Malaysian women routed by Thais in the Asia Cup

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian women's Hockey 5s team were whipped 8-1 by Thailand in the Asia Cup in Oman today.

Playing in the Elite Group, Malaysia were earlier hammered 7-2 by India, and they will play their final pool match against Japan tomorrow.

Team coordinator Hasnizam Hassan said the Malaysians' fitness was a big letdown in both the defeats.

Only Nur Zafirah Aziz scored in the 24th minute against Thailand.

"Our players lost out on fitness against India and Thailand. The players have the necessary skills, but could not match the two teams' fast pace and let in big scores.

"Our next match is against Japan, and we have to fight till the end to make sure we don't end up bottom of the pool to have a 'better' opponent when we play in the Challenger pool," said Hasnizam.

Hong Kong topped the Challenger pool with three wins while Taiwan and Bangladesh have two wins each.

Japan had lost 5-1 to Thailand and will play India next before meeting Malaysia.