August 09, 2007	Thursday	Rajab 24, 1428

BEIJING, Aug 8: Pakistan failed against a second-half attack by China which forced them to settle for a shock 2-2 draw with hosts in their first match of the Good Luck Beijing International hockey tournament on Wednesday.

The green shirts, who were enjoying a 2-0 lead 15 minutes before the final whistle, failed to maintain their rhythm and to face the onslaught from China who are still considered underdogs of the hockey world despite their 2-1 victory over Pakistan in Doha Asian Games semi-finals.

The game started on a fast note as both sides started attacking hockey. But it was host side that got first penalty corner in the 12th minutes of the first half which they wasted.

It was Pakistan's full-back Mohammad Imran who opened the account in the 19th minute through a short corner. Pakistan went 2-0 up after the interval as full-back Ishanullah doubled the lead for Pakistan when he converted a penalty corner in the 43rd minute.

Despite being in the driving seat, Pakistan were shocked as Chinese stepped up pressure with just 15 minutes before the end. China first leveled score through Na Yuba in the 61st minute after he converted a penalty corner, while four minutes later Jiang Xishang netted the equalizer on a field effort.

Islahuddin Siddiqui, the dejected Pakistan team manager-cum-chief coach, said “tournament is open to any team after today’s result.”

He said team had to work hard to improve defence and attack as forwards missed a number of sitters and defender failed to deliver.

“Pakistan were better than us, but during the last one year our team has been doing well. We hope to perform well in the Beijing Olympics”, the Chinese coach Kim said at a post-match press conference.

Coincidentally, the match was played on the same date and time when the next year Beijing Olympics are scheduled to start next year.

About 15,000 spectators, both Chinese and Pakistanis, including staff and senior officers of Pakistan Embassy and their families watched the match.

Pakistan will play their second match on Thursday against favourites Australia who have won the opening match against Malaysia 2-0.—APP