The big guns of the continental hockey in AsiaÔÇöChina, Korea, India and Japan- are all set to trade their wits when the women's Asia Cup to determine the top two for the next World Cup resumes in Bangkok, Thailand on Tuesday.
By S. Thyagarajan
While the current holder of the trophy, Japan takes on the formidable Korea in a Pool B encounter, the super power, China meets India in the key contest of Pool A.
Needless to emphasis that the focus among the hockey fraternity here is on the verdict emerging out of the two matches which will be pointer to the finale fixed for November 9.
Japan has neatly fine tuned strategy and the three victories registered so far underscored the element of authority and efficiency needed to accomplish the task of retaining the trophy. With 37 goals and none points garnered, Japan is ready for the challenge for Korea.
The former champion too does not lag behind. In fact, Korea has more goals in total-42 to be precise-from the three games and is on par with Japan at nine points.
Korea's former men's team captain, Kang Wook, is confident that Korea will make the grade this time. He reckons the ability to convert penalty corners by Seul Ki Cheon will be unmatched in this competition.
Kim Sang Ryul, the former Korean coach, and regarded on the international scene as a master strategist, always keeps his cards close to the chest.
Frankly, China's showing in the two games thus far had been anything that be described as outstanding, despite winning both the matches without much of a tussle. It appears the Chinese are waiting to unleash their power when it matters most, playing against India and possibly with Korea and Japan in the later stages of the event.
After a sedate start despite the heaving scoring against Singapore (13-0) and Thailand (15-0), India has settled down to a rhythm.
The cynosure is now not the tested and tried veteran, Surender Kaur, but the gangling striker Rani Ramphal. Her six goals against Thailand the other day mirrored her skill at the finish.
Saba Anjum and Mamta Kharb, the golden girl of Manchester Commonwealth Games, added an element of strength and system to the attack.
Assured now is a keen contest after witnessing some drab, heavy scoring contests which neither benefited the losers nor the sport itself.
Results Women's Asia Cup:
Pool A:
Malaysia - Thailand 3:0 (2:0)
India - Singapore 13:0 (5:0)
China - Singapore 13:0 (6:0)
India - Thailand 15:0 (6:0)
China - Malaysia 4:0 (1:0)
Singapore - Thailand 1:0 (1:0)
Ranking:
1. India 2-6 (28-0)
2. China 2-6 (17-0)
3. Malaysia 2-3 (3-4)
4. Singapore 3-3 (1-26)
5. Thailand 3-0 (0-19)
Pool B:
Japan - Kazakhstan 10:0 (4:0)
Korea - Sri Lanka 17:0 (9:0)
Taipei - Hong Kong 0:0 (0:0)
Korea - Hong Kong 10:0 (6:0)
Japan - Sri Lanka 20:0 (10:0)
Kazakhstan - Taipei 5:2 (2:0)
Hong Kong - Sri Lanka 3:0 (1:0)
Korea - Kazakhstan 15:0
Japan - Taipei 7:0 (3:0)
Ranking:
1. Korea 3-9 (42-0)
2. Japan 3-9 (37-0)
3. Hong Kong 3-4 (3-10)
4. Kazakhstan 3-3 (5-27)
5. Taipei 3-1 (2-10)
6. Sri Lanka 3-0 (0-40)
Tuesday's matches: Hong Kong v Kazakhstan; India v China; Sri Lanka v Taipei; Japan v Korea, Malaysia v Singapore
