'Pillay revitalised the forward line'

India hockey goalkeeper Jude Menezes had a special world of praise for evergreen forward Dhanraj Pillay, whose spade work, he believes, led the country to a 2-1 victory over South Africa in the final of the Champions Challenge hockey tournament in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.

The win also facilitated India's entry into next year's Champions Trophy, to be played in Cologne, Germany, after a gap of six years.

Menezes, who himself starred right through the six-team tournament with some superb saves, said Pillay's return to the side made a huge difference to the team's fortunes.

Though Pillay did not figure in the top scorers' list, he said, his influence was equally great, and "it revitalised the forward line".

Menezes had a fine tournament, bringing off several excellent saves, including one off a penalty-stroke in the league encounter against South Africa, and in the deciding match against Argentina.

Reflecting on the final, Menezes said India were far superior and should have won by a six-goal margin.