News for 13 March 2009
Friday, 13 March 2009 05:20 | 
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All the news for Friday 13 March 2009
T&T hockey men spank Brazil 9-0
Captain Kwandwane Browne scored a beaver-trick as T&T clobbered Brazil 9-0 in their 5th-8th place semifinal match at the Third Pan American Men’s Hockey Cup in Santiago, Chile, yesterday. T&T 10-0 winner over Uruguay in its final Pool A match on Tuesday got off to a flier with Wayne Legerton scoring as early as the sixth minute at the Prince of Wales Country Club, Las Arañas, La Reina. Atiba Whittington made it 2-0 in the 14th minute before Browne netted two penalty-corners in the 22nd and 30th minute for the “Calypso Stickmen” to lead 4-0 at the interval.
On the resumption, Mickell Pierre who had a hat-trick in the win over Uruguay made it 5-0 in the 55th minute and debutant Shane Newallo added his name to the scorers list six minutes later. Whittington got his second of the match in the 62nd minute before Browne completed his beaver with goals in the 66th and 70th minute, also from penalty-corners. The T&T squad began the eight-team competition with a 4–3 loss to USA after leading 3–1 with nine minutes left on Saturday, followed by a 7–0 pounding from Argentina. They will now meet the winner of last night’s other fifth to eighth semifinal match between Mexico and Uruguay in Sunday’s fifth place match.
Brazil will come up against the loser in the seventh/eighth spot play-off.
Tomorrow, Group A winners Argentina will meet Group B runner-up and defending champions, Canada in one of two main draw semifinals from 2 pm while Group B winners Chile will face the USA in the other. The winner of the Pan Am Cup will qualify for the 2010 World Cup to be held in New Delhi (India) from March 7 to 20, next year. The teams ranked second to fourth will also have a chance to qualify for India as they will be invited to one of the three World Cup Qualifying Tournaments between November and December, later this year.
The Trinidad Guardian
India-Pakistan final on Sunday, rehearsal tomorrow
K. Arumugam
India ensured the final’s spot with second straight win in the Genting 4-Nation Junior Cup at Johar Bahru. India steam rolled Singapore 12-0 in the first match on Thursday.
This second win enabled India to reach the final against Pakistan on Sunday. Pakistan today defeated Malaysia 3-1, the same score of India against the hosts.
However, the formalities are yet to be completed, as in their last pool match India will clash with Pakistan, a dress rehearsal of sort.
Mandeep Antil scored five goals, followed by three-goal each by Lalit Upadhyaya and Danish Mujtaba.
Lucknow Sports Hostel’s Md. Amir scored a goal.
Singapore match was expected to be easy, and it turned out to be easier. Yesterday, Pakistan could scored only 8 goals, while India easily amassed four goals more thantheir rival to top the pool table.
However, India’s penalty corner execution continues to be cause of concern, as not many of them were made use of today also.
Diwakra Ram took the first penalty corner, only to see it hit the top bar and bounce off the circle area. Subsequently, Innocent Kullu also tried his hand in taking penalty corners. Except a rebound connectin by Mandeep Antil in the 24th minutes, all other Indian goals were from field efforts.
Mandeep in fact posted first hattrick of his career scoring in the 39th 40 and 42nd minutes.
India rested winger Jay Karan and Sunil Yadav while reserve goalkeeper Santosh Kumar got his chance to enter the ground from the 25th minute onwards.
Indian scorers: Mandeep Antil (13, 24, 39, 40 and 42nd minutes), Danish Majtaba (10, 49, 59 minutes, Lalit (34, 43, 68th minutes), Md. Amir (36th Minutes).
In the second match of the day, Malaysia seemed to make a match of it against Pakistan, but lost steam regularly allowing their rivals to dictate the terms.
Pakistan scored through its third penalty corner by Atique Md, which was followed by a reverse rebound of Toufeeq Md. Malaysia converted its only Penalty corner with the immaculate forward Faizal Sarris in the 40th min. Bilal Mohsin settled the issue in favour of Pakistan with gem of a gola in the 58th minutes.
Stick2Hockey.com
Pakistan and India to final
Pakistan and Indian Junior hockey teams have qualified for the final of the Gentling 4-Nation Junior Hockey Cup in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
On the second day of play, Pakistan defeated hosts Malaysia by 3-1. Muhammad Taufeeq scored a goal in 28th minute on penalty corner, Muhammad Ateeq and Bilal Mohsin scored one goal in 42nd and one in the 53rd minutes. Saari Faizal scored the only goal for Malaysia in 48th minute on penalty corner.
India defeated Singapore 12-0 and qualified for the final match. Pakistan will face India on Friday in the last league match, while the final match will be played on 15 March.
Pakistan Hockey Federation media release
Pakistan, India qualify for final
By Khurram Shahzad
JOHAR BAHRU: Pakistan and India qualified for the final of the Four-Nation Invitational Junior Hockey Tournament after beating their respective rivals at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium here on Thursday. Pakistan defeated hosts Malaysia 3-1 in the second league match. The green shirts were leading 1-0 at half time. Muhammad Taufeeq scored a goal in 28th minute on a penalty corner while Muhammad Ateeq and Bilal Mohsin netted one goal apiece in 42nd and 53rd minutes respectively. Saari Faizal scored the consolation goal for Malaysia in 48th minute on a penalty corner.
