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May 14, 2000 NEWS | 
Koreans beat favourites India to claim the titleSportalasia
It was a match not for the faint-hearted as the juniors of two Asian hockey giants battled it out for the title long held by Pakistan since it was first introduced. Perhaps it was fitting that Korea, who gave Pakistan their first ever defeat in twelve years in the tournament, would be the ones to wear the crown of Junior Asia Champions. India were the tournament favourites from day one and after a slow start got into their rhythm to outclass all opponents with double-digt scores to set up this meeting with Korea. But in the end, India's attacking game was no match for the never-say-die patriots from Korea who survived a hail of Indian shots at goal, fell behind but eventually clawed back to win 3- and claim the title. It completes a sweet double for the Koreans whose fairer counterparts defeated China to clinch the 3rd Junior Women's title yesterday. Two goals in as many minutes late in the game by Jung Seong-tae and Jeon Hong-kwon killed off the Indians who managed a late consolation goal when Bimal Lakra converted India's third penalty stroke of the match. India went into the match as the red-hot favourites and they certainly lived up to the billings in the first 35 minutes. They had countless opportunities to sew the match up in the first half but could only strike once in the 29th minute. Bimal kept his nerves to slot home a penalty stroke, awarded after Kim Chul-soo stopped a goal-bound shot with his body. Nine minutes earlier, India had earned their first stroke of the match but Korean keeper Lee Myung-ho dived to his right to brilliantly save Arjun Halappa's attempt. India ran riot in the opening minutes as their speedy forwards ran rings round the Korean defence but every time when it looked easier to score, the Indian forwards somehow contrived to miss. The Koreans, defended stoutly and their never-say-die attitude coupled with their remarkable fitness made it a wonderful first half. The Koreans always looked dangerous when they broke forward. Admittedly it was not as often as they would have liked but they did contribute to the fervour pitch excitement at the Bukit Jalil Stadium. Lee Jung-seon created and scored Korea's equaliser in the 34th minute. He ran down the right flank, beating three men in the process but was fouled in the D and off the ensuing penalty corner, Jung-seon sent in a shoulder high shot which beat Devesh Chavhan. India, it seemed, did not learn anything from the first half. They attacked from the word go at the beginning of the second but try as they might, they still could not hit the target. When they did finally hit the mark, the outstanding Myung-ho was there to stop them. Bipin Fernandez and Arjun worked over time in midfield as they tried to find space for the front men and they dominated the halfline but all their good work went down the drain.
First in the 65th minute, Seong-tae's shot from the top of the D flew in and two minutes later Hong-kwon had the simple task of shooting home from close range. India came roaring back but only managed to pull one back through another Bimal stroke. But it was too late, because by then, the favourites had been well and truly beaten.
Roll of Honour
Fairplay Trophy : Chinese Taipei Courtsey: www.hockeyasia.com
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| Mail Sports Editor
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