CHANGZHOU (China), April 21: Both the semifinals of the World Cup hockey qualifying tournament were postponed from Friday to Saturday because of inclement weather.

In the semifinals, Pakistan were scheduled to play South Korea while England were playing New Zealand.

Earlier, three matches for other positions were played. The first of the two crossover matches in the fifth to eighth positions playoffs was an exciting affair between France and Belgium.

Both sides were leveled at 2-2 when the stipulated time ran out. In the extra period of play no goals were scored. But the Frenchmen won after their goalkeeper Julien Thamin brought off two brilliant saves.

France face the winners of match between Japan and Ireland for the last remaining World Cup berth on Sunday.

In inconsequential matches, Canada beat the winless China 1-0 while Malaysia thrashed Egypt 6-2. The Malaysians will be playing the Canadians for the for ninth position on Saturday.—APP