Indian women in semifinals

KUALA LUMPUR, MAY 7. Suman Bala and Mamta Kharab struck three goals apiece as India stormed into the semifinals of the junior Asia Cup for women, thrashing Taiwan 9-0 for its second win in Pool B here today.

In another match, Japan wallopped Thailand 14-0 to keep superb momentum towards a last four berth.

India, strong title contender along with South Korea, was held by the plucky Taiwanese till the 33rd minute before opening its account through Neha Singh who slammed in a fine field goal.

India was just 1-0 up at half-time but came back strongly in the second session to score its second big win after beating Thailand 17-0 in the opening game yesterday.

Eight goals came in the second half with three each by Suman Bala and striker Mamta Kharab, who recently played for the senior team in the Olympic hockey qualifiers at Milton Keynes, England, while Adeline Kerketta and Sumari Tete scored the other two goals.

Suman Bala's goals came off penalty corners in the 44th, 57th and 61st minutes, while Mamta scored in the 54th, 59th and 70th minutes to take her tally to eight goals, the highest in the tournament.

Sumrai Tete scored in the 66th minute, while Adline Kerketta struck in the 49th minute.

India plays Japan in its last pool match and a win will help it top Pool B and avoid a premature clash with favourite Korea, who are expected to top Pool A on way to the semifinals. - PTI

Korean Jung Song Tae stumbles over a sprawled Suhaimi Ibrahim of Malaysia in a Pool A match in the junior Asia Cup men's hockey tournament in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.

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