15 Nov 2009

Black sticks to play Malaysia in hockey qualifier

7:45 am on 15 November 2009

Two goals in 60 seconds helped secure a place for Malaysia in the final of the World Cup hockey qualifying tournament in Invercargill on Saturday.

They beat China 3-nil.

The Malaysians came out after a scoreless first half and scored twice in the fifth minute, grabbing a third with 20 minutes to go.

Malaysia will meet the Black Sticks in the final on Sunday to determine which side goes on to the World Cup in India next year.

Earlier New Zealand beat Austria 4-nil, completing a clean sweep of their pool games with goals to captain Phil Burrows, Simon Child (2) and Priyesh Bhana.

The Black Sticks had already qualified for Sunday's 3pm all-or-nothing final.

Austria will play Wales will play off for fifth place in the tournament, and China will face Scotland for third on Sunday.