Sports Bulletin

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (February 17, 2020):-The next Women’s FIH Hockey Junior World Cup will be held in Potchefstroom, South Africa, in 2021. While the dates will be determined later, FIH can confirm that the competition will be played towards the end of that year. It is the first time that the African continent will organize the pinnacle of junior hockey. The Men’s edition will be staged in India. Venue and dates will be confirmed at a later stage but the event will also take place at the end of 2021. The FIH Hockey Junior World Cup involves the best of young talents globally. This is the perfect platform for under-21 players to unleash their raw skill onto the international hockey scene and progress further to become the stars of tomorrow, making this event a unique one! 16 teams will compete for the title, with continental quotas established as follows: Men Africa: 2 teams Asia: 4 (including India, as hosts) Europe: 6 Oceania: 2 Pan America: 2 Women Africa: 2 teams (including South Africa, as hosts) Asia: 3 Europe: 6 Oceania: 2 Pan America: 3 Men: Germany, England, Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, France Women: Spain, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Russia, England

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (February 11, 2020):-Belgium’s Vincent Vanasch has been named as the 2019 FIH Men's Goalkeeper of the Year, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) can reveal. The Red Lions shot-stopper took the prize ahead of Australia’s Tyler Lovell and Victor Aly of Germany, who finished second and third respectively. Vincent Vanasch has made history as the first goalkeeper, who claimed three consecutive times FIH Goalkeeper of the Year awards. In winning the title for the third time, the Belgium goalkeeper has cemented his reputation as the best ‘keeper in the world at the moment. At 33-years of age, Vanasch remains at the top of his game and, if selected, will be looking to compete in his third Olympic Games later this year. With more than 230 international caps to his name, Vanasch has been with the Belgium squad throughout their exciting journey over the past eight years. From a fifth-place finish at the London 2012 Olympics to silver at Rio 2016. The Red Lions were crowned World Cup winners in 2018 and took over top spot in the FIH World Rankings in December 2018. The success continued throughout 2019 for both Belgium and Vanasch. The team finished in second place in the FIH Pro League, behind Australia, before they stormed to victory in front of an exuberant home crowd at the Belfius EuroHockey Championships. Vanasch was voted Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the end of that triumphant event. The first-place finished, which came courtesy of a dominant 5-0 win over Spain in the final - sealed Belgium’s spot at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. In a move that underlines Vanasch’s determination to keep setting himself new targets, Vanasch has recently moved clubs from Waterloo Ducks to Rott-Weiss Cologne. Praise for the Belgium ‘keeper’s approach to his craft comes from his club coach André Henning: “Vincent’s achievements and success speak for themselves. His sober nature, his hard work, his extremely high will to win and his enthusiasm for work make us all enthusiastic.” Vote results: 1st place: Vincent Vanasch (BEL) 39.3% of all National Association votes 28.6% of all Media votes 40.8% of all Fans / Players votes 37% of all combined votes 2nd place: Tyler Lovell (AUS) 16.7% of the National Associations votes 55.8% of the Media votes 17.3% of the Fans / Players votes 26.6% of all combined votes 3rd place: Victor Aly (GER) 18.2% of the National Associations votes 3.9% of the Media votes 12.4% of the Fans / Players votes 13.2% of all combined votes

