M'sia Concede Fifth Lost In Women's Olympic Qualifiers

KUALA LUMPUR, May 4 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian women's hockey squad continued their losing streak after a 2-3 defeat to Austria in their final round robin match in the women's Olympics Qualifiers in Kakamigahara, Japan on Thursday. Alexandra Sandner put the Austrian side in front by the seventh minute through a penalty corner before Malaysia stormed back with two quick goals from Norbaini Hashim in the 20th minute and Siti Rahmah Othman, seven minutes later to give Malaysia a 2-1 lead in the first half. The Austrian side then tied the score in the 53rd minute through a field goal by Larta Maginja before Alexandra netted the winning goal in the 67th minute to give Marcin Nyckowiak's side their first win in the tournament. The win put Austria in fifth spot with three points while Malaysia, already out of contention for a berth in the Olympics, lies in the bottom of the table with a single point. Malaysia however, will have a chance to redeem their defeat against Austria when both teams meet again for the fifth-sixth place classification match on Saturday. --BERNAMA