The final set of mini-tournament matches in this season’s FIH Pro League 2022/23 season will begin on Friday with title hopes and relegation battles still in the offing.
In the men’s competition, New Zealand have already been relegated, having taken three points from their 16 matches – while the Black Sticks could also be demoted from the women’s league – but the hunt for the title is still on.
Great Britain currently occupy top spot with 32 points from 16 games, while their final two defeats has paved the way for this four-way men’s battle for the title.
Defending champions Netherlands (29 points from 14 games), Belgium (24 points from 12 games) and Spain (21 points from 12 games) are all still vying for global league honours, with the three nations all competing this weekend.
In the women’s competition, Netherlands sealed a third title in four years in the Pro League, but the battle for relegation remains wide open.
New Zealand have completed their set of 16 matches and find themselves in eighth place, one spot above USA. But with four games in hand, USA need four points from their matches in Antwerp, to lift them above the Black Sticks and keep them in the competition next season.
Oranje Stat Attack
Netherlands women boast the best attack and defence in the tournament, having scored 58 goals, while conceding just 15 goals.
Yibbi Jansen is the leading scorer in the tournament with 12 goals so far, while Frédérique Matla also possesses the record for the all-time top goalscorer in Pro League, overtaking Olivia Merry and taking her tally to 31 goals in 41 games.
