Hockey: Ireland's bid to reach their first hockey World Cup since 1990 got off to the worst possible start today as Dave Passmore's side were crushed 5-1 by England.
Defender Richard Mantell scored four goals for England in the opening match of the World Cup qualifying tournament in China.
Passmore will not have been impressed by the manner of the defeat as Ireland were unable to deal with Mantell at set-pieces, all his goals coming from penalty corners.
Goalkeeper Mark Ruddle could only deflect in Mantell's low flick in the 24th minute but within seconds Ireland were level when John Jermyn won a penalty corner and powered a shot past Jon Ebsworth.
Mantell's low effort five minutes before half-time put England ahead again before his 49th-minute corner hit Mark Gleghorne's body in front of goal and Ben Hawes converted from the penalty spot.
Two more trademark flicks from Mantell in the 55th and 59th minutes wrapped up the win.
The top five teams in China will all book their place at September's World Cup in Germany.