World champions Australia and South Korea drew 2-2 in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup here on Thursday, leaving the fight for the finals berths wide open with five teams in contention.
Australia or Korea could have put themselves in a good position to qualify for the final had either won the match, but now the two finalists will be decided on Saturday, in matches on the final day of the preliminaries.
Australia will take on China while South Korea meet Pakistan in their last league fixtures.
Defending champions India have Egypt in their sights, and a win on Saturday would pave their way into the final.
Malaysia have completed their fixtures and await Saturday’s results to know their fate. On the day, Australia scored goals through Kieran Govers in the 5th minute and Matt Ghodes in the 48th minute.
The Koreans were on target through a Nam Hyun-woo penalty corner in the 25th minute and a goal from Ro Jong-hwan in the 58th minute.
Earlier Pakistan kept up their chase for a place in the final with a 6-2 win over Egypt. Pakistan now have eight points, with one match remaining.
Pakistan coach K.M. Junaid said that the victory margin would come in handy if goal difference comes into play on the morrow. — AFP