China suffered its first defeat in the IIHF Ice Hockey Women's World Championship Division I Group B, as they were outclassed 4-0 (0-0, 2-0, 2-0) by the Netherlands on Tuesday.

With both teams having won their two previous matches, this top-of-the-table clash began life as a cagey affair in a scoreless first period. Fang Xin, China's two-goal hero in the previous match against South Korea, went close after five minutes as China looked to seize the early initiative.

But with no goal forthcoming, the Netherlands soon grew into the game, restricting China to speculative efforts from distance and having several decent attempts themselves, forcing Chinese goaltender Wang Yuqing into action on more than one occasion.

Towards the end of the first period, the Netherlands looked to press home a powerplay advantage, but China's defense stood firm and both sides went into the first interval with the scores deadlocked at 0-0.

Into the second period, China looked to give their supporters something to cheer about, and came close to breaking the deadlock when Deng Di's long-range effort was clawed away from danger by the Netherlands goaltender Nadia Zijlstra. However, much to the disappointment of the home crowd, it was the Netherlands who took the lead moments later, after a mistake by Liu Zhixin led Savine Wielenga to score the opening goal from close range.

With their tails up, the Netherlands sought to increase their lead, and after Wielenga had had two long-range efforts saved by Wang, she soon breached the Chinese defense for a second time, forcing the puck over the line to make it 2-0 after an almighty goalmouth scramble involving several players on both sides.

After a stoppage for an injury to Zhu Rui, China attempted to get back into the game but were stymied by an obdurate Netherlands defense, and hints of frustration started to creep in, with players from both sides becoming increasingly physical as the second period drew to a close.

By this stage in the game, the Netherlands were playing with greater cohesion, and their superiority told shortly after the start of the third period when Isabelle Schollaardt scored the goal of the game with a fine shot into the roof of Wang's net after a slick counterattack.

It was almost 4-0 moments later when the Netherlands were awarded a penalty, but Kayleigh Hamers' attempt was well saved by Wang. Undeterred, Hamers hit the frame of the goal shortly afterwards, and her persistence paid off five minutes before the end of the game, firing in a powerful shot from distance after a cut back from the side of the rink to make the final score 4-0 to the Netherlands.

After the game, China coach Jakob Koelliker noted that the opening goal was the game's key turning point. "The first period was open, we were well in the game and had a few chances, but then the first goal gave the momentum to the Netherlands, and unfortunately we couldn't find a way to score. They played very well, and congratulations on their win."

Dutch coach Joep Franke paid tribute to his team's efficient display. "We wanted to put the pressure on China, and we did that all game, and that's why we succeeded. Hard work, good goals, and it's 4-0, so I'm very happy."

"China play [well], but it's still early for them. They only started their Olympic program last year. We started three years ago, so we're a few years ahead of them."

China's next game is against Poland on Wednesday.