The Chinese women's team held France 1-1 on Wednesday in their opening match of a four-nation tournament in Guangzhou, also their first game under new coach Ma Liangxing.

Women's football legend Sun Wen was not named in Ma's 20-strong squad as according to the head coach she is still not fit to play. "She hasn't played for two years and she only began training twenty days ago, so she's not ready and I will therefore not use her in this tournament," Ma Liangxing said.

France scored first on 72 minutes from a shot that Han Wenxia got a hand to but failed to keep out. A minute later the Europeans hit the crossbar but Han Duan headed in a Liu Yali cross in stoppage time to force a draw.

"I haven't coached women's football for a few years. My understanding of the Chinese women's team is the same as it was in 2003," Ma said after the game. "This France team seemed to be the same team of 2003, but they were faster and more skillful. My players tried very hard and some performed better than I expected. I really appreciate their effort."

In Wednesday's other game USA beat Norway 3-1. China face Norway on Friday then USA on Sunday.

China: Han Wenxia; Wang Kun (Liu Yali 71'), Li Jie, Yuan Fan, Liu Huana, Bi Yan (Xi Dingying 51'), Pan Lina, Shi Menyu (Qu Feifei 57'), Bai Lili, Han Duan, Ma Xiaoxu

(Sinosoc.com January 19, 2006)