Moqi, China, Sep 9:

Blunting the South Korean attack with a dominant show, title holders Indian Men, thanks to a three goal burst in three minutes, cantered to a 7-3 win and inched closer to the semifinals from Group-A in the Asian Junior Hockey tournament here on Tuesday.

The contest was even in the first three quarters with both the teams level at 3-3, before a three goal blitz in three minutes during the closing stage, shunted the doors on the Koreans.

South Korea matched India goal for goal, but the defending champions raised the intensity in the closing stages of the third quarter before producing a decisive three-goal burst in the final quarter.

The victory took India’s tally to seven points from three matches, comprising two wins and a draw, and left them within touching distance of a semi-final berth.

Captain and star dragflicker Anmol Ekka once again led India’s scoring effort, netting twice to take his tournament tally to eight goals.

The match was played on a knife’s edge in the opening three quarters, with neither side willing to concede an inch. India made the brighter start and took the lead in the fifth minute when Anmol converted a penalty corner. However, South Korea responded immediately, with Dohyeon Choi too scoring of a penalty corner in the very next minute to restore parity at 1-1.

The second quarter followed a similar pattern. Lovenoor Singh put India back in front with a field goal in the 18th minute, only to see South Korea restoring parity again in the next minute with a short corner conversion by Hyoguk Yoo to make it 2-2.

Having had a clear edge in the attack, India ensured they carried the advantage into the half-time after Ajeet Yadav struck in the 20th minute (3-2) to wrest the lead.

South Korea refused to relent after resumption and continued to test the Indian defence. Yoo was once again at the forefront of the attack scoring his second goal of the match just six minutes into the third quarter, which brought the Koreans level for the third time at 3-3.