Singapore can’t hold lead against Russia and lose again in Hockey Junior World Cup

Story contributed by Cheryl Long

Seng Kang Sports and Recreation Centre, Wednesday, June 17, 2009 – Singapore fell 3-4 to Russia in the men’s Hockey Junior World Cup to extend their winless streak to six games.

In a see-saw battle, Singapore took the lead three times but were pegged back each time by Russia. The co-hosts had lost all their matches so far in the tournament and had hoped to break their duck against the Russians who were on a high after registering a 4-2 win over Chile on Tuesday.

Singapore drew first blood in the 15th minute when Muhammad Aidil Ibrahim scrambled in a cross from the left to set the home crowd wild.

But their happiness was short-lived when Russia fired themselves straight back with just a minute of going behind.

Singapore again took the lead after a well-worked penalty corner in the 26th minute through Prashan Anbalagan. And again Russia equalised – this time crucially on half-time through captain Alexey Mayorov via a penalty corner.

Stung by the set-back, the Singapore boys regained the lead in the second half when Elifh Enrico Marican sent the home crowd wild in the 41st minute. But Russia never gave up and levelled the tie for the third time through another clinical penalty corner by Mayorov. Singapore tried to regain the lead but Russian held on to deny the home side their maiden victory.

Singapore coach Low Chiow Chuan lamented his team's loss, after almost drawing with Poland, Chile and the USA previously. "I'm disappointed of course… I thought we played well today; we took the initiative to get into the circle, score a couple of goals but again the problem was holding our lead.”

“I thought we played consistently throughout the tournament where we are able to score goals but we are also generous in giving away goals and that is our biggest problem. Going forward, we are looking to at least get 19th place which I believe will be a big boost for our boys."