HARARE, Aug 6: India's chances to qualify for the women's hockey World Cup suffered a severe jolt when they went down to South Africa 0-3 in one of the qualifiers here today.

South Africa, which ensured their qualification for the next year's World Cup, dominated the lacklustre Indian women in either half of the match to secure a convincing win. Pietie Coetzee, 18, was the star of the South African outfit, scoring a hat-trick against India.

South Africa took the lead in the 21st minute, when Coetzee sounded the board through a powerful reverse flick in the far corner.

They increased the lead to 2-0 through Coetzee, who took a pass from Lindsey Carlisle. South Africa clinched the issue in the 57th minute when Coetzee scored her third goal.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.