China hold Ireland 1-1 to stay alive in Hockey World Cup

Harpal Singh Bedi



BHUBANESWAR: Putting up yet another brave display, debutants China chalked out their second successive draw as they held Ireland to 1-1 draw in Pool B match to stay alive in the 14th Hockey World Cup at Kalinga Stadium here on Tuesday. China took the lead in the 43rd minute through Jin Guo who converted a penalty corner while Alan Sothern gave Ireland the equaliser in the 44th minute. China have two points from as many matches, having earlier drawn with much higher ranked England 1-1. Ireland had lost their opener to Australia 1-2. Ireland have themselves to blame for their failure to collect three points as they muffed chances galore and credit to China for battling it out till end.