Asian Champions Trophy: Malaysia beat Pakistan 3-1

CHENNAI: Malaysia defeated Pakistan 3-1 in the Asian Champions Trophy men’s hockey tournament in Chennai on Thursday.

For Malaysia, Firhan Ashari scored 2 goals in the 28th and 29th minutes, while Shello Silverius provided them a 3-0 lead in the 44th minute.

Abdul Rehman scored Pakistan’s solitary goal in the 55th minute.

Even though Pakistan had dominated larger part of the match, Malaysia’s far superior finishing ability proved to be the major difference between the teams.

Playing at the international level after a gap of seven months, Green shirts squandered several goal scoring opportunities, even missing a penalty stroke in the 53^rd minute.

Pakistan now face South Korea in their second match of the event today.

Meanwhile, India swept aside China 7-2 in their opening game.

For the hosts, Harmanpreet Singh and Varun Kumar scored 2 goals apiece. The other 3 goals were scored by Sukhjeet Singh, Mandeep Singh and Akashdeep Singh.

E Wenhui and Jiesheng Gao scored for China to reduce the deficit.

In another match, defending champions South Korea came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 in a thrilling encounter.

Japan’s Ryoma Oooka netted the opening goal of the tournament  efore Cheoleon Park equalised in the 26^th minute.

Kim Junghoo’s skillful execution of a penalty corner provided Korea a decisive 2-1 lead.