Australia cut India down to size in hockey league

Antwerp (Belgium): India’s defence caved in under pressure as a rampaging Australia crushed them 6-2 in their last league fixture of the World Hockey League semifinals here on Sunday. Penalty corner shooter Chris Ciriello’s three conversions set world champions Australia on course for a runaway victory that duly placed them atop Group ‘A’ standings with four straight wins, while India finished in the second spot with seven points from four matches.

Pakistan finished third in the group after squandering a penalty stroke and missing chances galore in open play to be held to a 2-2 draw by France. In the quarterfinals, India seem set to play Malaysia, who lost 1-3 to Britain after leading at half-time. But Group ‘B’ positions could all change if Ireland are able to defeat hosts Belgium in the last match.