Belgium led [14-3]. The second half produced some great goals from Belgium who knew the match had already been won.
Full-time: Belgium 29-14 Suriname. Belgium’s Stien REYNTJENS top scored in the match with 5 goals.
Belgium will play in the Semi-Final tomorrow against Chinese Taipei.
Image Gallery – Day 3
Ron Froehlich gets hands-on with a korfball ball with Gabi Kool, Executive Vice President of the IKF
The World Games is a multi-sport event staged every four years by the International World Games Association and organised with the support of the International Olympic Committee.
Follow us on social media
We invite you to follow this korfball event 24/7 on IKF social media channels with the best moments, images, videos, highlights and latest information. Feel free to share your moments with us tagging the IKF on your posts and stories!
