India in women's Champions Challenge hockey QF

Skipper Saba Anjum led from the front, scoring three goals, as India thrashed Azerbaijan 6-1 and advanced to the quarter-finals of the FIH Women's Champions Challenge I hockey tournament in Dublin, Ireland.

India led 5-0 at half-time, in their last Pool B round-robin fixture.

Saba (4th, 7th and 32nd minute) converted three penalty-corners while Deepika Thakur (10th), Rani Rampal (18th) and Jasjit Kaur Handa (52nd) scored a goal each.

For Azerbaijan, Khatira Aliyeva scored the lone goal from a penalty-corner in the 47th minute.

India finished second in the pool, behind Ireland, and will now play Japan in the last eight round on Thursday.

India had earlier lost to Ireland 1-2 in their tournament opener before drawing 1-1 with Spain in their next pool fixture.