Singapore clinches exciting win

CHENNAI, AUG 6. Li Ying's goal off the second penalty corner after the contest was prolonged beyond stoppage time, helped Singapore to clinch an exciting 3-2 verdict over Karnataka and emerge the winner in the four-team invitation women's hockey tournament at the Mayor Radhakrishnan stadium on Monday.

There may have been an element of doubt about the second penalty corner in the extended time but there was no question that for the hard work, creativity and relentless pressure it put, the end result was a poetic justice for Singapore. True the Karnataka girls, who needed just a draw to come out triumphant as the only unbeaten side, were stunned by the last second act and could not hide their tears but Singapore proved that no contest is over until the last whistle. It was a touching moment with the Singapore girls on one side all jubilant and the crestfallen Karnataka lot on the other side.

However, the emotions subsided with the prize distribution and the message to the Indian girls by the Vice President of the Singapore Hockey Federation, Ms Annabel Dillon, who is also in the executive of the FIH that the ``outcome apart, the tournament will have helped you gain new friends and maybe some day in the near future we can have you all in Singapore.''

It was fast paced contest. The Singaporeans showed better control in the passing and assurance in creating openings to bombard the Karnataka end. The way S. S. Nilan was stretched in those initial moments Singapore seemed set for big things. But as it happened it a combined move involving Kumari, Mukta Rajendra and Poonam brought the breakthrough for Karnataka, Kumari, who initiated the move, giving the final touch (23rd minute). Within a minute, however, Singapore equalised through hard working Chu Yue Xiu.

Five minutes into second session and with the tide again the other way, Poonam deflected a Jayaprabha long hit. Stung, the visitors fought back. Niu Lei, Lilian and Chu were seen darting in repeatedly before Priscilla Koh caught the defence unawares with her stealthy move to restore parity. Karnataka seemed happy with the scoreline, tried to defend but Singapore kept gaining penalty corners, a dozen, close to regulation time. Then came two more after the stopwatch indicated time and the dramatic goal.

Earlier, Tamil Nadu defeated Andhra Pradesh 2-0, Irfan Begum scoring in the 10th minute and Saranya adding another in the 52nd minute.

Mr. P. W. C. Davidar, Member Secretary, SDAT, gave away the prizes. A special memento was also given away to the Singapore team by Mr. P. Perumal, President of the Chennai Hockey Fans Association.

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