China handed Argentina a 3-1 defeat in the six-nation field hockey Women's Champions Trophy in Amstelveen, the Netherlands.

China and Argentina each held a 1-1 record on the second day of the weeklong tournament.

The Chinese dominated the World Cup holders in the first half.

Zhou Wanfeng beat Argentina keeper Mariela Antoniska to score in the 12th minute, followed six minutes later by a field goal from Ren Yi.

Ma Yibo scored on a penalty corner to give China a 3-0 lead at the break.

Alejandra Gulla scored her second goal of the tournament with 25 minutes left to play.

In the two other matches of the day, the Netherlands beat Germany 3-1 to top the tally, while Australia's match against New Zealand ended scoreless. So far neither team has scored in the six-nation tournament.

The Netherlands, the two-time defending champion, has four points from two matches, followed by China, Argentina and Germany with three points each. Australia has two and New Zealand one.

(Zeenews.com July 10, 2006)