By Mohsin Ali
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan extended their winning run in the men’s hockey competition at the Asian Games with a 3-0 victory over China on Thursday, strengthening their position in Pool B.
Pakistan struck all three goals in a dominant second quarter at Kawasaki Juko Stadium, with Abu Mahmood, Sufyan Khan and Hannan Shahid scoring in a nine-minute spell.
Mahmood opened the scoring in the 19th minute from a penalty stroke before Sufyan doubled Pakistan’s lead five minutes later with a penalty corner conversion.
Hannan Shahid completed the scoring in the 28th minute as Pakistan carried a commanding 3-0 advantage into the remainder of the match.
The win was Pakistan’s third successive victory at the Games. They had opened their campaign with a 9-0 win over Thailand before defeating Uzbekistan 5-1.
The result took Pakistan to nine points, leaving them level with Pool B leaders Malaysia. China could not respond after Pakistan’s second-quarter burst.
