HONG KONG, China, March 29 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese women's rugby team suffered its third consecutive defeat at the Hong Kong Sevens on Saturday, losing 24-10 to the United States in its final Pool A match.

The Olympic sixth-place finishers finished last in their group after earlier losses to defending series champions New Zealand (45-0) and Brazil (36-10), ending their quarterfinal hopes.

In the following classification rounds, China edged Britain 24-19 in a closely contested match to advance to Sunday's ninth-place playoff against Spain. The win marked China's first victory over Britain in six World Series meetings.

Competing in its first full World Rugby Sevens Series season since 2019, China ranks 11th overall, with season highlights including a seventh-place finish in Perth and three ninth-place results.

Head coach Lu Zhuan acknowledged the team's challenges. "Our young players felt the pressure against New Zealand, and it showed in our execution," he said. "But their response after the U.S. loss demonstrated real character."

The tournament, first held in 1976, moved to the newly opened Kai Tak Sports Park this year after more than four decades at Hong Kong Stadium.

The 50,000-seat Kai Tak facility, operational since March 1, is now Hong Kong's primary rugby venue. Sunday's championship final will crown the first Sevens title winners at the complex. ■