{image-indian hockey_26042008.jpg news.oneindia.in}Perth, Apr 26: It was a case of too little too late as India overpowered China 3-1 but failed to qualify for the finals in the four-nation hockey tournament here today.

In the second match of the day, Australia beat Korea 3-2 but the two sides will take on each other again in the final slated for tomorrow.
For India, who led 1-0 in the first half, Tushar Khandekar (15th), SV Sunil (51st) and Gurwinder Singh Chandi (66th) were the goal scorers while Hu Liang (50th) scored for the losers. In a faced paced game, China looked to move the ball as fast as possible to create some fast break opportunities but it was Khandekar who drew the first blood for India to put them in lead in the first half.

China created a number of opportunities for themselves but it was only in the 50th minute when Hu converted a penalty corner to score the equaliser.

But China's hopes were short lived when just after a minute India regained the lead through Sunil who penetrated the Chinese defence to score the second goal for his team.

India then launched an all out attacking game and scored once more in the 66th minute to seal the match in their favour.

India will take on China again for the third place tomorrow.

UNI