KUALA LUMPUR, May 28: South Korea on Saturday threatened to pull out of the 14th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup following their 3-2 defeat to Pakistan after player Sung Hoon-yoon was sent to hospital when he took a stick to the face early in the second half. The Koreans want organisers to take action against Pakistan captain Mohammad Saqlain, who was involved in the high-sticking, or they would boycott their remaining four matches.
“All we want is justice,” said Korea’s team manager, Cho Sung-jun. “He was our penalty corner specialist and after he was injured our players found it very difficult.
“The least we want the organisers to do is analyse the video footage. We take a very serious view of this and if nothing is done we will consider boycotting the tournament.”
Cho said Sung required five stitches over one eye and that his nose was slightly broken.
“We don’t know if he can play again this week,” Cho said. “We are waiting for the doctor’s report.”
Pakistan manager Samiullah Khan defended his captain.
“As far as I saw, it wasn’t a deliberate hit. If the Koreans want to complain it is up to them.”
T. Paramalangam, secretary of the Malaysian Hockey Association, told AFP on Saturday that organisers would look into the matter but declined to comment otherwise.
Pakistan went to the top of the standings following their victory.
It was the 2003 champions second straight win in the seven-team tournament following their 2-1 triumph over New Zealand on Thursday.
Pakistan have six points from two games, with Australia and India on four points each.
Pakistan’s Mohd Imran converted a penalty corner in the first minute only for Seong Jung-kang to equalise 11 minutes later.
Pakistan dominated the rest of the half and took a 3-1 lead into the interval with further goals from Shakeel Abbasi and Akhtar Ali.
Jong Hyun-jang led a Korean revival in the second half, converting a 43rd-minute penalty corner.
The goal lifted Korea, who laid siege to Pakistan’s goal. However, despite three penalty corners, Korea were let down by weak finishing as Pakistan held on for victory.
Sunday’s matches features hosts Malaysia taking on India, Pakistan against South Africa and New Zealand playing against defending champions Australia.
Standings after Saturday’s play: (played, won, draw, lost, for, against, points)
Pakistan 2 2 0 0 5 3 6
Australia 2 1 1 0 6 4 4
India 2 1 1 0 4 3 4
South Korea 2 0 1 1 5 6 1
New Zealand 2 0 1 1 3 4 1
South Africa 2 0 1 1 2 3 1
Malaysia 2 0 1 1 2 4 1
—AFP
