NZ, Aus advance to women's semifinal of HWL

Antwerp (Belgium): New Zealand hammered Japan 5-1, while Australia eked out a fighting 2-0 win over Italy to enter the last four round of the women's Hockey World League Semifinals at the KHC Dragons Stadium here on Tuesday.

Contrary to the final result, it was Japan who scored an early goal in the fourth minute through Akiko Kato. New Zealand equalised within a minute through a open play strike by Petrea Webster.

The Black Sticks raised the tempo of the contest in the second half as Sophie Cocks, Kisten Pearce and Gemma Flynn scored in open play and captain Anita Punt converted a penalty corner to ensure their place in the semifinals.

In the last four stage, New Zealand will take on the winner of the quarterfinal between hosts Asian Games champions South Korea and Belgium, to be played later this evening.

Meanwhile in the first quarterfinal of the day, World Cup silver medalists Australia, who lost their preliminary match to New Zealand, were made to work hard by lowly-ranked Italy.

Both Australian goals came through penalty corner conversions by Jodie Kenny (21st minute) and Anna Flanagan (40th). Australia now await the winner of the quarterfinals between World Cup and Olympic champions The Netherlands and India, to be played later today.

Three top teams from this World League Semifinals will qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. South Korea have already secured their place in the 2016 Olympics by virtue of winning the Asian Games gold medal.