Pakistan, who are showing top form from the very first match, failed to sparkle in the penalty corner department. They earned five but could convert only one. “Our boys are improving with every game. I am sure the green shirts will win the championship,” Pakistan head coach Khawaja Junaid told reporters after the match. He said that humidity problem was giving tough time to the Pakistan players but even then they were showing better results.
Earlier, India thrashed Singapore 12-0 and qualified for the final. Pakistan will face archrivals India on Friday (today) in the last league match while the final will be played on March 15.
The Daily Times
India score 12-0 win
Johor Bahru, March 12: Riding on Mandip Antil's five goals blitzkrieg, India thrashed lowly Singapore 12-0 to record their second successive win in the four-nation Genting U-21 hockey tournament at the Taman Daya Stadium here today.
India, who led 4-0 at half time, sounded the board with Antil scoring a hat-trick in his five-goal spree, while Danish Mujtaba and Lalit Upadhaya, both of whom found the net thrice each, and Mohd Amir Khan extended the lead to pile the miseries on Singaporean colts. India, who recorded a 3-1 win over hosts Malaysia in their opening encounter yesterday, are now at the top of the table with six points.
The Indians were on the offensive from the outset and with just seven minutes into the match, a Pramod Kumar set up was well executed Mujtaba who went past two Singapore defenders to draw first blood for his team.
The Singaporeans looked in all sorts of trouble with the Indian strikers making full use of their weak defence, piercing it time and again. Antil then struck his first goal of the match in the 13th minute which was followed with another, making no mistake in converting a penalty corner in the 24th minute.
Substitute striker Upadhaya then extended the lead, deflecting a fiery down the middle shot by skipper Diwakar Ram shortly before the lemon break.
The script followed the same course in the second half with India spanking four goals in the space of seven minutes which included Antils' hat-trick as well.
Just into the second half, Amir Khan made a successful attempt to strike another goal his team.
Antil then found the net in the 38th, 40th and 43rd minutes to take the lead to 8-0.
The Tribune
Antil scores five as India blank Singapore 12-0
JOHOR BAHRU: Mandip Antil scored five goals to help India trounce Singapore 12-0 in their second match of the four-nation Genting U-21 hockey tournament at the Taman Daya Stadium here on Thursday.
The Indian colts, who led 4-0 at the break, found the net at will through Antil, Danish Mujtaba and Lalit Upadhaya, who scored three goals each, and Mohd Amir Khan's one.
With two back-to-back victories, India are sitting pretty at the top of the table with six points. Diwakar Ram-led side had earlier beaten Malaysia 3-1 on Wednesday.
The Indians opened their account in the seventh minute when Mujtaba side stepped past two Singapore defenders after being set up by Pramod Kumar.
The hapless Singaporeans were found wanting against the Indian strikers and their defence caved in without any resistance.
Antil scored his first goal in the 13th minute combining well with Mujtaba and then followed it up with a penalty corner rebound in the 24th minute.
Substitute striker Upadhaya put India further ahead with a deflection from a fiery down the middle shot by skipper Ram shortly before the half time.
After the change of ends, the Indian colts went out full throttle, scoring four goals in a span of seven minutes.
Antil then scored the sixth, seventh and eighth goal for India in the 38th, 40th and 43rd minutes.
Earlier, Amir Khan netted one in the 36th minute from an Upadhaya pass.
The mauling continued unabated as India fired home four more with Mujtaba and Upadhaya being the goal scorers twice each.
Though India coach AK Bansal was happy with the result of the match, he expressed little concern at his boy's inability to convert any set piece penalty corner.
In Wednesday's match against Malaysia also, the Indians were disappointing with short corners and their conversion rate was a dismal one strike in eleven attempts.
India will next face arch-rivals Pakistan in their final league match on Friday.
The Times of India
Woeful Malaysia have coach Rajan worried
MALAYSIA lost 3-1 to Pakistan in the Four-Nation Invitational tournament yesterday as the door to the final was slammed shut on them.
Pakistan and India, who will play their academic pool match today, have already qualified for Sunday's final with six points each.
Malaysia, who lost by the same score to India on Wednesday, gave the Pakistan players too much space and paid the price.
Pakistan led 2-0 before Malaysia narrowed the gap, but failed to find the equaliser and instead let in another goal.
The Pakistan goals were scored by Attique Muhammad (28th), Toufeeq Muhammad (40th) and Abdul Haseem (54th). Saari Faizal (48th) scored for Malaysia.
In an earlier match India drubbed Singapore 12-0.
Malaysia and Singapore will co-host the Junior World Cup on June 7-21 with both sides hosting 10 teams each.
Singapore, who have let in 20 goals in two matches, will square off against Malaysia today.
"The target was to play in the final but plenty of defensive errors were made in both the matches, so now it's back to the drawing board," said National Juniors coach K. Rajan.
"From the two matches, I noticed that the players have the ability to win but make too many silly mistakes when under attack.
"It was also clear that the players do not support each other when under attack, and this area needs urgent attention."
The Four-Nation is being held not only to test the facilities at the newly laid Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru, but also to gauge the team's level of preparation to face the rest of the world.
