K Arumugam

Bangkok, Nov 3 India produced an all-round show to hold formidable China 1-1 in their penultimate Group A match and inch towards the semifinals of the Women's Asia Cup hockey here today.

India now need just a draw against Malaysia in their last group match tomorrow to make it to the semifinals.

It was the Chinese who started the scoring with Liao Jia Hui putting her side ahead in the 18th minute from the first penalty corner they earned.

But Saba Anjum scored the equaliser for India in the 45th minute, converting a short corner to settle for an honourable draw.

India are yet to lose a match in the tournament and have routed Singapore and Thailand 13-0 and 15-0 respectively in their first two group matches.

With identical two wins and a draw, both India and China have seven points each though Malaysia still have a chance of entering the semifinals.

- (Agencies)