India outwits Korea with magnificient display

Chennai, Sep 3 (UNI) Defending champions India put up a brilliant display to edge out formidable Korea 3-2 to virtually enter the semi-finals of the 7th BSNL Asia Cup hockey tournament here this evening.

Playing before a packed home crowd, India recovered from a one goal deficit in the ninth minute, equalised in the 21st minute through promising forward Shivendra Singh.

Korea went into the lead, converting their second penalty corner through Jang Jong Hyun. However, the Koreans could not force as many chances as India did, thanks to good work by defender Dilip Tirkey and William Xalxo and Ragunath.

Fighting back, the Koreans snatched 2-1 lead in the 28th minute through a field goal when Kang Scong Jung unleashed a stinging shot from top of the D.

However, Ignace Tirkey drew level for India in the 34th minute, sounding the board, off a feeder from Rajpal Singh on the left flank.

A few minutes before half time, Prabhjot Singh carved out a lead for India 3-2 with a fine reverse flick from top of the D which Bimel fed him from the left flank.

With this win, India are now on top of pool B with nine points from three wins in a row and superior goal average vis a vis the other contender China.

UNI