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All the news for Sunday 30 October 2016

Dream India Pakistan final on Diwali day



Malaysian port city of Kuantan witnessed celebration of Indian ethos Diwali on a grand scale today while the same Festival of Light will await India tomorrow.

As most part of India will indulge in Diwali tomorrow, the real cracker will be heard at Kuantan Municipal Stadium turf in Wisma Belia.

India and Pakistan, traditional rivals, will clash for the fourth Asian Champions Trophy final, as both have overcome their stiff semifinal hurdle in the same fashion: Shoot out. As fate of teams will have it, Malaysia which walloped Pakistan for a fluent 4-2 in the league, second-fiddle to the motivated Pakistan team today in the second semifinal.

Playing under full stands, music and melody singing with it, Pakistan overcame both crowd and the atmosphere that went with it to over come the hosts in a tense shoot out.

The shoot out, unlike the previous one between India and Korea, was a damp squip for the hosts. After two successful conversions against one out of two by Pakistan, Malaysians lost steam. Faiz Jali, Sharil saabh, and Fitri Saari fizzled out. Pakistan won the shoot out 3-2 even before one of its quota was not taken.

For the young Imran Butt, who stood under the bar, its dream two saves that catapulted his team to the summit clash here.

This brings a halt to the full stands, as Malaysia will not be in the final.

The dream clash between India and Pakistan may not bring full stands, but will be interesting to watch.

Despite drizzling, the stands today witnessed maximum crowd, most of them were sitting on wed, open air stands.

They may have been disappointed with Malaysia's defeat, but hockey was the winner today.

Malaysia was almost subdued today, giving enough elbow room for Pakistan to launch attacks.

Malaysia got crucial penalty corners, but their veteran in the art Razie Rahim could not deliver.

Pakistan did not present as a cohesive unit, but individual brilliance saw them attacking.

Playing against their Federation President and Secretary, Pak showed lot of energy in tackling the hosts.

Today's Pakistan was different in approach compared to their match where Pak surrendered initiative to Malaysia and went down 2-4.

Malaysia took lead in the 18th minutew ehn Shahri Saabah bounced on to a rebound from Imran Butt after he blocked Rahim Razie's strong drag in the penalty corner drill. The sides changed for the lemon time with Malaysia leading.

Four minutes into the secondhalf, Abdul Khan put it away a long cross into D to draw parity on the scoreboard. Pakistan then dominated the proceedings though it did not manifest in scoring.

Stick2Hockey.com

Shoot-out nightmare

By Jugjet Singh

MALAYSIA lost another golden chance when they were bundled out of the Asian Champions Trophy final in a penalty shoot-out in Kuantan Saturday.

The score was tied 1-1 at regulation time, but Pakistan were better in the shoot-out to win 3-2 and play India in the final today.

Faiz Helmi Jali, Shahril Saabah and Fitri Shaari failed to score and Malaysia will now play South Korea for the bronze.

For the record, Malaysia have only won bronze medals in the last three editions.

Malaysian coach Stephen Van Huizen admitted his players did not play their best.

"Yes I admit the players were not up to the mark and have played much better against Japan and India. I hope this is a bitter lesson for them when they play in the World League (Round Two in Trinidad and Tobago next year) where they must get the job done at the crucial period," said van Huizen.

The game was played in constant drizzle, but the 4,000-odd crowd refuse to leave their seats and cheered on their favourite sport.

Goalkeeper S. Kumar was padded-up on Deepavali day, while striker Faizal Shaari rushed to Ipoh in the morning to welcome his first child, a son, to the world and was back in the evening to play for Malaysia.

Their dedication and sacrifices did not go to waste as Malaysia took the lead off their first penalty corner itself.

Shahril Saabah's drive in the 18th minute brought some relief into the game as it stood until the half-time breather.

It never stopped raining, and the slippery pitch made strikers from both sides slip and fall. However, Pakistan came back into the picture when Abdul Khan nailed the equalsier from close range in the 34th minute, and it was enough to take the match into penalty shoot-out.

In the other semi-finals, India had to bring out their best to deny a fighting South Korea in a tensed penalty shoot-out after the match ended 2-2.

Talwinder Singh (15th) and Ramandeep Singh (55th) scored for India while Seo Inwoo (21st) and Yang Jihun (53rd) scored for Korea.

In the shoot-out, India held their nerves to win 5-4.

RESULTS: Semi-finals -- Malaysia 1 Pakistan 1 (Pakistan win shoot-out 3-2), India 2 South Korea 2 (India win shoot-out 5-4).

Fifth-Sixth: China 4 Japan 3.

SUNDAY: Final -- Pakistan v India (8.30pm); Third-Fourth: Malaysia v South Korea (6.15pm).

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey

Malaysia lose to Pakistan in penalty shootout

By S. Ramaguru



KUANTAN: Malaysia’s gallant run in the Asian Champions Trophy has come to an end.

And it came at the hands of defending champions Pakistan in the semi-final at the Kuantan Hockey Stadium on Saturday.

Coach Stephen van Huizen’s men fell 3-2 in a penalty shootout after both teams were tied at 1-1 in regulation time.

Mohd Shahril Saabah put Malaysia ahead in the 18th minute before Abdul Khan equalised for Pakistan in the 34th minute.

In the shootout, Malaysia scored through Mohd Firhan Azhari and Faizal Saari while Faiz Helmi, Shahril and Fitri Saari missed theirs.

Abdul Khan, Mohamed Rizwan Senior and Mohamed Irfan Junior netted for Pakistan, who will face India in Sunday’s final.

India also needed a shootout to overcome South Korea. The teams were level at 2-2 in regulation time and India prevailed 5-4 in the lottery shootout.

India were winners in 2011 while Pakistan won in 2012 and 2013.

Malaysia, who finished third in all three editions, will face South Korea in the third-placing match.     

National coach Stephen admitted that his men were below par.

