Windy Shao

windysjf@hotmail.com

CHINA defeated the Netherlands 2-1 to claim victory in all five matches, securing the Group A championship of the International Ice Hockey Federation Women’s World Championship’s Division I in Shenzhen on Saturday.

China has already secured promotion to the top division of the ice hockey Women’s World Championship before the Saturday match, after overcoming Austria with a convincing 2-0 win Thursday.

The encounter between the two teams last occurred in the 2019 World Championship Group B, where the Netherlands emerged triumphant with a 4-0 victory, claiming the group championship and advancing to Group A.

In the 16th minute, Chinese forward Fang Xin executed a remarkable backhanded pass, allowing forward Kong Minghui to score from a challenging angle and propel China to a 1-0 lead. During the second period, the Netherlands capitalized on a power play opportunity and netted a goal in the 28th minute, leveling the game at 1-1.

Undeterred, China displayed a composed game in the third period. Forward Kang Mulan fiercely unleashed a powerful shot at the 43rd minute, propelling China to a 2-1 lead. The Chinese team maintained this advantage until the final whistle, securing the championship with a flawless record of five wins.

Six countries, including host China, Denmark, Norway, Austria, Slovakia and the Netherlands, participated in the single round-robin tournament in Shenzhen, featuring a total of 350 players. Over the course of five days, they competed in a total of 15 matches.

In terms of rankings, China clinched the championship, with Denmark securing second place, Austria finishing third, the Netherlands ranking fourth, Norway placing fifth and Slovakia concluding in last position. As per the regulations, China and Denmark advance to the top-level group of the 2024 World Championship, while Slovakia is relegated to Group B.

Shenzhen has created sporting history as the first city in South China to host a top-level international ice hockey tournament. This event stands as the highest-level international women’s ice hockey competition ever held in China since the Beijing Winter Olympics.

Thousands of audiences at the Longgang Universiade Stadium also chanted “Happy Birthday” to Shenzhen as Saturday marked the 43rd anniversary of the establishment of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone.