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Sunday September 20, 2009

National team told to spy on China before qualifiers

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) want the national hockey team to spy on the Chinese team before the World Cup qualifiers begin in Invercargill, New Zealand, next month.

The national team would have had a chance to get a close look at the Chinese when they were invited for four Test matches in Dalian from Sept 29. But the trip fell through when China were placed in the same group as the Malaysians for the qualifiers from Nov 7-15. The others in the group are New Zealand, Scotland, Austria and Wales.

Although Malaysia’s matches have been cancelled, China will still play the Australian A team in a series of friendlies during the same period.

Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) secretary Hashim Mohd Yusof was surprised that there had been no request from the coaches to go to Dalian to watch the friendly between China and Australia.

“I am sure such a request would have been approved by the National Sports Council (NSC), who are assisting us financially,” he said.

“I suppose the team management have their own plans.”

China last played against Malaysia in the Asia Cup in Kuantan in May, defeating the Malaysians 3-1 on penalties for the bronze medal.

China have since preferred to keep a low profile although reports have suggested that they have had extensive training in Europe, including roping in South African coach Giles Bonnet to fine-tune their tactical play.

Hashim, however, said Malaysia do have the advantage as they would only take on China on the last day of the preliminary round.

“So, effectively we will get to see China in action at least four times before playing them,” he said.

With their trip to China cancelled, Malaysia will only have a five-match Test series against Australia in October to prepare for the qualifiers.

Only the winner from Invercargill will make the cut for the World Cup in India next year.

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