Runaway wins for China, Pak, Japan; B'desh scrapes through

Chennai, Sep 3 (UNI) Emerging Asian power house China, Japan and Pakistan scored runaway wins, while Bangladesh had to overcome a stiff resistance from Sri Lanka before winning by the odd goal in five (3-2) in the seventh Asia Cup Hockey Championship here today.

While China, helped by a six goal blitz by Hu hai Ren submerged Thailand 13-0, Japan, after their upset win over Pakistan the other day, toyed with Hongkong and emerged winner with a 7-1 scoreline, thanks to six goals by drag flicker and skipper Yamabori Takahiko.

Despite missing a handful of chances, Pakistan revived its semi-final hopes with a 8-0 win over Singapore.

Still smarting under the defeat at the hands of Japan, Pakistan needed to win by a big margin to stay in contention. The start was perfect with Muhammad Imran hoisting the lead with an impeccable drag flick in the fourth minute.

Thereafter it was a tale of missed chances, before Pakistan struck thrice in a span of four minutes for a 4-0 lead at half time.

Abbas Haider scored in the 25th and 28th minutes and Tariq Aziz added one in the 26th.

After change of ends, Pakistan scored two more through penalty corner conversions by Ihsan Ullah (40th) and Imran Khan (63rd).

Skipper Rehan Butt rounded off the tally with good finishes in the 64th and 65th minutes to give Pakistan their second win in three matches.

In the other afternoon match, Japan's Yamabori struck six of the seven goals and Yoshida Kazuo scored the other goal. For Hong Kong, the lone goal came through penalty corner by Arif Ali.

Brief Scores: Pakistan-8 (Muhammad Imran-1, Abbas Haider-2, Tariq Aziz-1, Ihsan Ullah-1, Imran Khan-1, Rehan Butt-2) vs Singapore-0.

Japan-7 (Yamabori Takahiko-6, Yoshida Kazuo-1) bt Hong Kong-1 (Arif Ali).

ED: PICK UP SUITABLY FROM EARLIER SERIES.

UNI