Hockey: South Africa in women's Olympic Qualifying final

NEW DELHI: South Africa moved into final, thrashing India 5-2 for their third win in four matches in the women’s Olympic Qualifying tournament.

South Africa dominated the match as Dirkie Chamberlain scored three goals and Sulette Damons two, while Asunta Lakra and Soundarya Yendala found the target for the hosts..

In other women's matches, Stephanie Jameson converted a penalty-stroke in the second half as Canada downed Poland 1-0 and Italy beat Ukraine 2-1.

South Africa lead the group with 10 points, followed by Italy (eight), India (seven), Ukraine (four), Canada (four) and Poland (nil). The winners of the India-Italy game on Friday will move into the final.

The top two teams in each event will enter the final, with the winners qualifying for the London Olympics.

Italy kept alive their hopes of entering the final with a narrow win over Ukraine, thanks to Giuliana Ruggeri's winner off a penalty-corner in the closing minutes.

Alessia Doriana Padalino converted a penalty-corner in the fifth minute for Italy's first goal before Ukraine equalised through Bohdana Sadova. (AFP)