Hockey: The Irish Women's Hockey team made a steady start in their opening pool game of the World Cup Qualifiers with a 1-1 draw against USA in Rome today.
Loreto's Cathy McKean scored for Ireland, who looked as though they were going to open their campaign with a win but for their opponents scoring in the final play of the game when Kelly Doton converted a penalty corner.
Reit Kuper's side face a tough assignment next as they take on Korea in their second Pool B match on Thursday (5pm Irish time).
"This was best opening game in a tournament that we have played in a long time," said Kuper after the game. "We have lost to the USA a number of times in recent years so to come away with the result is good for us."
"Naturally I am disappointed we gave the ball away to let them equalise so late on. It's disheartening to concede in that way, but overall it I am pleased with our performance, we played well tactically."
Elsewhere in Ireland's pool New Zealand weathered an early scare to beat Azerbaijan 2-1. Hosts Italy play Korea in the last match of the day (7.30pm Irish time).
