October 28, 2003 The Hindustan Times
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John Pye
Hyderabad, October 27
India rallied for a 4-2 win over archrival Pakistan in a field hockey encounter that commanded most attention Monday at the Afro-Asian Games.
World champion shooter Olga Dovgun was denied a world record despite firing a perfect score and host India collected the men's and women's team tennis titles.
But those medals and 10 others on the third day of the two-continent meet were just preludes for fans transfixed by the hockey showdown.
Gagan Ajit Singh scored twice as India overcame a 2-1 halftime deficit with three goals in the second half, delighting the parochial local crowd.
Head-to-heads have been rare recently as the neighboring countries have been at odds over the disputed Kashmir region. The reward for India was top place in Pool B and a semifinal against Malaysia.
Pakistan placed second in Pool B and will meet Pool A winner South Korea, the Asian Games champion, in the other semifinal.
The Malaysians completed an All-Asian semifinal lineup despite losing 2-1 to South Korea.
Malaysia finished equal on points with South Africa, but advanced on superior goal aggregate.
The South Africans rounded off with 5-0 demolition of Ghana and Egypt overcame Nigeria 4-2 in a rough match featuring six yellow cards.
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