Women face Italy in semis

THE Malaysian women's hockey team finished third in Group B of the Champions Challenge II in Viena, when they held Russia to a 2-2 draw in their last pool match.
The tournament is unique in the sense that even though there are only eight teams competing, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) decided to hold a quarter-finals after the pool matches.
Malaysia, who lost 2-1 to Belgium and 5-4 to Belarus, will play Italy today and a win would see them in the semi-finals.
Against Russia, the national side were down 1-0 by the 12th minute, but equalised off Siti Rahmah Othman in the 26th minute, and then took the lead off their skipper Nadia Abdul Rahman -- both goals were off field attempts.
However, they let in a field goal in the 66th minute to share points with Russia.
Malaysia's last eight opponents Italy finished second in Group A, and they only lost 2-1 to group champions Chile, beat Austria 4-1 and then beat Canada 2-1.
TODAY -- Q-finals: Chile v Russia, Belgium v Canada, Italy v Malaysia, Belarus v Austria.

FINAL STANDINGS

GROUP A
Pool A

P W D L F A Pts
Chile 3 2 0 1 7 3 6
Italy 3 2 0 1 7 4 6
Canada 3 2 0 1 4 3 6
Austria 3 0 0 3 3 11 0

GROUP B

P W D L F A Pts
Belarus 3 3 0 0 12 9 9
Belgium 3 2 0 1 8 4 6
Malaysia 3 0 1 2 7 9 1
Russia 3 0 1 2 5 10 1