New Straits Times
Pakistan hand our boys a lesson
JOHOR BARU: The end result was never in doubt as Malaysia fell 1-3 to Pakistan in a four-nation hockey tournament at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru last night.
It was Malaysia’s second defeat after having lost to India by the same margin in their opening match on Wednesday and they are now left with the task of playing Singapore today in a match to decide the minor placings.
For Pakistan and India, there is still the final preliminary round match today to go through but whatever the result, it really doesn’t matter because both teams are assured of places in the final on Sunday after having secured victories over Singapore as well.
India defeated Singapore 12-0 yesterday with Mandeep Antil scoring five goals. Pakistan were 8-0 winners over Singapore on Wednesday.
The Pakistanis were clear favourites to beat Malaysia and their rout of Singapore in their opening match was clear indication of their ability and their scoring prowess.
Surprisingly, Malaysia held firm until the 28th minute when Pakistan won a penalty corner, their second until then, and Muhammad Attique pushed his shot into the right-hand corner of Abdul Hakim Adnan’s goal to give the visitors the lead.
The start of the second half provided the home team with a hint of encouragement as Faizal Saari, the most lively Malaysian player in the forward line, came close to testing the Pakistani goal but his shot was deflected and the opportunity came and went.
The price was heavy as Pakistan surged forward and a piece of deadly finishing was provided by right winger Muhammad Toufeeq in the 40th minute with a reverse hit, which Abdul Hakim could not reach.
Malaysia narrowed the deficit in the 49th minute off their first penalty corner with Faizal scoring the goal. It was just reward for a player who just refused to be intimidated by Pakistan’s reputation.
But in came Moshin Bilal to end whatever hopes Malaysia were harbouring with yet another piece of clinical finishing in the 55th minute.
Malaysian coach K. Rajan said that the team failed to handle the situation well when under pressure.
“We were not outplayed and held them at bay for long periods. The players need to understand that at this level, every mistake will prove costly. What happened today was similar to that we encountered against India,” he said.
“You need to stick with your game plan and get the ball out of defence quickly. We were tight in our defensive play but it was still not enough against sustained pressure.”
The Star of Malaysia
SA Men vs Russia
By Karl Oftebro
The South Africans dominated from the outset but were unable to convert their early pressure after numerous scoring chances were thwarted by the solid Russian defence and brilliant keeping.
The SA strikers worked hard to intercept balls in crucial areas but failed to convert the opportunities created from the intercepts. With seconds left on the clock SA missed a far post opportunity after a great cross from Taine Paton.
Half Time Score 0-0
In the second half the Russian keeper continued to make good saves keeping the visiting team motivated. Russia started to work their way back into the game and were rewarded with their first penalty corner. A confused variation from the top of the circle lead to a South African counter attack which was easily closed down by the Russian keeper after some poor decision making from the strikers.
Russia continued to create opportunities but like their South African counterparts also failed to convert. Good build up play from the Russian midfield found an unmarked striker in the D who missed an easy finish into an open goal.
South Africa earned their second penalty corner with 21 minutes left in the second half. A Gareth Carr drag flick was rocketed into the net to put SA on the score board.
Good build up play by Austin Smith earned the home side their third penalty corner of the match. Gareth Carr was on target again as his drag flick was fired into the bottom corner to give the South Africans a 2-0 lead.
Some fantastic combination play between Craig Haley and Jonty Robinson earned South Africa their first field goal.
The SA strikers finished the game well with a good baseline run from Julian Hikes who calmly finished past the advancing keeper.
It was a well earned 4-0 victory for the SA men’s team.
SA Hockey Association media release
Os du Rant the “Kop Doktor”
With Moral not at a high, Clarkie organised a quick chat with a rugby legend. Two times World Cup Champion and Springbok prop forward Os du Rant made the short trip from his farm just outside Bloemfontein to address the lads.
The presence of the man is immense, his status as a rugby legend speaks for itself, but the fact that his one bicep is twice the size of Austin Smith’s “Des” and “Troy” put together has an ore effect on most.
His chat was brief and to the point. He spoke about his return to rugby under Jake White for the 2007 World Cup after a break from international rugby. He said his confidence and self belief was low, but all it took for him to get back on his feet was inspiration from his team or the “family” as Os called it. He put us in the scenario of the Springbok team sitting in a circle during one of their “kop doktor” sessions, everybody taking a chance to comment on an individual. When Os turn came about he feared the worst, but Bakkies Botha stood up and praised Os giving him the belief he needed and relieved all the pressure and doubt off his shoulders and made him feel apart of the greater team goal. He reiterated how important it is for the Family to be positive about one another and believe in the family (team) goal.
From the SA Men’s Hockey team we would like to thank Os for his time and inspiration which showed in our 4-0 win over Russia.
SA Hockey Association media release
Women’s hockey tourney postponed
Age Correspondent
New Delhi March 12: The Centre might have all but given the green signal to the Indian Premier League, but security concerns in the country after the Lahore attack found their first casualty on Thursday.
The four-nation Punjab Gold Cup women’s hockey tournament — to be held in Jalandhar from April 25 — was on Thursday postponed after the Punjab government expressed its inability to host the event due to general elections in the state.
