1.
LV New Zealand team march onto field
0.6

2.
SV Pakistan team
0.16

3.
SV English team
0.19

4.
SV German team
0.26

5.
SV Indian team
0.32

6.
GV Crowd
0.35

7.
GV PAN Teams of all nations line up
0.43

8.
SV PAN Princess Beatrix mounts rostrum and presents hockey stick to player
0.56

9.
STV PAN Start of game between Pakistan in glean (playing left to right) and Holland
2.00



Initials BB/1919 NC/MR/BB/1951



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: The pick of the worls's hockey players are battling it out in Amsterdam for the 1973 World Cup. Twelve countries are represented, and the favourite contenders for the title are West Germany, the 1972 Olympia champions, Pakistan, who currently hold the World Cup, and India, England, who once led the world in hockey, now find themselves challenging for the limelight.

The competition was officially opened by princess Beatrix of the Netherlands on Saturday, (August 25). First to play were Pakistan and Holland. The game resulted in a victory for Pakistan -- they won two goals to one.

Thousands of hockey enthusiasts are expected to crowd the stands during the ten-day competition. The World Cup Competition was created only a few years ago by the International Hockey Federation and has contributed to the increasing popularity of the game.

SYNOPSIS: The pick of the world's hockey players are battling it out in Amsterdam for the 1973 World Cup. Twelve countries are represented, and one of the favourite contenders is Pakistan, the current holder on the Cup.

England, once the first in the wold in hockey, now find themselves having to challenge hard to keep up with the leaders. West Germany is a hot favourite for the title, as is India, the old masters o the game.

Thousands of hockey enthusiasts are expected to crowd the stands during the ten-day competition. Eight women's teams are playing, and twelve man's teams.

The World Cup competition was officially opened by Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands on Saturday. The competition was created only a few years ago by the International Hockey Federation, and has contributed to the increasing popularity of the game. First to start on the opening day were Pakistan, and Holland. Pakistan beat the host team by two goals to one. The game was finely balanced with the Dutch providing tough opposition.

Competition is expected to be fierce, and it seems the three favourites will have their work cut out for them. New Zealand is expected to attack strongly, and has been impressive with its determination and high spirits. Holland and England are also tipped to upset the mighty if given the opportunity. The World Cup competition got away to a good start, with perfect weather and flawless pitches.