Singapore signs off in style

CHENNAI, AUG. 9. A second half surge saw Singapore sail to a smooth 3-1 victory and complete the week-long tour of this metropolis in style at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium here this evening. Trailing 0-1 at half time, Singapore struck thrice in the early part of the next half to beat the South Zone squad in the international hockey match before a fairly large gathering.

A few days ago, Singapore claimed the prize in the invitation tournament hosted by the Tamil Nadu Women's Hockey Association.

If the trend in the first half was any indication, then a victory for South Zone appeared on the cards. Not only did the team, helped by a set of extremely talented forwards like Vidya, Sindhu Koppa and Prasanna Lakshmi, secure the lead in the early minutes, but built up steady pressure at the rival end.

When Vidya produced a stunning backhander from a penalty corner push by Pavithra, everything seemed in place for South Zone. Heightening the expectations were the four penalty corners the team forced against the international side which had only two, once in each half, in the match.

Individually, the Singapore attack carried a considerable amount of threat to the none too well organised South Zone defence. Niu Lei was the playmaker and created quite a few openings. But it was after the break only did the Singapore forwards begin to strike in unison. Priscilla Koh hit in a splendid shot for the equaliser, and before the South Zone team settled down the goal fell again, with Chang Tzeai increasing the lead. And not long after came the third from Chu Yue Xin.

South Zone did make valiant attempts thereafter to restrict the margin, or even to finish the day with honours even. But the Singapore defence, headed by Chu Guat Chiew and Chen Hui Ling put up a commendable performance as did the goal-keeper Phua Min Tee, who brought off a couple of acrobatic saves.

A minute's silence was observed as a mark of respect in memory of Ambrose Ashok, the Tamil Nadu coach, umpire and administrator, who passed away on Wednesday. The match, scheduled for August 8, was postponed and played this evening on account of Ashok's death.

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Section  : Sport
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