Rugby-Japan defeat South Korea in Asian Five Nations series

HONG KONG, April 26 (Reuters) - Japan defeated South Korea 39-17 in the inaugural Asian Five Nations series on Saturday while Hong Kong defeated the Arabian Gulf 20-12.

The tournament, which also features Kazakhstan, is modelled on Europe's Six Nations championship.

Tries by Go Aruga, James Arlidge, Hirotoki Onozawa, Bryce Robins and Hiroki Yoshida helped Japan to a 29-0 lead at halftime before the Koreans staged a gritty comeback after the break.

"They outplayed us in the second half and lived off our mistakes. I think their coach can go away happy," Japan coach and former New Zealand winger John Kirwan told reporters.

Twenty other nations, including China, India, Iran, Uzbekistan, Cambodia and Guam, will have the chance to fight their way into the top five by competing in two other divisions.

The championship replaces the biennial Asian Rugby Football tournament. (Reporting by James Pomfret; Editing by John Mehaffey)