China beats Spain 3-0 in women's hockey preliminary

Li Hongxia (R) of China fights for the ball during women's hockey Preliminary Pool A match against Spain of Beijing Olympic Games at Olympic Green Hockey Stadium in Beijing, China, Aug. 10, 2008. China beat Spain 3-0. (Xinhua/Wang Changshan)

Li Hongxia (L) of China attacks during women's hockey Preliminary Pool A match against Spain of Beijing Olympic Games at Olympic Green Hockey Stadium in Beijing, China, Aug. 10, 2008. China beat Spain 3-0. (Xinhua/Wang Changshan)

Li Hongxia (L) of China attacks during women's hockey Preliminary Pool A match against Spain of Beijing Olympic Games at Olympic Green Hockey Stadium in Beijing, China, Aug. 10, 2008. China beat Spain 3-0. (Xinhua/Wang Changshan)

BEIJING, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- The 2006 Asian Games champion China picked up its first victory over Spain 3-0 in the women's Olympic hockey at the Olympic Green Hockey Stadium on Sunday.

China dominated the match and launched repeated attacks from the very beginning. Forward Fu Baorong opened the scoring in the 17th minute.

A disputable goal scored by forward Tang Chunling in the 29th minute was discussed by two umpires for a moment but finally was denied.

The first half finished with China's 2-0 lead after midfielder Li Hongxia scored in the 31st minute.

Forward Gao Lihua added a third goal in the second half and China claimed the easy 3-0 win in the countdown of the cheering Chinese audience.

The Spanish had three short corners but failed to convert them.

China will play South Africa and Spain next face Australia on Tuesday.