“It wasn’t a good performance ... we did not do well as in previous matches,” he said.

“But we have a bigger target – the World League second round next year. The players must learn from this experience.”

The biggest surprise in the Malaysian line-up was the inclusion of Faizal Saari, who started the match despite arriving from Ipoh just hours before the match.

He had travelled to Ipoh to visit his wife, who had given birth to their first child – a boy.

In the earlier semi-final, it was India who took the lead in the 15th minute through Talwinder Singh.

South Korea then hit back to go 2-1 up with goals by Seo In-woo (21st) and Yang Ji-hun (53rd pen).

India levelled the score through Sardar Singh (55th) to take the game into a shootout.

“It’s always tough at the semi-final stage,” said India’s midfielder Sardar.

“We played well and had ample opportunities to get more goals.

“Luckily, we prevailed in the shootout. We’re looking forward to a good final.”

The Star of Malaysia

Pakistan defeat Malaysia in semis, will face India in final of Asian Champions Trophy

Pakistan on Saturday defeated Malysia and qualified for the final of Asian Hockey Champions Trophy, where the green shirts will face their traditional rivals India on Sunday for the championship title.

Pakistan defeated Malaysia on a penalty shootout after their semi final match was tied with the scoreline 1-1 at full time.

Goalkeeper Amjad thwarted an attempt by a Malaysian player and forced him to throw the ball out of the net.

The green shirts will now face India on Sunday who defeated South Korea by five goals to four, to reach the final.

Pakistan lost their group matches against host Malaysia by 4-2 , India by 3-2 while winning against Korea by 1-0 , Japan by 4-3 and China by 4-0.

This is Pakistan's fourth consecutive entry into the final of the Asian Champions Trophy.

Dawn

Pakistan book final against India in Asian Champions Trophy 2016


PHOTO COURTESY: AHF

Pakistan avenged their group-match defeat against Malaysia when it counted the most in the semi-final of the Asian Champions Trophy match and will now face arch-rivals India in the final on Sunday.

In the semi-final, Malaysia opened the scoring when they converted their first penalty corner courtesy Shahril Saabah’s drag in the 18th minute.

Abdul Khan then rose to the occasion and tucked in from a deflection in the 34th minute to bring Pakistan on level terms.

The match went into a shoot-out where Pakistani goal keeper denied Malaysia the chance to score on three different occasions.

The final score on shoot-out was 4-2 as Pakistani players celebrated their entry into the final against India.

Pakistan head coach Khawaja Janaid said this on Pakistan’s victory: “Penalty shoot-out is anybody’s game. We are very lucky to be in the fourth consecutive final. We had a weak side when we came here.”

On facing India in the final, Khawaja said: “Final is a game of nerve. Team who plays good hockey will win. Team who keeps his structure will win.”

Earlier in the first semi-final, India also beat Korea on shoot-out to book a berth in the final.

The Express Tribune

Pakistan down Malaysia in semifinal to face India in final

LAHORE: Pakistan defeated Malaysia and qualified for the final of Asian Champions Trophy Hockey Tournament in Kuantan, Malaysia where the greenshirts will face their traditional rivals India on Sunday (today) for the championship title.

Pakistan defeated Malaysia on a penalty shootout after their semifinal match was tied with the scoreline 1-1 at full time. Pakistan lost their group matches against hosts Malaysia 4-2 , India 3-2 while winning against South Korea 1-0, Japan 4-3 and China 4-0. Malaysia opened the scoring when they converted their first penalty corner courtesy Shahril Saabah’s drag in the 18th minute. Abdul Khan then rose to the occasion and tucked in from a deflection in the 34th minute to bring Pakistan on level terms.

The match went into a shoot-out where the Pakistan goalkeeper denied Malaysia the chance to score on three different occasions. The final score on shoot-out was 4-2 as Pakistan players celebrated their entry into the final against India. Pakistan head coach Khawaja Junaid Ahmad said this on Pakistan’s victory: “Penalty shoot-out is anybody’s game. We are very lucky to be in the fourth consecutive final. We had a weak side when we came here.” On facing India in the final, Junaid said: “Final is a game of nerve. Team who plays good hockey will win. Team who keeps his structure will win.”

Earlier in the first semi-final, India also defeated Korea on shoot-out to book a berth in the final. The Indians held off a strong challenge from the Koreans to win 5-4 (2-2) via penalty shoot-out in the first semi-final of the day. The two sides were locked 2-2 at the end of the regulation time. For India, Talwinder Singh, Ramandeep Singh found the target in the regulation time while Seo Inwoo and Yang Jihun scored for the Koreans. In the penalty shoot-out, Sardar Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Akashdeep and Rupinder Pal Singh scored as India entered the final.

Rupinder also stepped up to convert the penalty stroke which was awarded to India after South Korean goalkeeper D Hong hit the legs of Birendra Lakra with his stick during the fifth and final shootout effort.

Indian captain and goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who took his place under the bar after being sidelined for two round-robin matches due to an ankle injury, stopped the fifth and final South Korean player in the penalty shoot-out, paving the way for India’s win.

The Daily Times

Pakistan set up India final in Asian Champions Trophy

KUANTAN - Pakistan avenged their group-match defeat against Malaysia when it counted the most in the semi-final of the Asian Champions Trophy match and will now face arch-rivals India in the final on Sunday.

In the semi-final, Malaysia opened the scoring when they converted their first penalty corner courtesy Shahril Saabah’s drag in the 18th minute.

Abdul Khan then rose to the occasion and tucked in from a deflection in the 34th minute to bring Pakistan on level terms.

The match went into a shoot-out where Pakistani goal keeper denied Malaysia the chance to score on three different occasions.

The final score on shoot-out was 4-2 as Pakistani players celebrated their entry into the final against India.

In the shootout, only the first two attempts for Malaysia by Firhan Ashari and and Faizal Saari were converted, while Faiz Jali, Shahril Saabah and Fitri Saari all faltered.

