The New Zealand women have suffered an opening 2-0 loss to China in the fourth round of the World Hockey League in Argentina.
The seventh-ranked Chinese also had a penalty stroke saved in the tournament opener in Tucuman.
The third-ranked Black Sticks dominated the statistics sheet with 10 shots on goal to China's three, five penalty corners and double the amount of circle penetrations.
The loss puts the New Zealanders in must-win mode against hosts Argentina on Monday.
