INDIA MAUL JAPAN IN ASIA CUP OPENER

Dhaka: Title favourites India produced an impressive performance to outclass Japan 5-1 in their opening campaign at the 10th edition of the men’ Asia Cup hockey tournament, here on Wednesday. In their first tournament under a new coach, India meant business and found the net in each quarter, twice in the third, to streamroll their less-fancied but tricky opponents. S.V. Sunil (3rd minute), Lalit Upadhyay (22nd), Ramandeep Singh (33rd) and Harmanpreet Singh (35th and 48th) were on target. Japan’s lone goal came through Kenji Kitazato’s stick in the fourth minute. World no. 6 India did not look rusty under their new coach, Marijne Sjoerd, who took charge last month following the sacking of Roelant Oltmans. India were quick to get off the blocks when Sunil pushed the ball in an open net. But India’s joy was shortlived as Japan struck in the next minute through Kitazato. The Indians dominated the proceedings utilised both the wings well to set up their attacks. An inch perfect scoop from Harmanpreet from the halfway mark found Lalit inside the Dee and the striker slotted home with a reverse shot. Two minutes into the second half, India extended their lead through Ramandeep, who scored a gem with a thundering shot from a tight angle after being set up by Sunil. Next it was Harmanpreet’s turn to register his name in the scoresheet and the drag-flicker did so by converting India’s second penalty corner in the 40th minute. Soon Harmanpreet made the score line 5-1 in favour of India.