KUALA LUMPUR: Teenager Hugo Labouchere led the scoring chart in the Junior World Cup (JWC) as he was on target again against South Africa in the playoff for ninth placing today.
He scored off a penalty corner in the 2-1 win over South Africa at the National Hockey Stadium.
In the 26th minute, defender Labouchere showed clinical finishing when his low drag flick, off a penalty corner, sent the ball past goalkeeper Reece Govender.
Labouchere, 19, has plundered nine goals from six matches in Kuala Lumpur.
Belgium were awarded a penalty stroke in the 48th minute, and Labouchere had the chance to increase his goal tally to 10 but he flicked the ball wide.
Labouchere, making his JWC debut in KL, said he was happy to help his team finish ninth.
"I feel really good to have scored in all matches except against Pakistan which we drew 1-1.
"Scoring nine goals in the JWC is a big boost for me and I'm looking forward to winning the top scorer award." said Labouchere, who was the top scorer in the eight-nation junior tournament in Cologne, Germany, in 2021 with eight goals.
South Korean Lim Doh Yun is the second highest scorer in the JWC with eight goals while Spain's Pol Cabre Verdiell is third with seven goals.