New Delhi: Vandana Katariya scored a brace as defending champions India stunned higher-ranked China 3-1 to continue their winning march at the 5th Asian Champions Trophy women’s hockey tournament at Donghae City, South Korea, on Wednesday.

Experienced forward Vandana struck in the 4th and 11th minutes to hand her side the early lead before Gurjit Kaur converted a penalty corner in the 51st to seal the victory.

China’s lone goal came from Wen Dan in the 15th minute at the Sunrise Stadium.

With the win, India lead the standings with two victories from as many games.

Malaysia got the better of Japan 3-2 in the day’s other encounter.

The 10th ranked Indians were on the attack right from the start. It was strong team work between Lilima Minz, Navjot Kaur and Vandana that gave India the early lead.

Their second goal came off Udita’s clever assist to Vandana, who smashed it past the China goalkeeper.

Surprised by India early on, world no. 8 China pulled one back in the dying stages of the first quarter through Dan’s field effort.

Credit should also go to Indian custodian Savita, who came up with brilliant saves to deny China from four back-to-back penalty corners. India held on to the lead despite being stretched by China.