Though the organisers said the event would clash with the elections, player security was one of the major issues that they faced. The decision, it was learnt, was taken after New Zealand — one of the participating members — raised concerns and had reportedly pulled out late on Wednesday.
Hockey New Zealand chief executive Ramesh Patel was quoted as saying, "We found out the tournament was off after calling the Indian officials to check on the security arrangements."
Black Sticks coach Mark Hager said they were already considering the possibility of withdrawing from the tournament for safety reasons.
The tournament will now be held in September, but Patel says the revised dates doesn’t fit with their current programme.
Indian Women’s Hockey Federation secretary Amrit Bose told this newspaper on Thursday, "The Punjab government requested us to postpone the tournament because of the elections. Since the Punjab elections will be held in two stages, they need adequate security in the state. "We were given dates of May 30-June 6, but the team is touring South Africa at the same time. It will be impossible to stage the event then. September was the only vacant slot, and we have informed all the participating nations about it," she said.
Bose also brushed aside claims that New Zealand had pulled out of the event.
The Asian Age
Four-nation women hockey tourney postponed due to elections
NEW DELHI: The four-nation women's hockey tournament scheduled in Jalandhar from April 25 to May 2 has been postponed due to next month's general elections.
The Indian Women's Hockey Federation (IWHF) on Thursday said they were forced to defer the tournament - also involving Canada, New Zealand and Italy - to September as it clashed with the general elections.
"The four-nations tournament which was scheduled to be held at Jalandhar from April 25 to May 2, has been postponed due to elections in the state. The same will be held in September. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) and participating teams New Zealand, Canada, Italy have been informed and we have received positive reply from these countries for their participation," IWHF secretary Amrit Bose said.
Incidentally, reports in New Zealand claimed the Black Sticks have pulled out of the event as it clashed with their national league.
The IWHF secretary, however, said that although New Zealand is yet to confirm their participation in September, they were working on a compromise formula on the dates.
"Most of the teams except New Zealand have confirmed that they will participate in the tournament in September," Bose said.
"We are constantly in touch with Hockey New Zealand and are working out on a suitable date. We have assured New Zealand that we will fix up the dates which will be suitable to them.
"We have also asked other participating teams to give us their preferences of dates in September," she added.
The Times of India
Easy win for Maharashtra
CHANDIGARH: Maharashtra defeated Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) 5-2 in a group ‘E’ encounter to move into the quarterfinals of the 57th All India Police hockey championship here on Thursday.
Vinod Mangud (2), Anmol Bhosle, Vijay Jatale and Niyazulla scored for the Maharashtra team. Suresh Kumar and captain Sukhdev Singh reduced the margin for ITBP.
In group ‘G’, Andhra Pradesh edged past Bihar 4-3, thanks to the match-winner by David Raj in the 64th minute. B. Suri Babu (2), Md. Afzal Khan had scored the earlier goals for the winner. Patras Tiru, Suleman Herman Herenz and Vickey Singh Rana scored for Bihar.
Jammu and Kashmir recorded a 5-0 victory over Tamil Nadu in group ‘D’ at the Sector 42 Stadium. Captain Gurtej Singh (2), Onkar Singh, Sartaj Singh and Surinder Singh were the marksmen.
Samuel Bhengra struck three goals and Francis Barla chipped in with two, to pilot Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) to a 5-2 victory over Jharkhand after the team had led 4-0 at the interval, in group ‘B’. Sanjit Singh and I. Diwan scored the goals for the loser.
In group ‘F’, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) defeated Railway Protection Force (RPF) 7-1 after leading 5-1 at halftime. Simon Tirkey (3), Nemhas Xaxa, Rajender Singh, Toail Ekka and Rajesh Kindo scored the goals for the winner. Avtar Singh saved the face for the Railway team with a goal.
Tripura outplayed Assam 10-0 in group ‘H’ at the Sector 18 stadium. Anuj Hro (4), Barna Bas Nag (2), Deep Chandra Tigga, Biren Purty, Mahanand Kindo and Dhotang Horo accounted for the goals.
The Hindu
Malacca join east Malaysians on U-16 sideline
KUALA LUMPUR: Malacca, a regular in age-group competitions, have withdrawn from the national Under-16 tournament beginning on Sunday in Seremban.
Besides Malacca, the other teams not taking part are Sabah and Sarawak. That leaves 12 teams in the fray and the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) have decided to shorten the duration of the tournament by a day.
And the organisers have decided to use a two-group format of competition in the preliminary rounds to give teams more matches.
The Malacca HA president, Nur Azmi Ahmed, said yesterday that they had agreed to take part but later found difficulty in forming a decent side.
“First, we had a communication problem with the schools in picking the players,” he said.
“Then we did not have a turf for training sessions. The turf at the Bukit Serendit Stadium is being replaced and we are not sure when it will be ready. With all these problems, we decided to stay out this year.”
Defending champions Kuala Lumpur are in Group A with Kelantan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis and Selangor. Group B comprises Johor, Kedah, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Singapore and Terengganu.
The top two teams in each group qualify for crossover semi-finals. The third-place playoff and final will be played on March 21. There will be no playoffs for lower classifications.
