The United States beat Belgium 3-1 in the final of an Olympic women's hockey qualifier in Kazan, Russia to book their place at the Beijing Olympic Games.

Kelly Doton opened the scoring for the United States in the 18th minute before Anne-Sophie van Regemortel equalised eight minutes later.

Tiffany Snow's sixth goal of the tournament put the Americans 2-1 up at half-time and Kate Barber added a third midway through the second half.

The US were unbeaten in the pool games and triumphed over Belgium 3-2 in their opening match. Belgium drew with Russia 0-0 in their final pool game to reach the final.

China, 2004 champions Germany, Argentina, Spain, South Africa, Netherlands, Britain, New Zealand, Australia and Japan had already qualified for the August Games in China.

The final qualifier is underway in Victoria, Canada, featuring Canada, Ireland, Italy, South Korea, Malaysia and Uruguay.

Reuters