Indian juniors finish third

India beat South Korea 3-2 to finish third in the five-nation men's Junior hockey invitational tournament at the National Hockey Stadium, in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, on Sunday.

The South Koreans finished fourth while England were fifth.

Tournament favourites Australia emerged champions after defeating Malaysia 2-1 in the final.

India went ahead as early as in the sixth minute when Rajpal Singh deflected home a set-piece from their very first penalty-corner.

South Korea, who lost 3-4 to India in the preliminary match, relied on counter attacks and restored parity in the he 13th minute through Jung Seong-tae. But Viren Rasquinha and Tejbir Singh scored for the Indians in the 35th and 52nd minutes respectively to see them go 3-1 up. And though Seo Jung-ho pulled one back for the Koreans in the 53rd minute, the Indians kept possesion and held on to emerge deserving winners.

Australia came back strongly from a goal in arrears after Malaysia took the lead through Chua Boon Huat in the 27th minute. Craig Lynn put them on level terms in the 34th minute before Michael Boyce scored what turned out to be the match-winner in the 49th minute.

Earlier Reports:
Malaysia shock India - August 31, 2001
Jugraj's late goal gives India victory - August 30, 2001
Australia defeat England 3-1 - August 29, 2001
India trounce England - August 28, 2001
Australia too good for Korea - August 27, 2001
India rally to hold Australia - August 26, 2001
Indian juniors to take on Australia - August 25, 2001