Before the Argentine's opening match against Germany, Aymar was presented with a gift by FIH President Leandro Negre in recognition of her achievements in the sport, where she is widely regarded as the best female hockey player of all time.

An emotional day was topped off with a win for the defending champions as Agustin Habif slotted home a 52nd minute winner to the jubilation of the home fans in Mendoza.

In a game of many chances, few were converted by both sides in this gruelling first encounter with both team's admitting that some much needed fine tuning was in order before they took to the field for their second fixtures of the prestigious tournament.

The Netherlands had better luck in front of goal in their opener as the reigning Olympic champions notched two past China to jump atop Pool A.

Captain and all-time top Olympic goal scorer Maartje Paumen once again found her name on the scoresheet as she knocked home a penalty corner double in just two minutes to break an otherwise impenetrable deadlock against a strong Chinese outfit.

The Netherlands began their Champions Trophy campaign with a solid 2-0 victory against China ©FIH



It took until the final quarter for the match between New Zealand and Japan to really come alive.

A 46th minute strike from Olivia Merry gave the Kiwis the initiative before Akiko Kato spotted that Black Sticks' keeper Sally Rutherford had moved to the top of the circle and slipped the ball into the empty goal for the equaliser.

The mistake was not costly, however, as Ella Gunson struck the winner for the Commonwealth Games silver medallists to tie up all three points and keep the pressure on The Netherlands in Pool A.

England's match against Australia saw each player wearing a black armband in remembrance of cricketer Phil Hughes who died after being struck with a ball in a domestic match on Tuesday (November 25).

The fast-paced game ended 2-1 in the Hockeyroo's favour when Jodie Kenny scored a goal at either end of the game, through two devastating penalty corner drag flicks.

England were the equal of the Hockeyroos for large periods of the game and Ellie Watton gave her team hope when her shot slid past the Australian 'keeper Ashlee Wells.

However, Australia saw the game out and took all three points.

Competition will continue in Argentina tomorrow with another four matches.

New Zealand will open the day with an encounter with The Netherlands, followed by China versus Japan, England against Germany and Argentina versus Australia.

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