MINSK, 4 January (BelTA) - UAE Team registered a confident win over China 10:3 to become the first semifinalist of the Christmas International Amateur Ice Hockey Tournament in Minsk. On the first day of the tournament UAE Team beat Balkans Team 9:5. Balkans Team and China will play the final match in the group on Saturday, 5 January, BelTA has learned.
In Group C Russia whitewashed Switzerland 9:0. The day before, Slovakia won the opening match against Switzerland 10:2. Thus, tomorrow Slovakia and Russia will play for a place in the semifinals.
Two more matches will be held on 4 January. Group A will see Belarus President team take on Baltics Team (19.00; big ice rink). At the start of the tournament, the Belarusians defeated IIHF Team 3:7. In case of the win in today's match they will book a spot in the semifinals. In Group D Czechia will play Germany (18.30; small ice rink).
Three more matches were held on the first day of the Christmas tournament. Finland beat Germany 10:2, Slovakia was victorious over Switzerland 10:4, UAE routed Balkans Team 9:5.
The group winners will advance to the semifinals which will be held on 6 January. The gold and bronze medal games will take place on 7 January.
