Samoa defeated New Zealand 24-21 in the final of a superb Cathay Pacific/Credit Suisse Hong Kong Sevens to clinch their second title here and their third successive IRB Sevens World Series Cup crown.
In doing so the islanders take a first ever lead in the World Series, three points clear of New Zealand heading into the final two events, in London and Edinburgh in May.
Samoa head the list of countries with 124 points ahead of New Zealand (121), Fiji (94), Australia (78) and England (74).
Hosts Hong Kong delighted the packed 40,000 strong crowd by defeating sporting giants Russia to win the Shield 19-17. Australia beat South Africa in a Plate final for the third time this season and Canada saw off Wales to win the Bowl.
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Superb Samoa clinch second Hong Kong Cup
Samoa proved once again that they are the class team in World Sevens at the moment, beating New Zealand 24-21.
Crucially, the islanders had all of their key players on hand and fit and ultimately proved too strong for all comers in Hong Kong, including a brave New Zealand side against whom they have now won their last five matches.
Kurt Baker scored twice to rocket the kiwis to an early 14-0 lead in the final, but Stephen Betham's side showed huge composure and battling qualities to hit back.
Simaika Mikaele scored twice before the break to cut the deficit to two points and, with Baker in the sin bin for a late tackle, Mikaele Pesamino scored after the break to bring the Samoans level. The leading scorer this season then touched down again to put the game beyond New Zealand, who scored a late consolation through Toby Arnold.
Earlier the Samoans were the first team through to the Cup final with a pulsating 28-24 victory against England, who clearly responded to the passionate ex-pat crowd and were vastly improved at the Hong Kong Stadium. New Zealand had won victories against Kenya and Fiji.
Australia claim Plate
Australia beat South Africa in a Plate final for the third time this season to claim 16 Series points and maintain fourth place in the race for the overall title.
Robbie Coleman two two tries, one in each half, to inspire the Wallaby Seven to a 12-5 victory over the Boks, for whom Sampie Mastriet scored the only try.
Earlier, both sides lost closely in their respective Cup quarter finals, Australia against England at the death and South Africa against Fiji, but they recovered well to beat USA and Kenya to reach the final.
Canada win Bowl
Canada scored five tries to Wales' three to clinch the Bowl title and take five points towards the World Series. Morgan Williams' side first beat Tonga and then edged Portugal 26-24 before getting the better of the Welsh 35-19.
Thyssen de Goede and Sean Duke top scored for the Canadians with four tries apiece.
Hong Kong win Shield title
Hong Kong delighted the home crowd by winning all three of their games on the final day to capture the Shield title, their silverware on home soil for nine years.
Dai Rees' team saw off local rivals Korea 31-14 and then Italy 26-19, before producing a sparkling performance to beat Russia 19-17.
Rowan Varty top scored for the home side with six tries over the three days.
The World Series takes a break for six weeks before its European climax at Twickenham and Murrayfield on the last two weekends of May.
