GB hockey men extend winning run

Great Britain's men made it three wins out of three at the Beijing Olympics hockey qualifying event by defeating hosts Chile 4-1.

After a goal-less first half, Richard Mantell put Britain ahead with a goal from a penalty corner.

They were quickly pegged back but Barry Middleton restored the lead and two from James Tindall secured the win.

"We're exactly where we wanted to be at this stage," team manager Pete Nicholson commented.

"This was a much-needed game of proper hockey and we came through it well."

Great Britain encountered little opposition in their opening two games, thrashing Mexico 11-0 and then putting eight past Russia without reply.

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But there are more difficult tests ahead in the six-team tournament, which they must win to qualify for this summer's Olympics - particularly against India, who found the net 18 times in their win over the Mexicans, with Rajpal Singh and VR Raghunath scoring five each.

"We obviously face a tough match against India on Thursday before taking on Austria, and then hopefully India again on Sunday in the final," Nicholson added.

If Britain fail to qualify, it would be the first time they have missed the Olympics since the 1980 Games in Moscow.