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India and S Korea set up final clash

Defending champions India and South Korea posted contrasting victories to qualify for the Asia Cup field hockey final on Saturday.

South Korea struggled to down Malaysia 2-1 while India registered an impressive 4-1 win over Japan in the semi-finals.

India kept pressure on Japan from the beginning, finding the target through striker Prabhjot Singh (two), Shivender Singh and Roshan Minz to make their sixth appearance in the final.

Takahiko Yamabori converted a penalty-corner for Japan in the 68th minute, but it came too late to threaten India's lead.

India have already beaten last year's Asian Games champions South Korea 3-2 in a close league match, but coach Joaquim Carvalho said he did not believe his team had an edge going into the final.

"The final is a different game as we are just a victory away from winning the title. South Korea are a very good side and whoever makes the most of the chances will win. I think we are better prepared this time," he said.

Earlier, South Korea twice led by a goal in a keenly contested encounter but never looked safe.

Oh Dae-keun and Yoon Sung-hoon scored for South Korea, while Azlon Misron scored for Malaysia.

South Korea gained a 2-1 lead in the 60th minute when Yoon capped a solo run with a brilliant goal.
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