Field Hockey: Japan demolish Brazil in Olympic qualifiers

KAKAMIGAHARA, Japan: Kenta Tanaka scored a hat-trick as hosts Japan demolished Brazil 11-0 Monday to remain unbeaten after three rounds in the men's final Olympic qualifying hockey tournament.

South Africa also chalked up their third straight win as they beat China 5-2 but Japan stood atop the six-team table with a better goal difference of 20 against 17 for South Africa.

Austria beat the Czech Republic 2-1 for their first win in the round robin.

The top two teams will advance to the final clash for the one remaining berth in the men's field hockey tournament at the London Olympics.

Both the Czech Republic and Brazil were winless after three rounds.

The Japanese men were aiming for their first Olympic hockey ticket in 44 years while their women's team were set to claim a third straight spot with two wins and one draw so far, trailing behind Azerbaijan who have booked three straight wins. (AFP)