Women's Champions Trophy 2002

CHN 1 NZL 0
CHN Goals: Tang (FG 64m)

Undefeated all tournament, China has qualified for the final of the Champions Trophy for the first time in their international hockey history when they defeated a gallant New Zealand 1 – 0 in pouring rain here in Macau.

A dour struggle all match, China scored the winning goal in 64th minute when Tang Chun Ling finally found a hole in the usually airtight New Zealand defence.

New Zealand were equally as restricted in the attacking circle as the Chinese, creating just one field shot for the match and two penalty corners. China had four field shots and four penalty corners, coming mostly in the second half.

The win puts China on nine points and clear of both Australia and Argentina on eight and seven respectively.

Australia and Argentina play the next match at 8pm, with the winner progressing to the gold medal match or in Argentina’s case, a draw will do.

After having the ability to be playing for a medal at the beginning of the day, New Zealand face the frustrating task of playing England for fifth place on Sunday.

Quotes:

KIM Chang Back, CHN Coach: "This is the first time in the final. The Chinese athletes are playing well and trying their best. I bought home a trophy in 1989 for Korea so I would like to bring home this Champions Trophy."

"It is very important to enter the game to win. A win would mean we were in the final, a loss would mean we would play for 5th and 6th."

Jan Borren, NZL Coach: "The Chinese deserved to win. They attacked a lot more. They had a few more opportunities, not a lot but a few more. We were able to get the ball out of our defence both left and right. Helen Clark made 2-3 good saves."

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