Oylmpic Qualifiers: First win for Ukraine eves

Nishad Vellur/Zeenews Sports Bureau

New Delhi: Ukraine women registered their first win on Tuesday after an easy 5-2 win against Canada in the third round match of the women’s hockey Olympic qualifiers at Major Dhyan Chand Stadium. The 20th ranked side went ahead as early as the 3rd minute through Kate Gillis. The European side leveled scores at the 12th minute through Maryna Khilko, who went on to seal the first half at 28th minute. Maryna netted another in the 43rd to complete Ukraine’s 5-goal tally. Tetyana Salenko (38) and Bohdana Sadova (40) were the other scorers for the world number 26. Maddie Secco reduced the margin for Canada at the 48th minute, but it was too late for a comeback. After three matches, Ukraine stood at 4th spot in the table with 4 points followed by Canada with one point. Ukraine next face Italy and Canada will play bottom-dwellers Poland on Wednesday. Tense draw in Italy-South Africa tie Table-toppers South Africa came from behind to hold 19th ranked Italy 1-1 in the other Olympic qualifying match in the women’s section on Tuesday. The Italians found the net at the 4th minute when Alessia Padalino converted a penalty corner. South Africa responded at the 40th minute through Lauren Penny. Tournament favourites South Africa will face India in their fourth round on Wednesday.