China falls to Slovakia in Women's Ice Hockey World Championship opener

SHENZHEN, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Host China suffered a 4-0 defeat to Slovakia in the first round of the 2025 IIHF Women's Ice Hockey World Championship Division I Group A here on Sunday.

Slovakia opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Laura Sulikova fired a long-range shot during a power play.

The second period saw Slovakia ramp up its offensive pressure, registering 18 shots on goal compared to China's two. Janka Hlinkova made it 2-0 in the 30th minute. Just two minutes later, Ema Tothova capitalized on another power play with a fierce shot from the left. Nicola Nemcekova added the fourth goal in the 35th minute, capping a dominant period.

Despite registering six shots on goal in the final period, China was unable to alter the scoreline.

"We started well and gave younger players more time on the ice," said China captain Yu Baiwei. "But as the game progressed, our lack of experience showed up. After we conceded a few goals, we lost our rhythm and made mistakes that gave our opponents chances."

"Every game is a chance for us to grow. I hope we can stick to our style in the next match against Austria and not let nerves affect us," she added.

Earlier on Sunday, France overpowered the Netherlands 8-3, while Austria blanked Denmark 3-0.

The Division I Group A tournament follows a round-robin format, with the top two teams earning promotion to the Top Division of the Women's World Championship. The team finishing last will be relegated to Division I Group B.

China is set to take on Austria on Monday, while France is to play against Slovakia, and Denmark will take on the Netherlands. ■