Azlan Shah: Australia overcome stubborn Malaysia; India lose to NZ

Defending champions Australia were made to toil in their 3-2 victory over a spirited Malaysia, while Korea got the better of minnows Canada 3-1 in another league match on Day 2 of the 24th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament in Ipoh.

World champions Australia struggled to open their account and after a barren first two quarters finally broke the stalemate in the 43rd minute when Jamie Dwyer scored from a penalty stroke.

The veteran, who yesterday became Australia's most-capped hockey player surpassing Jay Stacy, was again at the thick of things and scored a fine field goal 10 minutes later.

Malaysia pulled one back in the 57th minute through Firhan Ashari's field strike before Australia restored their lead in the 59th minute via Dylan Wotherspoon's field goal.

In the very next move Malaysia made it 3-2 when Tengku Ahmed deflected in a penalty-corner to the joy of the home crowd.

But that was all the home team could manage as Australian defence stood tall to weather the storm.

Australia will next play Korea on Wednesday, while Malaysia is up against India.

Sloppy defending cost India dearly as they conceded a late goal and went down 1-2 to higher-ranked New Zealand in their second league match.

Despite enjoying better possession and ball control, India paid the price for letting their guard down when under pressure and succumbed to their first defeat.

It was New Zealand’s second straight victory in the six-nation tournament.

After a barren opening half, New Zealand took the lead in the 38th minute through a field goal from skipper Simon Child before Akashdeep Singh put India on level terms in the 43rd minute.

Andy Hayward (55th  minute) then converted a late penalty-corner to hand India's chief coach Paul van Ass his first defeat after taking charge of the team.

By virtue of the victory, New Zealand have six points from two outings, while India have only one from as many games.

Meanwhile in the first match of the day, Canada stunned Korea by taking the lead in the 11th minute through a field strike by Richard Hildreth.

But Korea came back strongly and pumped in two goals in quick time in the second quarter through Seongkyu Kim (22nd minute) and Hyunwoo Nam (27th) to take the lead.

Jonghyun Jang stretched Korea's lead in the 54th minute by converting a penalty corner.

The win gave Korea their first win in the tournament after they were held to a 1-1 draw by India.

Image: The Australian team celebrates after scoring a goal

Photograph: Paul Gilham/Getty Images