India beats Wales 3-0 in Women’s Champions Challenge I

DUBLIN, Sept 29: India opened its campaign in style in the 2012 Champions Challenge 1 with a 3-0 win against Wales in Pool A here on Saturday.

Skipper Ritu Rani (18th minute), Lily Chanu Mayengbam (28th minute penalty corner) and Soundarya Yendala (70th minute penalty corner) struck a goal apiece in the crucial tournament that will determine the qualifier for FIH Women’s Champions Trophy.

A brisk 10-minute dazzling display in the first-half gave India the upper-hand.

India scored two goals a piece each from the stick of captain Ritu Rani and Lily Chanu.

Wales tried hard to clear off India’s lead, but the defence stood its ground in the second-half and held the Wales in check.

India secured its final goal just before the final hooter to complete a convincing 3-0 win when Soundarya successfully converted a penalty corner.

India’s next Pool A match will be on Sunday against the top-seeded Australia, which beat Belgium 4-1 after leading by two goals at the break on Saturday.