Lucky 13 for India at Azlan Shah

Ipoh (Malaysia), April 12: India clinched their fourth Sultan Azlan Shah Cup when they defeated hosts Malaysia 3-1 in the final here on Sunday, giving them a huge boost ahead of the Asia Cup next month.

The Indians, ranked 10th in the world, were last champions in 1995 but saw off the 15th-ranked Malaysians with three field goals.

It was notable also because it was the first match in the tournament here that skipper Sandeep Singh — voted player of the tournament — did not score a goal for India.

But it hardly mattered, as India started off the match with a goal in only the eighth minute through Arjun Halappa.

However, three minutes later Azlan Misron put Malaysia back on level terms with a strike from close range.

Prabhjot Singh and Shivender Singh made the game safe for India with field goals in the 20th and 41st minutes.

Earlier, New Zealand took third place when they scored two early goals to beat Pakistan 2-1 in the third-fourth place play-off. — AFP