Australia moved top of Pool B with a 3-1 defeat of the United States in the women's Hockey World Cup in madrid overnight.

In the day's earlier pool match, South Korea and South Africa - who lost their opening match to Australia - played out a goalless draw.

Sarah Taylor put Australia in front after nine minutes after continuous pressure but Kelly Doton equalised for the Americans with a fine strike three minutes later.

However, Australia maintained their dominance and took a deserved lead just before halftime thanks to a stunning goal from Nikki Hudson, who fired in a low reverse stick shot from the top right of the circle off a long corner.

Angie Skirving made it 3-1 on 58 minutes to secure the win for Australia, who move top on six points.

South Korea lie second on four, followed by Argentina on three. The US, who lost their first match to Olympic bronze medal winners Argentina Wednesday, remain without a point and face an uphill task if they are to make it to the semi-finals.