KAZAA, Russia(June 27th, 2009) Belarus upset Canada in the match for the fifth position at the Women’s
Champions Challenge II by winning 2-1. Both teams were eager to win the
encounter and sometimes needed some physical play, especially from the Belarus
side, during the entire match. Umpires Thomas and Kaltypan showed four green,
three yellow and one red cards. Belarus player Yuliya MIKHEICHYK tried to injure
a Canadian player near the end of the match and received the red card for her
offence. Tournament Director Barbara Morgan suspended MIKHEICHYK for the next
international match played by the Belarus team.
Despite the high number of cards, the match stayed interesting until the end.
Belarus opened the score just before half time when captain Volha SHYNTAR
converted a penalty stroke. In the 57th minute, Belarus scored for a
second time and at that stage it looked like the match was locked. Depite being
two goals behind, Canada kept fighting. It was Stephanie JAMESON who scored the
2-1 with just six minutes to play. Canada kept looking for the equalizer, but
didn’t succeed to force extra time.
India became the first winner of the Women’s Champions Challenge II in hockey
history. The Indian team defeated Belgium (6-3) in Saturday’s exciting final in
Kazan, Russia. Ireland took the bronze medal, defeating Ukraine 2-1.
Final Ranking:
1. India
2. Belgium
3. Ireland
4.
Ukraine
5. Belarus
6. Canada
7. Malaysia
8. Russia
Individual Awards:
Fair Play: Ukraine
Top Goal Keeper:
Nadine KHOUZAM (BEL)
Player of Tournament: Surinfer KAUR (IND)
Youngest
Player: Rani RAMPAL (IND)
Top Goal Scorer: Rani RAMPAL (IND)
Best
Defender: Stephanie JAMESON (CAN)
Most useful player: Nikki SYMMONS
