Hockey: South African gold

South Africa took the gold medal in the women's World Cup qualifier here last night, winning a penalty shoot-out 4-2 following a 2-2 draw after extra time with New Zealand.

In a thrilling game before a capacity crowd, the Kiwis opened the scoring in the 30th minute. The Springboks' golden girl Pietie Coetzee, with two penalty corner goals, put her side ahead before Moira Senior equalised for New Zealand. In the shoot-out South Africa's Nicky du Toit, with two wonder saves, was the heroine.

Earlier Scotland took the bronze medal after an end-to--end contest with India. Scotland took the lead at a 14th-minute penalty corner through Rhona Simpson, but six minutes into the second half India equalised when Ferdina Ekka deflected in a free hit.

England took fifth place, but required a shoot-out to do it after a 1- 1 draw at the end of extra time against China. England opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when Purdy Miller picked up a rebound off the goalkeeper's pads after Tina Cullen's initial shot had been blocked.

After England had squandered four early penalty corners at the beginning of the second half, Hui Cheng equalised for China, but with Jane Smith and Karen Brown scoring for England, they secured the game in the shoot- out 2-0.

WORLD CUP Women's qualifying tournament (Harare): 7-8 Playoff: Ireland 2 Russia 4. 5-6 Playoff: England 1 China 1 (after extra time; England won 2-0 on penalty strokes). 3-4 Playoff: Scotland 1 India 1 (after extra time; Scotland won 3-1 on pens). Final: South Africa 2 New Zealand 2 (after extra time; South Africa won 4-2 on pens).