Japan, South Korea in Women’s Asia Cup semifinals
Bangkok: Japan and South Korea rained goals to inflict heavy defeats on their respective rivals and qualify for the semifinals from Group B in the Women’s Asia Cup hockey tournament here on Sunday.
Defending champions Japan thrashed Chinese Taipei 7-0 while twice title winners South Korea mauled Kazakhstan 15-0 at Queen Sikirt Sports Centre here.
Top seeded China struggled throughout but managed to overcome Malaysia 4-0 in the other group. It was China’s second win after mauling Singapore 13-0 on Saturday.
The crucial China-India encounter is slated for Tuesday when the competition resumes after a rest day on Monday. India had no fixture on Sunday.
Energetic Malaysia held the usually rampaging Chinese forwards on check till half time giving away just a token goal before conceding three goals in the next half.
Japan, who led 3-0 at half time, fielded their reserves against Chinese Taipei. Striker Keiko Miura scored a brace.
South Korean bench strength was so formidable that they had the luxury to rest their penalty corner ace Seul Ki Cheon – who scored a record nine goals on the opening day. Jong Eun Kim filled in the shoes of her illustrious senior with six goals in the one-sided match.
In another matches of the day, hosts Thailand lost to Singapore 0-1 while Hong Kong overcame stiff resistance from Sri Lanka with a flattering 3-0 win.
Bureau Report