Fancied India held to 1-1 draw by Korea

Placed five spots behind sixthranked India in the world rankings, the Koreans repeatedly caused ripples in the rival defence and found plenty of time and space to dribble into the scoring zone at the Kuantan Hockey Stadium. 

A series of saves by skipper PR Sreejesh saved India the embarrassment after they had fallen behind in the first quarter of the game.

South Korea took the lead in the 11 the minute off a flash strike by Jeong Jun-woo after a misdirected Indian pass in their own territory. India fought back to equalise in the 33rd minute through Lalit Upadhyay, who sent a firm reverse drive from the top of the circle into the boards.

Title favourites India, the highest ranked Asian team, now have four points from two games ahead of the showpiece league match against Pakistan on Sunday.

Pakistan hockey team coach Khawaja Junaid said Sunday’s encounter against India will be the showpiece match of the tournament. “An India-Pakistan hockey match is always a game of emotions,” said Junaid, asserting that these popular encounters “showcase skills that attracts millions of spectators to the sport.”