SPORTS

NEW DELHI: Title favourites Australia swept aside South Africa 12-0 on Thursday to record the biggest victory in the history of the men's field hockey World Cup.

Penalty corner specialist Luke Doerner slammed in five goals, and Glenn Turner and Jamie Dwyer picked two each, as the Australians gave the South Africans a hockey lesson in their first Cup meeting.

Desmond Abbott, Fergus Kavanagh and Matthew Butturini were the other scorers in a spectacular goal spree at the Dhyan Chand National Stadium in the Indian capital.

The Kookaburras, who led 5-0 at half-time, surpassed Pakistan's 12-3 romp over New Zealand in the 1982 edition in Mumbai, which was the previous highest victory margin in the World Cup.

Australia, who lost their opening match against England, bounced back in style to defeat hosts India 5-2 and have now taken their Group B tally to six points from three matches.

European champions England, who have six points from two games, take on Pakistan later on Thursday.

India and Spain, with three points each, clash in the evening's last match.

South Africa have lost all three matches so far, scoring six goals and conceding 22