14 August 2004	Saturday	27 Jamadi-us-Saani 1425

ATHENS, Aug 13: When Sohail Abbas steps up to take a short corner, defenders wince in anticipation of the 100 km-per-hour shot about to scream towards them. But there is just as much concern flooding the hockey ace's head and heart.

Pakistan's hopes for their first Olympic hockey medal since 1992 lie mostly in the 29-year-old flick expert. "The whole nation is watching us, they have high hopes for us. And when the game is stopped for a short corner, the whole nation is watching me," Sohail said two days before Pakistan opens its Olympic bid against top-ranked Germany.

"Obviously that's a lot of pressure. I can feel all their eyes watching me," said the record-setting shooter. Sohail has spun a star quality around hockey, a sport much loved in Pakistan but one which has failed to provide them with an Olympic gold for 20 years.

His trademark drag flick is so lethally effective that he is closing in fast on his fourth world record, needing fewer than 20 international goals to beat Paul Litjen's mark of 267.

Just the thought of it spreads a huge grin across the face of a man who has been crowned the top scorer in one year with 60 goals and who was the fastest player to reach 100 and 200.

Asked how he deals with the pressure as he steps up to the spot, Sohail said it all came down to preparation. "Before the tournament I give my all - more than 100 percent. I believe if I work hard and as much as I can, I get what I deserve," he said, after netting almost all the corners fed to him in a practice session.

"There is huge pressure but I come out and think 'I'm going to give 104 percent' and the pressure dies down. If the goalkeeper stops the ball, it's not my fault. I've tried my best and done all I can."

"As far as the defence is concerned, it feels more relaxed because there is nobody running on to the ball," Sohail said. "But also as far as the human side is concerned it's better. If you are a human and love humans, and you have one charging towards you, you don't want to hurt him".

Sohail predicted a tough competition in Athens, with games most likely decided by who wins corner opportunities rather than running field play. "If we get three chances each and they miss one, we win. If we miss one, they win. Simple," he said. -Reuters