CHINA reigned supreme in its AFL International Cup clash over Finland at Eureka Stadium on Saturday, winning a tight encounter by just four points.
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In an even but extremely low-scoring affair, it was the Chinese who hit the scoreboard more frequently, winning 3.8 (26) to 3.4 (22).
It might have been a clash of two sides that were yet to kick a goal in two previous encounters, but it did little to dampen the spirits of either side.
In a fierce affair that at times threatened to boil over, China was held goalless in the opening quarter, managing to score just one behind in the opening two terms.
However, it steadied with two goals in the second quarter and eventually held on in a nail-biting finish.
It was China's first win, having previously lost to Canada by 119 points and to New Zealand by 193 points.
For Finland, the loss was its third in a row.
Like China, it had been soundly beaten in its opening two games, losing to USA and Sweden.
The two will meet again in the playoff for final positions for the tournament on August 23, with the winner to be ranked 15th in the world.
patrick.nolan@fairfaxmedia.com.au