France were held to a draw with South Korea in Group C ©Getty Images

South Korea and France fought out an entertaining 22-22 draw in an incident-packed Group C encounter today at the Women's World Handball Championships at the Kolding-Hallen.

France are looking to replicate the form which saw them win silver medals in 2009 and 2011, and will be disappointed not to have beaten their opponents, whose only World Championship medal was a bronze in 2003.

Both teams were locked together at 11-11 at half-time and, although the French established a three goals lead with three minutes left, the Asian champions fought back to take a 22-21 lead before the game's final strike.

Each team also had a player sent off and missed multiple chances.

It marked a second successive draw for South Korea following their impressive effort against defending world champions Brazil in their opening game.

The Brazilians enjoyed a comfortable 26-11 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo today, with Alexandra Nascimento scoring seven times as they pressed ahead after taking a 14-4 half-time lead.

World champions Brazil proved too strong for the Democratic Republic of Congo ©Getty Images
World champions Brazil proved too strong for the Democratic Republic of Congo ©Getty Images

Germany made up for their disappointing opening loss to France by overcoming Argentina 33-13, with the result never in doubt after they took an early 8-1 lead.

In Group D at the Arena Nord in Frederikshavn, Russia overcame Spain 28-26 in an exciting duel between two strong teams.

The two were locked together for the first 50 minutes before the Russians pulled four goals ahead to top the table and continue their winning run. 

Romania also impressed,beating the tournament's whipping boys Kazakhstan 36-20, handing them a second heavy defeat following their opening 21 point loss to Spain.

Norway beat Puerto Rico 39-13 in the day's final match, with the 2011 champions swiftly hitting back after going 2-0 down in the early stages.

Action is taking place across the four cities of Herning, Næstved, Kolding and Frederikshavn, with each of the four groups based in a different city.

Further matches are due take place in all four groups tomorrow.



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