Having failed to book a ticket for Beijing, India eves recorded their biggest win of the Olympic qualification tournament here with a 7-0 mauling of lowly France in their last round robin league match here on Saturday.

India toyed with their opponents throughout the match with action mostly confined in the France half-line and Mamta Kharab’s girls, who led 3-0 at the breather, got half a dozen penalty corners of which they converted two.
Young Rani Devi (4th, 54th, 70th) found the target three times while Surinder Kaur scored twice (6th, 45th). Rajwinder Kaur (17th) and Jasjeet Kaur Handa (66th) were the other goal getters.

With Saturday’s win, India are fourth in the six-team tournament with six points from two wins while France end their campaign without a win. India play for third place on Sunday.

Indian coach M K Kaushik, who was disappointed at his wards not making it to the Olympics, said the team would look to end the tournament on a winning note by avenging their loss in the league stage.

"With a better ball possession, better positioning in the rivals' circle, we will be able to overcome the Antilles tomorrow," Kaushik said. "I am very happy because young Rani Devi scored three goals, which augurs well for the future of Indian hockey," he added.

Earlier in the day, United States notched up their fifth consecutive victory, a 3-1 victory over Netherlands Antilles, to top the table and set up a summit clash on Sunday against second-placed Belgium who played out a goalless draw with hosts Russia.

Belgium finished on 10 points from three wins, one draw and one loss while the Antilles ended on nine points from three wins and two defeats.