Hockey: NZ face playoff for third

New Zealand finished the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup men's hockey tournament in Malaysia on a disappointing note with a 1-1 draw against the home team yesterday.

Chua Boon Huat scored Malaysia's goal in the 48th minute through a deflection in the semi-circle while New Zealand replied almost immediately, with Nick Wilson on target from a field attempt. The Malaysians had three penalty corners in the match while the Black Sticks managed four.

The result means New Zealand finished third after the round-robin stage and will now face Pakistan in the play-off for third and fourth.

Malaysia, who overcame arch-rivals Pakistan 2-1, will face India in the tournament decider.

It will be the third time Malaysia has made the final, with losses in 1985 to India and in 2007 to Australia. In contrast, India have three tournament wins to their credit in 1985, 1991 and 1985.

They made the final before losing in 2006 and last year.

New Zealand took a largely developmental side to Malaysia, including a number of younger players being groomed to take the next step up in international hockey.

Their results have been mixed, a disappointing 1-1 draw with Egypt offset by a fighting 3-2 win over Pakistan in the tournament opener.

In their other match in pool play, New Zealand drew 2-2 with India.

- NZPA