After an unbeaten run in the league stage, India will lock horns with arch-rivals Pakistan in what promises to be a cracker of a final in the inaugural Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament here on Sunday.
After their pulsating 2-2 draw in the group match on Friday, the stage is set for another thrilling match between the rivals.
Sunday should see a thriller as both have nothing to lose. “This team has handled pressure like pros. They needed an incentive and now the team has got it by playing a final. Whatever the result, we will throw everything into the match,” India coach Michael Nobbs said.
Meanwhile, in the women’s event, India blew away a 2-0 lead as Japan scored a controversial golden goal in extra time off a penalty stroke to snatch the bronze medal.
Himmat stays in lead
Singapore/Hilversum: Himmat Rai (68, 66, 66) had a bogey-free round to share the lead and close in on his maiden Asian Tour title at the Handa Singapore Classic. At the KLM Open, Shiv Kapur slipped after being T3 overnight. agencies