Brits throw away victory chance

Britain began their campaign with defeat by Holland

Great Britain 2-2 Malaysia

Britain's men's hockey team look to be heading for the Olympic exit door after surrendering a 2-0 lead to Malaysia in their third Pool A match.

The British, who had lost their first two games in humiliating fashion, looked set to at least salvage some pride when they stormed ahead through Craig Pernham and Mark Pearn.

But the Malaysian effort was spectacularly revived in the second half.

And after Nor Saiful Zaini had pulled one back, Keevan Raj bagged a surprise equaliser four minutes from time.

Britain, with one point from three matches, are in danger of failing to advance from the preliminary round for the third successive time since famously winning the Olympic title at Seoul in 1988.

Late, late show

Two penalty corner conversions in the last 11 minutes of play helped the Malaysians bounce back after conceding two goals in the first half.

They picked up their second point from three matches to keep Britain rooted to the foot of Pool A.

Britain surged into the lead in the 18th minute as Pernham's penalty corner scoop went into the cage off goalkeeper Irahim Nashin's gloves.

Pearn increased Britain's lead in the 27th minute, picking up Pernham's pass inside the striking circle to shoot home.

Former captain Zaini began Malaysia's resurgence in the 59th minute with a firm penalty corner shot that slammed into the boards.

Keevan Raj executed a brilliant deflection on a set-piece penalty corner attempt in the 66th minute for the equalizer, which earned Malaysia its second draw in three outings.