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (February 8, 2020):-Argentina’s national teams played their first matches of the 2020 FIH Hockey Pro League on Friday (7 February), but it proved to be a day of mixed fortunes for the hosts in Buenos Aires, with the women beating USA before the men suffered defeat at the hands of Spain.   Las Leonas made a winning start to their campaign with a 6-2 triumph over an improving USA team that certainly gave the hosts plenty to think about. Julieta Jankunas and Delfina Merino put Argentina 2-0 up before USA captain Ashley Hoffman made the score 2-1 at half time. Argentina stepped up their game in the third and fourth quarters, with Agustina Gorzelany, Rosario Luchetti, Rocio Sanchez and Carla Rebecchi all on target, with Taylor West scoring USA’s second of the match.   "We are very happy about winning this match”, said Argentina's Julieta Jankunas, who was named Player of the Match. “Starting like this is always nice, and gives confidence to the team, so we are expecting tomorrow to do the same." USA captain Ashley Hoffman said: "I am hoping that we as a team can just grow each game and continue to build on what we learned [in the] last game." The Argentina versus Spain men’s match was a fascinating encounter that saw the hosts leading on three occasions before eventually suffering a 4-3 defeat thanks to a stunning late strike from Pau Quemada. Maico Casella (2) and Jose Tolini strikes were cancelled out on each occasion by Roc Oliva, Quemada and Vicenc Ruiz before Quemada sealed a Spanish victory in the 59th minute, arrowing a penalty corner drag-flick into the top right corner of the Argentine net.  "I think that the fighting spirit that we had today was really impressive”, said Player of the Match Quemada. “We came back all the time from one goal down, and we came back to 4-3. We keep on pushing, we keep on believing. Our system worked and we got the result, so we need to keep that for tomorrow's game and improve from our frontline to our backline. I think by doing this we can become a little bit stronger than today." Argentina’s Maico Casella said: “I think we [played] a really good game. We had a lot of chances, but we couldn't score them. We have to work and focus on the next game."  The FIH Hockey Pro League continues on Saturday when New Zealand’s national teams entertain Great Britain before a mouth-watering clash between India men and reigning World and European champions Belgium takes place in Bhubaneswar. Argentina’s teams will also be in action, playing the second matches of their respective double-headers against USA women and Spain men.  FIH Hockey Pro League  Match Day 11 – Friday 07 February 2020 CENARD, Buenos Aires (ARG) Women’s result: Argentina 6, USA 2 (Match 1 of 2) Player of the Match: Julieta Jankunas (ARG) Umpires: Catelina Montesino (CHI), Ayanna McClean (TTO) & Federico Garcia (URU - video) Men’s result: Argentina 3, Spain 4 (Match 1 of 2) Player of the Match: Pau Quemada (ESP) Umpires: Bruce Bale (ENG), Federico Garcia (URU) & Ayanna McClean (TTO - video) Upcoming fixtures Saturday 8 February 2020 Auckland (NZL) – Men: New Zealand v Great Britain (Match 1 of 2) Time: 1700 (GMT/UTC +13) Auckland (NZL) – Women: New Zealand v Great Britain (Match 1 of 2) Time: 1930 (GMT/UTC +13) Bhubaneswar (IND) – Men: India v Belgium (Match 1 of 2) Time: 1700 (GMT/UTC +5.30) Buenos Aires (ARG) – Women: Argentina v USA (Match 2 of 2) Time: 1800 (GMT/UTC -3) Buenos Aires (ARG) – Men: Argentina v Spain (Match 2 of 2) Time: 2030 (GMT/UTC -3)   Sunday 9 February 2020 Auckland (NZL) – Men: New Zealand v Great Britain (Match 2 of 2) Time: 1700 (GMT/UTC +13) Auckland (NZL) – Women: New Zealand v Great Britain (Match 2 of 2) Time: 1930 (GMT/UTC +13) Bhubaneswar (IND) – Men: India v Belgium (Match 2 of 2) Time: 1700 (GMT/UTC +5.30)      

