Hockey: Black Sticks advance

New Zealand crushed China 6-1 in Invercargill last night to establish themselves as firm favourites to win the men's World Cup hockey qualifying tournament.

The clash of the two unbeaten teams was a one-sided affair, with the Black Sticks pulling clear 3-0 by halftime.

It guarantees them a place in Sunday's final.

New Zealand have comfortably won four games and should account for Austria in the final round of pool matches on Saturday.

Even if they lose, they will still contest the final, against either China or Malaysia.

Third-placed Malaysia must beat second-placed China to leapfrog them.