Hockey: Card filling up fast

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Confirmation of a four-match tour by South Korea indicates the start of another busy year for the New Zealand women's hockey team.

New Zealand Hockey Federation chief executive Ramesh Patel said yesterday that the side will play up to 17 internationals in 2001, including two or three matches against Australia.

"If the Australians come here in April-May they will play two tests," Patel said. "Our preference, though, is for them to come in late July for three internationals and use those matches as a lead-in to the Champions Trophy in Holland in August."

The Indian women will play four tests here from May 18 to 27.

Patel said the federation hopes to confirm venues - for the Korean visit at least - next week.

The New Zealand men's team will play three internationals against Australia in Melbourne from May 3 to 6, and a four-test visit by India is likely to be confirmed for June.

Coach Jan Borren's assistant is expected to be named before Christmas.

The men's participation in the World Cup qualifying tournament in Edinburgh in July is under a cloud.

The national federation has protested over the composition of the 16-team tournament.

"New Zealand were not included on the original list, but Bangladesh were," Patel said. "We have asked some questions and, on the last list we saw, they were not on it. The uncertainty has arisen because of questions about the continental quota system."

New Zealand had approached the international body and asked them to investigate.

In the worst-case scenario, New Zealand would miss out altogether. In the best, they would gain a place in the qualifying tournament. A third alternative could be a play-off, perhaps with Bangladesh, with the winner going to Edinburgh.