Defending champions Pakistan have made a cracking start to the men’s Asian Champions Trophy tournament in Kakamigahara, Japan, winning their opening three matches to sit at the top of the six-team pool table.
The Greenshirts have been in fine form against Asia’s finest, powering to triumphs over Oman (8-0), China (5-1) and Malaysia (1-0). The Malaysia victory came courtesy of a last minute penalty corner effort from vice-captain Shafqat Rasool and almost certainly puts Pakistan in the tournament final.
A successful Asian Champions Trophy tournament would be a huge step in the right direction for a Pakistan team keen to rebuild after failing to qualify for next year’s Rabobank Hockey World Cup in The Hague, Netherlands.
China and host nation Japan both have six points and sit in second and third places respectively. Malaysia and a promising but inexperienced India team occupy the fourth and fifth places, with each side having collected three points. Oman have not picked up a point and are rooted to the bottom of the table. The big game on Thursday (7 December) is undoubtedly the meeting between front-runners India and perennial rivals India.
In the women’s competition – which is certain to have a new champion after title holders Korea decided not to participate – India and pre-event favourites Japan have started the brightest, winning both of their opening matches to sit at the top of the league table ahead of the currently pointless China and Malaysia. India are top of the table on goal difference following triumphs over China (4-2) and Malaysia (5-1), while Japan were also comfortable winners against the same opponents. India and Japan go head to head on Thursday (7 November), with the winner certain to go top of the table.
The tournament will be in action until Sunday (10 November). You can keep track of the results from the event on the website of the Japan Hockey Association (http://www.en.hockey.or.jp) or on the tournament’s facebook page by visiting https://www.facebook.com/act.kakamigahara2013
