Comets overcome Wizards’ challenge

Chandigarh Comets displayed grit and determination to quell Delhi Wizards’ challenge 3-2 in their World Series Hockey (WSH) match here on Tuesday.

Comets took the lead in the eighth minute when Gurjinder Singh slammed home a penalty corner. However, the host’s joy was shortlived as Vikramjeet Singh equalised two minutes later.

Gurjinder was in the thick of action again as he sounded the boards off another penalty corner in the 14th minute. Wizards’ attempts to make it 2-2 were thwarted by an alert Comets defence.

It took a Shakeel Abbasi special for Wizards to finally breach the Comets defence. The skipper, who played a key role in his team’s 2-1 win against Mumbai Marines on Monday, slotted home a brilliant goal to bring cheers to the Wizards camp.

The match-winner

However, Amir Khan emerged Comets’ hero as he made it 3-2 in the 44th minute. Wizards numerous attempts to score the equaliser proved futile as the Comets defence held firm. Comets’ sixth victory in 10 outings took it to 18 points, a point behind Sher-E-Punjab which has played a game less. Wizards remained on 13 points from 10 matches.

The result: Chandigarh Comets 3 (Gurjinder 2, Amir) bt Delhi Wizards 2 (Vikramjeet, Abbasi).

Wednesday’s matches: Sher-E-Punjab v Mumbai Marines, Jalandhar, 7 p.m.; Karnataka Lions v Pune Strykers, Bangalore, 9 p.m.