Only four shots were taken for Pakistan as Abdul Khan, Muhammad Ifran Jr and Muhammad Arslan Qadir shot on target, while only Muhammad Rizwan Sr failed on his attempt.

As they had already taken a winning lead, the fifth Pakistan shot was not required.

Pakistan head coach Khawaja Janaid said this on Pakistan’s victory: “Penalty shoot-out is anybody’s game.

We are very lucky to be in the fourth consecutive final.

We had a weak side when we came here.”

On facing India in the final, Khawaja said: “Final is a game of nerve.

Team who plays good hockey will win. Team who keeps his structure will win.”

Earlier in the first semi-final, India also beat Korea on shoot-out to book a berth in the final.

Top-ranked India found the young Koreans tough opponents, who bounced back after conceding the initial lead and were in the lead briefly before India got the equaliser in regulation period.

Talwinder Singh gave India the initial lead with a field goal in the 15th minute, but the Koreans came back to score through Seo In-Woo’s strike in open play in the 21st and then took the lead from a penalty stroke conversion by Yang Ji-Hun in the 53rd.

The match went to shootout after Ramandeep Singh scored made it 2-2 for India in the 55th minute.

In the shootout, Sardar Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh and Akashdeep Singh duly scored the first four attempts before Birendra Lakra was obstructed and the resultant penalty stroke was converted by Rupinder to give India all five successful strikes in the shootout.

For South Korea, captain Jung Man-Jae, Kim Hyeong-Jin and Lee Jung-Jun faced no problem in converting their attempts.

The fourth shot by Bae Jong-Suk was blocked by Sreejesh, but a penalty stroke was awarded for a stick-check by the Indian goalkeeper after Korea asked for a video referral and the resultant stroke was converted by Yang Ji-Hun.

It all came down to the last Korean shot and Sreejesh rose to the occasion to deny Lee Dae-Yeol to seal the affair.

The Nation

Koreans made Indians sweat before conceding a shoot out victory



Pugnacious Korea scared prodigal looking India throughout the sixty minutes of play, and in the process taught a few lessons as to how to make use of split away counters, before though failing to do the impossible - defeating higher ranked India in Kuantan.

When the score was tied 2-2 at the regulation time, and then first four players of each team converted their quota in the shoot out, Indian goalie PR Sreejesh summoned all his consummate experience to thwart the attempt of Lee Dae Yeol, and thus presenting 'local' Diwali gift to his mates, and his countrymen.

In the shoot out, Sardar Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh, and Akashdeep (through again Rupinder in the 'Video Referred' stroke) before Birendra Lakra struck what turned out to the clincher.

Till then, Jung Man Jae, Kim Hyeon Gin, Lee Jung Jun and Bae Jon Suk kept their shoot out while Sreejesh managed to block the Lee's.

He even blocked the Jong Suk's but a referral by Korea led to video umpire awarding Stroke just like London Champions Trophy final.

"I have not seen all players scoring in a shoot out", wondered Indian coach Roelant Oltmans.

India did play exceedingly well in the first and full second half but were unable to break the Korean wall fortified with additional medios.

However, when the Koreans got their chances, two men forwardline did exceedingly well to trouble Rupinder Pal led Indian defence.

India surrendered its 14th minute lead given by Talwinder Singh in six minutes time when unmarked Seo In Woo collected a cross from right flank to whack to the right of goalie Sreejesh (1-1). Despite each team getting two penalty corners each subsequently, scoreboard did not move at HT.

A minute before halftime, India got a golden chance to go up. Ramandeep SIngh cut through the defence from the right, and was in a position to hit, but was tripped. He tried to push the ball in even as falling, but umpire Ilango gave India its last of first half Penalty Corner. First charger cleared the shot.



After both Nikkin and Ramandeep Singh missed out some sitters, Korea went up seen minutes before the hooter, benefitting a liberal stroke award given by Malaysian umpire Ilango. Yang Jihun converted.

As things turn out painful for India, Sardar Singh who started the game as midfielder before moving to defence, in a spurt of moment, showed clean pair of heels to markers and moved upto right flank tip, and then shielding the ball along base line sent a minus for Ramandeep Singh, who just tapped in to the right of Hong Doopyo, the rival goalie, who did so well till then in containing marauding Indian forwards.

His class set the stage for final shoot out where once again Sreejesh turned out to be the KING.

Stick2Hockey.com

India beat Korea to set up title clash against Pakistan

KUANTAN (Malaysia): Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh starred in front of the goal to help India beat South Korea in the penalty shootout and set up a mouth-watering title clash against arch-rivals Pakistan in the fourth Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament.

Recovering from his ankle injury to play in today's semi-final at the Kuantan Hockey Stadium, Sreejesh saved the South Korea's last attempt to secure the hard-fought 5-4 win in the shootout after both the teams were locked 2-2 at the end of regulation time.

Sreejesh padded away the ball from the stick of Lee Dae-Yeol to clinch the victory and seal India's place in Sunday's summit clash.

This is India's third entry into the final of the Asian Champions Trophy, whose inaugural edition it won in 2011 and were runners up to Pakistan in 2012.

Later in the day, defending champions Pakistan avenged their loss to hosts Malaysia in the opening match when they prevailed 3-2 in the penalty shootout of the second semi-final after the regulation period ended in a 1-1 draw.

India had earlier defeated Pakistan 2-1 in the round-robin league stage of the tournament.

During regulation period, Malaysia opened the scoring in the 18th minute through a penalty corner conversion by Shahril Saabah, but Pakistan equalised through an open play goal by Abdul Khan in the 34th minute.

In the shootout, only the first two attempts for Malaysia by Firhan Ashari and and Faizal Saari were converted, while Faiz Jali, Shahril Saabah and Fitri Saari all faltered.

