KATE Richardson-Walsh’s hopes of leading Great Britain to Champions Trophy glory prior to the Rio Olympics have not gone as planned this week, writes Dave Wright.

Her side failed to win any of their opening three games and that left them with very little chance of qualifying for the final.

The only point they have earned so far came in their first match when they drew 2-2 with Argentina last Saturday.

GB twice trailed but Kate’s partner, Helen, equalised on both occasions, her second goal just six minutes from time.

“Helen is a magician in the circle,” said skipper Kate.

“She’s always in the right place at the right time, and she’s got an eye for the goal, so whether she’s playing in midfield or in the forward line she’s lethal.”

GB were beaten 2-0 by the Netherlands on Sunday and 1-0 by New Zealand on Tuesday.

Kate and her defence were unable to stop Stacey Michelsen giving her side a first-minute lead, but the Reading HC legend later made a goal-line clearance to prevent the Kiwis doubling their lead as they secured their first win of the tournament.

The host nation play USA, who are also without a win, at Lee Valley tonight (8pm) and Australia on Saturday (4pm).

The final placings – one to six – will be decided in three games on Sunday, starting at 2pm with the final scheduled for 6.30pm.

GB men, including Reading’s Simon Mantell, could only finish fourth in their Champions Trophy tournament which ended last week.

The Olympic squads are due to be announced next week.