Australia thrashes India to lift Sultan Azlan Shah Cup

IPOH, Malaysia — Reigning world champion Australia clobbered India 4-0 to clinch the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Saturday, as the powerhouse eyes the top spot on the podium at the Rio Games this summer. The Kookaburras kicked off the final against seventh-ranked India with fast attacks and strong defense to the delight of the spectators in Malayia's Ipoh. Both teams rallied for an early goal but failed to earn a shot at the back of the net. However, as the game progressed, there was no doubt the Kookaburras were the dominant squad as India failed to defend against the skills and speed of the Australians. The Kookaburras put pressure on the Indian defense and secured an inaccessible 3-0 lead by the end of the third-quarter break. Just before half-time, 20-year-old Thomas Craig put Australia ahead, by taking a crack at the left side of the Indian net leaving goalie Akash Chitke helpless. Craig was in action again in the 35th minute when he slid on his stomach to hit the ball past Akash. Matt Ghodes scored the other two goals including one on the reverse stick which saw the ball sail past the leg of the Indian goalkeeper. India cruised into the final after defeating Malaysia 6-1 earlier in the week and edging out New Zealand. However, Australia's dominant performance Saturday proved a wide gap remains between the two rivals. Australia ended the tournament with the maximum 18 points from six matches, while India earned 12 points and New Zealand finished with 11. Australia has won the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup a record nine times. Meanwhile, defending champion New Zealand defeated host Malaysia for the bronze medal in a 5-4 penalty shootout. In the day's other action, Pakistan outclassed Canada for fifth place with a 3-1 victory. Australia, India, New Zealand and Canada are among the 12 teams that are potentially set to square off in Rio in August. The Australian men's team has won nine medals, including one gold in 2004, at the Olympic Games.