South African men's hockey team qualifies for London Olympics

Tokyo, May 6 (IANS) South Africa became the last men's field hockey team to qualify for the London Olympics after beating hosts Japan 2-1 in Sunday's final of the qualifying event.

Thornton McDade and Lloyd Norris Jones scored in the second half to help top-seed South Africa secure their third straight appearance at the Olympics.

Kenji Kitazato pulled a goal back for Japan with six minutes left. Japan was bidding for their first Olympic slot in 44 years.

A total of 12 teams - Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Britain, Germany, India, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Korea and Spain, besides South Africa - have earned Olympic berths.

On Saturday, Japan beat Azerbaijan 5-1 to become the last women's team to qualify, joining Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Britain, China, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Africa, South Korea and the United States.