CHONGQING - Fancied North Korea was held to a goalless draw by host China in the East Asian women's championship yesterday, as Japan surged to the top of the table with its second win.

China's defender Zhang Ying (6), forward Han Duan (9) and North Korea's forward Ri Kum Suk (10) fight for the ball during their match at the East Asian Football Federation (EAFF)'s Women's Football Championship 2008 Finals Competition on Thursday Feb. 21, 2008 at Yongchuan Sports Center in Chongqing, China. [Agencies]

North Korea, beaten 3-2 by Japan in their opener on Monday, squandered several chances including a 52nd-minute penalty kick.

Japan beat defending champion South Korea 2-0 earlier Thursday to lead the four-nation round robin. China trailed with four points and North Korea with one, leaving South Korea pointless and rock-bottom.

China and North Korea struggled hard without threatening the net in a dull first half.

After the break, North Korean captain Ri Kum-Suk, the Asian Player of the Year, had a spot kick saved by Steel Roses goalkeeper Zhang Yanru after striker Kim Yong-Ae had been fouled in the box.

Zhang also saved a 30-meter scorcher from Ri Un-Gyong four minutes later.

Japan, the world's No 11 team, at times ran rings around the South Koreans, who had to fight through qualifying to reach the four-nation tournament.

Eriko Arakawa opened the scoring with a point-blank header in the 16th minute and Shinobu Ohno rounded the 'keeper to wrap up the tie after 57 minutes.