India lose, out of final race

New Delhi: A listless India went down to Australia 2-4 for their second loss in three matches, leaving them out of the race for the final of the 27th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup at Ipoh, Malaysia, on Tuesday.

Table toppers Australia scored through Mark Knowles (28’), Aran Zalewski (35’), Daniel Beale (38’) and Blake Govers (40’), while India’s response came via Ramandeep Singh (52’, 53’).

India, who have rested many senior players for the tournament, lost their opener to Argentina 2-3 before a 1-1 draw with England. The day’s match was a must-win for India but getting the better of Australia proved to be tough. In the day’s other match, England defeated Ireland 4-1.

Second win for women
In Incheon, the women’s team edged past Korea 3-2 in an absorbing contest for their second win in as many games, in a five-match series

Poonam Rani (6’), skipper Rani (27’) and Gurjit Kaur (32’) scored for India while Lee Yurim (10’) and Seo Jungeun (31’) struck for the hosts.

Poonam found the net to hand India the lead before Lee converted the penaly to level 1-1.

In the second quarter saw South Korea earn back-to-back short corners. However, the visitors defended well with young goalkeeper Swati making crucial saves.

Rani found the back of the net in 27th minute.

After the break, Seo equalised for the hosts but Gurjit scored in very next minute in what proved to be the decisive goal.