Double delight on Sunday in the Lanco Hockey 9s
Things would not have gone more better for Hockey Australia, the organizers of Lanco Hockey 9s. On the penultimate day, the results turned out in such a way that the Sunday will be a great fun day for them.
First, Pakistan could not bring an outright win over New Zealand, it was a draw. It led to the possibility of repeat India Pakistan clash for bronze. An hour later it proved to be so. Australia ensured they are the masters and thus thrashed India lock, stock and barrel (1-4), and it cleared any doubt as to who are the finalists.
With these two results, the stage was set for Neighbour’s Day at Perth on Sunday.
Australia will meet New Zealand in the final whereas another neighbours India and Pakistan will clash for the bronze.
An official connected with the Hockey Australia said, “It would have been ideal if Australia and India met in the final, for, our sponsor is Lanco, a company from India. Ok, that did not happen. The next best thing is to have New Zealand. They defeated us in the Oceania Cup recently, and they have lot of credibility. Therefore, its going to be a great day for our spectators. New Zealand and Australian rivalry is well savoured”.
For the India-Pak supporters here, who are passionate and in substantial numbers, a repeat of Ind-Pak match is what is presented to them surprisingly.
It is learnt that almost all online tickets are sold out for Sunday. However, according to Shane Tonk, the manager here in Hockey Australia, about 800-1000 tickets for grass fields will be available in the ticket counters, which the fans can grab.
It is worthwhile to note here, Australia and Indian women will also fight it out for title before the men’s final, after India-Pak match.
So, while Hockey Australia is blessed with double whammy, a lot of fun is at stake for Sunday.