Dutch undone by Castelli's double strike

Hockey

Maria Paula Castelli, Argentina's 22-year-old winger, was the heroine of the opening day of the Olympic qualifying tournament here yesterday after scoring twice in their 3-2 win over the Netherlands, writes Bill Colwill from Cape Town.

Indeed, it was not exactly Europe's day as Germany struggled to a 1-0 win against China while South Africa's return to the sport's elite after an absence of 24 years ended with a 3-0 defeat by South Korea.

Great Britain, who open their campaign today against Canada, will be grateful for the extra day to allow four of the squad, including their captain, Jill Atkins, additional time to recover from upset stomachs and Jane Sixsmith to be fit again after dental treatment.