Tall order for Malaysia to win title

India coach Jude Felix (second from right) putting his players through their paces at training yesterday.

will have their hands full trying to stop India and Australia from claiming a treble of titles at the Sultan of Johor Cup which begins today.

The six-nation invitational tournament will be held for the eighth time at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Baru.

The other participating teams are Japan, New Zealand and former champions Britain.

India were finalists on four occasions, from 2012 to 2015 and they won gold in 2013 and 2014.

Australia won their titles in 2016 and 2017. They also made

the inaugural final in 2011 but lost to Malaysia.

This year, the teams are expected to field a younger set of players as they look ahead to the Junior World Cup qualifiers over the next two years. Some of the teams have also lost key players to their nations’ Youth Olympics challenge in Argentina.

Malaysia coach Nor Saiful Zaini Nasiruddin said they are looking forward to a top four finish. They were fourth last year.

“It is going to be a tough week looking at the quality of the teams that are here.

“We played two friendly matches against Australia (lost 1-0) and Britain (drew 0-0). Our problem in the forward line is evident. We need to score to win matches and must overcome this problem.”

India coach Jude Felix said losing some of his key players may affect the team.

“Just like Malaysia, we lost several players to the Youth Olympics. But I believe there is enough depth in the squad to overcome it.”

The Australians are favourites to become the first team to win three back-to-back titles.

Australia coach Chris O’ Reilly said that they do have an experienced team although their preparations have not been that thorough.

“We have a good blend of players, both young and experienced. We have eight players that played last year.”

TODAY: Britain v New Zealand (4.05pm); Australia v Japan (6.05pm); Malaysia v India (8.35pm).

TOMORROW: Japan v Britain (4.05pm); India v New Zealand (6.05pm); Australia v Malaysia (8.35pm).