Drag-flicker Rupinder Pal Singh scores brace as top-ranked India eke out 2-1 win over hosts Malaysia to secure top spot in round-robin stage
India's Rupinder (right) battles for the ball in the Asian Champions Trophy vs Malaysia yesterday
India's Rupinder (right) battles for the ball in the Asian Champions Trophy vs Malaysia yesterday
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Kuantan (Malaysia): In-form drag-flick expert Rupinder Pal Singh scored a brace as top-ranked India eked out a 2-1 win over Malaysia to secure the top spot in the round-robin stage in the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament here yesterday.
With this win, Roelant Oltmans-coached India have 13 points having played all the five games, while Malaysia remained in the second spot with nine points from four games. “I would say we were a bit lucky to get things in our favour in the end. Down to 10 players in the last quarter, we could only try to force the pace and try to keep up the pressure,” said India coach Roelant Oltmans.
Rupinder strikes early
Rupinder, who had scored eight goals before this match, gave world No.6 India the lead in the 12th minute but Razie Rahim equalised for world No.14 Malaysia in the 18th minute. However, Rupinder once again stepped up to convert a penalty corner to make it 2-1. Meanwhile, South Korea sealed a spot in the semi-finals following a 4-3 win over Japan, who lost five consecutive matches.
Pakistan in tight spot
South Korea are third on the table with seven points from four matches, while fourth-placed Pakistan face fifth-placed China on Thursday. Pakistan have six points from four matches while the Chinese have three points. Pakistan not only have three points more than China but the goal difference of -1 for the former world champions could come into play even if China, who have a goal difference of (-14), manage a win.
The match between India and Malaysia started at a very good pace with both the teams, known for their counter-attacking game, at it from the very beginning. India, however, looked better and earned a penalty corner in the third minute. India survived anxious moments as hosts Malaysia posed serious challenge.
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