Tokyo Olympics: Team GB men’s hockey side get their Olympics campaign off to a flyer

Team GB men’s hockey side get their Olympics campaign off to a flyer after second half strikes from Liam Ansell and Jack Waller help down South Africa in opening group game in Tokyo

Great Britain’s men launched their Tokyo Olympics campaign with a 3-1 victory over South Africa at the Oi Hockey Stadium.

Sam Ward struck early to give Britain a flying start, but the lead proved short-lived as Matthew Guise-Brown equalised just 10 minutes later.

It remained level at half-time, but Britain enjoyed a dominant second period and claimed maximum points in the Pool B encounter through goals from Liam Ansell and Jack Waller.

Team GB’s men’s hockey team have got their Olympics campaign off to a flying start in Tokyo

Britain face Canada on Monday in their next game in a group that also includes Holland, Belgium and Germany.

Belgium earlier defeated Holland 3-1, and there was a scare for world number one team Australia before they edged out Pool A opponents Japan 5-3.

In the other Pool A fixtures, India defeated New Zealand 3-2 and Argentina drew 1-1 with Spain.

Second half goals from Liam Ansell (pictured) and Jack Waller helped down South Africa

Second half goals from Liam Ansell (pictured) and Jack Waller helped down South Africa

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