The Hindu : Sport / Olympic Games : China's unbeaten run continues

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Aug 19, 2004

Sport

Sport - Olympic Games

China's unbeaten run continues

By Our Special Correspondent

ATHENS, AUG. 18. The Chinese women's team continued its sequence of wins in the hockey competition. The third victory this morning against Spain by a comfortable margin virtually ensures the Chinese a semifinal spot from Pool A.

China has not conceded a goal in three matches so far thanks to the splendid work under the bar by Nie Yali. The Spaniards were no match for the effective Chinese defence or the sharp attack.

The goal midway through by Tang Chuling off a pass from Chen Zhaoxia underlined the consistent work of the frontline. Before half-time, Fu Baorong converted a penalty corner to increase the lead. Maintaining the tempo almost throughout, China increased the margin through Gao Li Hua who worked in tandem with Fu Baorong for the goal.

With nine points from three wins and a match remaining against World champion Argentina, China looks well set to make the semifinals.

Former World and Olympic champion, the Netherlands, fighting to regain the gold here, recorded its third win in as many matches outclassing Germany.

So dominant were the Dutch women that by the half-time hooter sounded they had slotted in four goals, two from penalty corners. Maartje Scheepstra gave the lead followed by Ageeth Boomgaardt. The field goals came from Miek van Geenhuizen and Sylvia Karres. The lone German goal was scored by Nadine Ernsting Krienke.

A tally of nine points so far should ensure the Dutch a semifinal berth, but the outcome against the Aussies on August 22 is eagerly looked forward to by the supporters here.

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