Asiad Hockey: Dilpreet fires another hat-trick as India beat Korea 8-2 to continue winning run

In-form striker Dilpreet Singh scored a hat-trick as defending champions India thrashed Korea 8-2 to register their third straight win and virtually seal a place in the men's hockey semifinals at the Asian Games here on Thursday.

Dilpreet struck three field goals in the 10th, 26th and 32nd minutes, while Abhishek scored twice as India maintained their position at the top of Pool A.

Shilanand Lakra, skipper Harmanpreet Singh and Rajinder Singh were India's other scorers. Korea's goals came from Kim Jae Ho and Kim Yong Bok.

India had earlier opened their campaign with emphatic wins over Indonesia (13-1) and Sri Lanka (16-1).

The Indians began aggressively and needed just four minutes to break the deadlock. Shilanand tapped in a superb aerial ball into the circle from vice-captain Hardik Singh.

Dilpreet doubled the advantage in the 10th minute, unleashing a fierce strike from the top of the circle after being set up by Mandeep Singh.

Harmanpreet then made it 3-0 a minute later, converting a penalty corner with a powerful drag-flick to the goalkeeper's left.

Abhishek added India's fourth goal in the final minute of the opening quarter, pushing in a pass from Shilanand.

India continued to dominate after the restart and Dilpreet scored again in the 26th minute, tapping in a backhand cross from Mandeep.

Two minutes into the second half, Dilpreet completed his hat-trick with a fine tomahawk after a neat one-two between Mandeep and Hardik.

India earned four consecutive penalty corners soon after but could not convert any of them.

Abhishek added his second goal in the 38th minute, finishing a rebound after Sukhjeet Singh's initial attempt was saved by Korean goalkeeper Kim Jaehan.

Korea finally found a breakthrough three minutes before the end of the third quarter, with Kim Jae Ho scoring against the run of play.

The Koreans showed greater attacking intent in the final quarter and earned two penalty corners in quick succession, but India's defence held firm.

Kim Yong Bok reduced the deficit further in the 52nd minute after beating three Indian defenders before firing into the net.

India's penalty-corner execution remained a concern as they missed four successive set pieces in the closing stages.

They eventually converted one in the final seconds, with Rajinder Singh finding the net to complete the 8-2 victory.

India will next face hosts Japan on Saturday.