Pakistan march on, India’s title defense jolted by Korea

Azlan Shah Cup – Round-up of matches on day 1

The 20th Azlan Shah Hockey tournament got off to a rousing start for Pakistan as they won their opening match in style. On the first day of the 7-nation tournament, being held at Ipoh Malaysia, South Korea came from behind to topple the Indians who are here hoping for a hat-trick of triumphs.

Pakistan 4 (Rizwan Sr. Kashif, Haseem Khan, Umar Bhutta) beat New Zealand 2 (Andrew Hayward, Hugo Iglis) - Half-Time 2-0

The opening encounter, between Asian Games Champions Pakistan - the Green Shirts and New Zealand - the Black Sticks, was largely a one-sided affair. After Rizwan Senior had scored in the 3rd minute, Kashif made it 2-0 at the half time. In the second half, Haseem Khan’s brilliant solo effort gave Pakistan a 3-0 advantage in the 51st minute. The Black Sticks came back strongly in the last 20 minutes of the match scoring two goals to give respectability to the score line. Hayward Andrew and their main striker, Iglo were the goal scorers.

Korea 3 (Chun Suk Woon, Young Sung Hoon, Jang Jong Hyun) beat India 2 (Diwakar Ram, Danish Mujtaba) - Half-Time 1-2

In the second match, South Korea bounced back brilliantly after being down 2 goals to zero in the major part of the first half. Diwakar Ram and Danish Mujtaba netted to give India huge advantage. Koreans made it 1-2 before the half-time. At one time they protested against a decision by British umpire Marin Badden, threatening even to leave the field. Yoon Suk Hoon then scored the equalizer, followed by the winner by Jang Jong through a penalty stroke.

Great Britain 3 (James Tindell, Richard Smith, Robert Moore) beat Malaysia 1 (Tenku Tajuddin) – Half-Time 2-0

Britain played powerful hockey to ease past the hosts who were held back to their half for most of the match. In the 17th minute as James Tindall deflected the ball into the goal during a penalty corner exercise. They went into the second half with 2-0 advantage. Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin gave Malaysia hope by scoring through a reverse flick in the 41st minute. It was all that the hosts could get as Robert Moore in the 51st minute sealed the win for Great Britain.