India back on track with win over Malaysia

A resurgent India blanked Malaysia 3-0 on Wednesday to put their Azlan Shah Cup campaign back on track and stay on course for a place in the final of the five-nation hockey tournament, in Ipoh, Malaysia.

Goals from Arjun Halappa (19th minute) and captain Sandeep Singh (31st) put India 2-0 ahead at the breather.

Gurvinder Chandi then rounded off the tally in the 62nd minute.

Earlier, Egypt pulled off yet another surprise by holding New Zealand to a 1-1 draw

After the 2-2 draw against a lowly Egypt in the opener, Harendra Singh's wards badly needed a win to stay afloat in the tournament. But none expected them to cakewalk past the Malaysians, who had beaten Pakistan and Egypt earlier.

India's opened their account in the 19th minute when Halappa sent the ball past Malaysian goalkeeper S Kumar from a penalty-corner.

Sandeep Singh increased the lead four minutes from the break with a neat flick from a penalty-corner while Chandi completed the rout with a field goal.

Malaysia had several chances to score but were unable to finish.

Malaysia still lead the table with six points, while New Zealand are in second place with five points and India third with four points.

Egypt are placed fourth with three points while Pakistanis, without a point after two matches, are at the bottom.

On Thursday, New Zealand meet India while Pakistan meet Egypt.