ACT 2023: Malaysia beat China 5-1 to continue its winning run

Malaysia continued its winning run in the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament with a convincing 5-1 victory

Chennai: Malaysia continued its winning run in the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament with a convincing 5-1 victory over China at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium here on Friday. China was the first to put its nose ahead in the fourth minute, with Chongcong Chen scoring a field goal.

However, it did not take long for Malaysia to bounce back, as seven minutes later, Faizal Saari successfully converted a penalty corner to draw level.

---

In the 15th minute from another corner Abu Kamal Azrai put Malaysia ahead.

After a quiet second quarter, it was 2-1 for Malaysia at the half-time break, while towards the end of the third quarter, Azrai (45th minute) scored the third for Malaysia through a field goal.

In the 49th minute, another field goal from Firhan Ashari made it 4-1 for the Malaysians, while in the 57th minute, Najmi Jazlan made it 5-1 through a penalty corner.

With this win, Malaysia has risen to the top of the table with six points and it plays India next.

China will be up against defending champion South Korea, as it remains winless in its opening two games.