GB set up flag football quarter-final with Austria

Great Britain’s women’s flag football team will face Austria in the quarter-finals of the World Games after completing their group campaign on Friday.

Britain followed up their opening win on Thursday by beating Japan 26-24 in the first of their two Friday matches, then losing 34-13 to defending champions Mexico.

That meant Mexico topped Group B, so face the fourth-placed team in Group A – hosts China – while runners-up Britain face third-placed Austria.

The tournament in Chengdu is seen as crucial for the GB team’s development before flag football makes its Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.

The World Games is a global multi-sport event showcasing sports not currently on the Olympic programme.

Japan are ranked third and beat Britain 40-34 in the quarter-finals of the Worlds, but that defeat was avenged on Friday. GB held on for a narrow win, with quarterback Jessica Allen making four touchdown passes.

The European champions led 20-12 at half-time after Grace Conway scored twice, either side of a Hannah Elliott touchdown.

Marta Mathews scored to keep GB clear in the second half and although Japan also finished with four touchdowns, they failed to add the extra point on each occasion.

GB twice went in front in their final group game, with Allen making touchdown passes to Elliott and Emily Kemp, but Mexico led 14-13 at half-time and finished with five touchdowns – all from Diana Flores passes.

The winner of GB’s quarter-final with Austria will face the USA or Italy in the semi-finals.

All start times Saturday, BST:

Winners meet in semi-final at 08:00