It was always going to be a mismatch when World No. 4 India took on World No. 25 China in their campaign opener of the Asian Champions Trophy here. And that’s exactly how it panned out with the hosts winning 7-2 at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium on Thursday. However, India’s ‘defend to win’ approach in their first home game under new coach Craig Fulton—a strategy opposite to that of his predecessor Graham Reid’s ‘full press attack’ ploy—did not come through as convincingly.

China’s Wenhui E celebrates a goal against India. Pics/Hockey India