Hockey: India pip Black Sticks in playoff for third place

New Zealand missed out on a medal after losing 3-2 to India in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup men's hockey tournament in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

In the playoff for third place, the Indians scored the winner from a penalty corner and held on for the next 28 minutes to deny New Zealand a bronze medal.

However, their fourth finish against teams ranked well above their ninth spot, was satisfactory although they had targeted a medal.

The New Zealanders led from a Simon Child goal just sevens minutes into the match.

India came back and scored twice to lead 2-1 at halftime before Hayden Shaw equalised with one of his famous drag-flicks from a penalty corner five minutes into the second half.

Earlier, the weight of history proved too heavy a burden as New Zealand suffered a 7-1 loss to Australia in the semifinals.

New Zealand, ranked No 9 in the world and who had earlier beaten Argentina and drawn with Pakistan and the Netherlands, were never in the contest against Australia.

Australia created three goalscoring chances in the first half and converted all of them before upping the tempo even further after the break.

New Zealand manager Peter Miskimmin said the Australians' finishing prowess was "awesome".

"They got their flow going and when they do that they are very difficult to live with."

- NZPA