SHENZHEN, May 3 (Xinhua) -- China defeated Spain 3-0 to claim its third consecutive win in the 2026 IIHF Men's World Championship Division I Group B on Sunday, while Estonia clinched the title with one round to spare.
China had won its first two games but sat fourth in the standings before facing winless Spain, needing victory to stay in the medal hunt.
Both teams showed attacking intent in the first two periods. China registered 20 shots on goal, five more than Spain, but neither side managed to break the deadlock heading into the third period.
With six minutes remaining, Hou Yuyang broke the deadlock for China, finishing off a well-worked play set up by Wang Haoxi and Wang Jing in front of the net. Two minutes later, Spain's Joan Cerda committed a tripping foul, giving China a penalty shot, and Hou converted the penalty to double the lead.
Spain then pulled its goalkeeper in a last-ditch effort, but Liu Zihao scored an empty net goal, sealing a 3-0 victory for China.
Hou said after the match that the game had been tough. "From the first period to the last, we never gave up and fought hard for the win," he said.
Tu Yueran, 17, was named China's player of the game after making 21 saves for a shutout. "With more experience, I feel less nervous. I'm very excited to represent the national team and very happy to play in China with such great teammates," he said.
Hou also praised Tu's performance, saying he fully deserved the honor after making numerous crucial saves throughout the game.
Earlier on Sunday, Estonia defeated Romania 3-1 to claim its fourth straight win and secure the title with one round left, earning promotion to Division I Group A next year. In the day's other action, South Korea beat the Netherlands 4-1.
China will face Estonia in the final round on Tuesday. ■
