The Chinese women's soccer team took the first stride on their way back to the top yesterday, beating Russia 3-1 in the opening match of the four-nation tournament in South China's Fujian Province. 

It's the first event the team have taken part in after last year's Athens Olympics, in which they failed to enter the knock-out phase. It's also their first match under the guidance of new coach Wang Haiming.

Han Duan scored at the close of first half while strikers Ji Ting and Bi Yan contributed another two goals in the second. Russia's only goal came from a counterattack in the 60th minute.

China will play Australia on Sunday and arch rival Germany next Tuesday.

(CRI.com January 29, 2005)