Kazan (Russia), Apr 26: Having failed to book a ticket for Beijing, India eves recorded their biggest win of the Olympic qualification tournament here with a 7-0 mauling of lowly France in their last round robin league match on Saturday.

India toyed with their opponents throughout the match with action mostly confined in the France half-line and Mamta Kharab's girls, who led 3-0 at the breather, got half a dozen penalty corners of which they converted two.

Young Rani Devi (4th, 54th, 70th) found the target three times while Surinder Kaur scored twice (6th, 45th). Rajwinder Kaur (17th) and Jasjeet Kaur Handa (66th) were the other goal getters.

With today's win, India are fourth in the six-team tournament with six points from two wins while France end their campaign without a win.

India play for the third place on Sunday.

Pritam is sorry for not living up to expectations

Agencies

Kazan (Russia), Apr 26: Pritam Siwach, the senior-most player in Indian women's team, which failed to qualify here for the Beijing Olympics Games, apologised to the nation for not living up to the expectations.

"I know the country expected us to do better. They really believed we can do it. But am sorry we are not the best team here," the ace striker said with moist eyes.

"Olympics is a big thing, every player's dream. I had a long career in international hockey, and wanted to finish it with an Olympian tag. As luck would have it, it's not there.

"Not just me, the whole team is downcast because we could not do it," she added.

The 33-year-old played rued missed chances that cost India dearly as India lost three successive matches after making a winning start against the hosts Russia.

"We are not that bad as the results would show. It was simply a case of missed chances.

With 190 caps, Pritam is the second senior most player here, falling short of two caps to Kate Barber, the United States captain. However, agewise, Pritam is four years older than Kate.

The mother of two, Pritam said the team was bit rusty and with a bit more training and focus it can only go up.

"One difference between my times and now is the midfield. We had an experienced midfield with Sita Gussain at the centre. That helped us. Here, both TH Ranjita and Rosalind Ralte are young, just come into the team. They are potential youngsters, will only improve."