HANGZHOU—Japan snapped the Republic of Korea's hold on the Women's Handball at Hangzhou Asian Games with an impressive display of speed and aggression in the final at Zhejiang Gongshang University Sports Centre on Thursday. 

It was a first title for the Japanese team as they took down the defending champions, and only the second time in Asian Games history that the Republic of Korea have not won gold in such event.

Although the Republic of Korea were first to score, when their star player Ryu Eunhee netted just after two minutes, Japan were quickly on top.

Goalkeeper Atsuko Baba of Japan made a string of saves in the first half, and they led 14-8 at the interval. While a relaxed and cheerful Japan spent the break practising shots, Republic of Korea's athletes stayed in the dressing room and emerged just before the start of the second 30 minutes.

Although the level of intensity from the Republic of Korea rose in the second half, they struggled to find the net. Either Baba denied them or the ball went wide and Japan were able to enjoy the closing minutes of their 29-19 victory.

"For the players, they're going to feel a great sense of joy and they're also going to be more confident," said head coach Kusumoto Shigeo of Japan. 

"For future matches we're going to do better and be even more confident. The Japanese Handball team still has to improve a lot in Asia and we also want to compete with Handball teams all over the world."