KUALA LUMPUR: India fielded a team of second stringers against Malaysia in a Sultan Azlan Shah (SAS) Cup hockey match today.
But it was Malaysia who looked second best at the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh and lost 4-3.
World No. 13 Malaysia had earlier defeated Canada (3-2) and drawn against New Zealand (2-2).
Malaysia’s target of a podium finish looks rather tough as they will face world No. 3 Belgium tomorrow before finishing their round robin fixtures against world No. 15 South Korea on Saturday.
Asian champions India, who edged Korea 1-0 and lost 3-2 to Belgium earlier, were without many key players against Malaysia, but they still scored through Kartik Selvam (seventh), Sukhjeet Singh (21st), Amit Rohidas (39th) and Sanjay Rana (53rd).
Malaysia replied through Faizal Saari (off a penalty corner in the 13th), Fitri Saari (36th) and captain Marhan Jalil (off a penalty corner in the 45th).
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
