BEIJING // Russia and South Korea were deadlocked at the end of the highest-profile match of today's women's handball schedule. South Korea, the 2004 Olympic silver medallists, and Russia, the 2007 world champions, finished with 29 goals apiece in the allotted 60 minutes of play. Russia led 16-13 at halftime and increased that margin to 26-18 with 16 minutes to play before the South Koreans rallied. Ona Kim scored five of her seven goals during an 8-0 run that levelled the scores at 26 apiece. South Korea's Park Chunghee scored with just over a minute left to complete the scoring. Norway defeated the hosts China 30-23 the opening game. Norway's Gro Hammerseng scored with all seven of her shots. France defeated Angola 32-21 earlier in the day. France led 21-18 in the 44th minute before dominating the latter stages. Sophie Hebrecht scored eight goals for the French. Hungary pulled away late to beat Sweden 30-24. Hungary led 22-21 in the 46th minute before Tomori Zsuzsanna scored three of her six goals in the final 15 minutes to help stretch the advantage. Romania thrashed Kazakhstan 31-19. The Romanians scored the first three goals and never looked back, though their lead was only 13-12 early in the second half. Kazakhstan's Olga Ajiderskaya led the scoring with 10 goals. I In the final game of the evening, Germany held off Brazil 24-22.
*AP
