Hockey: Black Sticks lose series opener

New Zealands Niniwa Roberts (R) and Koreas Seon Ok Lee clash during their game in Auckland today. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand began their women's hockey playing preparations for the Beijing Olympics with a 4-2 loss to Korea in Auckland today.

The Black Sticks were competitive through the opening stages of their first match this year and went ahead through a superb reverse shot by striker Niniwa Roberts in the 15th minute.

However, the Koreans found their rhythm with two quick goals before halftime.

Under pressure after the break, the New Zealanders counter-attacked effectively and Charlotte Harrison levelled the scores when she slammed home a loose ball from a penalty corner.

The visitors struck back with two more goals for a deserved win.

North Harbour Stadium will host the second match of the five-test series tomorrow.

The Koreans are using the series to help their preparations for an Olympic qualifying tournament in Canada in April.

New Zealand have already qualified for the Olympics in Beijing in August.

Korea 4 New Zealand 2 (Niniwa Roberts, Charlotte Harrison). Halftime: Korea 2-1.

- NZPA