Kaori Chiba of Japan fights for the ball during women's hockey Preliminary Pool B match against New Zealand of Beijing Olympic Games at Olympic Green Hockey Stadium in Beijing, China, Aug. 10, 2008. Japan beat New Zealand 2-1. (Xinhua/Li Yong) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) -- Japan, the 2006 Asian Games medalists, defeated New Zealand 2-1 at the opening game of the Olympic women's field hockey tournament here on Sunday.

    Morimoto Sakae gave Japan the lead in the 12th minute and Tsukui Toshie added a second from a penalty corner five minutes later.

    The first half ended up with Japan's 2-1 lead after Claxton Jaimee scored a penalty corner for New Zealand in the 25 minute. And the second half produced no scores for both sides.

    Japanese team manager Onda M. said the rainy day was in favor for Japan and their solid defense was the key to win.

    "It's the opening game for the hockey tournament, and I'm very satisfied with the result," noted the manager.

    Kevin Towns, New Zealand head coach told Xinhua they had many chances for short corners but they failed to convert them. Meanwhile he denied the weather was a reason for their failure.

    The Kiwis next face defending gold medalists Germany while the Japanese take on the United States on Tuesday.

    "We have trained a lot in heat and humidity for which we will take a little advantage over Germany," said Towns, adding that he expected a win in the next game.