A second period goal from Livia Lucova earned the Slovakians a narrow 1-0 win against Hungary and maintained their place at the top of the standings with 11 points.

Hosts China kept up the pressure on Slovakia with a 4-3 win against Italy and go into tomorrow’s decisive encounter against the table toppers just a point off the pace.

The Asian nation found themselves 2-1 behind after the second period as Rui Ma’s opener was cancelled out by Silvia Carignano and Beatrix Larger.

Goals from Rui Sun and Mengying Zhang put them back into the driving seat and although Eleonora Dalpra equalised for Italy, Xueting Qi went on to seal the win. 

The team who finishes top of Group B at the end of the event will be promoted into Group A, just one level below the coveted IIHF World Championships.

In the one other match played, The Netherlands thrashed winless North Korea 7-1 to record their second consecutive victory.

Nicky Tjin-a-Ton set the Dutch on their way in the first period before Savine Wielenga doubled their advantage in the second.

Glynis Barton, Emily Even, Cloe Keijzer and Julie Zwarthoed all added their names to the scoresheet in the third period before North Korea’s Ok Jin snatched a late consolation.

Prior to Slovakia and China’s match tomorrow evening, Italy meet North Korea and Hungary play The Netherlands.