Hu Baozhen of China (right) vies for the puck with Anna Billa of Austria in Group A of the ice hockey Women's World Championship in Shenzhen, China, on Aug 24, 2023. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

SHENZHEN - China has secured promotion to the top division of the ice hockey Women's World Championship for the first time since 2009 after beating Austria 2-0 in Group A of the event's Division I here on Thursday.

The Chinese team remain a perfect 4-0 after four rounds of play. They will face the Netherlands in their last group game on Saturday.

READ MORE: China beats Norway in ice hockey Women's World Championship

There is still one more promotion to be awarded on Saturday, with Netherlands in the driver's seat for now. Austria and Denmark still have a chance.

Meanwhile, Slovakia's fourth loss in as many games means it will be relegated to I-B for next year

Meanwhile, Slovakia's fourth loss in as many games means it will be relegated to I-B for next year.

The first period ended scoreless as China's goaltender Chen Tiya and her Austrian counterpart Selma Luggin made brilliant saves.

Lin Qiqi broke the deadlock for China at 14:03 of the second period, assisted by Lin Ni and Kang Mulan.

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In the dying minutes of the match, Austria removed their goaltender in an attempt to level the score with the numerical advantage in attacking. Nevertheless, China's defender Wang Yuting seized a chance to add an empty netter from a long range.

Also on Thursday, the Netherlands defeated Norway 6-3, while Demark edged Slovakia 2-1.