HARBIN - Japan secured a 2-1 victory over China in a men's ice hockey Group A match at the Harbin Asian Winter Games on Monday, setting up a quarterfinal clash with Thailand.

China took the lead early through Hou Yuyang's opening goal, but Japan equalized when Riku Ishida converted a power play opportunity. Midway through the third period, Kenta Takagi's long-range effort put Japan ahead.

With under two minutes left, China pulled their goalkeeper to press forward with six skaters, but Japan's defense held steady to seal the win.

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"I'm not satisfied with my performance today," said China's 19-year-old goalkeeper Chen Shifeng. "The team played well and followed the coach's plan, but I take responsibility for the goals we conceded. Today's match gave me valuable experience, and I am looking forward to showing a better performance in the knockout rounds."

In other Group A matches, Kazakhstan defeated South Korea 2-1 to top Group A with a perfect record, while Chinese Taipei won 3-1 over Thailand.

Kyrgyzstan edged Hong Kong, China 6-5 in overtime to face South Korea in the quarterfinals.

In the 9th-10th place match, Kuwait claimed an 8-4 victory over Turkmenistan, Singapore dominated India 13-2 to secure the 11th place, while Macao, China defeated Bahrain 4-3 to take the 13th place.

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The men's quarterfinals are scheduled to take place on Tuesday.