Ekaterina Smolentseva and Marina Sergina each scored a goal to lead the Russia women’s hockey team to a close victory 2-1 over China.
All three goals of the game came in the second period. Smolentseva opened the scoreboard at 4:23, assisted by Alexandra Kapustina and Alena Khomich.
Sergina scored a power-play goal to put the Russians ahead 2-0 with 3:58 left in the period. Tatiana Burina and Olga Permiakova assisted Sergina.
Forward Fenling Jin scored China’s lone goal one minute and a half later in what appeared to be a comeback, however, the Chinese team could not capitalize late in the third period and fell short.
Both goaltenders had outstanding performances, Irina Gashennikova saved 21 shots for the winning team, and Chinese goalie Yao Shi made 37 saves.
The victory was Russia’s first in Vancouver, while China falls to 0-3. Both teams are out of competition for a medal.