No clear favourites in semi-finals

battle to lift the Vivian May Soars Trophy begins today with no clear favourites in the two-leg semi-finals.

Police Blue Warriors will play Liaoning Hockey Club from China while League champions Terengganu Ladies meet PKSUniTen.

In the League, Police have the upper hand over Liaoning HC with slim 4-2 and 2-1 wins.

Terengganu Ladies beat PKSUniTen 3-2 in the first round of the League, but lost 2-1 in the second round.

So, it looks like there will not be any clear winners in the first semi-finals, and the title chase will go to the wire in the return leg semis.

Liaoning HC team manager Eric Zacharias claims the underdogs tag, while Police manager Kelvinder Singh believes it is too close to call.

“Yes, we won both the League matches but they were hardfought and with slim scores.

“I expect the same scenario in the semi-finals.

“Both teams will be trying to keep their second leg semis alive by not giving up much tomorrow (today),” said the former national player who is now a Police Inspector.

“This is the third time we will be meeting each other so there are no secrets. We prefer to go on the pitch as underdogs, and will try not to make too many mistakes in the first leg,” said Eric.

Terengganu coach K. Gobinathan said: “The good understanding and camaraderie between my local and foreign players landed us the League title. We will be banking on the same formula in the semis.”

(Semi-finals, First Leg): Terengganu Ladies v PKS-UniTen (Tun Razak, 5pm), Police Blue Warriors v Liaoning HC (Tengku Abdullah Stadium, 5pm).