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China brighten final chances

China brightened their chances of moving into the final of the fourth women's Asia Cup hockey tournament after thrashing Malaysia 11-0 today. Which means Indian will have to win their match against South Korea tomorrow to qualify for the semi-finals.

The winners led 5-0 at half time.

Earlier, in an inconsequential match, Japan beat lowly Kazakhstan 2-0.

For China, this was their first victory in four outings, having earlier drawn three matches in succession. The former Asian Games champions face Kazakhstan in the last league match and need to win that fixture by more than seven goals - which is very likely given their form - to qualify.

In case India win against Korea, they make it to the final and there will be no need of permutations or combinations. However, in case of a draw, the hosts can only pray that Kazakhstan does not concede more than six goals against China.

The Chinese girls dominated the match and should have scored more goals but for the missed chances.They forced as many as 19 penalty-corners while their rivals could earn only one.

Yesterday, India muffed two penalty-strokes and six penalty-corners as they were held to a goalless draw by a determined China, while defending champions South Korea whipped lowly Kazakhstan 10-0 to storm into the final with 10 points from four outings.

India, with eight points from four outings, are currently second in the round-robin league table and must beat Korea to ensure a ticket to Friday's final.

UNI