PERTH, 29 May 2003 — Australia whipped an undermanned Pakistan 3-0 while India defeated Australia A 2-0 on the opening night of a three-nation men’s field hockey tournament at Perth Hockey Stadium.
Brent Livermore scored for the first-string Australian side on a penalty shot in the 14th minute after Pakistan goalkeeper Ahmad Alam moved the wrong way on the shot.
Brent Livermore scored for the first-string Australian side on a penalty shot in the 14th minute after Pakistan goalkeeper Ahmad Alam moved the wrong way on the shot.
Striker Troy Elder scored in the 29th minute to give Australia a 2-0 lead and Nathan Eglington added the final goal in the 61st minute.
Pakistan went into the match without three star players, captain Mohammad Nadeem, penalty corner expert Sohail Abbas and left-half Mohammad Waseem, all dropped from the squad for disciplinary reasons.
The trio were axed two weeks ago after they took part in the professional league in Germany without seeking permission from the Pakistan Hockey Federation.
Dilip Tirkey opened the scoring for India in the 25th minute, finishing off a penalty corner. Gagan Ajit Singh tapped in after some strong lead-up work to seal the match for India in the 60th minute.
The tournament, which will be repeated next week on Australia’s east coast at Sydney and Wollongong, is a preparation for August’s Champions Trophy in the Netherlands and next year’s Olympics in Athens.
Traditional rivals Pakistan and India will play each other on Saturday.
