Black Sticks stun Spain

New Zealand stunned Spain 3-0 to make a dream start to the Champions Challenge women's hockey tournament in South Africa this morning (NZT).

The world seventh-ranked Spaniards, who opened with a 4-1 defeat of Italy yesterday, couldn't find their way through a rock solid Black Sticks defence inspired by goalkeeper Beth Jurgeleit.

Ranked 11th in the world, a young New Zealand side all-but guaranteed a place in the top-four medal round and showed they are genuine contenders to win the tournament.

The winners earn direct entry into the elite Champions Trophy next year.

As long as they don't suffer a heavy loss to world No 16 Italy in their final pool match on Thursday morning (NZT), coach Mark Hager's team will play off against the top two teams from the other pool from Friday.

Jurgeleit was a hero of a high-energy match today, pulling off a host of saves to deny Spain, who forced a host of penalty corners.

At the other end, Maria Lopez de Eguilaz couldn't deny the Black Sticks who scored struck from penalty corners through captain Kayla Sharland in the second minute and Clarissa Eshuis in the 21st to take control.

Sharland's goal was an expert scoop off a ball laid off to the left while Eshuis produced a deft flick.

Spain dominated the middle stages of the game but were constantly frustrated before New Zealand rounded out their scoring through a 50th-minute field goal to Anita Punt.

New Zealand manager Debbie Balme said Northland's Anna Thorpe played a full part after nursing a hamstring niggle coming into the tournament.

There are no other injury concerns.

- NZPA