Only four shots were taken for Pakistan as Abdul Khan, Muhammad Ifran Jr and Muhammad Arslan Qadir shot on target, while only Muhammad Rizwan Sr failed on his attempt. As they had already taken a winning lead, the fifth Pakistan shot was not required.

Earlier, top-ranked India found the young Koreans tough opponents, who bounced back after conceding the initial lead and were in the lead briefly before India got the equaliser in regulation period.

Talwinder Singh gave India the initial lead with a field goal in the 15th minute, but the Koreans came back to score through Seo In-Woo's strike in open play in the 21st and then took the lead from a penalty stroke conversion by Yang Ji-Hun in the 53rd.

The match went to shootout after Ramandeep Singh scored to make it 2-2 for India in the 55th minute.

In the shootout, Sardar Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Rupinder Pal Singh and Akashdeep Singh duly scored the first four attempts before Birendra Lakra was obstructed and the resultant penalty stroke was converted by Rupinder to give India all five successful strikes in the shootout.

For South Korea, captain Jung Man-Jae, Kim Hyeong-Jin and Lee Jung-Jun faced no problem in converting their attempts. The fourth shot by Bae Jong-Suk was blocked by Sreejesh, but a penalty stroke was awarded for a stick-check by the Indian goalkeeper after Korea asked for a video referral and the resultant stroke was converted by Yang Ji-Hun.

It all came down to the last Korean shot and Sreejesh rose to the occasion to deny Lee Dae-Yeol to seal the affair.

During the match, India launched the first attack in the seventh minute as Talwinder moved into the circle from the left and tried a reverse shot to the far post, but the ball was intercepted by a defender to avert the danger.

The first Indian penalty corner came two minutes later, but Rupinder's grounder posed no danger to the Korean goal.

Right-half Pradeep Mor sent a diagonal ball into the goalmouth, where Talwinder's faint deflection went wide of the left post in the 14th minute.

Within 15 seconds, Talwinder got a ball from Akashdeep on the other flank and this time he unleashed a diagonal shot from top of the circle into the boards to open India's account.

The Koreans retaliated with their first penalty corner, but captain Jang Man-Jae's shot was wide.

Nikkin Thimmaiah dribbled around in the Korean circle in the 17th minute to get a clear view of the goal, but then left the ball for India's captain for the match SK Uthappa, who show wide after dribbling past one defender.

The Koreans equalised in the 21st minute when Rupinder was unable to intercept a long through pass at the top of the circle. Nippy Korean striker Seo In-Woo succeeded in stealing the ball from Rupinder and then wrong-footed him to have a clear view of the citadel. Seo beat custodian Sreejesh with a firm drive that sounded the boards.

The Koreans then forced two penalty corners before half-time, but failed to convert both.

In between two Korean penalty corners, India got a penalty corner, but the defenders rushed off briskly to block Rupinder's shot within a yard of leaving his stick in the 29th minute.

Rupinder was frustrated again in the 36th minute from India's third penalty corner. This time a rising shot was slapped pack by goalkeeper Hong Doopyo.

The last quarter of the match was played under heavy rains. The Koreans made the most of a momentary confusion in the Indian defence near 25 years and moved the ball briskly to the circle to earn their fourth penalty corner.

Goalkeeper Sreejesh blocked two shot and the third shy on the round struck the body of Devender Walmiki, who was standing on the goal-line. The resultant penalty stroke was duly converted by Yang Ji-Hun to give South Korea a 2-1 lead in the 53rd minute.

Trailing for the first time in the contest, India charged ahead to earn a penalty corner, where the shot was deflected out by the defenders, but Sardar Singh produced his old sparkle to set up the Indian equaliser.

Sardar moved in along the goalline on the left flank and went past a couple of Koreans before passing the ball to Ramandeep Singh who flicked into the goal to draw level.

India continued to attack in the last five minutes, but the Koreans packed their territory in numbers to thwart any danger to their citadel.

The Times of India

Sardar's sparkle brought us back into game, says Oltmans

KUANTAN: Indian hockey coach Roelant Oltmans singled out star midfielder Sardar Singh for special praise after the team staged a remarkable fightback to beat South Korea and enter the final of the fourth Asian Champions Trophy on Saturday.

India came back into the game after slipping behind South Korea with just seven minutes remaining in the semi-final contest.

"Trailing 1-2, we needed something special to get back in the contest and that sparkle was provided by Sardar Singh," said Oltmans, praising the former India captain and the most experienced member of the squad for setting up the 55th minute goal that earned India 2-2 parity after they had slipped behind.

India went on to win the penalty shootout 5-4 as seasoned custodian PR Sreejesh thwarted the last South Korean attempt by Lee Dae-Yeol.

Leading through an early goal by Talwinder Singh in the 15th minute, India saw South Korea make it 1-1 through a field goal by Seo In-Woo in the 21st minute. The Koreans went 2-1 ahead in the 53rd minute on a penalty stroke conversion by Yang Ji-Hun.

The penalty stroke came after a fine counter-attack released the pressure against the Indians.

Producing his old sparkle when India were under tremendous pressure, Sardar moved in along the goal-line on the right flank and went past a couple of Koreans before passing the ball for Ramandeep Singh to flick into the goal.

"Sardar created a brilliant goal, that's what he is in the team for," said Oltmans.

"South Koreans played a very defensive formation and they were difficult to break."

This goal saved the blushes for pre-tournament favourites India, who had slipped behind on a defensive lapse two minutes earlier against the rivals who played with a packed defence throughout the match.

"Down 1-2 with just seven minutes to go, the boys showed their resolve for a fightback," said Oltmans.

The young South Korean outfit had held India to a 1-1 draw in their round-robin league encounter. It was the only game the Indians did not win in the preliminary league. Oltmans said India had three good quarters and one bad one during regulation period today, but that one quarter could have ruined everything.

"The Koreans closed their territory by often getting eight players back to defend," said Oltmans.

This is India's third entry into the final of the Asian Champions Trophy, whose inaugural edition it won in 2011 and were runners up to Pakistan in 2012.

