Shogo Sasaki scored three penalty-corner goals as Japan bounced back from their Malaysia defeat to beat China at the Sultan of Johor Cup.
JAPAN bounced back from Tuesday’s defeat to Malaysia by beating China 4-1 in the 14th Sultan of Johor Cup International U-21 Hockey Tournament at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium today.
Shogo Sasaki starred with a hattrick from three penalty corners in the 27th, 50th and 55th minutes to help Japan return to winning ways.
His performance earned him the Man of the Match award, which was presented by Johor Hockey Association secretary Faqarudin Abdul Kadir.
Haruki Sasaki added Japan’s other goal in the 52nd minute, also converting a penalty corner.
Japan, who finished fifth at the Asian Games, held a slender 1-0 lead at halftime through Shogo’s opening goal.
The Japanese had six penalty corners and converted three, while China earned four opportunities but failed to capitalise on any of them.
After a relatively tight first half, Japan increased the pressure in the third and fourth quarters, with their attacking efforts paying off in the closing stages.
China managed a consolation goal through Kai Li in the 54th minute, but Shogo completed his hattrick a minute later to restore Japan’s three-goal advantage and seal the 4-1 victory.
The defeat left China without a win from their four matches in the tournament.
Japan now face a stern test against Asian Games bronze medallists Pakistan on Friday.