India goes down under in Singapore Hockey Challenge

Singapore, Oct 21 (UNI) India's under 18- World Cup potential players fell a minute short and conceded a 2-1 win to Australia's full fledge team, representing the Queensland state in the final of the Singapore International Hockey Challenge today.

India and Australia ended the first half without a goal.

Mirza Mohammed Ather scored for India in the 42 minute through a penalty corner but Jacob James Burns equalised 45 seconds later through a field goal, shortliving the Indian joy.

The Indians softened in the last minute of the game conceding a field goal to Australia's Matt Daniels Gohdes just before the final hooter.

Earlier, Pakistan defeated host Singapore 4-1 for third place.

In the women's section, Australian eves beat Malaysian women by 2-0 in the Singapore open tournament which began on October 17.

Hong Kong was the fourth team that participated in both the men and women annual tournament.

UNI