India defeat South Africa
to win bronze

India beat South Africa 1-0 to win the bronze medal in the first women's Champions Challenge hockey tournament in Randburg, South Africa, on Sunday.

England clinched their second tournament title in less that six months with a 2-1 victory over Korea to win the gold.

The only Indian goal was scored by Suman Bala from a penalty-corner in the 46th minute.

The South Africans defended well in the first half but the Indians' superior skills proved too good for an out of sorts South Africa.

The win sees England return to the top flight of international hockey for the first time in more than five years and - crucially in a World Cup year - gives England a place in the Champions Trophy in Macau, China, in August 2002.

Despite heading into the half-time break at a goal down following a penalty-corner strike by Seong Eun Kim in the 13th minute, England had begun to enjoy periods of possession towards the end of the first half.

In the second half, England opted to rotate substitutes more frequently, unsettling the Koreans. The tactic eventually paid off as Korea succumbed to a penetrating run from Anna Bennett, who broke the defence to score a fine individual goal in the 47th minute.

With the Koreans shaken, England sought to follow up with a quick second goal. Imogen Robertson helped deliver it when she won a penalty-corner following an attacking run at a rattled Korean defence. Lucilla Wright clinched the eventual winner from the set piece in the 56th minute.

The United States finished in fifth place, beating Russia in extra-time through a golden goal scored by captain Tracey Fuchs in the 75th minute.

Final Standings:
1. England
2. Korea
3. India
4. South Africa
5. United States
6. Russia

Player of the Tournament: Kim Seong Eun, Korea.
Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Hilary Rose, England

Earlier reports:
India, South Africa to play-off for third place
India go down fighting to Korea
US deny India full points with late goal
Indian eves scrape past South Africa
India rally to hold England