Hockey: Australia blank Canada 7-0, NZ beat Malaysia 4-2

Ipoh: World champions Australia started their title defence with a 7-0 drubbing of lowly Canada while higher-ranked New Zealand defeated hosts Malaysia 4-2 in the other league matches of the 24th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey on Sunday.

In the first match of the day, Australia started slowly but got into the groove gradually and showcased their dominance on the turf.

The mighty Kookaburras scored just two goals in the first two quarters before turning the heat on Canada in the final quarter.

Debutant Tim Cross (12th minute) was the first to sound the board for the Kookaburras followed by strikes from Dylan Wotherspoon (13th), Eddie Ockenden (43rd), Jamie Dwyer (52nd), Trent Mitton (53rd), Glenn Simpson (54th) and Jacob Whetton (56th).

While it would be heartening for Australia coach Graham Reid to witness six field goals from his wards, he is sure to be disappointed with utilising just one out of the eight penalty corners they earned in the match.

The match was special for one man Jamie Dwyer, who on Sunday became Australia's most-capped hockey player and scored his 207th goal in the Kookaburras' win at the Azlan Shah Stadium.

It was Dwyer's 322nd appearance for Australia, surpassing Jay Stacy, who retired following the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games with 321 caps.

Meanwhile in the last match of the day, seventh ranked New Zealand proved to be the better side than 12th placed Malaysia, registering the victory with two late goals.

The Black Sticks raced off to a 2-0 lead through a penalty corner conversion from Nick Haig (4th minute) and skipper Simon Child's field goal.

But cheered by the packed home crowd, Malaysia forged their way back with strikes from Ramadan Rosli (20th) and Shahrun Abdullah (52nd) to make it 2-2.

But New Zealand struck twice in the final five minutes of the game through a penalty corner conversion from Andy Hayward (55th) and a field strike by Shay Neal (57th) to garner full three points from the match.

New Zealand will face India in their next match on Monday, while Malaysia will play mighty Australia.