Indian women lose to Ireland

Our Correspondent

India's hopes of making it to the 2002 women's World Cup hockey finals suffered a setback when they lost to Ireland by a solitary goal in a Pool A match of the qualifying tournament in Amiens, France, on Wednesday.

A penalty-corner conversion by Rachael Kohler four minutes from half-time gave Ireland victory in their opening match of the competition.

The Indians, who suffered their first defeat from two matches, pressed hard for the equaliser but were unable to make good the many chances that came their way.

In an earlier match, Yelena Apelganetz scored twice as Kazakhstan beat Uruguay 2-0 to register their first victory in Pool A.

After a goalless first-half, she opened the scoring in the 44th minute with a field goal and then found the mark again from a penalty-corner in five minutes from tme.

Kazakhstan were beaten 4-6 by the Ukraine in their opening match of the tournament on Monday.

The top six nations from the 14-team event will make the 2002 World Cup

In other matches, Japan beat Lithuania 3-0; England beat Ukraine 6-2; Russia best Scotland 4-0 and Canada beat Malaysia 4-0.

Earlier reports
Day 1: Indian eves start on winning note
Day 2: Japan score big win