Pakistan-Germany opener

Pakistan - Host Pakistan meets Germany in the opening match of the Champions Trophy field hockey tournament, which starts in eastern city of Lahore from Dec. 4-12, the Pakistan Hockey Federation announced Thursday. Olympic champion Australia withdrew from the tournament earlier this month due to security fears, opening the way for India, which finished seventh at the Athens games. The Champions Trophy features the world's top six teams.

Defending champion Holland will meet New Zealand on the first day with India taking on Spain. The crunch match of the competition - India vs. archrival Pakistan - will be played on Dec 8.

All six teams play each other in the round robin tournament before the top two qualify for the final on Dec. 12.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin