Ticket to the worlds via Asia Cup awaits Arul’s boys

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s chances of qualifying for hockey’s Asia Cup super four in Jakarta (May 23-June 1) received a boost when they avoided big guns India, Japan and Pakistan in the group stage.

A super four spot, instead of the regular semi-final stage, would enhance Malaysia’s chances of qualifying for the World Cup in Bhubaneswar, India from Jan 13-29 next year.

India have already qualified for the World Cup as hosts and three teams from the Asia Cup will represent the continent.

Malaysia should claim a spot in the last four in the Asia Cup from Group B where they have South Korea, Oman and Bangladesh for company.

Group A will see a tussle among three continental heavyweights – India, Pakistan and Japan – while the fourth team in the group are hosts Indonesia.

With Malaysia looking good to claim a spot in the super four, they will be hoping for India to get through to the top four stage to confirm a World Cup ticket.

Should India stumble in the group stage, Malaysia need a top three finish in the super four to gain their ticket.

National coach A. Arulselvaraj said they will not take any team for granted although the draw looks favourable.

“The draw may look easy on paper but we are going to take all our opponents seriously. We need to see every team as tough opponents and the job becomes easier,” said Arulselvaraj.

“The first task is to reach the super four. If India qualify for the super four too, we are through to the World Cup.

“Otherwise, it will be a whole new tournament where we must battle to finish in the top three. We will be prepared for all possibilities.”

Meanwhile, Arul’s boys concluded their four-match series with a 3-0 defeat in Perth where they were punished again for conceding too many penalty corners.

Australia, who earned 12 penalty corners, converted three through Jeremy Hayward in the 34th minute and Ky Willet’s double in the 42nd and 53rd minutes.