It’s nadir for Malaysia’s hockey team in Australia

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia were out of depth against the best in world hockey, finishing last in the four-nation hockey tournament in Australia.

In the third-placing playoff yesterday, world No. 13 Malaysia were outplayed 4-1 by India at the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Melbourne.

World No. 6 India started off well by taking the lead after only two minutes through a field goal by Akashdeep Singh.

V. Raghunath made it 2-0 when he converted a penalty corner in the 45th minute.

But a minute later, Malaysia managed to reduce the deficit with a field goal by Joel van Huizen.

India stormed back in the last eight minutes to net another two goals through Talwinder Singh in the 52nd minute and Rupinder Pal Singh in the 58th minute to complete the rout.

Out of the four matches in the five-day tournament, Malaysia managed one draw and three defeats.

Malaysia drew 1-1 with world No. 8 New Zealand in the opening match and then lost to India (4-2) and world No. 1 Australia (5-0) in the preliminary rounds.

National coach Stephen van Huizen was not pleased with his team’s performance against India.

“We started off badly by conceding a deflected goal in the second minute. We also let in another soft goal off a penalty corner in the fourth quarter,” said Stephen.

Hosts Australia emerged champions by beating New Zealand 3-1 in the final.

Trent Mitton (24th), Christopher Bausor (37th) and Jeremy Hayward (59th) scored for Australia while Kane Russell replied for the Kiwis in the 48th minute.