The Times of India

Our team is becoming mentally tough



Indians may not over all be happy with the way their national hockey team performing in the Kuantan Asian Champions Trophy, especially failing to win Korea in the regulation time twice in a week but coach Roelant Oltmans sees brighter side of the Korean tangle and feels Indian team has learnt to overcome tight situations and winning in Kuantan.

undefined “Am very happy the way my team fought back to share points. They trailed but did not go down, but fought their way back to count. This is what counts. Previous teams perhaps would not have done that”, the Dutchman said moments after India winning the shoot out against Korea in the first semi-final.

“I must say this team is mentally very strong. Fights till the end”. Appraising the team’s performance in the semis in particular, the coach said: “We had three excellent quarters. We could have put it away more goals in those spells, but Koreans were a strong side. Strength of the Korean team is they are not conceding many goals in the entire tournament, and that’s the way it is”.

“Its very difficult to play that kind of teams. We cannot attack as they overcrowd there, and then depend on counters for goals. With fast players at our hand we did”.

"Teams are defensive, its understandable. Teams tend to play defensive with higher tanked teams. Teams are searching for tactics how to bet us. In this tournament, except second half of Malaysia, other teams played totally defensively against us”.

“Its normal, we also do the same with our rivals who are ranked above us. That may not be the attractive hockey, but its results that count. That the Koreans drew us twice shows such tactics is relevant and successful”

. “In the first quarter, we went too much and kept attacking against total defensive game of Korea. But they won’t come up, and attack. In such situations its difficult for us to split and overcome”.

He had a word of praise for Sardar Singh who class and opportunism saw India levelling 2-2 six minutes before the hooter.



“Sardar is an import team member. He was a little bit sloppy in the first half, he was far better in the second. You need in the team someone take the lead in tough situations which he assumed and he did. That’s why he is in the team. He set up a fantastic action that led to goal”.

On reminded the referral against Indian goalie PR Sreejesh saving a goal resembled of London Champions Trophy, he smiled and said: “ My point of view is that it was not a stroke situation. Sreejesh tackled the forward well. The forward was not moving with stick, there was a gap between him and Sree, this doesn’t warrant stroke.

“I haven’t seen everyone scoring in the shoot out, and it happened today. In the end am happy with the way things went”.

On the choice of his rival for the final, he had to say: “I will not be surprised the other semifinal will also go in to shoot out”.

”The most important game is still to come in the tournament” was his parting shot.

Stick2Hockey.com

Stats Speak: India wins silver jubilee occasion in tie break/Shoot out

By B.G.Joshi(Sehore-Bhopal, India)

Tie breaker rule came in existence in Hockey from Sept 1, 1970. Prior to that toss of coin or overall performance in league had decided the winner. First tie breaker was applied in the 1972 Munich Olympics match between Poland and France. Poland stood 11th as Polish won 3-0 in tie breaker, regulation time score was 4-4. India have faced tie breaker first time in 1973 Amsterdam World Cup Final.  India lost the title 2-4 in tie breaker (FT 2-2). Since then in Kuantan semi final versus South Korea it was the 25th (Silver Jubilee) occasion, when India has faced TB. Till date India won 17 and lost 8 tie breaker/shoot out. Shoot Out was introduced in Hockey from Sept 1, 2011. Indian GK PR Sreejesh is first to grab this opportunity as India became triumphant in Ordos Asian Champions trophy (Sep 2011).Details are:
India in tie break/Shoot out

 PR Sreejesh won the following shoot out

 Fieldhockey.com

Indian eves hold Japan to 2-2 draw

SINGAPORE: Indian eves fought hard to eke out a 2-2 draw against Japan in the fourth women's Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament on Saturday.

The game also marked a personal milestone for Vandana Katariya, who was playing in her 150th international match.

Katariya from Uttar Pradesh, made her India debut in 2006 when she played for the junior squad and subsequently earned a berth in the senior team in 2010.

In the opener, both teams were slow to move off the blocks as the Indian women pressed hard to create opportunities in the first half of the match.

Japan had their chances in the first half with a penalty corner in the very first minute, but the Indian defence was up to the task to deny them a lead.

At halftime India and Japan were locked in a stalemate with both the teams unable to break the other's defence.

The break proved useful for the Indian eves as they opened their account in the match, minutes into the third quarter, Deepika scoring from an open play to give them the lead.

From here on, India looked to take control of the third quarter, controlling the midfield and holding the possession.

India's second goal came in the 42nd minute when Deep Grace Ekka successfully converted a penalty corner. The Indian eves tried a different variation with the short corner after two failed attempts earlier in the game, and Grace's flick was inch-perfect to the left corner of the Japanese keeper.

Japan retaliated in the final quarter of the match, scoring two goals in quick succession.

Miki Kozuka in the 47th minute, followed by Yukari Mano's equaliser in the 50th minute setting the stage for an exciting finish.

The final few moments witnessed some intense action with Japan charging in to clinch the winner.

Japan earned three penalty corner in the last five minutes of the match but the Indian defence stood tall to thwart any danger to their citadel.

India will next play against Korea tomorrow.

The Times of India

Indian men defeat hosts Spain and women go down 1-2 against Germany

Valencia, Spain: India's Junior Men Hockey team beat the hosts Spain 3-1 in their match at the 4-Nations Invitational tournament yesterday. The result saw India top of the table after the round-robin stages. India were the dominant team from the start and were applying pressure and pushing the hosts on the defensive from the starting hooter. They won their first PC in the 5th minute and Parvinder Singh's conversion gave them a 1-0 lead.

Spain clawed their way back with a PC conversion of their own in the 16th minute, by Gerard Garcia. India kept their attacking intent alive though and kept on the offensive throughout the half. They won a host of PCs, midway through the half, but Alberto Carnicer in Spain's goal denied them the lead.

