Hockey: Malaysia Secure Second Straight Win in FIH Women's Series Finals

KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 (Bernama) -- Malaysia secured their second straight victory in the 2018/19 FIH Women's Series Finals Hockey Tournament, edging the Czech Republic 3-1 in their final Group A match at the Banbridge Hockey Club in Ireland on Tuesday. This put Malaysia at the top of the Group A standings with six points after playing three matches. In Tuesday's action, Malaysia took the lead in the 28th minute through Wan Norfaiezah Md Saiuti's field goal, only to see the Czech Republic level the score after Adela Lehovcova converted a penalty corner in the 47th minute. Fazilla Sylvester Silin restored the Malaysian Tigress' lead via a penalty corner a few seconds later before Fatin Shafika Mahd Sukri put the game beyond doubt in the 54th minute. For the record, Malaysia lost 1-2 to hosts Ireland on June 8 before whitewashing Singapore 12-0 in the second preliminary match, a day later. Malaysia will have to wait for the completion of Group B fixtures which comprises four teams namely South Korea, France, Ukraine and Scotland later today before they know who will be their opponents in the semi-finals. The tournament serves as a qualifying round for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics Games. -- BERNAMA