Chinese captain Zhang Zhiqiang has set his sights on this year's Asian Games in Doha after the team's emphatic 47-0 victory over rival Chinese Taipei in Sunday's Bowl final at the Hong Kong Sevens.

China demolished Taipei in the biggest victory of the three trophy finals at the Hong Kong Stadium.

"This will give a tremendous boost to Chinese rugby," enthused Zhang, who played a pivotal part in China's landmark victory. "We worked hard in this tournament and I am really glad that the players were really up for it in the final.

"Our team will definitely gain in confidence. We will continue to improve and are now looking at this year's Asian Games in Doha for another solid performance. This time, we hope to win a medal," said the Chinese full-back.

China finished fifth at the last Asian Games in Pusan four years ago.

"We didn't have much time to prepare for the Hong Kong tournament and we didn't know how far we would go. So we are delighted to have won the Bowl which is considered a good achievement for us," he said.

"We got a young team and this victory will encourage more players to take up the game. It was great to play before 40,000 spectators."

Chinese Taipei, which is coached by Fijian sevens legend Tomasi Cama, had no answer to China's brilliant teamwork and fiery determination.

It was also a great day for Chinese rugby as it was their first silverware after making its debut at the Hong Kong Sevens in 1998.

Zhang said he now hopes the Chinese government would put more money into the sport.

The Chinese reached the Bowl final in 2000, losing to Ireland, but Zhang said the players weren't about to let another opportunity slip by as they played one of their best games to date against Chinese Taipei.

Apart from thrashing Chinese Taipei in the final, China also defeated Hong Kong 26-11 in the semifinals, having disposed of experienced Italy 17-12 in the quarterfinals. 

(Shanghai Daily April 4, 2006)