Swati shines on debut

Seoul, March 5 

The Indian women's hockey team defeated South Korea by a solitary goal in the opening match of the five-game series here today.

India scored an early goal through Lalremsiami (5th minute) and then defended stoutly to hold on for a morale-boosting win.

India looked positive from the word go and were rewarded for their intent when Lalremsiami scored.

India won a penalty corner in the 18th minute, but goalkeeper Mijin Han came to her side's rescue this time.

Three minutes later, the Korean goalkeeper made another fine save from a penalty corner.

In the 23rd minute, it was debutant goalkeeper Swati's turn to deny the hosts from a penalty corner.

It was a crucial phase in the match as world No. 9 South Korea were constantly looking for an opening but the Indian defence stood tall.

In the fourth quarter, Swati made some important saves to keep India's lead intact. The 24-year-old saved two penalty corners in the opening six minutes of the final quarter and then kept out a penalty stroke in the 50th minute to deny the hosts a way back into the match.

India captain Rani Rampal completed 200 international caps, while Monika reached a century of caps.

India will play their second match tomorrow. — PTI