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (February 1, 2020):-Hockey history was made in Saturday’s games in Auckland, which became the first top tier international hockey matches to have mixed gender umpires on the field of play. Australia’s Steve Rogers and Wanri Venter of South Africa took charge of the women’s clash between New Zealand and Belgium, while the men’s fixture was umpired by the Australian pairing of Adam Kearns and Aleisha Neumann. In Auckland, New Zealand’s women fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of visiting Belgium thanks largely to a sensational goalkeeping performance from Aisling D’Hooghe, who was named player of the match. Ambre Ballenghien’s speculative backhand strike from an acute angle put the Red Panthers ahead inside the opening three minutes before Gemma McCaw, playing her first international match since the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, levelled early in the second quarter. D’Hooghe made a string of wonderful saves to keep deny the Black Sticks from moving ahead before Anne-Sophie Weyns gave Belgium victory with a penalty corner slap-shot nine minutes from time. It was a second successive victory for Belgium on Kiwi soil, having also beaten the Black Sticks away from home in the 2019 edition of the FIH Hockey Pro League.  On her team’s impressive defensive performance, particularly from penalty corners, shot-stopper D’Hooghe said: “I think it is a big focus point for us. We did a good penalty corner defence last year, and we have to do the same this year. We will keep working on it.” The Red Lions ensured it was a day of double Belgian celebration in Auckland, with the world number one ranked team storming to a 6-2 victory against the Black Sticks. The reigning World and European champions exploded out of the blocks, establishing a 3-0 lead inside the first ten minutes thanks to two superb Felix Denayer field goals and a penalty corner from Tom Boon. George Muir pulled a goal back early in the second quarter, but Sebastien Dockier and Nicolas de Kerpel took the score to 5-2 before Muir struck again to re-ignite New Zealand’s interest in the contest. However, a stunning high deflection from Player of the Match Boon eight minutes from time completed a resounding and deserved victory for Belgium. “I think we are in a good way, we keep the ball for long moments and we see that when we do that teams struggle [against us], said Boon post-match. “All in all, we had a pretty good game.” In Sydney, Australia men found themselves on the brink of defeat before eventually claiming two points from a possible three by winning a shoot-out against Great Britain after regular time finished with the scores locked at 4-4. The match - played in searing temperatures that triggered FIH’s inclement weather procedure to give players additional rest during the game – was a thriller, with Great Britain turing a 2-1 deficit into a 4-2 lead thanks to strikes from Zach Wallace, Rupert Shipperley and Liam Ansell before late goals from Aran Zalewski and Trent Mitton sent the game into a shoot-out. Alan Forsyth was the only scorer for GB, with Jake Whetton, Flynn Ogilvie and Jake Harvie on target as the Kookaburras nicked the bonus point.    “It was pretty close in the end”, said Australia’s Lachlan Sharp, who was named Player of the Match. “We train for this every day. It’s pretty hot here at the moment, but luckily we were fit enough to come through in the end.” Grace Stewart scored a dramatic late winner as Australia’s Hockeyroos defeated reigning Olympic champions Great Britain 2-1 in Sydney. GB - who like their men, were playing their first match in the 2020 FIH Hockey Pro League – took a 1-0 lead early in the second quarter thanks to Sarah Robertson’s field goal, with Australia needing just eight minutes to restore parity when Stephanie Kershaw found the back of the net. The hosts withstood intense pressure from the visitors in the third and fourth quarter, with Australia goalkeeper and Player of the Match Jocelyn Bartram producing numerous excellent blocks to keep the scores level. Australia emerged with all three points when Stewart clinically dispatched a backhand strike with just 12 seconds of the contest remaining. Speaking after the