Donghae City (Korea): Young forward Lalremsiami’s equaliser earned defending champions India 1-1 draw against hosts Korea in the last round robin match at the fifth Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) women’s hockey tournament here Saturday.
The stalemate enabled India finish on top of the group with 10 points from four games while Korea finished second with eight. The same two teams will clash again for the title, Sunday.
Despite Korea’s aggressive attitude, it was India who achieved their first penalty corner in the fourth minute of the match. But drag-flicker Gurjit Kaur’s flick was padded away by the Korean goalkeeper.
World No. 9, Korea, however, were the first to make a breakthrough when they forced an error to win a short corner in the opening minute of the second quarter.
Seul Ki Cheon was brilliant with her drag-flick as she struck the ball to the right corner of the post almost making it impossible for India goalkeeper Savita to save.
After barren third quarter, an infringement while attempting to defend a shot on goal by a Korean attacker led to India concede a penalty corner at the start of the fourth quarter. However, the Koreans wasted the chance.
Almost immediately, Lalremsiami helped India win a penalty corner. While Gurjit’s flick rebounded off goalkeeper pads, Lalremsiami was quick dive forward and stroke the ball into the net to restore parity for the Women in Blue.
Action continued to be frenetic after India’s equaliser with both sides looking for the winner. Korea and India, both earned a penalty corner apiece, but on each occasion the respective sides’ defenders were there to thwart the challenge.
“It was a good match and most importantly, we will now be able to strategise better for finals tomorrow (Sunday),” skipper Sunita Lakra said after the game. “I am sure we will have the right answers to the questions Korea may pose against us,” she added.
