Japan, Azerbaijan to vie for final Olympic women's field hockey berth

KAKAMIGAHARA — Japan and Azerbaijan will battle it out for a berth at the London Games after emerging as the two top teams in the final women's Olympic hockey qualifying tournament on Thursday.

The hosts beat Belarus 4-0, securing their place in Saturday's final, while a 2-2 draw with Chile was enough to send Azerbaijan through.

The Japanese women ended top of the table with an unbeaten four wins and a draw in the six-team round robin preliminary round.

Japan opened the scoring just three minutes into the match, with forward Kaori Fujio striking home from close range.

Midfielder Rika Komazawa and skipper Yukari Yamamoto added two more before Fujio scored her second goal in the 65th minute.

"We are determined to fight and clinch the ticket to the Olympics," said Yamamoto, while coach Zenjiro Yasuda said Belarus' defensive play was good preparation for the final.

The winner will take the 12th and final berth for the Olympics.

Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Britain, China, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, South Korea and the United States have already qualified.

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