India beat Canada in hockey series with 4-0 lead

SURREY - Sandeep Singh scored a brace as India defeated hosts Canada 3-1 to take an unassailable 4-0 lead in the seven-match hockey Test series at Tamanawis Park here.

Sandeep converted penalty corners in the 35th and 67th minutes while Gurwinder Singh Chandi scored India’s first goal in the 29th minute Sunday.

David Jameson got the consolation goal for Canada in the 41st minute.

The Indians were off to a slow start and made several unforced errors. The forward line headed by experienced striker Prabhjot Singh and captain Rajpal Singh struggled to combine effectively with the midfield.

The visitors did earn a couple of penalty corners but Sandeep and V.R. Raghunath missed the opportunities.

India opened their account through a move initiated by Sardar Singh. Sardar made a speedy run from the midfield to set up Prabhjot who found Chandi in the clear. Chandi beat goalkeeper David Carter with a wrong foot shot to put the visitors in the lead.

Chandi could have doubled the margin soon, but his backhander from a tight angle went straight to Carter.

Sandeep scored the second goal just seconds before the break when the Indians were awarded a penalty corner as Prabhjot was obstructed by Adam Froese.

The hosts reduced the margin a few minutes into the second half through a Jameson scoop after D’souza blocked a shot from Connor Grimes.

India scored through drag-flicker Sandeep again in the closing stages.