While Germany had a torrid time against South Africa before coming through 4-3, the Aussies gave yet another solid performance in putting to rout China 7-1.

The Australians were far too superior a team for China, whose showing thus far, has been a big disappointment considering the individual talent in the side. Even more surprising is the benching of the star Chinese forward Jiuyan Wang who was the leading scorer in last September's junior World Cup in Korea.

By all indications, the Australia have looked the best among the lot and they struck at regular intervals to demolish China. The Australian goals came from Julie Towers (16th, 23rd and 70th minutes), Alyson Annan (5th and 56th), Bianca Langham (25th) and ClaireMitchell-Taverner (50th).

To China's credit, they kept fighting right till the end and their efforts were rewarded when Chunling Tang dived to put home a pass from Juan Li in what was easily the best move of the match.

Germany struggle: Earlier, Germany, stretched to breakpoint, kept their nerve to beat South Africa. Natascha Keller emerged the German heroine with two goals (8th and 41st) while Nadine Ernsting-Krienke (5th) and Heike Latzsch (32nd) scored one apiece.

The South Africans, down 0-2, put up a brave fight, but their best was not enough on the day though goals by Sharon Cormack (12th), Pietie Coetzee (30th) and Alison Dare (33rd) kept them in the hunt until the end.

First win for US: In Pool A, the United States picked up full points by defeating Scotland 2-1. The result was of little consequence since neither team entertained any hopes of progressing the knock-out round. Tracey Robb (2nd) and Sue MacDonald (41st) scored for US while the Scots pulled one back in the 56th through TraceyFuchs.

Korean fightback: On Thursday night, Korea staged a remarkable turnaround as they came back from a 0-4 position to post a 5-4 win against New Zealand in pool B for their first success in two outings.

The Kiwis jumped to a big lead as Mandy Smith (1st), Suzie Pearce (9th), Anna Lawrence (16th) and Robyn Mathews (39th) scored. From this seemingly hopeless situation, the Koreans came surging back with goals by Mi Soon Choi (54th), Myung Ok Kim (56th), Eun Jin Kim (62nd), Soo Jung Kim (63rd) and Eun Young Lee (69th), for a truly stunning recovery.

Other results

Men (Pool A)

Germany bt New Zealand 3-0.

Saturday's fixtures (Women - IST): New Zealand vs India (2.35 p.m.), England vs Argentina (3.35 p.m.); The Netherlands vs Korea (7.35 p.m.).