The early running came from China PR, the pace and trickery of Li Yuhan down the left hand side giving Isabella Hoyos a torrid time. 

China PR’s first shot on target came after two minutes when Li dribbled past Hoyos to set up Zhang Kecan but Caoimhe Bray in Australia’s goal managed to block the effort.

From a similar move three minutes later, China PR took the lead after Li again got away from Hoyos and this time her low cross was finished off expertly by Zhou Xinyi.

Australia tried to make use of the windy conditions with shots from distance via Kiera Meyers and Sienna Dale but on both occasions, China PR custodian Hou Shumei was assured with her handling of the ball.

After the first half cooling break, Rae Dower took out Hoyos and brought on Anabella Yates, a move that also saw the Australians switch from a back three system to a back four, looking to temper the influence of Li.

The Australians began the second half the better side, forcing China PR on the backfoot with Dale’s driving run from the left being the pick of the bunch but Tiana Fuller was unable to connect to the cross.

However, China PR soon rediscovered their tempo and doubled their lead in the 63rd minute, Li struck the bar but substitute Xiao Jiayi managed to control the rebound before unleashing a rasping shot into the top corner.

The instrumental Li struck the bar from another move in the 72nd minute but China PR weren’t to be denied five minutes later as Zhang ran through bravely to nod the ball past the advancing Bray and Chloe Parker before slotting home.

Sadly for Australia, the defeat also came at a cost as the concession of the third goal also saw a heavy collision between Parker and Bray with the former needing lengthy medical treatment, forcing her out of the game.