23rd Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Australia ride on Budgeon’s hat-trick to crush China 7-0

Defending champions Australia commenced their campaign in the 23^rd Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament on a blistering note, routing China 7-0 at Ipoh on Thursday. The Kookaburras lived up to their billing dominating proceedings from the outset and struck in the 3^rd minute when Nicholas Budgeon converted their first penalty corner. Trent Mitton extended the lead in the 20^th minute before Jamie Dwyer made the scoreline 3-0 close to half-time.

The world number one side, who beat Malaysia 3-2 in the 2013 final, maintained the momentum in the second half making it 4-0 in the 38^th minute through Jacob Whetton before Russell Ford scored the fifth goal in the 47^th minute.

The Aussies continued the goal glut with Nicholas Budgeon firing home their fourth short corner in the 56^th minute. The green-and-gold brigade adding another off their fifth PC as Nicholas Budgeon notched up his hat-trick as they cruised to a 7-0 win.

Hosts Malaysia beat South Africa 3-2 in their tournament opener.