INDIA SLUMP TO ANOTHER LOSS IN WOMEN’S HWL

Johannesburg: Japan blanked India 2-0 in a 5-8 placing match of the Women’s Hockey World League Semi-final here on Thursday. India made a zestful start against Japan with Monika getting an early shot on goal in the opening minute of the game. But Japan’s goalkeeper Megumi Kageyama made a good save to deny India the early lead. Japan thereafter tightened their defence while their attackers broke the Indian defence to foray into the striking circle. The aggressive approach resulted in Japan winning their first short corner of the match in the seventh minute which was successfully converted by Kana Nomura. Japan’s second goal came through another penalty corner in the 29th minute. It was Naho Ichitani who converted after a brilliant variation to trick the Indian defenders. Though India played a much better third and fourth quarter, it wasn’t enough to stop Japan from walking away with the win. India play the seventh-eighth placing match on Friday.

SPAIN ‘SUPERSTAR’ CORTES FOILS IRELAND Veteran Spain goalkeeper Quico Cortes was hailed as a “superstar” after a thrilling 2-1 win over Ireland in the men’s HWL quarter-finals. Victory booked a last-four showdown with Germany on Friday, the same day Australia face Belgium in the other half of the draw. Australia brushed aside Egypt 4-0, Germany were equally dominant in a 4-1 win over France and a couple of early goals saw Belgium triumph 2-0 against New Zealand. — Agencies