China dance past S Africa

BEIJING – China displayed patches of classical Asian hockey to run South Africa ragged in front of a boisterous home crowd in women’s Olympic hockey yesterday.

Combining fluid long passes with crafty stick work and energetic set play, the hosts won 3-0 in pool A to stay on course for a semi-final berth. China, who finished fifth in the Athens Games, drew first blood in the sixth minute when Tang Chunling scored off a free hit, igniting celebrations among the partisan crowd.Speedy China scored again just before halftime after an earlier goal was disallowed due to dangerous play.Fu Baoring displayed superb reflexes in converting a rebound, showing just why the hosts are among the favourites to land a medal.Forward Song Quingling scored with a reverse hit after intermission to close out the scoring.South Africa put up a feisty fight to deny China, down to 10 following a yellow card suspension, further success.China coach Kim Chang Back said his side could do better.China play top-ranked Netherlands next, and the coach said his girls would have to be sharper.Argentina’s path to the semi-finals from pool B appears shaky after the favourites were held to a draw by Britain while Australia stayed in contention with a 6-1 win over Spain.The Netherlands were due to meet South Korea and defending champions Germany were set to take on New Zealand in other second-round matches later yesterday.Nampa-ReutersChina, who finished fifth in the Athens Games, drew first blood in the sixth minute when Tang Chunling scored off a free hit, igniting celebrations among the partisan crowd.Speedy China scored again just before halftime after an earlier goal was disallowed due to dangerous play.Fu Baoring displayed superb reflexes in converting a rebound, showing just why the hosts are among the favourites to land a medal.Forward Song Quingling scored with a reverse hit after intermission to close out the scoring.South Africa put up a feisty fight to deny China, down to 10 following a yellow card suspension, further success.China coach Kim Chang Back said his side could do better.China play top-ranked Netherlands next, and the coach said his girls would have to be sharper.Argentina’s path to the semi-finals from pool B appears shaky after the favourites were held to a draw by Britain while Australia stayed in contention with a 6-1 win over Spain.The Netherlands were due to meet South Korea and defending champions Germany were set to take on New Zealand in other second-round matches later yesterday.Nampa-Reuters

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