Japan qualifies for World Cup

Kazan: Japan emerged the fourth Asian team to qualify for the forthcoming women's hockey World Cup to be held at Rosario in August-September this year.

In the final of the second qualifier here, Japan beat Azerbaijan by a solitary goal scored by Kaori Chiba. Russia finished third.

The other three Asian teams that have qualified are: China (winner of the Asia Cup), India (runner-up in Asia Cup) and Korea, the first qualifier at San Diego.

The last and final qualifier to spot the 12th team is now in progress in Santiago.