Australia to take on Pakistan in Champions trophy opener

Terrassa, Spain, Apr 20 (UNI) Defending champion Australia will take on Pakistan in the opening tie of the six-nation Men's Hockey Champions trophy to be played here from July 22 to 30.

The four other teams taking part in this tournament to be played on round robin league are Holland, Spain, Germany and Argentina.

India has not qualified for the tournament as it had finished last in the 2005 Chennai edition of the Trophy. Argentina replaces India in this edition.

Holland had finished second, followed by Spain, Germany, Pakistan and India at Chennai.

The schedule: July 22: Australia v Pakistan, Spain v Germany, Holland v Argentina July 23: Pakistan v Germany, Argentina v Spain, Australia v Holland July 24: Rest Day July 25: Holland v Pakistan, Spain v Australia, Germany v Argentina July 26: Rest Day July 27: Germany v Holland, Pakistan v Spain, Argentina v Australia July 28: Rest Day July 29: Pakistan v Argentina, Spain v Holland, Australia v Germany July 30: 5th v 6th, 3rd v 4th, Final.

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