Champions Trophy: Thimmaiah helps India edge past South Korea

India muffed chances galore before a deft deflection from Nikkin Thimmaiah enabled them to pip South Korea 2-1 in the 36th Hero Champions Trophy hockey tournament in London.

At the Lee Valley Hockey Centre, India's domination earned them the lead through day's captain SV Sunil's 39th minute goal.

South Korea equalised through brisk counter in the 57th minute, only for Thimmaiah to reclaim the lead within 30 seconds with a fine deflection on Talwinder Singh's diagonal cross from left. 

The narrow victory ensured India stayed in the hunt for a medal in the Champions Trophy. India now have seven points from four matches going into the last league fixture against World champions Australia on Thursday.