match, Jocelyn Bartram said: “The girls played the full 60 minutes to be able to get the win at the end. I’m really proud of our defensive efforts today, particularly on PCs [penalty corners]. We couldn’t have done it without the girls running it down, so we are really excited to get the win today.” It was another goal-fest in Valencia as Spain and the Netherlands played out a highly competitive 2-4 encounter, with the Dutch proving themselves more adept at turning pressure into goals. The Spanish players couldn't have given any more as they moved the ball rapidly during some beautiful build-up play but they could find no way through a staunch Dutch defence. Goals from player of the match Jip Janssen, Thierry Brinkman, Mink van der Weerden and Bjorn Kellerman were enough to quell the Spanish attacking instincts. Spain struck back through Marc Miralles and, in the final minute of the game, Ricardo Sanchez. The day was bitter-sweet for Spain's Quico Cortes. The goalkeeper was playing his 300th game for his country and pulled off a strng of fabulous saves during the match. Speaking after the game, Jip Janssen said: "It [the match]was very much like yesterday. Both teams played with a very high intensity. Our defending was very good and we were very fast with our counter-attacks." Miguel Delas, the defeated captain, said: "Today we have to be realistic. We didn't play at our level and we made some mistakes. Holland were very efficient. To win at this level, we have to be at the top of our game." The result means the Netherlands move to second in the league table, one point behind European neighbors, Belgium. Spain spotted at seventh position, ahead of Argentina who are yet to play, and New Zealand. The FIH Hockey Pro League continues on Sunday (2 February), with the second matches of the New Zealand versus Belgium and Australia versus Great Britain double-headers taking place in Auckland and Sydney respectively. Keep up to date with all the latest news on the FIH Hockey Pro League via the event website and through FIH social media channels - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.  FIH Hockey Pro League Match Day 9 – Saturday 01 February 2020 North Harbour Hockey Stadium, Auckland (NZL) Women’s result: New Zealand 1, Belgium 2 (Match 1 of 2) Player of the Match: Aisling D’Hooghe (GK - BEL) Umpires: Steve Rogers (AUS), Wanri Venter (RSA) & Aleisha Neumann (AUS - video) Men’s result: New Zealand 2, Belgium 6 (Match 1 of 2) Player of the Match: Tom Boon (BEL) Umpires: Adam Kearns (AUS), Aleisha Neumann (AUS) & Steve Rogers (AUS - video) Sydney Olympic Park (AUS) Men’s result: Australia 4, Great Britain 4 – 3-1 After Shoot-Out (Match 1 of 2) Player of the Match: Lachlan Sharp (AUS) Umpires: David Tomlinson (NZL), Javed Shaikh (IND) & Emi Yamada (JPN - video) Women’s result: Australia 2, Great Britain 1 (Match 1 of 2) Player of the Match: Jocelyn Bartram (GK - AUS) Umpires: Kelly Hudson (NZL), Emi Yamada (JPN) & Javed Shaikh (IND - video) Estadio Betero, Valencia (ESP) Men’s result: Spain 2, Netherlands 4 (Match 2 of 2) Player of the Match: Jip Janssen (NED) Umpires: Ben Goentgen (GER), Christian Blasch (GER) & Sean Rapaport (RSA - video)

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 30, 2020):-President, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Brigadier Mohammad Khalid Sajjad Khokhar (Retd.) called on the President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan Dr. Mohammad Arif Alvi at Awan-Sadar Islamabad on other day. According to media department of PHF, Khalid Sajjad briefed president Pakistan on affairs of national game hockey and discussed ways and means to uplift the standard of national game and requested him for government patronage in prompting the national sports. President Islamic Republic of Pakistan Dr Mohammad Arif Alvi assured his support to the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) in its efforts to hold the first professional league in October this year 2020.  

