SEOUL, June 5: South Korea beat Hong Kong 4 1 and Bahrain and Lebanon fought to a scoreless draw

in the opening-day games of the second round of the Asian Group D 1994 World Cup soccer qualifier 1n Seoul on Saturday, reports AP.

In the days first game. South Korea scored three goals in nine minutes to beat Hong Kong 4 1. The victory boosted South Korea s chances for a berth In the 1994 Work) Cup to be held tn the United States.

South Korea finished at the top of the first round qualifier in Beirut, Lebanon, last month that also attracted teams from Bahrain, Lebanon and India. Hong Kong lost to South Korea 0-3 In a first round encounter in Beirut.

In Saturday's opener at Seoul’s Olympic Stadium, the

South Koreans displayed better individual skills and teamwork to overwhelm the Hong Kong team, which relied on occa stonal surprise attacks.

The Koreans went ahead with a goal by Choi Mun-shik 12 minutes Into the first half. Nine minutes later, Hong Kong came up with an equaliser when Au Wai Lun right-booted froth close range.

Au trapped a low centering by defender Loh Wai Ch1 from the left and shot past South Korean goalie Sin Bumb-chul 10 meters (yards) out. Au sprained his right ankle as he attempted the kick and was carried off the field.

In the second half. Hong Kong concentrated on defence but it could not deter the fast moving Koreans Hong Kong goalie Chung Ho Yin. who made several brilliant saves, allowed three goals, each by Koreas Chung Jae kwon. Ha Suk Ju and Noh Jung yun, in the

76th. 81st and 85th minute before the whistle.

In the other game of the day. Bahrain took the offensive and threatened the Lebanese goal mouth repeatedly but their at tempts lacked accuracy. Lebanon were forced to concentrate on defence

Lebanon came close to win nfng goals tn the second half when kicks by Babkin Melikian and Youssef Fai hat hit the right goal post and cross bar

Sunday Is a rest day for the teams. On Monday. Indias will take on Bahrain and South Korea will meet Lebanon. The Seoul rounds will end next Saturday

Asian nations are divided Into four groups to qualify for the World Cup. One team from each group will be allowed to complete In the final Asian qualifying rounds later this year

Asia has two a slots tn the main World Cup in 1994.