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Malaysia end Pakistan's 12-year reign

History was created as Pakistan's stranglehold on the Junior Asia Cup hockey evaporated on a hot and steamy Malaysian night.

Pakistan, the winners of the first three tournaments - - whose 12-year unbeaten run was ended by South Korea earlier in the tournament - - were expected to show a lion-hearted performance against Malaysia. Instead they were the pussycats in this encounter.

They were rattled by the hard running Malaysians, and lost 1-3 in a pulsating match which had the 8,000-odd crowd on their feet right from the word go.

Malaysia went into the match needing only a draw but they stunned the Pakistanis with their attacking play. The hosts dominated the opening minutes and it was a surprise they took so long to find the opening. But when it came it was a beauty.

Off their second penalty-corner of the match, Chua Boon Huat, playing as the sweeper, drove the ball low and Jiwa Mohan dived to deflect the ball past Shabbir Hussain in the Pakistani goal.

Four minutes later, the crowd was on their feet again. Logan Raj, easily Malaysia's best player of the half, weaved down the left flank, cutting the Pakistani defence to shreds. His through ball found Norazlan Rahim, who in turn passed to Keevan Raj. Keevan turned a defender and squared the ball to Suhaimi Ibrahim who flicked home with his back to the goal.

Malaysia were now oozing confidence and they had several other chances to increase their lead, knowing that a three-goal margin would give them the top spot in Group A and thus, avoid India in the semis.

But in their haste to attack, they left the back door open and Pakistan capitalised when Sammer Hussain's shot crept over the line after a mix-up between Malaysian keeper S. Kumar and S. Shanker.

The second half was very much like the first with Malaysia doing all the attacking.

Pakistan had their chances but their final ball in was always well anticipated by Shanker and Boon Huat.

The killer third goal arrived in the 48th minute. Keevan's free-hit eluded two defenders and Norazlan Rahim stretched to deflect the ball home.

The all-important fourth goal for Malaysia, which would have given them top spot, however failed to arrive.

Mohd Fairuz Ramli nearly did it for them but his shot on the turn after 61 minutes hit the post and bounced out.

In other matches, Japan beat Uzbekistan 6-2 to qualify for the semi-finals.

The Japanese victory effectively ended Chinese hopes of making the semi-finals. China went second after beating Iran 14-0 earlier and were hoping for Uzbekistan to perform a miracle.

Tomorrow is a rest day. In the semi-finals, to be played on Friday, Malaysia take on favourites India, while Korea meet Japan.

Korea and Malaysia finished with 10 points from four matches, winning three matches and drawing one each, but the Koreans topped Group A because of a better goal difference. India finished on top of Group B with a maximum 15 points from five matches. Japan were second with ten points, winning three matches, losing one and drawing one.

Final Pool Standings:

Group A	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pt
Korea	4	3	1	0	29	6	10
Malaysia	4	3	1	0	26	3	10
Pakistan	4	2	0	2	29	7	6
Chinese Taipei	4	1	0	3	6	39	3
Singapore	4	0	0	4	2	37	0

Group B	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pt
India	5	5	0	0	60	5	15
Japan	5	3	1	1	25	14	10
China	5	3	0	2	35	15	9
Bangladesh	5	2	1	2	22	12	7
Uzbekistan	5	1	0	4	11	38	3
Iran	5	0	0	5	0	69	0

Courtsey: www.hockeyasia.com