China Lost to Australia in Pre-Olympic Field Hockey Series

China were outclassed by the reigning Olympic champions Australia Tuesday in the first match of their pre-Olympic women's field hockey series at Sydney.

China, who is the 10th team to qualify for the Sydney Games, fell short of ways to handle the skillful host, the 1996 Atlanta gold medallists, losing 5-2 at Sydney's Olympic hockey stadium.

Australian started their charge with a 12th-minute Karen Smith effort before Nikki Hudson made it two on 23 minutes.

Jenny Morris added another on 47 minutes before China finally got going with goals from Tang Chunling on 52 minutes and Shen Lihong two minutes later.

But China's comeback stopped here as the home team stepped up the pace and put the game beyond doubt when Renita Garard chipped in with a 64th minute field goal.

Alyson Annan completed the scoring with a penalty corner on 70 minutes.

China and Australia will play further matches on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

People's Daily Online --- http://www.peopledaily.com.cn/english/