Monday, May 5, 2008, Rabi-ul-Sani 28, 1429    

Aussies deny China in penalty shoot-out to win final

Darwin, Australia—Olympic champions Australia edged out China in a penalty stroke shootout to sweep the four-nations field hockey tournament series here on Sunday.The Australians prevailed 9-8 in the shoot-out after the scores were locked 2-2 at fulltime.

Last weekend Australia downed South Korea 4-3 in the final of the first four-nations tournament in Perth, scheduled as a warm-up for this year’s Beijing Olympics.

Although Australia remained undefeated throughout their eight games in the two tournaments, China took a lot of confidence out of Sunday’s match in which they pushed the world’s second-ranked side to the final whistle.

Australia led 2-0 shortly after halftime, but the determined Chinese fought back to level with 15 minutes left and force the final into extra time. The stroke shootout began sensationally when the 2007 World Hockey Player of the year Jamie Dwyer missed the first attempt.

China converted their next two attempts but a brilliant save from keeper Stephen Mowlam and a disallowed Chinese goal gave the Australians a renewed chance.—AFP