South Korea start with a bang
Korea claimed the early favourites tag with a 6-3 win over Canada in the Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh yesterday.
World No 17 Korea outclassed 10th-ranked Canada in every department to secure the win.
Kim Jung Hoo (14th minute), Lee Nam Yong (19th, 31st, 43rd) and Jang Jong Hyun (20th, 44th) scored for the Koreans.
Canada replied through Matthew Sarmento (45th), Adam Froese (45th) and Fin Boothroyd (50th).
Korea coach Shin Seok Kyo is now looking forward to erasing his team’s Asian Games nightmare by lifting the title.
“We finished fourth in last year ’s Indonesia Asian Games which was poor. We are now rebuilding our team and paying special attention on fitness.
“We want to become champions here in order to boost our confidence for the FIH Series Finals (Olympic Qualifier) in France in June,” said Seok Kyo yesterday.
As for Canada coach Paul Bundy, the score did not matter as his team are here to test new players and tactics.
“After the Bhubaneswar World Cup, we decided it was time to play a different style in order to progress.
“That’s why we have brought five young players and are working on new format and tactics.
“Credit to Korea because they scored world class goals, and credit to my players also for trying to make a comeback, but I’m still not happy with the overhead flick decisions.
“The rule was introduced in the World Cup, but until today, decisions vary among umpires. There is no consistency, and this could lead to injuries,” said Bundy.