Korea clinches title

KUALA LUMPUR, MAY 13. Fancied Korea overcame initial hiccups to down China 2-1 to record its third successive title win in the junior women's Asia Cup hockey while India finished third outplaying Japan 3-1 here on Saturday.

The 70-minute final witnessed a keen contest as the Korea was made to work hard by the Chinese. But Korea utilised its chances well and booked a slot in the women's junior World Cup in Hobart, Australia.

Korea took the lead in the 31st minute through a field goal by Kim Yu-Mi.

One goal down Chinese came back into the game strongly and their persistent attacks paid-off and they equalised. Hou Xiao was the scorer in the 33rd minute through a pass by Zhang Shu Ang.

The second half saw both teams evenly poised. Chinese created a few attacks but their forwards miffed all of them. Korea, which was on the backfoot, forced a penalty corner in the 41st minute which Kang Bo-Kyung converted to put her team 2-1 up. Chinese lost steam and Korea won the final 2-1.

Bronze for Indian women

Earlier Indian women were right on target as they exacted revenge by beating Japan 3-1 to clinch the bronze medal.

India, which had squandered a 2-1 lead to lose 2-3 to Japan in the group fixture, rattled the rival as Neha Singh, Mamta Kharab, Meenakshi and Surinder Kaur drilled holes early on in the rival defence at the Bukit Jalil stadium here.

Forward Surinder Kaur gained the early lead and though the Japanese fought back to equalise through Suzuki Yukiko off a 21st minute penalty corner, Pakpi Devi's 28th minute field conversion helped India forge a 2-1 haltime lead.

The Indian girls were on the offensive in the second half and rounded off victory through a brilliant goal by Mamta Kharab in the 57th minute.

India was a determined lot despite going down to favourite Korea 1-2 following a ``golden goal'' in extratime that put it out of the final and also out of reckoning for the lone qualifying spot for next year's junior World Cup.

Coach Anthony was delighted with the result. ``We were looking for revenge as they had beaten us in the pool match. I am happy for the girls that they have finished third.

- UNI & PTI

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