The Star of Malaysia
T&T hockey men spank Brazil 9-0
Captain Kwandwane Browne scored a beaver-trick as T&T clobbered Brazil 9-0 in their 5th-8th place semifinal match at the Third Pan American Men’s Hockey Cup in Santiago, Chile, yesterday. T&T 10-0 winner over Uruguay in its final Pool A match on Tuesday got off to a flier with Wayne Legerton scoring as early as the sixth minute at the Prince of Wales Country Club, Las Arañas, La Reina. Atiba Whittington made it 2-0 in the 14th minute before Browne netted two penalty-corners in the 22nd and 30th minute for the “Calypso Stickmen” to lead 4-0 at the interval.
On the resumption, Mickell Pierre who had a hat-trick in the win over Uruguay made it 5-0 in the 55th minute and debutant Shane Newallo added his name to the scorers list six minutes later. Whittington got his second of the match in the 62nd minute before Browne completed his beaver with goals in the 66th and 70th minute, also from penalty-corners. The T&T squad began the eight-team competition with a 4–3 loss to USA after leading 3–1 with nine minutes left on Saturday, followed by a 7–0 pounding from Argentina. They will now meet the winner of last night’s other fifth to eighth semifinal match between Mexico and Uruguay in Sunday’s fifth place match.
Brazil will come up against the loser in the seventh/eighth spot play-off.
Tomorrow, Group A winners Argentina will meet Group B runner-up and defending champions, Canada in one of two main draw semifinals from 2 pm while Group B winners Chile will face the USA in the other. The winner of the Pan Am Cup will qualify for the 2010 World Cup to be held in New Delhi (India) from March 7 to 20, next year. The teams ranked second to fourth will also have a chance to qualify for India as they will be invited to one of the three World Cup Qualifying Tournaments between November and December, later this year.
The Trinidad Guardian
India-Pakistan final on Sunday, rehearsal tomorrow
K. Arumugam
India ensured the final’s spot with second straight win in the Genting 4-Nation Junior Cup at Johar Bahru. India steam rolled Singapore 12-0 in the first match on Thursday.
This second win enabled India to reach the final against Pakistan on Sunday. Pakistan today defeated Malaysia 3-1, the same score of India against the hosts.
However, the formalities are yet to be completed, as in their last pool match India will clash with Pakistan, a dress rehearsal of sort.
Mandeep Antil scored five goals, followed by three-goal each by Lalit Upadhyaya and Danish Mujtaba.
Lucknow Sports Hostel’s Md. Amir scored a goal.
Singapore match was expected to be easy, and it turned out to be easier. Yesterday, Pakistan could scored only 8 goals, while India easily amassed four goals more thantheir rival to top the pool table.
However, India’s penalty corner execution continues to be cause of concern, as not many of them were made use of today also.
Diwakra Ram took the first penalty corner, only to see it hit the top bar and bounce off the circle area. Subsequently, Innocent Kullu also tried his hand in taking penalty corners. Except a rebound connectin by Mandeep Antil in the 24th minutes, all other Indian goals were from field efforts.
Mandeep in fact posted first hattrick of his career scoring in the 39th 40 and 42nd minutes.
India rested winger Jay Karan and Sunil Yadav while reserve goalkeeper Santosh Kumar got his chance to enter the ground from the 25th minute onwards.
Indian scorers: Mandeep Antil (13, 24, 39, 40 and 42nd minutes), Danish Majtaba (10, 49, 59 minutes, Lalit (34, 43, 68th minutes), Md. Amir (36th Minutes).
In the second match of the day, Malaysia seemed to make a match of it against Pakistan, but lost steam regularly allowing their rivals to dictate the terms.
Pakistan scored through its third penalty corner by Atique Md, which was followed by a reverse rebound of Toufeeq Md. Malaysia converted its only Penalty corner with the immaculate forward Faizal Sarris in the 40th min. Bilal Mohsin settled the issue in favour of Pakistan with gem of a gola in the 58th minutes.
Stick2Hockey.com
Pakistan and India to final
Pakistan and Indian Junior hockey teams have qualified for the final of the Gentling 4-Nation Junior Hockey Cup in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
On the second day of play, Pakistan defeated hosts Malaysia by 3-1. Muhammad Taufeeq scored a goal in 28th minute on penalty corner, Muhammad Ateeq and Bilal Mohsin scored one goal in 42nd and one in the 53rd minutes. Saari Faizal scored the only goal for Malaysia in 48th minute on penalty corner.
India defeated Singapore 12-0 and qualified for the final match. Pakistan will face India on Friday in the last league match, while the final match will be played on 15 March.
Pakistan Hockey Federation media release
Pakistan, India qualify for final
By Khurram Shahzad
JOHAR BAHRU: Pakistan and India qualified for the final of the Four-Nation Invitational Junior Hockey Tournament after beating their respective rivals at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium here on Thursday. Pakistan defeated hosts Malaysia 3-1 in the second league match. The green shirts were leading 1-0 at half time. Muhammad Taufeeq scored a goal in 28th minute on a penalty corner while Muhammad Ateeq and Bilal Mohsin netted one goal apiece in 42nd and 53rd minutes respectively. Saari Faizal scored the consolation goal for Malaysia in 48th minute on a penalty corner.
