NAGOYA, Japan, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) -- China opened its title defense in women's hockey with a resounding 13-0 victory over Bangladesh at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games on Sunday.
China quickly took control of the match, with Zhong Jiaqi breaking the deadlock with a smart deflection in front of the goal.
Chen Yang, Li Hong and Zhong each added a goal to give China a 4-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Chen, Zhang Ying and Zhong scored in the second quarter as China extended its advantage to 7-0 at halftime.
Just one minute into the third quarter, China's Ma Ning received the ball, adjusted and fired home. Zou Meirong and Chen Yi then scored twice each, while Yang Liu added another goal as China completed the 13-0 victory.
"We made thorough preparations and targeted training before the match, especially for the pace of an early-morning game, the pitch and the time difference, so everyone was able to get into the game relatively quickly today," Ma said.
"As the match progressed, we gradually took control of the game. This opening win has laid a good foundation for our Asian Games campaign. We will remain focused, carefully review the details of this match and give our all in every remaining group-stage game," she added.
China head coach Alyson Annan expressed satisfaction with her team's overall performance, but said that the side could further increase its tempo, particularly in transitions between attack and defense and in the intensity of its pressing.
"The significance of the opening match is to establish a good start, identify problems and build up our form," Annan said. "We will carefully review this match, build on our strengths, address our shortcomings, refine our tactical details and get the team into the best possible competitive condition, so that we can play at a faster tempo, maintain more consistent form and perform better in the matches ahead."
China will face Chinese Taipei on Monday. ■
