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Bernard Perera reporting from Singapore

South Korea tipped as second favourites to win the 30th Asian schools Soccer championship beat Thailand in the final by 3 goals to 2 at the Bedok stadium yesterday in front of a large gathering of soccer fans. South Korea got ahead in the early stages of the game scoring their first goal through Lee Hyun-Jin in the 2nd minute. Eight minutes later Thailand equalised when Pakasit Saensook scored with a bullet like kick from 30 metres.

The game continued with both sides playing top class soccer, and two minutes later once again Koreans surged ahead with the second goal coming from the boot of Lee Hyun-Min. Thais tried everything to equalise but failed to do it and went off the field for lemons with South Korea leading 2-1.

Twenty minutes into the second session saw Thailand come back strongly to score the equaliser through striker Komponant Nonkan. Thailand kept the pressure on their opponents which was thwarted by the Korean defence. At times Koreans also made futile attempts on the goal to surge ahead.

It was a ding dong battle for supremacy from here onwards. Superb ball controlling from both sides were displayed and this thrilled the crowds.

Thailand's hopes were dashed in the final minute when Ann Siong-Nam slammed the third goal for Korea which also sealed victory for them and the championship trophy. Yeo Seung won awarded the Golden Boot award from the Korean camp. While Athipol Poolsop received the Man of the Tournament award.

Jeffry Gob controlled the game with support from J. Aravindan and Jarrod Lin as Linesmen. The game played to decide the 3rd and 4th places were conducted earlier saw the host nation Singapore beat China 3 goals to 2. This game too produced class soccer from the beginning with Singapore taking the lead.

China's equaliser came soon after and the teams left for lemons on level terms. Half way mark into the second session Singapore went ahead. China fought back strongly and equalised after 12 minutes. At full time the scores were level and the referee Wong Boon Wah had to introduce the extra time for the winning goal. M-S Bin Ishak got the golden goal for Singapore in only one minute 34 seconds which saw the hosts take 3rd place which is a fine achievement. R. Rosa of Sri Lanka and R. Jason served as Linesmen for the game.

Secretary, Ministry of Education who was the chief guest at the closing ceremony attended by all ten participating teams gave away the awards.

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