Pakistan, who are showing top form from the very first match, failed to sparkle in the penalty corner department. They earned five but could convert only one. “Our boys are improving with every game. I am sure the green shirts will win the championship,” Pakistan head coach Khawaja Junaid told reporters after the match. He said that humidity problem was giving tough time to the Pakistan players but even then they were showing better results.
Earlier, India thrashed Singapore 12-0 and qualified for the final. Pakistan will face archrivals India on Friday (today) in the last league match while the final will be played on March 15.
The Daily Times
India score 12-0 win
Johor Bahru, March 12: Riding on Mandip Antil's five goals blitzkrieg, India thrashed lowly Singapore 12-0 to record their second successive win in the four-nation Genting U-21 hockey tournament at the Taman Daya Stadium here today.
India, who led 4-0 at half time, sounded the board with Antil scoring a hat-trick in his five-goal spree, while Danish Mujtaba and Lalit Upadhaya, both of whom found the net thrice each, and Mohd Amir Khan extended the lead to pile the miseries on Singaporean colts. India, who recorded a 3-1 win over hosts Malaysia in their opening encounter yesterday, are now at the top of the table with six points.
The Indians were on the offensive from the outset and with just seven minutes into the match, a Pramod Kumar set up was well executed Mujtaba who went past two Singapore defenders to draw first blood for his team.
The Singaporeans looked in all sorts of trouble with the Indian strikers making full use of their weak defence, piercing it time and again. Antil then struck his first goal of the match in the 13th minute which was followed with another, making no mistake in converting a penalty corner in the 24th minute.
Substitute striker Upadhaya then extended the lead, deflecting a fiery down the middle shot by skipper Diwakar Ram shortly before the lemon break.
The script followed the same course in the second half with India spanking four goals in the space of seven minutes which included Antils' hat-trick as well.
Just into the second half, Amir Khan made a successful attempt to strike another goal his team.
Antil then found the net in the 38th, 40th and 43rd minutes to take the lead to 8-0.
The Tribune
Antil scores five as India blank Singapore 12-0
JOHOR BAHRU: Mandip Antil scored five goals to help India trounce Singapore 12-0 in their second match of the four-nation Genting U-21 hockey tournament at the Taman Daya Stadium here on Thursday.
The Indian colts, who led 4-0 at the break, found the net at will through Antil, Danish Mujtaba and Lalit Upadhaya, who scored three goals each, and Mohd Amir Khan's one.
With two back-to-back victories, India are sitting pretty at the top of the table with six points. Diwakar Ram-led side had earlier beaten Malaysia 3-1 on Wednesday.
The Indians opened their account in the seventh minute when Mujtaba side stepped past two Singapore defenders after being set up by Pramod Kumar.
The hapless Singaporeans were found wanting against the Indian strikers and their defence caved in without any resistance.
Antil scored his first goal in the 13th minute combining well with Mujtaba and then followed it up with a penalty corner rebound in the 24th minute.
Substitute striker Upadhaya put India further ahead with a deflection from a fiery down the middle shot by skipper Ram shortly before the half time.
After the change of ends, the Indian colts went out full throttle, scoring four goals in a span of seven minutes.
Antil then scored the sixth, seventh and eighth goal for India in the 38th, 40th and 43rd minutes.
Earlier, Amir Khan netted one in the 36th minute from an Upadhaya pass.
The mauling continued unabated as India fired home four more with Mujtaba and Upadhaya being the goal scorers twice each.
Though India coach AK Bansal was happy with the result of the match, he expressed little concern at his boy's inability to convert any set piece penalty corner.
In Wednesday's match against Malaysia also, the Indians were disappointing with short corners and their conversion rate was a dismal one strike in eleven attempts.
India will next face arch-rivals Pakistan in their final league match on Friday.
The Times of India
Woeful Malaysia have coach Rajan worried
MALAYSIA lost 3-1 to Pakistan in the Four-Nation Invitational tournament yesterday as the door to the final was slammed shut on them.
Pakistan and India, who will play their academic pool match today, have already qualified for Sunday's final with six points each.
Malaysia, who lost by the same score to India on Wednesday, gave the Pakistan players too much space and paid the price.
Pakistan led 2-0 before Malaysia narrowed the gap, but failed to find the equaliser and instead let in another goal.
The Pakistan goals were scored by Attique Muhammad (28th), Toufeeq Muhammad (40th) and Abdul Haseem (54th). Saari Faizal (48th) scored for Malaysia.
In an earlier match India drubbed Singapore 12-0.
Malaysia and Singapore will co-host the Junior World Cup on June 7-21 with both sides hosting 10 teams each.
Singapore, who have let in 20 goals in two matches, will square off against Malaysia today.
"The target was to play in the final but plenty of defensive errors were made in both the matches, so now it's back to the drawing board," said National Juniors coach K. Rajan.
"From the two matches, I noticed that the players have the ability to win but make too many silly mistakes when under attack.
"It was also clear that the players do not support each other when under attack, and this area needs urgent attention."
The Four-Nation is being held not only to test the facilities at the newly laid Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru, but also to gauge the team's level of preparation to face the rest of the world.