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (January 25, 2020):-There was a new name at the top of the men's FIH World Rankings after the day's action in Sydney, Australia as Belgium men overtook the Kookaburras as the number one team in the world. A winning performance in the shoot-out gave the Red Lions a bonus point after they drew 2-2 in a thrilling match. Later in the day, a 5-1 victory for Germany men against Spain means Germany currently top the FIH Hockey Pro League table by virtue of their goal difference. The first match of the day was a meeting between Australia and Belgium. Australia women scored twice in the final two minutes of regular time to secure a 3-3 draw against Belgium before winning the shoot-out 4-2 to claim the bonus point at the Sydney Olympic Park. The Hockeyroos went ahead in the second quarter thanks to Ambrosia Malone’s fine backhand strike, but goals from Louise Versavel, Charlotte Englebert and Barbara Nelen put the visiting Red Panthers 3-1 up with five minutes left to play. Remarkably, late goals from Edwina Bone and Kalindi Commerford salvaged a draw for the home favourites, with Brooke Peris, Amy Lawton, Ambrosia Malone and Jane Claxton on target as Australia claimed two points from a possible three from the contest.  “I guess it was a little inconsistent from us”, Australia’s captain Emily Chalker said after the match. “There were some really good patches of play and stuff we’ve been building towards, but obviously the first game of the year, there was a few lapse moments when we let them score and we’ll have to come out a bit stronger tomorrow.” Belgium’s Louise Versavel, who was named Player of the Match, said: “Yes of course we are a little bit disappointed, but you have to look at the entire game and I think we played well for a big part of the game. We have to take the good things [from today] and go again tomorrow.” The men’s meeting between Australia and Belgium also featured late drama and a shoot-out, with the Red Lions equalising in the final minutes before taking the bonus point in the one-on-ones. The result sees Belgium leap-frog Australia to take top spot in the FIH World Rankings. An instinctive close-range volley from Thomas Briels put Belgium ahead in the 18th minute, with Australia eventually flipping the score-line on its head as Jeremy Hayward’s penalty corner and a penalty stroke from Tom Craig put the 2019 Pro League champions into a 2-1 lead. However, a late deflection from Belgium’s Felix Denayer levelled the scores at 2-2, triggering a shoot-out that the reigning world champions won 4-2 thanks to successful conversions from Florent van Aubel, Simon Gougnard, Victor Wegnez and Arthur van Doren.  “It was not easy to start in Australia, the number one in the world against the number two, but I think we put on a good game and I think the crowd saw some good actions”, said Belgium’s Nicolas de Kerpel, who was named Player of the Match. “We are really excited to play again tomorrow.”   In the second encounter between Spain and Germany men's teams, it was the visiting side who took control early on and never really looked like buckling under pressure. Christopher Ruhr added to his two goals from the previous day to open proceedings. Timur Oruz added another just after the hlf-time break and, although Marc Miralles gave Spain a lifeline, goals from Marco Miltkau, Lukas Windfeder and Constantin Staib were worthy reward for a dominant German performance. Speaking after the game, Player of the Match Marco Miltkau said: "We played a great defence and a good attacking game. We played as a team, we defended as a team. And our counter attacks were very good. That was our improvement on yesterday's performance." Before the game and again at half-time, Spain's Head Coach Frederic Soyez had called for more : "Clinical finishing, more aggression and more ambition." With the Netherlands their next opponents, these are all qualities the Spain team will need to find. On Sunday 27th January Australia and Belgium men and women will be back in action and then USA women will host the Netherlands in a match worth 6 points. The first match between the two sides was cancelled as a mark of respect following the tragic death of USA National Teams Manager Larry Amar. In accordance with the League’s regulations for a cancelled match, the points of this match will count double (6 points for the winning team, no point for the losing team; in case of a shoot-out, the team winning the shoot-out will get 4 points and the losing team 2 points). The