
Striker Seung Tae Song scored a hat-trick to spark South Korea to a 3-2 win over England on the opening day of the 21st Mens8217; Champions Trophy hockey tournament here today.
Song scored the first of his goals in the third minute and it took England until four minutes from half-time to equalise through Mark Pearne with a flick.
Song scored in 57th and 63rd minutes to make the game safe for the Koreans before Calum Giles reduced for England.
Olympic silver medallists Spain fought back to draw 1-1 with Pakistan in another match.
Pakistan went ahead when Mohammad Sarwar came out on top in a goal-circle struggle to finish the move. But Spain8217;s Antonio Iglesias converted a penalty shot in the 57th minute to level the scores.
Dutch women8217;s hockey captain Carole Thate predicted a physical clash with the world and Olympic champions Australia next week after the Netherlands beat Argentina 3-0 in their opening match of the adjoining women8217;s tournament.
The World Cup silver medallists played at the same electrifying pace as the hockeyroos in disposing of the Argentinians by half-time.