Inspired Indians book semi-final berth with 3-2 win over Korea

CHENNAI: India became the first team to book their berth in the semi final with a superlative display of artistry in their 3-2 win over South Korea for their third straight victory in the 7th BSNL Asia Cup Hockey Championship here before a packed stadium on Monday night.

For the first time in recent past playing at home, Indian players raised their game to great heights exhibiting total hockey in disposing off the Koreans, who are rated as the best in the Asian Continent, to take their point tally to nine from three matches. India led 3-2 at half-time.

Shivendra Singh, Ignace Tirkey and Prabhjot Singh scored for India while Jang Jong Hyun and Kang Seong Jung for Korea.

It was a gripping encounter as the Koreans kept up the pressure making full use of their usual speedy runs to dislodge the Indians. But, the hosts showed total cohesion and the understanding between the forwards, medios and the defenders witnessed through out the match, put them on a better keel than the Koreans.

The trappings in the midfield by the Indian was a visual treat to watch.