Reinforced Pakistan commence campaign with draw

KUANTAN (AFP) - Three-time former champions Pakistan pulled off a face-saving 1-1 draw with China with just 40 seconds remaining in their opening Asia Cup tie at the Kuantan Hockey Stadium here Saturday.
The Chinese, who had beaten Pakistan 3-2 in the last Asia Cup in 2007 in Chennai, took the lead in the 61st minute through Hu Hui Ren.
China were coasting to another upset when a last-minute goalmouth melee allowed the Pakistanis to secure a precious point.
The move in the 70th minute saw Akhtar Ali scoring from close range when the Chinese defenders failed to clear in their semi-circle.
The match proved to be an anti-climax as the Pakistanis, with the return of four highly experienced players, were expected to dominate and collect full points.
Sohail Abbas, the world's top penalty corner specialist, was back in the Pakistan team along with Rehan Butt, Waseem Ahmed and goalkeeper Salman Akhbar.
Sohail had two chances to score from penalty corners but the first hit the bar while the second wend wide.
China played a very defensive game and their plan to rely on the counter-attack worked.
Their goal, against the run of play, came off a fast break in the 61st minute.
Pakistan play nemesis India on Sunday and they will need a win to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
Pakistan coach Shahid Ali Khan said yesterday it was lucky they had managed to get a point from the match.