Hockey

Timid Young Tigers try to avoid humiliation

KUALA LUMPUR: After four matches, Malaysia are still "a zero" in hockey's Sultan of Johor Cup at Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru.

The winless Young Tigers hope to get their first point tomorrow against Australia in their last round robin match.

But that is a big ask. Not many expect Malaysia to hold off mighty Australia, an irrepressible team who had even outplayed group leaders India 4-0.

Hosts Malaysia have found themselves in the embarrassing position of fighting to avoid finishing last in the tournament despite home ground advantage.

World No. 11 (junior ranking) Malaysia lost 3-2 to world No. 13 New Zealand, 4-1 to world No. 18 Japan, 4-2 to world No. 2 India and 2-1 to world No. 16 Great Britain in their round robin matches earlier.

Whatever the outcome of the match against world No. 8 Australia, Malaysia are already relegated to the fifth-sixth placing match on Saturday.

After four losses, coach I. Vickneswaran lamented that his players are still making basic errors in matches.

"We gave away an unnecessary penalty corner (yesterday) in the 15th minute which resulted in a penalty stroke which Great Britain scored.

"We did well to fight back to equalise. But they played a physical game and this affected our performance.

"My players are not used to playing European teams and this is our first tournament since we started training in May.

Asked about Malaysia's chances against Australia, Vickneswaran said the young Kookaburras are a solid team, and they proved this by defeating India.

"However it will be beneficial playing against Australia, who are world class, in preparation for the Junior Asia Cup (in Muscat, Oman, Nov 24-Dec 4)," he added.

Tomorrow

India v New Zealand, 4pm; Great Britain v Japan 6.15pm; Malaysia v Australia 8.35pm

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