India breached China's tight defence to rout them 4-0 in the penultimate Hockey World League Round 2 clash on Saturday and maintain a clear lead on top of the table.

Chinese defence caused some early problems before VR Raghunath converted a 12th minute penalty corner. Akashdeep Singh's deft stickwork made it 2-0 in the 29th minute.

Dharamvir Singh cashed in on a goalmouth melee to score four minutes into the second half before Rupinder Pal Singh deflected home in the 44th minute. India have 12 points now, three clear of second-placed Ireland.

De-recognised
Hockey India de-recognised Air India as its associate member with immediate effect due to non-payment of annual membership fee since 2010-11, it said in a statement.