Hosts China suffered their first defeat to world champions the Netherlands 1-0 in their Olympic women's hockey tournament in Beijing on Thursday.

The match went tight until the 21st minute when Maartje Paumen scored the opening penalty corner for the Netherlands.

China made three attempts in scoring but did not work out as the first half ended with the Dutch's 1-0 lead.

China gained more momentum in the second half, but lost the only chance on a penalty corner in the 10th minute. Despite several attacks, China failed to even the score eventually.

By beating both Spain and South Africa 3-0 in their first two games, it was the first goal China conceded in the tournament.

Dutch coach Marc Lammers thought it's really a heavy game for them. "China is very strong and defensive, and very difficult to play," said Lammers, "I'm happy with the result. It's enough for us."

He also noted China have made great tactical and physical improvements compared to the Champions Trophy two months ago.

"The Netherlands is the world No. 1 team and they are very outstanding in skills and tactics," said China coach Kim Chang Back. "We did not do well in the coordination of attack and defense, though we played all out in the second half, we still lost."

Kim noted the Chinese team tried every effort in the last matches, so would they do in the next match against South Korea.

The Netherlands, next confront Atlanta and Sydney titlists Australia, now top Pool A with nine points.

(Xinhua News Agency August 14, 2008)