New Delhi: Delhi Wizards’ World Series Hockey campaign hit a roadblock and their chances to proceed into the semis look very grim as they lost to Chandigarh Comets 1-0 at the Major Dhyanchand National Stadium here on Wednesday.
Wizards required a win desperately to stay safe in the tournament. However their endeavor was foiled and a late strike by Gurjinder Singh of Comets not only handed them their fourth loss in the tournament but also pushed the home side to the brink.
Wizards started on an attacking note and earned their first penalty corner in the fourth minute of the match. But they failed to rise up to the occasion and wasted a plausible goal scoring opportunity as Vikramjit’s drag-flick was blocked by Comets custodian Harjot Singh.
Apart from few chances here and there the match had nothing much to offer and it was a dull show. With three quarters over without and the scoreboard reading 0-0, it was now anticipated that the match was heading towards a draw. But just minutes ahead of the final hooter, Gurjinder scored from a short corner to seal the fate of the Wizards. A minute later the hosts came very close to scoring but Rajpal’s Singh stop was palmed away by Harjot.
With tournament in its halfway stage, the loss has now left Wizards lying at the seventh position, ahead of Karnataka Lions whereas Comets jumped up to the third position.
By Samikshan Dutta Choudhury
Indian Sports News
