Hi-Fliers grounded

It was a battle between two drag-flick specialists. In the end, Len Aiyappa stole the honours from the legendary Sohail Abbas. The 23-year-old Aiyappa with his powerful drag-flicks notched up the first hat-trick of the tournament and in the process helped the Bangalore Hi-Fliers stop hosts Hyderabad Sultans8217; winning run in the Tier-I match of the Premier Hockey League at the SAAP Hockey Complex at Gachibowli here today. The Hi-Fliers won the Sunday thriller 3-2 to be in the hunt for the honours.

Sultans were on a high when Sohail Abbas, the world8217;s highest scorer, made no mistake with the first penalty corner with a cleanly taken drag-flick after the home side had earned it in the 12th minute. But thereafter, the Hi-Fliers, with a methodical game, brought the hopes of the home team crashing down.

It was Hyderabad8217;s first defeat after their two wins over Sher-e-Jalandhar and Maratha Warriors. The hosts tally remained at six points from three matches. While for the Hi-Fliers, it was their second win from three matches.