AZLAN SHAH CUP: MALAYSIA FAIL TO MAINTAIN WINNING MOMENTUM, SUFFER 3-4 DEFEAT TO INDIA

IPOH, Nov 26 (Bernama) -- Malaysia failed to maintain the momentum of their second victory, losing 3-4 to India in the 31st Sultan Azlan Shah Cup (SASC) Hockey Tournament at the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Stadium, here tonight.

On Monday, the national squad defeated Canada 3-2 after only managing a 1-1 draw with New Zealand in the opening match last Sunday.

In the match today, Malaysia's defence collapsed as early as the 7th minute through a field goal by Karthi Selvam, who successfully deceived goalkeeper Hafizuddin Othman.

However, Malaysia bounced back to equalize through a penalty corner taken by Malaysia's prolific striker Faizal Saari in the 13th minute.

After being tied 1-1 in the first quarter, Coach Craig Fulton's men played more cohesively and managed to score five minutes into the second quarter.

That lead was the result of a field goal by Sukhjeet Singh, who seized an opportunity during a scramble and firmly flicked the ball into the opposing goal in the 21st minute.

Stung by the goal, Sarjit Singh's men immediately doubled their attack and managed to equalize at 2-2 through a field goal by Mohd Fitri Saari in the 36th minute.

Three minutes later, India regained the lead after being awarded a penalty corner, which was successfully converted by Amit Rohidas. However, the Speedy Tigers quickly equalized again at 3-3 through a penalty corner goal by team captain Muhammad Marhan Mohd Jalil.

Nevertheless, former world champions India did not make it easy for Malaysia, with Sanjay Rana emerging as the hero for India by successfully converting a penalty stroke in the 53rd minute, thus crushing Malaysia's hopes of achieving a second win.

Earlier, New Zealand defeated Canada 4-2, while Belgium beat South Korea 6-2.

Tomorrow, Malaysia will face Belgium in their fourth match, scheduled for 6 pm, while India will meet New Zealand at 4 pm, and South Korea will play Canada at 2 pm.

-- BERNAMA