Ipoh (Malaysia), May 25: A last minute goal by SK Uthappa secured a thrilling 2-1 victory for India over South Korea in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament here today.
The match winning goal came in the final minute of the game when Uthappa deflected the ball in Tushan Khandekar's cross.
On a counter-attack built by goalkeeper Bharat Chetri's save at the top of circle on the other end, India surprised the South Korean defenders with a brisk move that proved crucial after India had conceded an equaliser in the 66th minute.
Penalty corner striker Sandeep Singh sent a drag-flick into the net in the 11th minute to give India the lead that they enjoyed until Nam Hyun-Woo's low penalty corner flick breached the Indian defence in the 66th minute.
The victory gave India their initial three points from two outings after the 1-5 loss to New Zealand, while South Korea has just one point from two outings.
India produced a much improved display after yesterday's lacklustre show against New Zealand, managing to close the gaps in their defence.
Tight marking by both teams ensured that action was mostly confined to the midfield.
Right-half Gurbaj Singh made a return to international hockey after a long gap due to injury that kept him out of the Olympic Qualifiers and the London test event.
India broke through the man-to-man marking to earn their first penalty corner in the 11th minute, which was converted by Sandeep who placed a rising drag-flick high into the net to give India the lead.
South Korea banked on quick counter attacks, but found India defending well.
Indian striker Dharamvir Singh had a shy at the goal from the top of the circle in the 28th minute that was blocked by goalkeeper Lee Myung-Ho, who was again in action four minutes later when he had to defend a firm drive from Tushar Khandekar.
