SHENZHEN - Host China suffered a 4-0 defeat to Slovakia in the first round of the 2025 IIHF Women's Ice Hockey World Championship Division I Group A here on Sunday.

Slovakia opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Laura Sulikova fired a long-range shot during a power play.

The second period saw Slovakia ramp up its offensive pressure, registering 18 shots on goal compared to China's two. Janka Hlinkova made it 2-0 in the 30th minute. Just two minutes later, Ema Tothova capitalized on another power play with a fierce shot from the left. Nicola Nemcekova added the fourth goal in the 35th minute, capping a dominant period.

Despite registering six shots on goal in the final period, China was unable to alter the scoreline.

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"We started well and gave younger players more time on the ice," said China captain Yu Baiwei. "But as the game progressed, our lack of experience showed up. After we conceded a few goals, we lost our rhythm and made mistakes that gave our opponents chances."

"Every game is a chance for us to grow. I hope we can stick to our style in the next match against Austria and not let nerves affect us," she added.

Earlier on Sunday, France overpowered the Netherlands 8-3, while Austria blanked Denmark 3-0.

The Division I Group A tournament follows a round-robin format, with the top two teams earning promotion to the Top Division of the Women's World Championship. The team finishing last will be relegated to Division I Group B.

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China is set to take on Austria on Monday, while France is to play against Slovakia, and Denmark will take on the Netherlands.