Displaying top form, Pakistan toyed with an out-of-sorts China to score a thumping 7-1 win and romp into the semi-finals of the sixth Asia Cup hockey tournament here today. Captain Nadeem Ahmed, defender Sohail Abbas and Kashif Jawad scored two goals apiece as Pakistan routed China and put bitter rivals India up on notice. Naohiko Tobita struck twice as a gritty Japan overcame a late onslaught to pip Malaysia 3-2 and assure themselves of a place in the semi-finals.India, who beat China 5-1 yesterday, play Pakistan in their last league encounter on Wednesday. Pakistan’s win today means India would need to defeat Bangladesh in their next league match by a huge margin, should goal difference is taken into account to decide who tops the pool B. Three-time winners Pakistan played a near perfect hockey, displaying excellent ball possession, tackles and deft passes to leave China dumbfound. The most impressive among Pakistan players was Sohail Abbas who combined skill and power to score two exquisite goals in the second half.China did well to thwart the marauding Pakistan in the first 15 minutes but thereafter found it difificult to contain their skillful forwards.
