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Japan, South Korea in Asia Cup semis

November 01, 2009 22:26 IST

Japan and South Korea rained goals to inflict heavy defeats on their respective rivals and qualify for the semifinals from Group B in the Women's Asia Cup hockey tournament in Bangkok on Sunday.

Defending champions Japan thrashed Chinese Taipei 7-0 while twice title winners South Korea mauled Kazakhstan 15-0 at Queen Sikirt Sports Centre in Bangkok.

Top seeded China struggled throughout but managed to overcome Malaysia 4-0 in the other group. It was China's second win after mauling Singapore 13-0 on Saturday.

The crucial China-India encounter is slated for Tuesday when the competition resumes after a rest day on Mionday.

Energetic Malaysia held the usually rampaging Chinese forwards on check till half time giving away just a token goal before conceding three goals in the next half.

Japan, who led 3-0 at half time, fielded their reserves against Chinese Taipei. Striker Keiko Miura scored a brace.

South Korean bench strength was so formidable that they had the luxury to rest their penalty corner ace Seul Ki Cheon - who scored a record nine goals on the opening day. Jong Eun

Kim filled in the shoes of her illustrious senior with six goals in the one-sided match.

In another matches of the day, hosts Thailand lost to Singapore 0-1 while Hong Kong overcame stiff resistance from Sri Lanka with a flattering 3-0 win.

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