Korea end test series on winning note ahead of FIH Hero Hockey Champions Trophy 2016

The Korean team won the final match in the Ballsbridge Energie Fitness Club Test Series

6 June 2016
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The Korean team won the final match in the Ballsbridge Energie Fitness Club Test Series on Sunday for a victorious ending to the four-match meeting with the Rio-bound Irish men. Overall, Ireland took the series 2-1.

On Sunday, Korea started strong, controlling possession throughout the first quarter, but fell behind when a Conor Harte penalty corner found the net. Korea fired back in the second quarter when Lee Jung Jun scored on the rebound, but an Alan Sothern goal from open play shortly after again handed Ireland the advantage for a 2-1 halftime lead.

After the re-start however, Korea turned the match around in an intense third quarter, gaining the upper hand through a quick double hit: Lee Namyong sunk a penalty corner, followed by a field goal from Jung Manjae. A final blow was delivered via penalty stroke, with Yang Jihun duly dispatching.

Shane O’Donoghue’s last quarter penalty corner goal brought Ireland back within range, but the hosts could not find the equaliser, and the match ended with a 4-3 win for the Korean guests.

Prior to Sunday, Ireland had taken the opening encounter with a 5-2 win and the third match 2-1. The second clash of the series had ended in a 1-1 draw.

Ireland v Korea Test Series (31 May – 5 June 2016) – Results

31 May 2016   Ireland v Korea 5-2 (1-1)
2 June 2016   Ireland v Korea 1-1 (1-0)
4 June 2016   Ireland v Korea 2-1 (1-0)
5 June 2016   Ireland v Korea 3-4 (2-1)

The test series also saw the return of 35-year-old Korean hockey superstar Seo Jongho who played his first FIH matches since the London Olympic tournament – the fourth Olympic Games Seo participated in.

Their strong performance against the Irish men who are preparing for the Olympic tournament in Rio starting in two months puts Korea in a confident position for the Hero Hockey Champions Trophy 2016 starting later this week. Korea open their Champions Trophy campaign on Friday with their clash with Belgium.

For news and updates from the Hero Hockey Champions Trophy 2016 #HCT2016, follow the FIH Facebook and Twitter feeds as well as the Asian representatives from India and Korea.

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