Date:26/04/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/04/26/stories/2004042606261800.htm

Sport - Hockey

India downs Malaysia

KARACHI, APRIL 25. Sandeep Singh scored a goal in each half to help India get past a fighting Malaysia 5-2 and top Group B in the Junior Asia Cup hockey here on Sunday.

Sandeep converted a penalty stroke in the 23rd minute and added another in the last minute of the match as the reigning World Junior champion won its fourth match in a row but only after fighting hard against a spirited Malaysian team. Skipper Sandeep Michael (2) Vikram Raja scored the other goals for India. Mohammad Rejabb scored twice in the 39th and 44th minute for Malaysia. In the day's other matches, China outlasted Sri Lanka 1-0 while Singapore beat Japan 2-1.

Sandeep Michael and then doubled the lead when Sandeep Singh converted a penalty stroke. Michael made it 3-0 soon after the start of the second half but Malaysia rallied back brilliantly with two quick goals. Mohammad Rejabb scored twice in the 39th and 44th minute as a partisan home crowd rooted for the Malaysians.

However, Vikram Raja scored a field goal ten minutes from time and specialist Sandeep Singh's only goal in five penalty corners sealed the match in India's favour.

The semifinals are scheduled for Tuesday. — PTI