The French produced the upset of the BDO World Cup Qualifiers to date, beating the previously unbeaten New Zealanders 5-2 in the last match on day five of competition in Changzhou.

France's win, along with Malaysia's first win of the tournament, ensures some very intriguing matches to come over the coming days, with only four points separating the top five teams in Pool B.

Disappointingly for hosts China today's play didn't go to plan, with their loss to Malaysia dropping them to last place in Pool B and are now unlikely to peg their way back up the standings to claim a place in the World Cup later this year.

The loss by the New Zealanders does set up a cracker of a match up on Tuesday evening, with top of Pool B Korea taking on the Kiwi's in a match that could decide which team will automatically book a berth in Germany later in the year.

In the pick of Pool A action on Monday in form England can book their place at the World Cup with a win over an out of form Pakistan, the later needing a confidence boasting win as they have struggled through their opening three matches, albeit without a loss to date.

(Worldhockey via CRI April 17, 2006)