(Photo: © Wolfgang Sternberger)

BDO Hockey World Cup umpire John Wright created history today by becoming the first South African man to officiate 100 international matches.

The milestone arrived in the clash between Korea and home team Germany as both teams looked to secure their semi final position.

The two-time Olympic umpire started his international career in 1996 and has also officiated a pair of World Cups, as well as two Champions Trophy tournament and one Commonwealth Games.

He joins compatriot Marelize de Klerk who umpired her 100th match in 2004.

By reaching 100 matches, Wright becomes the 25th man to earn the FIH Golden Whistle.

John Wright
International Umpiring Debut 1996

Olympic Games
2004 Athens
2000 Sydney

World Cup
2006 Monchengladbach
2002 Kuala Lumpur

Champions Trophy
2005 Chennai
2001 Rotterdam

Commonwealth Games
1998 Kuala Lumpur