China lead Asian Games medal table, esports adds to Malaysia tally

KUALA LUMPUR: China extend their lead at the top of the medal standings at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, with 143 gold, 63 silver and 49 bronze medals as of 12pm on Wednesday.

Host Japan are second with 45 gold, 71 silver and 67 bronze medals, while South Korea are third with 24 gold, 27 silver and 45 bronze medals.

Thailand move up one spot from sixth to fifth as the best Southeast Asian team with 12 gold, nine silver and 12 bronze medals.

Malaysia are 11th with six gold, five silver and nine bronze medals.

Malaysia secured two more esports medals after the Identity V and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) teams reached the semi-finals of their respective events, guaranteeing at least a bronze each.

The Identity V squad will face Japan at 2pm, with a place in the gold-medal match at 5pm at stake.

The MLBB team will meet Myanmar in their semi-final at 5pm, with the winners advancing to Friday's final.