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China miss out top-eight in men's hockey

Wednesday, 20 August 2008


BEIJING, Aug. 19: China were hindered from entering top-eight with a 3-1 loss to Belgium in the final day of the Olympic men's hockey tournament here Tuesday.

With one draw and four losses, China ranked bottom in the Pool A with only one point. It was Belgium's first win after three losses and one draw.

Captain Song Yi converted a penalty corner which gave China a 4th-minute lead.

Xavier Reckinger evened the score for Belgium in the 28th. The other two goals came from Gregory Gucassoff in the 32nd and John-John Dohmen in the 48th.

China now play against South Africa for the 11th-12th place. Belgium, ranked fifth in the pool, face Canada in the 9th-10th playoff.