Big wins for Malaysia, Bangladesh

Malaysia begun their campaign in style by registering an 8-0 drubbing of Singapore in the inaugural match of the seventh BSNL Asia Cup hockey tournament in Chennai on Thursday.

Bangladesh steamrolled Thailand 13-0 after leading 4-0 at the lemon break while Asian Games gold medallists Korea overwhelmed lowly Sri Lanka 12-2 in their first Group B match

It was a good win for Malaysia, who landed in Chennai on Thursday morning and did not get any practice session. Team manager Ponniah Tamilselvan and captain Chua Boonhuat were not happy about the victory margin, but dedicated the win to their countrymen, who are celebrating their national day on Friday.

"It was a slow start. We bettered our first half performance in the second and in fact scored three goals in the last five minutes. We are aiming to make the semifinal grade and then think about winning the title," Chua said.

Malaysia shot into the lead in the third minute and led 3-0 at half-time. Thereafter they completely dictated terms to return an impressive win.

Zulkifli Rejab, Chua Boonhuat and Alzon Misron struck a brace each while Megat Azrafiq and Ismail Abu scored a goal apiece for Malaysia.

Four goals from nippy forward Rasel Mahmud and three from penalty corner specialist Mohd Mamun was the highlight of  the Bangladesh victory. Mohd Zahidful Isla and Mohd Iqbal Nadir netted two goals. Khondokar Hasan and Mohd Jahid Bin Talib were the other scorers for Bangladesh.

Korea, who dominated the match from the beginning, led 6-0 at half-time.

Korea's penalty corner specialist Jang Jong Hyun and Kim Byung Hoon scored four goals each.

Other scorers for Korea were Oh Dae Keun, Lee Jae Won, You hyo Sik and Kang Seong Jung (one each) while Sri Lanka's M M Gazalli netted a brace.

Hyun was declared the man-of-the-match.