The Chinese women's soccer team now tops Group B in the Olympic qualifiers, having secured a 3-0 victory against their last and strongest group rivals, South Korea. It was the third consecutive win for the Chinese team.

China netted all three goals in the second half of the match in Japan on Thursday, advancing to the semifinals.

The win came after two easy victories over Guam and Myanmar.

The team will meet South Korea again in the semifinals on Saturday. Asian champs North Korea and Japan will compete in the other match on the same day.

Eleven Asian teams have been divided into three groups in the preliminary round.

The top team from each group and the best runner-up will reach the semifinals, with the two finalists qualifying for Athens.

(CRI April 23, 2004)