Ipoh (Malaysia), Mar 8:
A young and inexperienced Indian hockey team will be eyeing a big win over Ireland and favourable results in other matches to keep alive its slim hopes of qualifying for the Azlan Shah Cup final, here tomorrow.
After a below-par outing in the first three matches, India rekindled their hopes by registering their first win of the tournament yesterday, mauling hosts Malaysia 5-1.
Before the win, India had earlier lost 2-3 to Olympic champions Argentina, 2-4 against world champions Australia and drew 1-1 against England.
World champions Australia are already through to the final with four wins from as many games but barring Ireland, all other four teams have a chance to make it to the summit clash.
Australia are leading the points table with 12 points ahead of second-placed and Olympic champions Argentina (7 points), Malaysia (6), England (5) and India (4). Ireland are already out of the race with four consecutive defeats.(PTI)
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