LONDON, July 29: Defending champions The Netherlands eased to a 3-0 win over Belgium while World Cup holders Argentina coasted to a 7-1 victory against South Africa on the first day of Olympic Games women's hockey.

Elsewhere, New Zealand pulled off a 1-0 victory over former champions Australia, while Asian Games champions China outplayed South Korea 4-0.

Kim Lammers fired two field goals and Caia van Maasakker capitalised on a late penalty corner to launch the Dutch campaign with a sound win over hard-working Belgium in Pool ‘A’.

Captain Luciana Aymar converted two penalty corners in the first session to lead Argentina's scoring spree against the South Africans.

Josefina Sruoga, Silvina D'Elia and Noel Barrionuevo scored from penalty corner action while Martina Cavallero and Carla Rebecchi fired in field goals as Argentina stamped their authority over South Africa in Pool ‘B’.

The South Africans got a consolation goal through Dirkie Chamberlain on a counter-attack.

New Zealand rode on an early goal from Cathryn Finlayson in the Pool ‘B’ match to score their maiden victory in the Olympic Games against rivals Australia.

Results: China 4    South Korea 0 Netherlands 3    Belgium 0 New Zealand 1    Australia 0 Argentina 7    South Africa 1—AFP