South Africa hold India, clinch series

JOHANNESBURG, Aug 20: Once again dogged by poor umpiring, India let go of a 2-0 half-time lead to settle for a 2-2 draw in the fourth tie...

JOHANNESBURG, Aug 20: Once again dogged by poor umpiring, India let go of a 2-0 half-time lead to settle for a 2-2 draw in the fourth tie and lose the five-match hockey series to South Africa.

India, already 0-2 down in the series, failed to withstand pressure from South African players, who were aided by biased refeering, as the hosts rallied to neutralise the first-half deficit and take an unassailable series lead.

Forwards Gagan Ajit Singh and Kamal Horo struck early on for the visitors as India dominated the first half. In fact, India were splendid with their stick work and controlled the ball for most part of the match.

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The South African umpires, who have come under flak from the Indian management here, returned to their old tricks in the second half denying India any leeway.

However, the South African goalkeeper was excellent, saving five clear efforts by the Indians. After Gagan Ajit and Horo had put India in the front, Greg Jackson and Steven Evans scored for the home side after the break toput the series beyond India’s reach.

The final test will be played tomorrow. “We dominated the game for the better part of the match and would have emerged clear winners but for antics of the umpires and some excellent ‘keeping by the South African goalkeeper,” Indian team coach V Baskaran said.

He exhuded confidence that India would win the final test to show that “we are a better side. The only problem is we have to put up with poor and blased umpiring”.