Hockey officially has a new superpower after China downed a ragged Australia 1-0 at the Olympic Hockey Centre.

The superior discipline and passing skills of the Chinese saw them dissect a Hockeyroos team lacking the cohesion of its earlier 5-0 victories over England and 2-1 win against the Netherlands.

Quicksilver Fu Baorong scored the only goal in the 23rd minute while the Australians failed to convert four penalty corners late in the match.

China has now played the top three sides in the world, drawing unluckily with world No.1 Argentina and downing the No.2 Dutch.

The Chinese's dramatic improvement over the last two years mostly comes down to huge government funding ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and ex-soccer and volleyball players recruited to the cause.

For the Hockeyroos it continues their recent poor form against the Chinese in big games.

Out of its 25 matches against China the Hockeyroos have won 21. But one of those losses was for the 3/4 playoff in Perth's 2002 World Cup last year while China also beat Australia on its way to claiming its first title - the 2002 Champions Trophy in Macau.

While many thought China was extremely lucky to win in Macau - the showing all week has shown that they will rival the top three nations for Olympic gold next year.

Australia opened frenetically, just denied a goal in the opening minute as a Karen Smith shot was hurriedly swatted away by the China goalkeeper.

The Hockeyroos were full of running with the introduction of key midfielder Julie Towers, back from a quadriceps injury which kept her out of the opening two games, adding extra zest in attack.

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