South Korea in Azlan final

South Korea in Azlan final
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

KUALA LUMPUR, FEBRUARY 22: South Korea assured themselves of a place in the final with a 2-1 defeat of Canada in the 10th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Hockey Tournament.

Korea dominated throughout before beating the Pan-American Champions at the Bukit Jalil Stadium and maintained their table topping position here on Tuesday.

Quick to capitalise to Canada's sluggish start as they pumped in two goals in the first eight minutes. Kim Kyung Seok found himself in the Canadian circle with a pass from the midfield in the fifth minute when he whipped in from the right flank. Seok's tight-angle shot beat Canadian goalkeeper Mike Mahood to give Korea the lead.

Three minutes later, Hwang Jong Hyuns shot from the left of the circle and beat Mike who went the wrong way.

Two goals in the first eight minutes and it seemed that Korea would open up the floodgates. But, Canada fought all the way finally scoring off a penalty corner when Peter Milkovich banged in a direct shot and the two teams went for the breather with score at 2-1.

Then the rains came down as huge sheets of water fell flooding the turf. After an hour the game restarted, but Canada were bent on taking the fight to the Koreans.

The second half saw Canada work hard to equalise but the Koreans defended well. Rob short, Rick Roberts did good work in the midfield but their passes were cut off by the Korean defenders. A couple of sharp chances in the circle were there for Canada but their finishing was just not up to the mark.