New Straits Times
Pakistan hand our boys a lesson
JOHOR BARU: The end result was never in doubt as Malaysia fell 1-3 to Pakistan in a four-nation hockey tournament at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru last night.
It was Malaysia’s second defeat after having lost to India by the same margin in their opening match on Wednesday and they are now left with the task of playing Singapore today in a match to decide the minor placings.
For Pakistan and India, there is still the final preliminary round match today to go through but whatever the result, it really doesn’t matter because both teams are assured of places in the final on Sunday after having secured victories over Singapore as well.
India defeated Singapore 12-0 yesterday with Mandeep Antil scoring five goals. Pakistan were 8-0 winners over Singapore on Wednesday.
The Pakistanis were clear favourites to beat Malaysia and their rout of Singapore in their opening match was clear indication of their ability and their scoring prowess.
Surprisingly, Malaysia held firm until the 28th minute when Pakistan won a penalty corner, their second until then, and Muhammad Attique pushed his shot into the right-hand corner of Abdul Hakim Adnan’s goal to give the visitors the lead.
The start of the second half provided the home team with a hint of encouragement as Faizal Saari, the most lively Malaysian player in the forward line, came close to testing the Pakistani goal but his shot was deflected and the opportunity came and went.
The price was heavy as Pakistan surged forward and a piece of deadly finishing was provided by right winger Muhammad Toufeeq in the 40th minute with a reverse hit, which Abdul Hakim could not reach.
Malaysia narrowed the deficit in the 49th minute off their first penalty corner with Faizal scoring the goal. It was just reward for a player who just refused to be intimidated by Pakistan’s reputation.
But in came Moshin Bilal to end whatever hopes Malaysia were harbouring with yet another piece of clinical finishing in the 55th minute.
Malaysian coach K. Rajan said that the team failed to handle the situation well when under pressure.
“We were not outplayed and held them at bay for long periods. The players need to understand that at this level, every mistake will prove costly. What happened today was similar to that we encountered against India,” he said.
“You need to stick with your game plan and get the ball out of defence quickly. We were tight in our defensive play but it was still not enough against sustained pressure.”
The Star of Malaysia
SA Men vs Russia
By Karl Oftebro
The South Africans dominated from the outset but were unable to convert their early pressure after numerous scoring chances were thwarted by the solid Russian defence and brilliant keeping.
The SA strikers worked hard to intercept balls in crucial areas but failed to convert the opportunities created from the intercepts. With seconds left on the clock SA missed a far post opportunity after a great cross from Taine Paton.
Half Time Score 0-0
In the second half the Russian keeper continued to make good saves keeping the visiting team motivated. Russia started to work their way back into the game and were rewarded with their first penalty corner. A confused variation from the top of the circle lead to a South African counter attack which was easily closed down by the Russian keeper after some poor decision making from the strikers.
Russia continued to create opportunities but like their South African counterparts also failed to convert. Good build up play from the Russian midfield found an unmarked striker in the D who missed an easy finish into an open goal.
South Africa earned their second penalty corner with 21 minutes left in the second half. A Gareth Carr drag flick was rocketed into the net to put SA on the score board.
Good build up play by Austin Smith earned the home side their third penalty corner of the match. Gareth Carr was on target again as his drag flick was fired into the bottom corner to give the South Africans a 2-0 lead.
Some fantastic combination play between Craig Haley and Jonty Robinson earned South Africa their first field goal.
The SA strikers finished the game well with a good baseline run from Julian Hikes who calmly finished past the advancing keeper.
It was a well earned 4-0 victory for the SA men’s team.
SA Hockey Association media release
Os du Rant the “Kop Doktor”
Rugby legend Os du Rant with SA players Lungile Tsolokile, Gareth Carr and Austin Smith
With Moral not at a high, Clarkie organised a quick chat with a rugby legend. Two times World Cup Champion and Springbok prop forward Os du Rant made the short trip from his farm just outside Bloemfontein to address the lads.
The presence of the man is immense, his status as a rugby legend speaks for itself, but the fact that his one bicep is twice the size of Austin Smith’s “Des” and “Troy” put together has an ore effect on most.
His chat was brief and to the point. He spoke about his return to rugby under Jake White for the 2007 World Cup after a break from international rugby. He said his confidence and self belief was low, but all it took for him to get back on his feet was inspiration from his team or the “family” as Os called it. He put us in the scenario of the Springbok team sitting in a circle during one of their “kop doktor” sessions, everybody taking a chance to comment on an individual. When Os turn came about he feared the worst, but Bakkies Botha stood up and praised Os giving him the belief he needed and relieved all the pressure and doubt off his shoulders and made him feel apart of the greater team goal. He reiterated how important it is for the Family to be positive about one another and believe in the family (team) goal.
From the SA Men’s Hockey team we would like to thank Os for his time and inspiration which showed in our 4-0 win over Russia.
SA Hockey Association media release
Women’s hockey tourney postponed
Age Correspondent
New Delhi March 12: The Centre might have all but given the green signal to the Indian Premier League, but security concerns in the country after the Lahore attack found their first casualty on Thursday.
The four-nation Punjab Gold Cup women’s hockey tournament — to be held in Jalandhar from April 25 — was on Thursday postponed after the Punjab government expressed its inability to host the event due to general elections in the state.
