Norbaini scores one more goal to complete thumping victory over Singapore

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia could only add one more goal to complete an 8-0 win over Singapore in the women’s Asia Cup hockey tournament in Japan.

Malaysia were leading 7-0 in the Group A match at the Gifu Hockey Stadium in Kakamigahara on Sunday when the match was aban- doned due to heavy rain.

Nuraslinda Said (19th and 33rd minutes), Fatin Shafika Sukri (13th), Surizan Awang Noh (15th), Hanis Nadia Onn (25th), Nuraini Abdul Rashid (28th) and Norbaini Hashim (36th) were the scorers.

Yesterday, Malaysia returned to complete the remaining 15 minutes with Norbaini Hashim scoring the eighth goal in the 60th minute. It was Malaysia’s first win after losing 5-4 to China 5-4 in the opening match on Saturday.

World No. 22 Malaysia will complete the group fixtures against world No. 12 India today.

India, who whipped Singapore 10-0 on Saturday, upset world No. 8 China 4-1 yesterday to top the group.

National coach K. Dharmaraj said the big win over Singapore was a good morale booster before the clash against India.

“We can expect a daunting task against India as they have skilful players.

“India did very well to upset China.

“I hope my players can rise to the occasion to give a good fight. Getting a point will be a good result for us,” said Dharmaraj.