Battle for final spots hotting up

S. THYAGARAJAN

Just two days into the tournament, the destiny of the Azlan Shah Cup cannot be easily determined.

The hockey on view so far has been intense, fierce and sensational as the victory the Aussies recorded against Malaysia just 35 seconds before the hooter on Friday demonstrated.

With four teams — India, Australia, Britain and Korea — on three points led by Pakistan holding on six points, a nerve-wracking fight for final spots is bound to heat up in the next week.

JOY AND ANGUISH

For the India watchers it is so far a mixture of joy and anguish.

The win over Britain was a heart-warming performance, considering the strength of the opponent.

This outcome, coming as it did after the reverse against the Koreans from a position of advantage, was celebrated with a touch of spontaneity.

Having said this, it needs to be examined what lies ahead. India comes to grips on Sunday with the Aussies, whose enterprise and efficiency are not a wee-bit less in the absence of its iconic Jamie Dwyer, nursing an injury.

Served well by the seasoned trio of Sohail, Rehan and Abbasi, the Pakistanis are on top. The outcome over New Zealand and Korea by an identical 4-2 margin underlined the fighting qualities.

Zubair and Haseem Khan are the two colts proving their mettle as is goalkeeper Imran Shah.

Despite the loss against India, Jason Lee and his British squad continue to be the best bet for the trophy.

Malaysia failed to score a point despite demonstrating a noticeable flair.

Sunday’s matches: India vs Australia (1.35 p.m.); Pakistan vs Britain (3.35 p.m.); Korea vs New Zealand (5.35 p.m.).