Germany

ROSARIO, Argentina (AFP) - Women's field hockey Olympic champions Germany saw off a spirited China side beating them 2-1 in the Champions Trophy.

A double from Nadine Ernsting-Krienke in the first-half was enough and despite China striking early in the second period through Gao Lihua the Germans held on.

Victory maintained Germany's 100 percent record with three wins from three matches though the Netherlands can join them on nine points later on Tuesday when they take on New Zealand, who like China have just one point.

Ernsting-Krienke struck early for the Germans hitting home in the fourth minute from a free strike and made it 2-0 seconds from the half-time whistle on a rapid counter-attack which caught the Chinese defence napping.

However the Chinese refused to fold and Gao desevedly reduced the deficit in the 48th minute as she fired home after the initial shot from a free corner rebounded off German keeper Yvonne Frank.

The Chinese sought desperately for an equaliser but the extra physical edge to the Germans game saw their hopes dashed.

China will hope they can record their first win of the tournament on Thursday when they play the once mighty Australia, who have no points from their first two matches and who take on hosts Argentina later on Tuesday.

Germany next play New Zealand on Thursday.

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