SKIPPER Harmanpreet Singh continued his goal-scoring spree with afine hat-trick as five-time champions India defeated Malaysia 4-2 to register their fourth consecutivewin at the AsianChampions Trophy hockey tournament here on Sunday. It was arematch of the Asian Games goldmedalmatch where India prevailed over Malaysia 5- 1 in Japan recently. India had defeated Bangladesh 13-0, China 5-2 and Japan 4-1 in their first three matches.

 

Both India and Malaysia are already through to the semifinals of the six-team tournament along side South Korea and Japan. India will play South Korea in their last round robin match on Monday,while Malaysia will be up against Japan. On Sunday, Harmanpreet (3rd, 33rdand 58th minute) converted two penalty corners and also scored from the spot while striker Sukhjeet Singh (43) found the net from afield effort. Malaysia's goals were scored by Akhimullah Anuar(25) and Shello Silverius (60).