Malaysia, South Korea start with big wins

Faizal Saari stuck the second hat-trick in the ongoing Hero Asia Cup Hockey Championship as Malaysia overpowered China with a 7-1 victory  at the Maulana Bhashani Hockey Stadium yesterday.

Malaysia, one of the rising powerhouses in Asia and also in world hockey grabbed the most deserving victory against China but the margin was something bigger than it was expected.

Malaysian coach Stephen Van Huzen said, “We are really wandered after having this bigger margin win, in fact we did not expect such a big win. Recently in different competitions though we won but things were not so easy. But it is certainly inspiring to have such a big win in the opening match.”

Tengu Tajuddin, initiated scoring on 12th minute when the forward after a superb exchanging with Jalil Marthan made a cool finish to lead the

team (1-0).

Faizal Saari availed the advantage of new rules of the game, introduced in the Champions Trophy in London - if any player can score three goals, will be counted as a hat-trick and no need to score in a row to have a credit of hattrick.  Abu Mahmood produced the first one against Bangladesh on Wednesday.

Faizal Saari, who was adjudged player of the match opened his account on 17th minute sounding the board with a powerful hit after receiving the ball from a quick combined attack through the left side (2-0).

Two minute later Malaysia stretched their margin with Tengu Tajuddin  scored his second, third of the match after receiving a pass from Nabil Noor on 19th (3-0).

Faizal Saari doubled his account on 31st when

he converted a penalty corner (4-0).

Shahril Saabah, who worked hard, came in action on 35th minute with a close range hit to make the tally 5-0. Malaysia became more serious to push their lead bigger and  Fazal Saari completed his hat-trick on 41st minute and this time Najmi Jazlan provided the ball (6-0).

Ramadan Rosli closed the sheet joining in the celebration when pushed a close range hit just few seconds before the final siren (7-0). China had a solace of reducing one goal when Wenhui scored the lone goal for the team on 56th minute (1-7).                 

SOUTH KOREA Win

Later defending champions South Korea began their Hero Asia Cup campaign in style when they downed Oman by 7-2 after trailing by a goal in the day’s second match. Oman stunned all halting the holders in the first quarter and took lead in the third minute of the second quarter.

But the mighty Korea strongly bounced back and scored seven goals to down Oman by 7-2.     

Rashad Fazari broke the deadlock of the match to lead Oman on 18th minute.

Lee Mookyoung levelled it for Korea on 22nd while Namyong Lee scored twice and Chosukhoon, Seungil Lee, Jihunyang, Jonghyung and Namyong Lee added one goal each.

Oman Asad Mubark reduced another one for Oman.

Malaysia, South Korea start with big wins

Faizal Saari stuck the second hat-trick in the ongoing Hero Asia Cup Hockey Championship as Malaysia overpowered China with a 7-1 victory at the Maulana Bhashani Hockey Stadium yesterday. Malaysia, one of the rising powerhouses in Asia and also in world hockey grabbed the most deserving victory against China but the margin was something bigger than it was expected. Malaysian coach Stephen Van Huzen said, We are really wandered after having this bigger margin win, in fact we did not expect such a big win. Recently in different competitions though we won but things were not so easy. But it is certainly inspiring to have such a big win in the opening match. Tengu Tajuddin, initiated scoring on 12th minute when the forward after a superb exchanging with Jalil Marthan made a cool finish to lead the team (1-0). Faizal Saari availed the advantage of new rules of the game, introduced in the Champions Trophy in London - if any player can score three goals, will be counted as a hat-trick and no need to score in a row to have a credit of hattrick. Abu Mahmood produced the first one against Bangladesh on Wednesday. Faizal Saari, who was adjudged player of the match opened his account on 17th minute sounding the board with a powerful hit after receiving the ball from a quick combined attack through the left side (2-0). Two minute later Malaysia stretched their margin with Tengu Tajuddin scored his second, third of the match after receiving a pass from Nabil Noor on 19th (3-0). Faizal Saari doubled his account on 31st when he converted a penalty corner (4-0). Shahril Saabah, who worked hard, came in action on 35th minute with a close range hit to make the tally 5-0. Malaysia became more serious to push their lead bigger and Fazal Saari completed his hat-trick on 41st minute and this time Najmi Jazlan provided the ball (6-0). Ramadan Rosli closed the sheet joining in the celebration when pushed a close range hit just few seconds before the final siren (7-0). China had a solace of reducing one goal when Wenhui scored the lone goal for the team on 56th minute (1-7). SOUTH KOREA Win Later defending champions South Korea began their Hero Asia Cup campaign in style when they downed Oman by 7-2 after trailing by a goal in the days second match. Oman stunned all halting the holders in the first quarter and took lead in the third minute of the second quarter. But the mighty Korea strongly bounced back and scored seven goals to down Oman by 7-2. Rashad Fazari broke the deadlock of the match to lead Oman on 18th minute. Lee Mookyoung levelled it for Korea on 22nd while Namyong Lee scored twice and Chosukhoon, Seungil Lee, Jihunyang, Jonghyung and Namyong Lee added one goal each. Oman Asad Mubark reduced another one for Oman.