Catania (Italy), July 14: The German team has won field hockey's Champions Challenge by beating Spain 3-1 in the finals in Italy. Germany dominated the first half of Sunday's (July 13) match at Catania in Sicily with a penalty corner goal from Denise Klecker in the tenth minute. The Germans then managed to limit Spain's scoring opportunities and hold that score-line to the break. In the second half Spain's most powerful player, Nuria Camon, equalised within minutes with a fine run, defeating all defenders and scooping the ball over goalkeeper Yvonne Frank. Nadine Ernsting-Krienke pushed Germany ahead by deflecting a shot into the circle from the left into the top right corner of the goal, leaving goalkeeper Maria Jess Rosa absolutely no chance to react. Spain worked hard to equalise but with 45 seconds to go Ernsting-Krienke scored another field goal, similar to her first, to push Germany in an unassailable lead.

By winning the second Champion's Challenge, Germany wins an automatic place in the 2004 Champion's Trophy tournament, hockey's most important international event. In 2004 it will be held in Rosario, Argentina.

Bureau Report.