Wounded China look to get one over Malaysia

MALAYSIA will have nothing to fear when they square off against China in today’s Group B match of the Series Finals at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

Roelant Oltmans’ side are feeling confident considering that they have won 11 out of 12 meetings against China since 2009.

However, Malaysia should not take any chances as wounded China would be desperate for points following the unexpected 2-1 defeat to World No 32 Italy on Friday.

World No 14 China must now beat 13th-ranked Malaysia as well as Brazil to keep their sights on the semi-finals.

“My biggest mistake was that I did not know anything about the Italians,” said China coach Kim Sang Ryul.

“They came at us from every corner, and I was surprised with their tenacity.”

But China as well as Sang Ryul are aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the Malaysian players.

“Yes, (laughing) I know Malaysia very well as I have coached China as well as South Korea against them many times.

“We know each other, and that could turn out to be an advantage or a disadvantage,” Sang Ryul added.

In 2017, Malaysia recorded 7-1 (Asia Cup) and 5-1 (World League Semi-Finals) victories along with a 5-3 shootout success after a 2-2 draw in the World League Round Two against China.

Oltmans said: “China will be coming out strongly to make up for the defeat to Italy. But like I have said it many times before, this is not an easy tournament like many had predicted.”

RESULT — Group A: Austria 1 Canada 2, Wales 2 Belarus 1.

FIXTURES — Today, Group B:

Brazil v Italy (6.05pm), China v

Malaysia (8.05pm) — * matches at National Hockey Stadium (Pitch One) in Bukit Jalil.