DOHA: A bronze for India in the women's hockey competition is not beyond reach. This fact emerged on a cold, windy day at the Al Rayyan complex, notwithstanding the 2-3 defeat against Korea, after being 1-1 at half-time. India finished fourth and will play Korea again for the bronze.

Earlier, China, the defending champion, and Japan booked their places for the gold medal fight.

It is a pity that India lost after a charming performance. Till midway in the second half, it was 2-1, and looked set to obtain full points. That, however, did not pan out that way. True, the Indian defence was under sustained pressure by the Korean sallies crafted by Kim Jin Kyoung and Kim Jung Hee, but the defence, notably goal-keeper, Deepika Murthy managed to hold on. The Koreans forced 11 penalty corners in the match.

Brilliant goal

Park Young Soon, who eventually scored a hat-trick, scored midway in the first half. But India produced a brilliant goal to level. Asuntha Lakra set up a lovely pass. Ritu Rani then pushed it ahead to Surinder Kaur who finished with delectable drive. It was a goal that demanded attention both for its conception and execution.

Served well by the midfield where, Asuntha was conspicuous, the Indian attack swarmed the rival area largely on account of the thrust by Jyothi Kullu, Surinder Kaur and Saba Anjum. When Saba Anjum produced a bewitching backhander to provide the finishing touches to a move initiated by Surinder Kaur, India's hopes soared.

The Koreans realised that the match was slipping out. They made desperate efforts. Goal-keeper, Marita Tirkey, who came as a substitute for Deepika, looked vulnerable. Park Young Park Young Soon levelled from a penalty corner, and then converted a stroke to deny India even a draw which he team deserved.

Heavy interest

In morning after heavy interest centred around spotting the gold medal contenders. The defending champion, China, which succumbed to Japan's challenge in the league phase, made sure it will meet the same opponent in the final.

Shocked by an early goal by Nurul Nadia, the Chinese had to exert themselves more than necessary to win 4-1.

Bronze medallist at the last edition, Japan overwhelmed Hong Kong and came in line for the elusive gold medal for the third time. Japan had figured in the final in 1986 at Seoul and 1994 at Hiroshima.

The results: Women: China 4 (Ye Ren, Ma Yibo 2, Chunling Tang) beat Malaysia 1 (Nurul Nadia) (HT: 2-1); Japan 9 (Yukari Yamamoto, Rika Komazawa, Yuko Kitano, Tomino Komori 2, Kaori Chiba 4) beat Hong Kong 0 (HT: 3-0); Korea 3 (Park Young Soon 3) beat India 2 (Surinder Kaur, Saba Anjum) (HT 1-1).

Table of points (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points): Japan 6-5-1-0-35-2-16; China 6-5-0-1-24-5-15; Korea, 6-4-1-1-32-5-13; India 6-3-0-3-21-10-9; Malaysia 6-2-0-4-8-20-6; Chinese Taipei 6-0-1-5-0-36-1; Hong Kong 6-0-1-5-1-43-1.

Tuesday's matches: Men: (9-10) Oman v Hong Kong (11-30 a.m.); (5-8) Malaysia v Bangladesh (2 p.m.); India v Chinese Taipei (5-30 p.m.); Semifinals: Pakistan v China (8 p.m.); South Korea v Japan (10-30 p.m.).

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