Kuwait vs. United Arab Emirates 0-6 (0-4, 0-0, 0-2)

The third day of the 2012 IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia Tournament began with a game and Kuwait and United Arab Emirates. The UAE took advantage of early lapses from the Kuwaitis, jumping out to a 4-0 lead in the first period en route to a 6-0 win.

The UAE’s Saeed Alnuaimi got his team rolling by potting its three opening goals, recording a hat trick in just one period. Alnuaimi’s first three goals set Kuwait off-balance and the Emirati took advantage and added another for a 4-0 lead from Ali Alsarour. They would add a short handed marker from Suhail Almehairi and another score from captain Juma Aldhaheri to seal the game.

With two wins in their opening two games, the UAE look like a well-drilled team with good chemistry going ahead in this tournament. On the other side, while the Kuwaiti team showed flashes of individual skill, they just couldn’t find the back of the net and keep pace with the score. Kuwait will play Thailand next, while UAE takes on Chinese Taipei.  

Malaysia vs. India 13-2 (6-2, 3-0, 4-0)

DEHRADUN – A 13-2 loss to Malaysia dropped hosts India to 0-2 in the 2012 IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia. The Malaysian team buried their opponent early with a six-goal outburst in the first period. Forward Ban Kin Loke had six goals as Malaysia improved to 2-0 in the round-robin.

The second game of the third day of the 2012 IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia gathered the most spectators so far to the Tournament, when the local team met Malaysia. The tribune filled with local school students, young adults and families. Even thought Malaysia had better odds going to the game, India stood strong and fought hard. A very strong competitive first period was opened with a goal scored by India, but also woke up the Malaysians who began pouring in the shots, eventually outshooting India 55-15.

India takes on Macau next, before facing Malaysia once more in their final round robin game. Despite the loss, the Indians have managed to improve their goal differential in only their second ever international tournament, managing only two goals in five games in last year's Challenge Cup.  

Thailand vs. Chinese Taipei 14-0 (2-0, 6-0, 6-0)

DEHRADUN – Thanks to a deluge of shot on net, Thailand managed to overwhelm Chinese Taipei and bottle up their attack, winning their second game 14-0. Tewin Chertsuwan had 5 goals and one assist in the game to put him among the early Challenge Cup scoring leaders.

With just under four minutes left in the first period the Dehradun rink lights went off, causing a delay, with the remaining time added to the second period.

Chinese Taipei will take on the undefeated United Arab Emirates, while Thailand will play against Kuwait.

TIMO PEKKA FRONDELIUS

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