Though the organisers said the event would clash with the elections, player security was one of the major issues that they faced. The decision, it was learnt, was taken after New Zealand — one of the participating members — raised concerns and had reportedly pulled out late on Wednesday.
Hockey New Zealand chief executive Ramesh Patel was quoted as saying, "We found out the tournament was off after calling the Indian officials to check on the security arrangements."
Black Sticks coach Mark Hager said they were already considering the possibility of withdrawing from the tournament for safety reasons.
The tournament will now be held in September, but Patel says the revised dates doesn’t fit with their current programme.
Indian Women’s Hockey Federation secretary Amrit Bose told this newspaper on Thursday, "The Punjab government requested us to postpone the tournament because of the elections. Since the Punjab elections will be held in two stages, they need adequate security in the state. "We were given dates of May 30-June 6, but the team is touring South Africa at the same time. It will be impossible to stage the event then. September was the only vacant slot, and we have informed all the participating nations about it," she said.
Bose also brushed aside claims that New Zealand had pulled out of the event.
The Asian Age
Four-nation women hockey tourney postponed due to elections
NEW DELHI: The four-nation women's hockey tournament scheduled in Jalandhar from April 25 to May 2 has been postponed due to next month's general elections.
The Indian Women's Hockey Federation (IWHF) on Thursday said they were forced to defer the tournament - also involving Canada, New Zealand and Italy - to September as it clashed with the general elections.
"The four-nations tournament which was scheduled to be held at Jalandhar from April 25 to May 2, has been postponed due to elections in the state. The same will be held in September. The International Hockey Federation (FIH) and participating teams New Zealand, Canada, Italy have been informed and we have received positive reply from these countries for their participation," IWHF secretary Amrit Bose said.
Incidentally, reports in New Zealand claimed the Black Sticks have pulled out of the event as it clashed with their national league.
The IWHF secretary, however, said that although New Zealand is yet to confirm their participation in September, they were working on a compromise formula on the dates.
"Most of the teams except New Zealand have confirmed that they will participate in the tournament in September," Bose said.
"We are constantly in touch with Hockey New Zealand and are working out on a suitable date. We have assured New Zealand that we will fix up the dates which will be suitable to them.
"We have also asked other participating teams to give us their preferences of dates in September," she added.
The Times of India
Easy win for Maharashtra
CHANDIGARH: Maharashtra defeated Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) 5-2 in a group ‘E’ encounter to move into the quarterfinals of the 57th All India Police hockey championship here on Thursday.
Vinod Mangud (2), Anmol Bhosle, Vijay Jatale and Niyazulla scored for the Maharashtra team. Suresh Kumar and captain Sukhdev Singh reduced the margin for ITBP.
In group ‘G’, Andhra Pradesh edged past Bihar 4-3, thanks to the match-winner by David Raj in the 64th minute. B. Suri Babu (2), Md. Afzal Khan had scored the earlier goals for the winner. Patras Tiru, Suleman Herman Herenz and Vickey Singh Rana scored for Bihar.
Jammu and Kashmir recorded a 5-0 victory over Tamil Nadu in group ‘D’ at the Sector 42 Stadium. Captain Gurtej Singh (2), Onkar Singh, Sartaj Singh and Surinder Singh were the marksmen.
Samuel Bhengra struck three goals and Francis Barla chipped in with two, to pilot Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) to a 5-2 victory over Jharkhand after the team had led 4-0 at the interval, in group ‘B’. Sanjit Singh and I. Diwan scored the goals for the loser.
In group ‘F’, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) defeated Railway Protection Force (RPF) 7-1 after leading 5-1 at halftime. Simon Tirkey (3), Nemhas Xaxa, Rajender Singh, Toail Ekka and Rajesh Kindo scored the goals for the winner. Avtar Singh saved the face for the Railway team with a goal.
Tripura outplayed Assam 10-0 in group ‘H’ at the Sector 18 stadium. Anuj Hro (4), Barna Bas Nag (2), Deep Chandra Tigga, Biren Purty, Mahanand Kindo and Dhotang Horo accounted for the goals.
The Hindu
Malacca join east Malaysians on U-16 sideline
KUALA LUMPUR: Malacca, a regular in age-group competitions, have withdrawn from the national Under-16 tournament beginning on Sunday in Seremban.
Besides Malacca, the other teams not taking part are Sabah and Sarawak. That leaves 12 teams in the fray and the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) have decided to shorten the duration of the tournament by a day.
And the organisers have decided to use a two-group format of competition in the preliminary rounds to give teams more matches.
The Malacca HA president, Nur Azmi Ahmed, said yesterday that they had agreed to take part but later found difficulty in forming a decent side.
“First, we had a communication problem with the schools in picking the players,” he said.
“Then we did not have a turf for training sessions. The turf at the Bukit Serendit Stadium is being replaced and we are not sure when it will be ready. With all these problems, we decided to stay out this year.”
Defending champions Kuala Lumpur are in Group A with Kelantan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis and Selangor. Group B comprises Johor, Kedah, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Singapore and Terengganu.
The top two teams in each group qualify for crossover semi-finals. The third-place playoff and final will be played on March 21. There will be no playoffs for lower classifications.
The Star of Malaysia