complete match schedule available by clicking here. Keep up to date with all the latest news on the FIH Hockey Pro League via the event website and through FIH social media channels - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. FIH Hockey Pro League Estadio Betero, Valencia (ESP) Result: Men’s Match Day 6 - Saturday 24 January 2020 Spain 1, Germany 5 After Shoot-Out (Match 2 of 2) Player of the Match: Marco Miltkau (GER) Umpires: Jonas van 't Hek (NED), Bruce Bale (ENG), Coen van Bunge (NED - Video). Other Results: Match Day 6 – Saturday 25 January 2020 Sydney (AUS) – Women: Australia 3, Belgium 3 (4-2 After Shoot-) (Match 1 of 2) Sydney (AUS) – Men: Australia 2, Belgium 2 (2-4 After Shoot-Out) (Match 1 of 2) Valencia (ESP) – Men: Spain 1, Germany 2 (Match 2 of 2)

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (January 24, 2020):-Two goals from Christopher Rühr helped visitors Germany claim a hard-earned 2-2 draw against Spain before winning the shoot-out 4-3 in front of a packed house at the Estadio Betero in Valencia.  Germany needed just three minutes to open the scoring thanks to Rühr’s smart turn and shot, but the hosts levelled before the end of the first quarter through David Alegre’s fine reactions, pouncing on a penalty corner rebound. Veteran Red Sticks striker Pau Quemada put the home favourites in front with a stunning third quarter penalty corner drag-flick, but Ruhr’s clinical strike three minutes from time, assisted perfectly by Player of the Match Niklas Wellen, ensured that the match finished level at 2-2 and triggered a shoot-out for the bonus point.  Misses from Alvaro Iglesias and Josep Romeu proved costly for Spain in the one-on-ones, with Rühr, Tobias Hauke, Wellen and Florian Fuchs all on target as Die Honamas claimed two points from a possible three from the contest.   "It is always tough to play here, we knew that from last year”, said Germany’s Niklas Wellen after the match. “We struggled in the beginning. The first half was okay but we knew we could play better. The second half was better. We played some quicker passes and I feel 2-2 was a good result." Spain and Germany will play their second match of this double header on Saturday (25 January), a day that will also see Australia’s women and men taking on the national teams of Belgium in Sydney.  The second match, planned on Sunday 26 January in the same venue, is maintained and, in accordance with the League’s regulations for a cancelled match, the points of this match will count double (6 points for the winning team, no point for the losing team; in case of a shoot-out, the team winning the shoot-out will get 4 points and the losing team 2 points). On Wednesday, FIH had extended its condolences and deepest sympathy to Larry Amar’s family, friends and all members of USA Field Hockey. Result: Men’s Match 3 - Friday 24 January 2020 Spain 2, Germany 2 – 3-4 After Shoot-Out (Match 1 of 2) Player of the Match: Niklas Wellen (GER) Umpires: Coen van Bunge (NED), Jonas van 't Hek (NED) and Bruce Bale (ENG - Video).    Upcoming fixtures Match Day 6 – Saturday 25 January 2020 Sydney (AUS) – Women: Australia v Belgium (Match 1 of 2) Time: 1600 (GMT/UTC +11) Sydney (AUS) – Men: Australia v Belgium (Match 1 of 2) Time: 1830 (GMT/UTC +11) Valencia (ESP) – Men: Spain v Germany (Match 2 of 2) Time: 1300 (GMT/UTC +1) Match Day 7 – Sunday 27 January 2020 Sydney (AUS) – Women: Australia v Belgium (Match 2 of 2) Time: 1500 (GMT/UTC +11) Sydney (AUS) – Men: Australia v Belgium (Match 2 of 2) Time: 1730 (GMT/UTC +11) Chapel Hill (USA) – Women: USA v Netherlands (Match 1 of 1) Time: 1400 (GMT/UTC -5)  

SB News ISLAMABAD (January 12, 2020):-Reigning champions the Netherlands women made it two wins from their opening two FIH Hockey Pro League matches on Sunday by claiming a 4-2 victory over hosts China at the Wujin Hockey Stadium in Changzhou. Following on from their 3-0 success against the home favourites on Saturday (11 January), today's result means that the Dutch will leave China having claimed a maximum six points from their opening two games of the competition. China made a lively start to the match but quickly found themselves behind, with Laura Nunnink's speculative backhand strike somehow squeezing between the legs of China goalkeeper Ye Jiao just five minutes in. Marloes Keetels took the Dutch lead to 2-0 midway through the second quarter before China's Peng Yang reduced the deficit on the stroke of half time, rifling home a wonderful backhand strike to give her team hope. However, close range finishes