March 15, 2008	Saturday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 6, 1429

LAHORE, March 14: Pakistan made a disappointing start in the five match hockey series against China, losing the opening clash at Ghangzhou by 4-2, according to the information received here on Friday.

Pakistan who had taken a 1-0 lead in the third minute of the first half through centre half Mohammad Saqlain’s penalty corner goal, later failed to maintain an upper hand as China retaliated to score two goals in quick session by the end of the first half to make it 2-1.

This was followed by another goal by the hosts at the beginning of the second half.

For Pakistan, the second goal was scored by forward Waqas Sharif who beat the Chinese defence to put on in through the net.

However, unable to foil the aggressive moves of the Chinese forwards, Pakistan’s defence fell well short of the required standards as the hosts ended the game with a fine fourth goal in the closing moments.