Nanning (China), March 22 (IANS) Gareth Bale scored a hat-trick in the China Cup football tournament as Wales romped to a 6-0 win over China in Ryan Giggs first game in charge of the European nation here on Thursday night.

Real Madrid forward Bale became Wales’ leading scorer with 29 goals, surpassing the legendary Ian Rush in the process. Liverpool legend Rush scored 28 goals from 73 games beteen 1980 and 1996. Bale has so far played 69 games since his debut in 2006.

There are 40 FIFA ranking places between Wales and China and it became very clear on the night what that gulf in class looks like on a football pitch, reported Xinhua news agency.

The match was effectively over when Wales went 2-0 up within the first 21 minutes and if the China Cup was a friendly tournament, no one told Wales.

Bale scored in the second minute and sloppy defending by China led to the second as the Real Madrid forward was aware enough to outmuscle ambling defenders to beat a despairing goalkeeper.

Sam Vokes also scored with an assist from Andy King, but it was a Bale pass that allowed Wales to get into a dangerous position.

Harry Wilson scored to make it 4-0 before half time, but it was again on the back of excellent work by Bale.

Vokes scored again in the 58th minute but the sixth and final goal of the night was scored by Bale before he was substituted to a standing ovation.

The hosts, coached by veteran Marcelo Lippi, had one glimpse of joy when substitute Yu Hanchao found some space at the edge of the box after atypically absent-minded Welsh defending. His fizzing shot was tipped onto the bar by goalkeeper Wayne Henessey and Wales were allowed to keep a clean sheet.

Giggs took off most of the dangermen after 70 minutes and there was a clear drop in intensity from Wales as the players seemed content to see the game out as professionally as they could.

–IANS
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