Thaindian News

New Delhi, Feb 21 (IANS) Singapore crashed to their third successive defeat as they were thrashed 1-15 by Canada in the men’s hockey Olympic qualifier at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here Tuesday.

Canada took their time to get into the match, then scored two goals in less than 30 seconds, Philip Wright and Mark Pearson starting the rout while the third goal was scored by veteran Rob Short.

Singapore scored an excellent goal thanks to Chia Kai Bin before Canada scored again, from a penalty-corner, Scott Tupper the scorer this time. They maintained their pressure on the Singaporean circle and increased their tally, scoring eight goals before half-time without exerting themselves too much.

Canada maintained their relentless pressure in second half, played exclusively in the Singaporean half. They worked as much on their collective play and combinations as on their goal scoring, they reached ten goals courtesy Richard Hildreth in the 45th minute and fifteen goals when Rob Short scored with two minutes to spare in the match.

Final score was 15-1, the same as India three days ago against the same Singaporean team, and the highest score for Canada in international match since their 13-0 victory against Mexico at the 2000 Pan American Cup in Cuba.