Stick men fall in opener

INCHEON – Singapore’s Asian Games 2014 hockey campaign got off to a dismal start, losing 8-2 to Malaysia in their Group A opener today (20 Sep).

At the Seonhak Hockey Stadium, the Republic were hit by two rapid-fire goals to be 2-0 down within the first three minutes.

Singapore were able to close the score to 2-1 and 3-2 with first half goals from skipper Enrico Marican and Silas Abdul Razak.

But they were also let down by elementary mistakes, gifting the Malaysians two penalty strokes, both converted, and were punished for crucial defensive lapses with Razie Abdul Rahim helping himself to a hat-trick.

Japan earlier beat Bangaldesh 8-0 in the same group.

Singapore’s campaign continues tomorrow against South Korea.