WHWL: Singapore Upset Kazakhstan For First Ever Win

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 21 (Bernama) -- Singapore finally recorded its first ever win, by trouncing Kazakhstan 4-1 in the Women's Hockey World League (WHWL) Round Two on Friday night, after facing defeat in the four consecutive matches at the Tun Razak Hockey Stadium here. In the 5th-8th classification match, the world number 43, Singapore, started strong with early goals in the third minute through Ong Yan Ting's penalty corner before Toh Li Min penalty stroke six minutes later. Tiffany Ong later completed her brace in the 29th and 33rd minute, before world number 33, Kazakhstan, reduced the deficit through Aigerim Mahanova in the 55th minute. Singapore had earlier been thrashed 4-0 by Thailand, 7-0 by Wales and 9-0 by Italy in the Group A macthes before losing 10-0 to Ireland in the quarterfinals on Thursday. Commenting on the win, Singapore's Australian coach David Viner was satisfied with the his team's performance. "We have conceded a lot before and happy that we have score few goals today (Friday). For the next match, we just will see what we can improve and do for a better finish," he said. Singapore will next face fellow South East Asian Thailand, which had defeated Hong Kong 3-0 in the 5th-6th classifications match on Sunday. Praphatson Khuiklang opened scoring in the 9th min before Tikhamporn Sakunpithak (37th min) and Kornkanok Sanpoung (55th min) added the score. Kong Kong will take on Kazakhstan in the 7th-8th classification match on Sunday. On Saturday, host Malaysia will face Italy, while Ireland would take on Wales in the semifinals. --BERNAMA