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KUANTAN China grabbed a bronze medal in the 8th Asia Cup Hockey Tournament after 27 years when they beat hosts Malaysia 7-6 in a penalty shoot out at Kuantan Hockey Stadium on Saturday evening.
The play off match for the third place ended 3-3 draw in regulation and extra-time and a 3-3 stalemate in the penalty shoot out took the game to a sudden death shoot out.
Chinese goalkeeper Su Ri Feng was the hero in his teams triumph, blocking attempts from Muhammad Nor Nabi Fiqri and Kelvinder Singh to the disappointment of the strong local crowd.
China last won the medal in continental competition in the inaugural contest at Karachi in 1982.
Compared to first half, the second period of the match was thrilling as China thrice came from behind to level the scores.
China which was 1-2 down at the breather converted their second short corner in 47th minute when Songs rolling drive beat goalie Kumar.
The Malaysian kept the Chinese under pressure, making strong inroads into their defense and they were rewarded in 64th minutes when Muhammad Nor Nabil Fiqri again gave Malaysia 3-2 lead with superb field effort after dodging two defenders.
Never losing hope, China pulled off a brilliant field goal through Jiang Xi Shang three minutes from time which made it 3-3.
Malaysia which is looking to retain their spot in the competition, made a dream start when a swift Ismail Abu banged the opener with a brilliant solo effort which wrong footed the Chinese defense.
However China quickly retaliated and forced their first short corner in the fourth minute. But Malaysia keeper S.Kumar thwarted the attack by blocking strike from Hu Hui Ren.
The Chinese kept the Malaysian defense at bay with threatening move but Kumar saved another try in the 7th minute. The inroads into the Malaysian defense were rewarded when goalie brought down Chinese attacker Liu Xian Tang in 17th minute and Argentinean umpire Fernando Gomes awarded a penalty stroke. China Captain Song Yi scooped into the top of the cage to level the game 1-1.
After some dull time, Malaysians picked up the momentum and through lovely play secured their first short corner and their striker Chua Boon Huat made no mistake with powerful drive to make it 2-1 four minutes before half time.
Chinese captain Song Yi struck two goals in his team's victory.
