MACAU, Sept 1: Unfancied hosts China defeated shell-shocked defending champions Argentina in a nerve-racking penalty shoot-out to clinch a historic first-ever Champions Trophy crown Sunday.

Argentina’s hopes of defending their title in the elite six-nation event appeared in tatters as 23-year-old Hou Xiao Lan pounced twice in 10 minutes in the first-half to send 600 mostly-Chinese fans wild at Macau Stadium.

However, two predatory strikes from Argentine striker Vanina Oneto within the space of three minutes hauled the top-ranked South Americans back to 2-2 and forced the game into extra-time and then a penalty shoot-out.

But China would not be denied and Zhou Wan Feng stroked home the winning penalty, after earlier heroics from goalkeeper Nie Ya Li, to seal a 3-1 win in the penalty stroke competition sparking jubilant celebrations.

Earlier, a dramatic golden goal winner from captain Mijntje Donners capped a brilliant comeback from the Netherlands, as the European Champions denied Australia a consolation third palace finish in the Champions Trophy in Macau with a 4-3 victory.

New Zealand had defeated Commonwealth Games silver medallists England 2-0 in a hard fought battle to clinch fifth position.—AFP