London Olympics 2012: Team GB Suffer Shock China Defeat

Team GB's women's Olympic medal hopes hang by a thread after a surprising defeat to China at the Riverbank Arena.

After successive wins against Japan, South Korea and Belgium, Great Britain were well fancied to contest for medals during the business end of the competition, needing just a draw to reach the last four.

But they were met with a no-nonsense Chinese side, who retained their interest in the competition with a victory underpinned with defensive resilience and clinical finishing.

Captain Kate Walsh returned to the fold for Team GB following her fractured jaw picked up against Japan.

After a first half bereft of chances, China hit the front with two goals in six second half minutes, with Fu B and Zhao Y deflecting successive penalty corners past a defenseless Beth Story.

With Alex Danson playing a peripheral role for Great Britain, the hosts failed to get themselves back into the game until the final minute when Crista Cullen smashed into the roof of the net to hand them a lifeline.

However, it was too little too late, with their hopes of reaching the last four now in tatters, with world champions Netherlands coming up in their final game, with victory necessary to see them reach the last four.