early lead and two spectacular goals were of no avail as fighting India went down to agile China 3-5 here in Queen Sikirt Sports Centre

In the lucky ground of Bangkok, where MK Kaushik’s boys won the Asian Games gold 11 summers ago, China took early domintion and got rich dividends for that.

On a day powerfailure first and then heavy down pour spoilt the organizers zeal, China kept up the pressure on both halves to walk away winners.

Surinder gave India lead in the 8th minute, it was a beautiful goal, which enlivened about 60 Indian embassy people who came in three vans to cheer up the team.

In the space between first ten and 25th minute, China outplayed and with the domination, could dispel Indian fight back in the second half.

At one time when score was 4-2, it appeared India has fight on the hand, but a counter attack led to China getting another goal, off Savita Punnai’s pad

There was nothing wrong, except India could not press hard in the first half. Second half was bit physical in which Asunta Lakra and Ma Yi Bo got the yellow cards, India did try their best. Mamta’s penalty corner rebound tapping, and Deepika’s goal in the meelee were really gem of effort.

In fact, Subhadra Pradhan, as defender, won the hearts with so many timely saves, and deservedly won the Player of the Final award at the hands of Raja Sultan Azlan Shah.