from Lidewij Welten and Frederique Matla put the result beyond all doubt before China's Chen Ye netted a late consolation goal. Speaking after the match, Netherlands star Frederique Matla, who was named Player of the Match, said: "I'm really happy because we haven't had the longest preparation. We are really glad that we started this year with two wins. We still have to sharpen it up because we have to show that we are the best - we want to show that to the world." China captain Cui Quixia said: "In the first match we didn't score, but this match we scored two goals, so I'm very happy that we got those two goals. Our defence has big problems, so we need to change a lot. We need to learn [from these matches against the Netherlands]." The FIH Hockey Pro League continues next weekend when the men's competition gets underway, with debutants India facing matches against the Netherlands at Bhubaneswar's magnificent Kalinga Stadium on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 January 2020. To see the complete match schedule, click here. This weekend's opening fixtures in Changzhou were the first of 144 matches that will be contested between January and June 2020, with the world’s finest men’s and women’s international teams fighting for the chance to win the respective titles. Keep up to date with all the latest news on the FIH Hockey Pro League via the event website and through FIH social media channels - Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. FIH Hockey Pro League result – 12 January 2020 Wujin Hockey Stadium, Changzhou (CHN) Result: Women’s Match 2 China 2, Netherlands 4 (Match 2 of 2) Player of the Match: Frederique Matla (NED) Umpires: Amber Church (NZL), Kang Hyun Young (KOR) and Junko Wagatsuma (JPN – video)

SB News ISLAMABAD (January 11, 2020):-Ginella Zerbo was the star of the show as reigning champions the Netherlands kick-started season two of the FIH Hockey Pro League in winning fashion, cruising to a 3-0 away victory over hosts China at the Wujin Hockey Stadium in Changzhou on Saturday (11 January).  Whilst the home favourites had their moments, the Netherlands were deserving winners of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2020 curtain-raiser, with 22-year-old Zerbo instrumental in giving the World and European champions the winning start demanded by head coach Alyson Annan.  Zerbo hit the opener just eight minutes into the contest, coolly firing into an unguarded goal on the backhand after China’s defence were caught napping in a first quarter totally dominated by the European giants.  China were much improved in the second quarter but found themselves two goals down within seconds of the start of the third period, with Laurien Leurink passing into an empty net after Xan de Waard superbly eliminated China goalkeeper Li Dongxiao with a perfect pass for her compatriot to score.  The Netherlands extended their advantage to 3-0 before the end of the third quarter, with Zerbo scoring her second of the match from close range after the impressive Li – who also saved a fourth quarter penalty stroke from 2018 FIH Player of the Year Eva de Goede – had made two fine penalty corner blocks before being eventually beaten for the third and final time.  Speaking after the match, Dutch ace Zerbo said: "It was our first match in a while, but we worked very hard for each other and I'm very happy with the three points." China captain Cui Quixia said: "We played a good team, but it is 'part one'. Our defence was not very good so I hope next match we do much better." The opening fixtures in Changzhou are the first of 144 matches that will be contested between January and June 2020, with the world’s finest men’s and women’s international teams fighting for the chance to win the respective titles.  FIH Hockey Pro League result – 11 January 2020 Wujin Hockey Stadium, Changzhou (CHN) Result: Women’s Match 1 China 0, Netherlands 3 (Match 1 of 2) Player of the Match: Ginella Zerbo (NED) Umpires: Kang Hyun Young (KOR), Junko Wagatsuma (JPN) and Amber Church (NZL – video)  Upcoming fixtures Match Day 2 - Sunday 12 January 2020 Changzhou (CHN) – Women: China v Netherlands (Match 2 of 2) Time: 1400 (GMT/UTC +8) Match Day 3 - Saturday 18 January 2020 Bhubaneswar (IND) – Men: India v Netherlands (Match 1 of 2) Time: 1900 (GMT/UTC +5.30) Match Day 4 - Sunday 19 January 2020 Bhubaneswar (IND) – Men: India v Netherlands (Match 2 of 2) Time: 1700 (GMT/UTC +5.30)  

