JAKARTA: The Division Two hockey teams received a hammering on the opening day of the Asia Cup in Jakarta today.
Malaysia started the rout with a 7-0 drubbing of Oman, followed by South Korea's 6-1 bashing of Bangladesh and Japan's 9-0 thrashing of Indonesia.
The disparity in standards was glaring, to put it mildly, as the promoted teams from the second tier AHF Cup looked so inferior.
But when Asian big guns India and Pakistan clashed, there was little to separate them, as they battled to a 1-1 draw.
Malaysia's top scorer was their No 1 flicker Razie Rahim who notched a hat-trick (sixth, 13th and 19th minute) and was named the Man of the Match.
Malaysia's other goals came from Faizal Saari (23rd), Shahril Saabah (34th), Faiz Helmi Jali (40th) and Ashran Hamsani (48th).
National coach Arul Selvaraj said his men played "total hockey", meaning everybody defended and attacked as a team.
"Fitness plays a big role in total hockey and my players could manage it even though it was hot in midday Jakarta.
"There are two more teams to beat in Group B, after which there will be four more matches in the Super Four featuring the best two teams in each group.
"And so, fitness is paramount in playing total hockey which we hope to display throughout the tournament," said Arul.
South Korean coach Shin Seok Kyo complained about the weather, as it slowed down some of the older players that he recalled specifically for the Asia Cup.
"I have recalled some senior players for this tournament and the Asian Games after which I will rely on young legs for future tournaments," said Shin.
In the final match of the day, the young teams of India and Pakistan showcased some interesting talent in their ranks in Group A.
India took the lead with a strike from Selvam Karthi in the ninth minute off a penalty corner. However, Pakistan scored the equaliser through Abdul Rana with a minute left in the match.