KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 7: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has decided to make some modifications in the match schedule of the ongoing Champions Trophy in Kuala Lumpur.

The change in schedule was necessary to make sure all matches of final day on Sunday are played on main pitch with full television coverage and use of video umpire facilities.

The FIH President Els van Breda Vriesman and Tournament Director Bjorn Isberg communicated the schedule changes to participating teams. No team made any official protest against the changes.

One of reasons behind the changes is the qualification process for 2008 Champions Trophy in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Hosts Netherlands, Champions Challenge winner Argentina and four best teams of Champions Trophy in Kuala Lumpur will be participants of 2008 Champions Trophy.

At the moment Netherlands will reach last four here in Kuala Lumpur while the winner of the fifth position match will also qualify for the 2008 event.

The following matches of Champions Trophy will be rescheduled:

Match 27 – Dec 8 2007 Great Britain – Korea; Match 29 – Dec 9 2007 7th- 8th position; Match 31 – Dec 9 2007 5th-6th position.

—Agencies