Japan created at least an Asia Cup record of highest scoring when it defeated Sri Lanka, a team consisting of three school’s and an University girls, at 21 goals to nil. Japan also made a whopping 23 penalty corners in the match. The previous high score in the Asia Cup history stood 14-0 when the hosts China defeated Thailand at Hiroshima in the Third Asia Cup 11 years ago.

The Second day of the ongoing Asia Cup produced 37 goals in four matches, 14 of them were through penalty corners.

Of the 60 penalty corners the day saw, just 14 were converted.

Singapore made just a solitary penalty corner today and it converted too. The Singaporeans, who are here as the winner of the AHF Cup Hong Kong did not participate, celebrated the goal, their first in two matches, the manner it deserved – for long time as if the winning goal. Singapore lost to Korea 9-1.

China experienced a problem in the pushing drill in the penalty corner sequence in the first day. Having sorted out that problem today, they made use of one of the five PCs they goat against India. The host on the other hand continue to struggle in this area. Again they earned ten penalty corners today and fructified just one.

Only yesterday this website observed that the umpires did not reverse any decision. So, now we got to see that familiarly irritating sight on the hockey fields. The umpire on the action side awarded a penalty corner goal in favour of Malaysia though it was a slap shot that was deflected in. The other umpire then intervened to correct her officiating collegue. The two umpires involved in the match were neutral umpire Alison Hill of England and Japan’s Emi Furuta.

As the competition is getting on gear, the matches also became physical. Half a dozen green cards were flashed today, including two green to Sri Lanka captain S.K. Ranasinghe.

China’s second string team almost shocked India when it led by 1-0 till two minutes from the hooter. Then came waves of Indian attack from the left wing that ended when Jothi Sunita Kullu connect a rebound.

Japan and Sk Made it to the semis; and China, India and Malaysia shortlist them selves for the two semifinals slot in the other pool. Malaysia’s match against China on Wednesday will make the things clear. While China needs just a draw Malaysia need an outright victory to enter the semi. India will face Kazak on Wednesday.

Tuesday is rest day