Hockey: Olympic spots secured

New Zealand finished seventh at the women's World Cup in Argentina after beating China 3-0 in a ranking match yesterday, virtually ensuring qualification for next year's London Olympics.

In one of their better performances at the 12-team tournament in Rosario, the Black Sticks defended with precision and produced some sweet attacking play, particularly in the first half, when they opened up a 2-0 lead.

The match was delayed by thunderstorms but New Zealand hit the ground running, with Krystal Forgesson blasting home a goal - her sixth of the tournament - in just the second minute.

Charlotte Harrison followed 10 minutes later with her first of the tournament, while Clarissa Eshuis scored from one of New Zealand's three penalty corners four minutes from the end.

The last time New Zealand played China was also a ranking match, which they won 4-3 to secure fifth place at this year's Champions Trophy in Nottingham.

Their seventh-placed finish matches their world ranking and is high enough to ensure two Oceania teams qualify for the 2012 London Olympics. Those two berths will almost certainly be filled by Australia and New Zealand.

In pool play, the Black Sticks sustained losses to Germany, the Netherlands and Australia, while they drew against Japan and beat India.

Today's final will pit hosts Argentina against world and Olympic champions the Netherlands, while Germany and England square off for third place.

New Zealand's attention will turn to the Commonwealth Games starting in New Delhi on October 3.

- NZPA