It meant South Korea clinched the silver medal in the round-robin format as the host nation was forced to settle for bronze.

South Korea had beaten China 10-0 in the earlier game today.

Just four countries had participated in the top tier men’s tournament.

Kazakhstan, who also won on home ice six years ago in Astana, had cruised past South Korea 4-0 and China 8-0 in their opening two games.

Normal service continued here as they completed a 100 per cent record by scoring four times in the opening period.

Yaroslav Yevdokimov and Ilya Kovzalov each scored twice.

Further strikes were added by Kirill Savitskiy, Nikita Mikhalis and captain Konstantin Savenkov as the favourites ruthlessly extended their advantage thereafter.

It marked Kazakhstan's fourth Asian Winter Games men's ice hockey title after they also finished on top at the Harbin Games of 1996 and in Gangwon three years later.

Thailand finished in fifth place for the tournament after winning all their four games in the second tier event.

Chinese Taipei, United Arab Emirates, Mongolia, Hong Kong and Singapore occupied the next five places.

Kyrgyzstan won the third tier event in front of Philippines, Kuwait - participating as Independent Olympic Athletes - and Qatar.