India down South Korea in Asia Cup thriller

CHENNAI (India)—India boosted their chances of qualifying for the Asia Cup field hockey semi-finals with a thrilling 3-2 victory over South Korea here.
The defending champions twice overcame a one-goal deficit in the first half with their attacking display to subdue South Korea in front of jubilant fans under lights on Monday. India lead six-team Group B with nine points from three matches, followed by 2006 Doha Asian Games champions South Korea (6/3), China (6/3), Bangladesh (6/3), Sri Lanka (0/3) and Thailand (0/3).
“It was a big morale-booster for us ahead of the remaining matches. We never had it so good in league matches in recent past,” said Indian coach Joaquim Carvalho. “We started on a slow note and twice came from behind. I think we had an edge over skill and it’s skill that wins matches. I think the margin could have been bigger.”
In other matches, Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka 3-2, China thrashed Thailand 13-0, Japan defeated Hong Kong 7-1 and Pakistan beat Singapore 8-0.
South Korea rattled India in the ninth minute when Jang Jong Hyun converted a penalty-corner, but their joy was short-lived as India equalised through Shivender Singh who deflected in a Dilip Tirkey cross from the left. The visitors regained the lead when Kang Seong Jung found the mark, but failed to hold on to their advantage as Ignace Tirkey soon made it 2-2.
India kept pressure on the South Korean defence and surged ahead when unmarked Prabhjot Singh slammed in a Bimal Lakra cross from the right in the closing minute of the opening session. India defended well in the second half to keep the South Koreans at bay. They also carved out more opportunities but failed to increase the margin.
Pakistan, shocked by Japan in their previous match, impressed only in patches against Singapore and coach Islahuddin Siddiqui said his team were capable of doing better in coming games. “We are rebuilding our team and giving chances to all the players. It takes time and I am confident the team will do better in future,” he said.
“We had chances to score more goals, but credit should be given to their goalkeeper (Lim Shi Hai Paul), who performed really well.” Abbas Haider and Rehan Butt each scored two goals, while Mohammad Imran, Tariq Aziz, Ihsanullah Khan and Imran Khan struck once apiece for Pakistan who now have six points from three matches in five-team Group A.
Japan and Malaysia are also in the contention for a semi-final spot with six points from two games. Yamabori Takahiko was the star in Japan’s victory as he slammed six goals, including four off penalty-corners. Yoshida Kazuo was the other scorer. Arif Ali found the target for Hong Kong.
Hu Hui Ren led China’s goal-spree against Thailand with six goals, followed by Yu Yang, Meng Jun and Lu Feng Hui with two each. Meng Lizhi was the other scorer. Bangladesh were involved in a close match before prevailing over Sri Lanka, scoring their goals through Rasel Mahmud, Mohammad Mamun and Mohammad Zahidul Islam. Sasanka Hettiarachchi and Dhamith Panditharathne scored for Sri Lanka.

—Agencies