Just before halftime though Nilakanta Sharma put them in the lead with a superbly taken goal in the 30th minute. Spain came out of halftime more organised at the back and were soon making incursions into the Indian defence right at the start of the second half. A swift counter attack by India in the 41st minute, finished by Armaan Qureshi, effectively killed off the game though, as India held on for a 3-1 win.

At the 5-Nations Invitational Tournament, India's Junior Women team went down 2-1 to Germany in a hard-fought encounter.

Elisia Grave opened the scoring in the 25th minute via a PC conversion. In the final minute of the half, India launched a superb attacking move, with swift movement, that culminated with Jyoti Gupta putting the ball in the back of the net to draw them level as they went into the break.

Julia Meffert gave Germany the lead in the 58th minute via another PC conversion and despite India's sustained pressure and possession play, Germany held on for a narrow victory.

India's Junior Men Hockey Team play the hosts, Spain in the semi-final of the 4-Nations Invitational Tournament at 1630 hours IST on 29th October 2016.

India’s Junior Women Hockey Team play Belgium at the 5-Nations Invitational Tournament, at 2030 hours IST on 29th October 2016.

Stick2Hockey.com

SOJC: Pakistan finding their feet in Johor

By Jugjet Singh

The Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC) has not been a glorious moment for Pakistan, but the thirst for success in the juniors category is something Tahir Zaman's men have.

The Junior World Cup bound side will not, however, have things easy.

In this edition as well as four of the other sides - Australia, New Zealand, Japan and England - are also bound for the world meet in Lucknow, India in December.

Tournament records in Johor indicated Pakistan finished with the wooden spoon in the previous two editions.

Pakistan also finished last in the inaugural edition in 2011 and fourth in the following two years.

Pakistan, who won the Junior World Cup in 1979 and were among the powerhouses in hockey, needs to establish themselves after several disappointing recent years.

Pakistan have been drawn in Group B with Belgium, Netherlands and Egypt at the Junior World Cup.

Tahir Zaman surely realises the SOJC is a yardstick for participating teams and a good outing is needed.
Their ability to finish runners' in the Junior Asia Cup last year could make teams take note of their presence at the Taman Daya Stadium.

Jugjet's World of Field Hockey

USIU end Amira Sailors’ league title hopes

By BRIAN YONGA


USIU's Racheal Pauline Kariuki in action during their Kenya Hockey Union Women's Premier League match against Amira Sailors on October 29, 2016 at City Park Stadium. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

Newcomers Amiras Sailors’ hopes of clinching their maiden league title suffered a blow on Saturday after they were held to a 0-0 draw by United States International University of Africa (USIU) Spartans in a Kenya Hockey Union women’s Premier league match at City Park Stadium.

Both teams missed chances to claim all three points but it is Amiras who left disappointed after dominating larger spells of the match.

The result sees the league debutantes move into second place with 11 points, five behind leaders and champions Telkom Orange.

Amira have two games left, one of them against Telkom Orange next month. Orange can extend their lead today with a win against fifth-placed Sliders.

Amira could also be overtaken by third-placed Strathmore University Scorpions should they win their match against Kenyatta University Titans on Sunday.

Amira coach Linet Onyango was left disappointed by the result, accusing her charges of poor finishing.

“At this level you have got to take the chances you create or else you will not win. It is that simple. We did everything but score and it hurts because it feels more of two points dropped rather than one gained,” Onyango told Sunday Nation Sport.

The Amira forward line of Leah Omwandho, Susan Oketch and Jedida Zawadi all missed chances to give their team the three points. Omwandho and Oketch combined to set up Zawadi after seven minutes but the latter’s back -hand shot just missed the board by a whisker.

The Spartans defence continued to live dangerously  and they were carved open at the quartet mark when international Lorraine Nondi set up Oketch with a nice through ball and the foward’s first time shot was saved by Sparrans keeper Nauvella Bera.

Bera came to her team’s  rescue at the half hour mark as she pulled a double save to deny first Omwando and then Nondi’s rebound shot. Spartans on the other hand were struggling to create any chances with winger Sandra Vodoti and Rhoda Kuira well neutralised by the Amira defence.

They did however have a chance at the stroke of half time when Vodoti’s shot from a Beatrice Mbugua short corner hit the crossbar. Amira upped the tempo in the second half pulling more bodies forward in search of the goal.

It almost came in the 64th minute when the home side broke from their defence but Oketch failed to Bera after beating three Spartans defence. Spartans responded with a couple of short corners but were unable to sound the board.

The last ten minutes saw Spartans defend deeply after Vodoti was sinbinned for dangerous play. In the men’s national league, Technical University of Kenya beat Dedan Kimathi University 3-0 at the same venue.

Two goals in the first half from Hillary Simiyu and skipper Moses Obishulu gave TUK a 2-0 lead at the break before Brian Omae added a third in the second half to give his team the three points and bragging rights in the university derby.

Daily Nation

Maryland field hockey secured its third straight Big Ten title with a 4-2 win over Rutgers

By James Crabtree-Hannigan


Forward Welma Luus moves the ball towards the net in Maryland's 4-2 win over Rutgers at the Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex on October 29, 2016. (Reid Poluhovich / The Diamondback)

The Maryland field hockey team returned from halftime Saturday afternoon locked in a 1-1 tie with Rutgers. But it didn't take long for the Terps to bury the Scarlet Knights' chances for an upset victory.

The Terps scored 11 seconds into the period. Rutgers didn't touch the ball before forward Welma Luus opened a 2-1 lead with a hard shot from the middle of the circle.

Forward Sophie Pelzer earned the assist on that goal and notched another about six minutes later when midfielder Kelee Lepage finished Pelzer's cross. The sequence helped Maryland earn a 4-2 victory at the Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex to claim its third consecutive Big Ten regular-season championship.

"Halftime was good to have," coach Missy Meharg said. "I just said, 'Whatever that team was just out there right now, let's just pretend we don't know them.'"

