From correspondents in Asia Pacific, 12:00 AM IST

Tournament favourites South Korea started the Asia Cup hockey campaign on a sorry note as they were held 1-1 by hosts Malaysia in a Group A match here Saturday.

In other matches in the day, Japan thrashed Bangladesh 5-0 in Group A while Pakistan were held 1-1 by China in Group B.

For hosts Malaysia a strong defence helped them to split points with the mighty South Koreans at the Wisma Belia hockey stadium. They weren't overawed by the South Korean attack right from the start and held the defence strongly.

In fact, Malaysia surprised South Korea by taking the lead just before the breather off a counter attack with Mohamad Nor Nabil Fiqri slotting home a pass supplied by Abu Ismail.

After the lemon-break, South Korea stepped up the attack and found the equaliser in the 53rd minute when Jin Kyung Min converted a pass provided by Lee Seung Ii.

Both teams came close to break the deadlock but poor finishing and good goalkeeping ensured they end with a point each.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)