China were hindered from entering top-eight with a 3-1 loss to Belgium in the final day of the Olympic men's hockey tournament on Tuesday.

With one draw and four losses, China ranked bottom in the Pool A with only one point. It was Belgium's first win after three losses and one draw.

Captain Song Yi converted a penalty corner which gave China a 4th-minute lead.

Xavier Reckinger evened the score for Belgium in the 28th. The other two goals came from Gregory Gucassoff in the 32nd and John-John Dohmen in the 48th.

China now play against South Africa for the 11th-12th place. Belgium, ranked fifth in the pool, face Canada in the 9th-10th playoff.

(Xinhua News Agency August 19, 2008)