Lee Seon Ok sinks Kazakhstan

S. THYGARAJAN

There were goals galore on Sunday in the Asian Games women’s hockey competition as the title contender Korea, touched the double digits. Lee Seon Ok, who netted an excellent penalty corner, scored six of the 11 forced in the match.

Spells of resistance and even scoring failed to deter Korea, which packed off Kazakhstan with a 10-3 victory.

The initial trend indicated a tough time for the former champion, Korea. The scores were level for some time at 1-1 after half-time.

But the coming of Lee Seon Ok changed the complexion of the match.

With impeccable penalty strikes from penalty corners, Ok covered herself with glory smashing in six goals, leaving the Kazakhis nonplussed. The three goals that Kazakhis scored with some flair were overshadowed by Ok’s awesome show.

While admitting that the outcome was pleasing, coach Kang conceded that the defenders could have played with more co-ordination.

He predicted tough games against Japan, India and, of course, China.

Malaysia produced an incredible performance, and looked good enough to hold the formidable Japan for a draw. The team rallied beautifully to restore the two goal deficit but succumbed in the final minutes to the pressure tactics of the Japanese. Japan has not been able to bring its best in the two matches played so far.

The results: Women: Korea 10 (Lee Seon Ok 6, Bo Mi Kim, Park Mihyun 2, Kim Jongeun) beat Kazakhstan 3 (Anassthasiya Chsherbakova 2, Yuiliya Mukheichik).

Japan 4 (Kaori Chiba 2, Ai Murkami, Miyuki Nakagawa beat Malaysia 2 ( Noor Azizia, Norfaraha Hashimi).

Monday’s matches: Men: India v Hong Kong China (12 noon IST); Malaysia v Singapore (1 p.m.); Japan v Bangladesh (3 p.m.); China v Oman (5 p.m.).