HANGZHOU: The Malaysian women's hockey team "imposed" their presence in the Asian Games by whipping Hong Kong 8-0 in a Group A match today.
After the Speedy Tigers mauled Thailand 9-0 in a men's match
on Sunday, the young Malaysian Tigress were as just ferocious against Hong Kong.
In another Group A women's match, South Korea struggled to beat Singapore 4-0.
"All the teams came here well prepared for the Asian Games, and there are no easy matches. Just look at how Singapore managed to contain South Korea.
"Hong Kong were not easy either and they almost scored an early goal. We were made to wait until the 11th minute before we could break the deadlock.
"I consider this 8-0 victory as a big boost ahead of playing India on Friday, after a long three-day break," said women's coach Nasihin Nubli at the Gongshu Canal Sports Park Stadium.
Malaysia's opening goal was delivered by Fatin Shafika Sukri off a penalty corner in the 11th while Nuraini Rashid had to wait for 10 minutes before she could tuck in a penalty stroke to open up the match.
The rest of the goals came through Hanis Nadiah Onn (21st), Siti Zulaikha Husain (38th), Fatin Shafika Sukri (40th), Nur Insyirah Effarizal (56th), Nur Afiqah Syahzani (60th) and Wan Norfaiezah Saiuti (60th). Seven different players scored against Hong Kong, with Fatin scoring a brace.
World No 19th Malaysia need to either hold India (seventh), or beat South Korea (12th) to play in the semi-finals.