About seven minutes into the first half, Rutgers took a 1-0 lead. So as they've done several times this season, the Terps played from behind.

The Scarlet Knights capitalized on their most sustained attack of the first half to score the goal on a cross from midfielder Alyssa Bull to forward Rachel Yaney on the far post. Yaney maneuvered around midfielder Linnea Gonzales and finished past goalkeeper Sarah Bates.

"They came out very fiery and got on the board first and put a lot of pressure on us, mentally," Meharg said.

Maryland equalized in the 12th minute on the first penalty corner of the game. Defender Carrie Hanks scored after a behind-the-back pass from Grace Balsdon, who has scored 12 times off the penalty looks as the team's primary corner option.

The Terps didn't score on their ensuing 10 shots in the half. Rutgers, meanwhile, didn't take another shot before the break after its early goal.  Goalkeeper Shevaun Hayes kept the Scarlet Knights in the game with seven saves, but goalkeeper Amanda Lamb replaced her at halftime.

"The first half, we kind of had some stuff to work on," forward Emma Rissinger said. "They were easy fixes, so it was kind of easy for us to … execute them in the second half."

The Terps released an onslaught of pressure to start the second half, starting with a back pass to Balsdon, who lifted an aerial throw over the Rutgers defense to Pelzer, streaking down the middle of the field.

Pelzer passed to Luus, and after her initial attempt shot found the back of the cage, the Terps had a lead they never relinquished.

"That showed us that we can score the goals. I mean obviously, it took [11] seconds," Rissinger said. "[It showed] them how we were going to play in the second half."

Midfielder Madison Maguire scored the Terps' fourth and final goal in the 48th minute.

Three of Rutgers' four second-half shots came after Maguire secured a 4-1 lead. Overall, Maryland outshot the Scarlet Knights, 22-5.

"We were just so connected in the second half, everyone came out firing," Luus said.

Meharg inserted the team's reserves in the second half, so the team's seniors relished the final moments of their Senior Day while watching the young players cap another conference championship.

"I like to see them raise the trophy and put hats and t-shirts on," Meharg said, "and represent Maryland as Big Ten regular-season champions."

The Diamondback

Sticks in the semis

Zanzeer Singh

SUGAR Sticks proved to be the surprised semi-finalist in the men's division to qualify for the Medica Pacifica-sponsored Mates Hockey Championship at the Nadovu grounds in Lautoka, Fiji today.

The Sticks made up of school students from Tilak High School and Natabua High School won both its pool matches yesterday.

They defeated Mates 2-1 in the opening match and then scored the same winning margin against Rockfellers.

The championship's director Fergus Underwood said Sugar Sticks proved to be the surprise team in the tournament.

"Sugar Sticks has the services of national youth rep Ovini Drasuna," Underwood said.

"The men's pool is wide open. Ventures and Marist are the favourites in the women's category."

The competition continues today.

The Fiji Times

Saxon Tigers do the double as both U18 girls and boys claim victory at Futures Cup


Saxon Tigers Futures Cup GU18 Winners

Goals galore in the girls U18 final with winners, Saxon Tigers scoring all their 6 goals in the first half alone!

It was Abby Gooderham who was first to get on the score sheet after beating the keeper on a one on one. Wessex were quick to counter and Lucy Robinson pulled one back for her side. Abby soon got her second of the game, knocking the ball in by the left hand post. Saxons now found their flow and the goals started to begin, Catherine Ledsma scored the third and Jordan Homann slotted the ball under the keeper to give her side a 4-1 lead. Hannah Griggs won the battle in the circle to get the ball on her reverse to confidently put the ball away for the Saxons 5th goal. A minute before the half time whistle Molly Redgrove executed a well oiled drag flick to finish the half a 6-1 lead.

The second half Wessex did not come out deflated, they came out fighting. After pressuring the defence Phoebe Buddstone found herself in a good position where she put away the rebound, giving her side their second goal. The play was end to end and Wessex got their third in the 70th minute from Georgie Mctear.

Final result saw Saxon Tigers crowned champions 6-3.

Wessex Leopards (1) 3
Lucy Robinson 12 (FG)
Phoebe Buddstone 44 (FG)
Georgie Mctear 70 (PC)

Saxon Tigers (6) 6
Abby Gooderham 8 (FG) 19 (FG)
Catherine Ledesma 23 (FG)
Jordan Homann 29 (PC)
Hannah Griggs 31 (FG) 
Molly Redgrove 33 (PC)

3rd/4th Match

Mercia Lynx (1) 3
Lucy Walton 23 (PC), 43 (PC)
Olivia Back 63 (FG)

Caledonian Cougars (1) 1
Kayleigh Justice 9 (FG)

5th/6th Match

Celtic Jaguars (3) 4
Caroline Hulme 26 (FG)
Lauren Dunn 29 (PC)
Sarah-Jayne Thorburn 32 (FG) 
Lowri Ratti 47 (PC)

Pennine Pumas (3) 6
Fiona Crackles 7 (PS), 43 (PC)
Kaitlyn Newby 9 (PC)
Emma Bickley 9 (PC)
Tor Hughes 48 (FG)
Annabel Hebb 58 (FG)

Final Standings

1.     Saxon Tigers
2.     Wessex Leopards
3.     Mercia Lynx
4.     Caledonian Cougars
5.     Pennine Pumas
6.     Celtic Jaguars

U18 Boys Results

Saxon Tigers were pushed to the limits by Wessex Leopards but came out on top to be crowned U18 Futures Cup Champions.

The Tigers applied the pressure early on and after a few attacks into the circle they were finally rewarded by a penalty corner which Morgan Males slotted away. This didn’t knock the Wessex Leopards and Owen McLaughlin confidently went on the attack carrying the ball into the circle and taking his chance on goal for it to only go just inches over the top of the goal. It could have been either side to score next but it was Saxon Tigers who extended their lead as Jake Owen tapped in the rebound across goal. The Leopards were finally rewarded for their hard work as Owen Williamson took his chance at a penalty corner to get his side on the score sheet, this finishing the half 2-1.

