The Netherlands held China to a 1-1 draw in the women's Champions Trophy hockey tournament in Amsterdam on Thursday.

Li Hongxia scored for China in the second half before Eefke Mulder netted an equalizer for the hosts.

"It was a tough game which we expect to see at this level," said Dutch coach Marc Lammers.

"China are physically strong and more skilful than in the past so it was heartening for me to see my team want to play to win after China scored first."

But China's South Korean coach Chang Back Kim disagreed.

"China's skills are not so high as Netherlands, Argentina, Germany and Australia," Kim said.

(Xinhua News Agency July 14, 2006)