SB News Lausanne, Switzerland: This coming weekend sees the return of the FIH Hockey Pro League, with the second season getting off to a flying start as inaugural women’s champions the Netherlands begin their title defence with two away games against China. The opening fixtures, which take place at the Wujin Hockey Stadium in Changzhou on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 January, are the first of 144 matches that will be contested between January and June 2020, with the world’s finest men’s and women’s international teams fighting for the chance to win the respective titles. The first edition of this trailblazing competition took place in 2019 and featured some fantastic hockey moments, with home fans embracing the opportunity to witness their national teams testing themselves against the world’s best on home soil. The 2020 edition is set to be equally significant. Twenty venues in 11 countries will host FIH Hockey Pro League matches this year, providing a global spread of world-class hockey across multiple time-zones over the next six months. The fact that 16 of the 18 competing teams will also feature at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 adds even more spice to an event that is, as 2019 proved, rarely short of excitement. All of the competing teams will be acutely aware that a strong showing in the FIH Hockey Pro League would provide a significant boost to confidence levels going into the XXXII Olympiad. Reflecting on last year’s inaugural edition, FIH President Dr Narinder Dhruv Batra said that the event had “allowed the sport of hockey to showcase itself like never before”, as growing stadium, broadcast and live streaming audiences were entertained on a weekly basis by shock results, sensational team performances and extraordinary individual achievements. However, despite being understandably delighted with many aspects of the first edition, Dr Batra believes that the learnings from season one will make for an even better second edition. “It is not in our nature to maintain the status quo by simply standing still”, said the FIH President. “The 2020 edition of the FIH Hockey Pro League sees the introduction of a new match schedule, splitting home and away matches over two consecutive seasons to create a series of ‘double headers’ throughout the competition. This is an important move in terms of player welfare and sustainability, significantly reducing travel fatigue and environmental impact by cutting the number of flights by half, which in turn substantially lowers travel and accommodation costs for the competing teams.” Another change from the inaugural edition is the removal of the end-of-season Grand Final event, with the respective men’s and women’s champions of 2020 being the teams that have accumulated the highest number of points by the end of the competition. The FIH Hockey Pro League welcomes another powerhouse of international hockey to the competition this year, with India men (FIH World Ranking: 5) joining the fold. The eight-times Olympic champions will play their home matches at the iconic Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, the 15,000-capacity venue that so wonderfully staged the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup in 2018. India will be keen to impress in a competition that features the nine highest ranked teams in the world, with Pro League title holders and Oceania champions Australia (WR:1), World and European champions Belgium (2), Olympic champions Argentina (WR:4), the Netherlands (WR:3), Germany (WR: 6), Great Britain (WR:7), Spain (WR:8) and New Zealand (WR:9) all involved.   It comes as little surprise that the Netherlands (WR:1), the reigning World, European and FIH Hockey Pro League champions, are seen very much as the team to beat in the women’s competition. However, they are certain to be pushed all the way by the eight other teams who are determined to wrestle the trophy from their grasp. 2019 Pro League silver medallists Australia (WR:2) – the only team to defeat the Netherlands in the inaugural edition – could well be the team most likely, while Pan American Games champions Argentina (WR:3), European silver medallists Germany (WR:4), Olympic champions Great Britain (WR:5), Oceania champions New Zealand (WR:6), China (WR:10), Belgium (WR:12) and USA (WR:13) will all be looking to make their mark. China v Netherlands (W) Where: Wujin Hockey Stadium, Changzhou (CHN) When: 11 & 12 January 2019, Both matches at 14:00 local time (GMT/UTC+8) The essentials… Current FIH World Rankings: China: 10 | Netherlands: 1 Final standings - FIH Hockey Pro League 2019: China: 7 | Netherlands: 1