Australia fought back from 4-1 down to defeat South Korea 5-4 while China started their Olympic campaign with a 3-0 win over Spain in the women's hockey tournament in Beijing on Sunday.

South Korea's Kim Mi Seon opened the scoring in the 18th minute and Australia drew level when Liddelow Shelly scored in the 25th minute.

South Korea then gained the upper hand. Kim Darae, Gim Sung Hee and Park Mi Hyun scored in the 27th, 32nd and 34th minute to give South Korea a 4-1 lead before half-time.

In the second half, Australia piled much pressure and got three goals from Hudson Nicole, Liddelow Shelly and Young Sarah, and leveled the score 4-4.

With only five minutes to go, Eastham Casey deflected a goal into the circle and sealed Australia's win 5-4.

China put on a strong performance as they blanked Spain 3-0 in the first match of Pool A. All of China's goals were from reverse sticks from Fu Baorong, Li Hongxia and Gao Lihua.

The Netherlands once again underlined their supremacy by whitewashing South Africa 6-0.

In the other games of the day, the United States has a shock 2-2 draw with the world No. Argentina thanks to a late goal by Loy Angela, Germany saw off early challenge from the Great Britain for a 5-1 victory and Japan upset New Zealand 2-1.

(Xinhau News Agency August 11, 2008)