Defending champ India beat Pak 3-1 to enter final

Hyderabad, July 16 (UNI) Defending champion India kept its appointment in the final, thrashing arch rival Pakistan 3-1 in a hard fought semi-final marred by rough play and suspension of two Pakistan players at the Gatchibowli Stadium here today.

India led 1-0 at the break through a reverse hit from Gurvinder Singh Chandi in the 15th minute.

Playing a fast paced game, India maintained its domination in the second half also despite some hard tackling by the Pakistan players.

Drag flicker Diwakar Ram converted a penalty corner within three minutes after the interval to put India 2-0 up.

Pakistan reduced the margin after Khassif Ali converted a penalty corner in the 42nd minute.

India got the third goal when Diwakar Ram sounded the post with a bullet shot off another penalty corner in the 47th minute.

Both the Pakistani players who were sent out for rough play returned after ten minutes of suspension but their counter attack remained ineffective as the Indian defence stood firm.

India will meet the winner of the Japan-Korea match to be played later tonight in the final slated for July 18.

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