Hockey boys down China to secure semis spot at Under-18 Asia Cup

Picking up pace: Daniel Hakeem Abdullah (right) and Dheeressh Gunaseelan (centre) celebrate their 3-0 win over China at the Under-18 Asia Cup in Japan. — MHC

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s hockey boys shook off a sluggish start to defeat China 3-0 in their final Group B match to secure a spot in the semi-finals of the Under-18 Asia Cup.

With both sides needing a win to advance, Malaysia rose to the occasion in Kakamigahara, Japan, by delivering a composed second-half performance to claim the crucial win yesterday.