Hockey: Bronze in sights of Black Sticks

New Zealand's recent good results against Malaysia continued with a 3-1 win in their fifth game at the Sultan Azlan Cup tournament yesterday and with it an almost certain shot at bronze.

In beating the hosts, the Black Sticks recorded their second win at the tournament to move into fourth place, comfortably clear - on points and goal difference - of Malaysia and India.

Even if they lost their overnight clash with third-placed Korea, New Zealand's last pool game, team manager Kevin Marr was confident they would hold fourth and play Korea or possibly Australia in Sunday's third-fourth play-off.

Coach Kevin Towns said he would prefer another shot at Australia considering they will have to play them in a World Cup qualifier later this year and again at the Commonwealth Games next year.

In March's home series against Malaysia, New Zealand had a win, draw and loss. In other recent games (in 2003-04) New Zealand won two and drew one.

"The result here was about what we expected, although given their home advantage, Malaysia probably started favourites," Marr said. "But it was a game we dominated, especially in the last 20 minutes when 3-1 ahead."

With Simon Towns back for the first time after missing all but the first few minutes of their opener against Pakistan with a thumb injury, and striker Bevan Hari, also back from injury, New Zealand were quickly in control.

Phil Burrows scored after two minutes.

The home side equalised eight minutes into the second spell by converting a penalty corner. New Zealand replied in a like manner seven minutes later when David Kosoof struck. Five minutes on it was all over when Bryce Collins scored from the field.

In the last 20 minutes, Gareth Brooks hit the bar and Collins had a shot well-saved as the Black Sticks made the most of having a one-player advantage when a Malaysian player spent 10 minutes in the sinbin.

Kevin Towns planned to put out a strong starting line-up against Korea by naming Paul Woolford, Dean Couzins, Brad Shaw, Blair Hopping, Towns, Shea McAleese, Darren Smith, Ryan Archibald, Hari, Burrows and Brooks.

James Nation and Hamish Baron were to be rested.

New Zealand will have the advantage of having a two-day break before Sunday's playoff.