TOKYO, Feb 6, 2010 (AFP) - Defending champions Japan beat China 2-0 Saturday in the opening game of the women's edition of the East Asian football championship.

In the 19th minute Japan scored first when midfielder Aya Miyama struck a 30-metre right-footer that flew into the net off the left goal post.

Japan kept pressure throughout the game, as China threatened to hit back with several decisive opportunities that nevertheless failed to find the net.

Japan scored again in the 61st minute, when defender Yukari Kinga rushed to the Chinese goal and intercepted a ball headed by Chinese midfielder Pang Fengyue to goalkeeper Zhang Yanru, which then bounced into the net.

By the end of the game, Japan had fired nine shots at goal, against China's four, as they began a campaign to defend their title in a four-team tournament in which Japan and 2005 winners South Korea take on China and Taiwan.

Japan's stamina, speed and coordination among defenders contributed to the victory, said their coach, Norio Sasaki.

"We were able to work as a team. Those qualities shut off the individual skills of Chinese players," Sasaki said.

Chinese coach Shang Ruihua praised Japan, saying "Japanese players kept up their speed compared with Chinese players."

Sluggish China did not start well but became more competitive, particularly in midfield, as the game progressed, he said.