The 2006 Asian Games champion China picked up its first victory over Spain 3-0 in women's Olympic hockey at the Olympic Green Hockey Stadium on Sunday.

China dominated the match and launched repeated attacks from the very beginning. Forward Fu Baorong opened the scoring in the 17th minute to put China 1-0 ahead.

A disputable goal scored by forward Tang Chunling in the 29th minute was discussed by two umpires for a moment but finally was denied.

The first half finished with China's 2-0 lead after midfielder Li Hongxia scored another in the 31st minute.

Forward Gao Lihua added a third goal in the second half and China claimed the easy 3-0 win in the countdown of the cheering Chinese audience.

The Spanish had three short corners but they failed to convert any of them.

China's head coach Kim Chang Back said he was very satisfied with the result though they lost several opportunities in making goals.

"The Spain ranked a little bit lower than us, but their defense was very strong," noted Kim, adding that the Chinese players might be nervous at the first game.

Coached by the South Korean since 1999, the Chinese women qualified for the final stage at the Sydney Olympic Games for the first time and finished fifth. Four years later, they finished fourth at Athens.

Ranked seventh in the world, Spain aimed for a top eight at the Olympic hockey tournament. Head coach Pablo Usoz said China performed well and it's impossible for Spain to gain more goals against them.

In an earlier game in the morning, Japan defeated New Zealand 2-1.

China will play South Africa and Spain next face Australia on Tuesday.

(Xinhua News Agency August 10, 2008)