Hockey: Britain in fight for Athens spot

There was an agonising two-hour wait for the British women after their final pool game in the Olympic qualifier in Auckland yesterday before they knew if they had qualified automatically. It was not to be.

There was an agonising two-hour wait for the British women after their final pool game in the Olympic qualifier in Auckland yesterday before they knew if they had qualified automatically. It was not to be.

Germany and New Zealand drew 1-1, which denied Britain automatic qualification, so they must win two remaining games for the final place. They play Korea tomorrow.

Britain's coach, Tricia Heberle, was disappointed with her team's effort in the 2-0 win over Ireland. New Zealand, Japan and Germany join Spain, the previous day's qualifiers, in taking the four automatic Athens places.