DOHA, Dec 13: Giant-killers China will clash with South Korea in their maiden Asian Games men's hockey final after conjuring a great escape to upset Pakistan 2-1 here on Tuesday (partially reported in Wednesday’s edition).

Lu Fengui scored a golden goal in the 10th minute of extra-time following a penalty corner to record China's first ever win over Pakistan in cold and blustery conditions at the Al Rayyan stadium.

Defending champions South Korea beat Japan 2-0 in the other semi-final to advance to Thursday's final and ensure their place in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Penalty corner expert Jang Jong-Hyun scored both goals in the space of eight minutes in the second half to enhance his tally as the tournament's leading scorer to 15 goals.

China, who knocked out former champions India from the competition with a 3-2 win in the league, forced their semi-final into extra-time with a last-gasp equaliser through Yu Yang.

Yu diverted a penalty corner past goalkeeper Nasir Ahmed a few seconds before the final whistle after Pakistan captain Rehan Butt had put his team ahead in the 20th minute.

China's Korean coach Kim Sang-Ryul said his team's win showed any result was possible in modern hockey.

“No one is very strong or very weak, everyone has a chance,” said Kim who took charge of Chinese hockey after making South Korea a force to reckon with on the world stage.

“I think we were physically fitter than the Pakistanis and were just waiting for our chance. It came at the end, but when it came, we were ready to pounce on it.

“The Chinese men have never played in the Olympics before and we will work hard to put up a good show in Beijing.”

Rehan Butt, who was sent off in extra time after arguing with Korean umpire Kim Hong-Lae, said China should not have got the penalty corner with which they secured the winner.

“The Korean umpire was not good,” he said. “The ball was outside the circle and it should have been a free hit.

“But I must admit the Chinese defended very well to save 10 penalty corners. They are the new force in Asia.

“The bronze medal game will be crucial. We are not playing only for a medal here but also a place in the Olympics.”

Pakistan, who won the last of their seven Asian Games gold medals in Beijing in 1990, have not won a major title since the Shahbaz Ahmed-inspired World Cup triumph in Sydney in 1994.—AFP