Harmanpreet Singh brace helps India beat New Zealand

TOKYO: Drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh scored a brace and goalkeeper PR Sreejesh came up with some brilliant saves in the fourth quarter as India scraped through to a nervy 3-2 victory against New Zealand in a Group A encounter of the Tokyo Olympic men's hockey competition on Saturday.

India conceded an early goal when Kane Russel scored a penalty corner in the sixth minute. They levelled the scores four minutes later when they earned a penalty stroke off their second penalty corner. Rupinderpal Singh, who struck the crossbar in the fourth minute off India's first penalty corner, did not make any mistake and put the ball past New Zealand goalkeeper Leon Hayward.

Harmanpreet got into the act as he scored off India's second penalty corner with a brilliant flick to the left of the goalkeeper in the 26th minute. He struck again seven minutes later off India's third penalty corner as India went 3-1 ahead at the start of the second half.

Stephen Jenness made it 2-3 for New Zealand with an opportunistic goal in the 43rd minute. The Black Sticks created good pressure and earned three penalty corners in the fourth quarter but the Indians defended stoutly and survived the crucial period as they started their campaign on a winning note at Oi Hockey Stadium here.

It was a good performance by the Indians in a tough opener as New Zealand are a dangerous opponent. They have a good attack and a strong penalty corner exponent in Russel. The Indians had to be at their best and their solid defence, manned by Amit Rohidas and Birendra Lakra, excelled which helped them survive the Kiwi onslaught. IANS

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