Malaysia came up with a memorable performance to overcome Japan 5-3 and lift the bronze medal in the seventh BSNL Asia Cup hockey tournament for men in Chennai on Sunday.
In a closely-fought encounter, the Malaysians did well to rally after a second minute surprise goal by 11th-ranked Japan and warded off a late charge by the rivals to win their first ever medal in the championship.
Japan, who trailed 1-4 at half-time, launched an all out offensive in latter part of the match and closed the gap through two quick goals. But the Malaysian defenders and inform goalkeeper Kumar Subremaniam brought off breathtaking clearances.
The pressure was so much that even dependable Japanese captain Yamabori Tkahiko failed to convert a penalty stroke earned in the dying minutes.
It was Japan who drew first blood in the second minute with Yamabori finding the target. But, the Malaysians, ranked 16, found the equaliser three minutes later through Kevinder Singh Makbul.
Thereafter the Malaysians dominated the proceedings and kept penetrating the Japanese defence time and again.
Selvaraju Sandrakasi increased the lead to 2-1 in the 13th minute while Chua Boonhuat, who did exceptionally well to be adjudged player of the match, scored a brace.
Ismail Abu came with a peach of a goal from the edge of the circle.
Earlier, China finished fifth edging out former champions Pakistan 3-2 in a classification match.
The teams were 1-1 at half time.
De Yunze (two) and Hu Liang were the scorers for China while Muhammad Arshad and Rehan Butt sounded the board for Pakistan.
This is the worst-ever finish by Pakistan, who won the title thrice in a row from 1982.
Bangladesh defeated Hong Kong 3-1 to take the seventh place while Sri Lanka outplayed Singapore 6-0 for the ninth.