The second half started with both sides full of energy; both attacking hard in the circle. Max Howitt took advantage of an error in the Wessex defence and beats the keeper getting a soft touch on the ball to give his side a third goal. On the 61st minute the Tigers keeper did well to deny the initial shot but Jagdeel Hanspal managed to get a clean shot on target amplify their lead and to be crowned champions.  

Saxon Tigers (2) 4
Morgan Males 8 (PC)
Jake Owen 18 (PC)
Max Howitt 54 (FG)
Jagdeep Hanspal 61(PC)

Wessex Leopards (1) 1
Owen Williamson 24 (PC)

3rd/4th Match

Mercia Lynx (1) 1
Gareth Griffths 19 (PC)

Pennine Pumas (0) 1
Thomas Russell 33 (PS)

Pennine Pumas win 3-1 in the shoot out

5th/6th Match

Caledonian Cougars (0) 2
Cameron Golden 48 (FG)
Fraser Calder 51 (FG)

Celtic Jaguars (1) 1
Jolyon Morgan (FG)

Final Standings

1.     Saxon Tigers
2.     Wessex Leopards
3.     Pennine Pumas
4.     Mercia Lynx
5.     Caledonian Cougars
6.     Celtic Jaguars

England Hockey Board Media release

Pennine Pumas crowned U16 Boys & Wessex Leopards are the U16 girls Champions


Pennine Pumas BU16 Futures Cup Win

Pennine Pumas won the boys U16 Futures Cup tournament in thrilling fashion beating Wessex Leopards 4-3.

The Pumas were first to get on the score sheet with Matthew White striking the ball sweetly across the keeper into the back of the goal. Alex Pendle scored from a penalty corner to get the Leopards level. Just 5 minutes later and plenty of pressure from the Leopards Pendle got his second to give Wessex the lead.

Both sides were attacking and defending well, finally Wessex pounced on the counter attack and with a ball across goal gave Ollie Burton a chance to dive over the keeper to get the Pumas level before the half time whistle, nothing could separate these two sides.

Just a few minutes into the second half Zak Jolly sped down the wing knocking the ball into the circle for Ben Entwisle to hit a reverse strike into the back of the net giving the Pumas the lead, 3-2.

Wessex retaliated immediately as Pendle drove across the goal into the circle launching the ball into the top of the goal giving him his well deserved hatrick. Both sides were hungry to get the win and luck was on the Pumas side as they were awarded a penalty stroke which Matthew White calmly put away, crowning the Pennine Pumas U16 Boys Futures Cup Champions.

Pennine Pumas (2) 4
Matthew White 6 (FG)
Ollie Burton 17 (FG)
Ben Entwisle 38 (PC)
Matthew White 61 (PS)

Wessex Leopards (2) 3
Alex Pendle 8 (PC), 13 (FG), 57 (FG)

3rd/4th Match

Mercia Lynx 2 (1)
Toby Stanley 4 (FG)
Zain Girach 61 (FG)

Saxon Tigers 3 (0)
Jake Davey 40 (FG), 66 (PC)
Freddie Britt 41 (PC)

5th/6th Match

Caledonian Cougars (1) 4
Fraser Moran 35 (PC), 49 (PC)
Fraser Heigh 59 (PC), 70 (PC)

Celtic Jaguars (0) 1
Joseff Moyse 44 (PC)

Final standings

1.     Pennine Pumas
2.     Wessex Leopards
3.     Saxon Tigers
4.     Mercia Lynx
5.     Caledonian Cougars
6.     Celtic Jaguars

Girls U16 Final Results


Wessex Leopards GU16 Futures Cup Winners

Wessex Leopards were crowed champions after an end to end battle with Mercia Lynx.

Wessex caught Mercia Lynx off guard within minutes of the game starting which lead to Phimlee Jung putting away the first goal of the game from a penalty corner. Top goal scorer of the tournament Lunjika Nyirenda brought the Mercia Lynxs level but the Leopards were quick to retaliate as the Wessex forwards hurtled down the other end of pitch for Sally Sime to score from a penalty corner making it 2-1. The Leopards extended their lead on the half time whistle with Sophie McConnell taking the ball from the keepers rebound to knock it neatly under the keeper to make it 3-1 at half time.

Mercia Lynxs were not defeated and came out in the second half strong but the Wessex defence were solid. Kung put a great ball to Coca Hall who calmly took the ball on her reverse to make it 4-1. Just minutes later a sprint down the wing from the Wessex attack lead to slipping a ball to Katy Baccanello who tapped it in at the near post extending their lead 5-1. Mercia Lynx did not give up and were awarded a penalty stroke where Lorna MacKenzie cooly slotted it away. Final result 5-2 to the Wessex Leopards the U16 Girls Futures Cup Champions.

Wessex Leopards (3) 5
Phimlee Kung  1 (PC)
Sally Sime 28 (PC)
Sophie McConnell 35 (PC)
Coca Hall 61 (FG)
Kitty Baccanello 62 (FG)

Merica Lynx (1) 2
Lunjika Nyirenda 25 (PC)
Lorna Mackenzie 64 (PS)

3rd/4th Match

Saxon Tigers (0) 0

Caledonain Cougars (1) 1
Georgia Jones 21 (FG)

5th/6th Match

Pennine Pumas (1) 4
Gabby House 16 (FG)
Lucy Bland 44 (FG)
Rafaela Brandao-Lee 47 (FG)
Mollie Mason 62 (PC)

Celtic Jaguars (0) 0

Final Standings

1.     Wessex Leopards
2.     Mercia Lynx
3.     Caledonain Cougars
4.     Saxon Tigers
5.     Pennine Pumas
6.     Celtic Jaguars

England Hockey Board Media release