Korea reach final of Asian Champions Trophy hockey

DHAKA - Jang Jonghyun scored a brilliant hat-trick saw
South Korea reached the final of the Hero Men's Asian Champions Trophy hockey
when they came from behind beat Pakistan by 6-5 goals in the keenly contested
first semifinal held today (Tuesday) at Maulana Bhasani National Hockey
Stadium.

Pakistan took the early lead in the first quarter when Umar Bhatta scored a
field goal in the 3rd minute while Jang Jonghyun restored the parity for
Korea converting a penalty stroke in the 11th minute.

Korea took the lead in the next minute when Jang Jonghyun scored his second
goal converting a penalty stroke to make the scoreline 2-1.

Pakistan however staged a fightback in the second quarter as Junaid Manzoor
restored the parity scoring a field goal in the 22nd minute but Korea again
went ahead when Jang Jonghyun completed his hat-trick scoring his third goal
converting a penalty corner in the 24th minute.  

Afraz again brought Pakistan back into the match scoring the third goal for
his team in the 30th minute but Jihun Yang again put Korea ahead converting a
penalty corner in the next minute.

Jeong Jun-woo further widened the team's margin in the third quarter with a
field goal in the 44th minute to finish the scoreline 5-3.

Pakistan however stages a brilliant comeback in the fourth quarter scoring
two goals. Mubashir Ali reduced the margin for Pakistan in the fourth quarter
converting a penalty corner in the 47th minute and he levelled the margin 5-5
scoring converting a penalty corner in the 51st minute.  

  But, it was Jang Jonghyun who sealed the victory scoring the sixth goal for
Korea converting a penalty corner in the 55th minute.  Korea will now play
the final against the day's second semifinal winners' either India or Japan
scheduled to be held tomorrow (wednesday) at the same venue at 6 pm.BSS