France utterly outplayed China in a masterful 10-0 win to lead the IIHF (International Ice Hockey Federation) World Championship Division I Group A action in Qiqihar on Thursday.

The French versatility was shown as six different players slotted the puck home in the first third forcing China onto the defensive, cutting off all potential attacks.

This harsh treatment continued throughout the second with France going nine up thanks to Francois Rozenthal's effort in the closing minutes of the period.

China sought an unlikely fight-back but the French defense held firm even when China had a two-man advantage on the break. Utter humiliation came from a final goal from France in the third, with defender Baptiste Amar making it 10-0.

This marks China's fourth straight defeat, having conceded 36 goals to five scored. With only one game left, China is sure to be relegated even they win against final opponents the Netherlands.

"We studied China's games before this match, so we knew their game plan and had appropriate tactics," France head coach Dave Henderson revealed.

"We hit them hard from the outset which worked well since we scored goals in the first period. China was forced to fortify and were confused by our ferocious onslaught."

"The next game against Kazakhstan is decisive for both of us. We must defeat them to come a step closer to the World Championships," added Henderson.

China's head coach Xiang Shuqing admitted France was a much better team. "France has better strength, better speed and better skill, so the defeat did not come as a surprised. We prioritized defense over attack but we did not build it well and were broken down right away. This spelt out catastrophe for the team," said Xiang.

In the day's other two games, Poland stunned Kazakhstan 5-2, while unfavored Netherlands edged past Estonia 4-3 in three to ensure they stayed up in Division I.

The winner of the France-Kazakhstan game in the final round will qualify for the World Championships in Moscow.

(Xinhua News Agency April 20, 2007)