Hockey: Black Sticks only 'outside chance' of making final

The Black Sticks' fate in the Indira Gandhi Gold Cup women's field hockey tournament is out of their hands following a 2-1 defeat against India in New Delhi last night (NZ time).

New Zealand hockey manager Kay Noakes said the team now only has an "outside chance" of qualifying.

To make the final, the Black Sticks have to beat Malaysia and hope India -- who have already qualified -- defeat Australia, she said.

The Hockeyroos, who defeated Italy 4-1 yesterday, must beat the hosts if they are to qualify.

Ms Noakes said the game against India was "very even", with the Black Sticks trying "very hard under very hot conditions".

However, they had constantly been "hassled off the ball".

"The Indians were quite quick to loose balls," she said.

India took the lead in the first half with a Sanggai Chanu deflection off a penalty corner, and Saba Anjum grabbed a second 15 minutes after the restart following a goalmouth melee.

The Black Sticks pulled one back with ten minutes to go, when Honor Dillon deflected a free hit from outside into the net, Ms Noakes said.

The Canterbury striker -- who also scored against Italy -- is New Zealand's highest scorer at the tournament with 2 goals.

Ms Dillon said that some of the players are still getting to grips with their roles in the team, but the tournament had given them "the opportunity to get out there in the big time".

Before yesterday's game, New Zealand were unbeaten in the tournament after a 0-0 draw against Australia and a 2-1 victory over Italy.

RESULT:

New Zealand 1 (Honor Dillon), India 2 (Sanggai Chanu, Saba Anjum)

- NZPA