China proved to be the surprise package in the Asian Games men's hockey as they continued their giant-killing act by pulling off an upset 2-1 win over former champions Pakistan to storm into the final in Doha on Tuesday.
The Chinese, who were responsible for knocking India out of medal contention for the first time in Asian Games history, gave a shock treatment to the formidable Pakistanis in a match marred by frayed tempers at the Al-Rayyan stadium.
Both the team were locked 1-1 at the end of regulation time and the Chinese sealed the fate of the Pakistanis when Fenghui Lu converted a penalty corner in extra time triggering off scenes of wild celebrations in the Chinese bench.
The Pakistanis, who were expected to easily make it to the final, shot into the lead in the 20th minute of the contest when captain Rehan Butt produced a gem of a field goal, outwitting the Chinese defenders with deft stickwork.
The Chinese found the equaliser just at the stroke of the hooter when Yu Yang converted a penalty corner much to the delight of his teammates.
Another penalty corner conversion nine minutes into extra time left the Pakistanis in a daze. The Pakistani players argued with the umpires disputing the decision and took a long time to come off the field.
The Chinese had also upset India's medal hopes when they had defeated them 2-3 in a group league match.
