Japan beat Austria 4-1 for its fourth victory at the second-tier women's ice hockey world championships on Thursday, earning promotion to the elite division.
The Japanese team, ranked seventh in the world, faced 11th-ranked Austria with both teams knotted at three wins each atop the Group A competition table.
But with the win Japan got separation, making it 12 points from four wins to secure promotion with one game remaining in the six-team tournament at Merkur Arena in Graz, Austria.