The Chinese women's ice hockey team got off to a winning start in the Group C Olympic qualifiers for the 2006 Turin Games, beating France 7-1 in a lop-sided game in Beijing.

Switzerland routed Norway 8-0 in an earlier clash, ranking top in the group ahead of China due to the goal difference. Daniela Diaz scored a hat-trick.

China, ranking seventh in the world, moved ahead when a shot from Li Xiuli past French goalkeeper seven minutes 47 seconds into the first period.

But the fighting French levelled the score four minutes later thanks to Francoise Bidaud.

The Chinese managed to control the game with slick passes and numerous shots but had to wait until one minute and 44 seconds before the end of first period, when captain Wang Linuo put the Chinese ahead again with a long-range shot.

They left little chance for France, 13th in the world, with a flurry of goals in the next period.

China's head coach Paul Strople said he was satisfied with the performance.

"The team seemed a little bit nervous in the opening stage, but they got in form soon after taking a 2-1 lead," said Strople.

Strople started his coaching with the Chinese team in April this year. He sounded upbeat about China's chances of qualifying for the 2006 Winter Olympics.

"We are technically stronger than the other teams. I think we stand a good chance of qualifying," said the 37-year-old Canadian.

China faces Norway on Friday, while Switzerland plays France.

(China Daily November 12, 2004)