An avalanche of goals featured the first day of the Asia Cup here on Friday. That as many 45 were slotted into the records shows a measure of goal glut.

By S. Thyagarajan

The only tough contest came late in the evening when India prevailed over China by a solitary goal in a pool B encounter. The match winner came from a penalty corner hit by veteran Dilip Tirkey in
the 46th minute.

It was a tension filled match despite India dominating the exchanges. The Chinese, who beat their rivals at the Doha Asian Games, were relentless in their efforts throughout, but for the deciding goal by Dilip Tirkey.

The Asian Champion Korea hammered a dozen goals against a hapless Sri Lanka, which, much to surprise and shock for many struck two goals through its captain Gazalli.

Pakistan, three time champion, outplayed Hong Kong, after a lethargic start , while Malaysia and Bangladesh luxuriated against Singapore and Thailand respectively.

Results:
Pool A: Malaysia-Singapore 8-2, Pakistan-Hong Kong 6-1.
Pool: B: Bangladesh-Thailand 13-0, Korea-Sri Lanka 12-2,  India-China 1-0.