IANS

Victoria (Canada), Oct 10: India defeated Canada 2-0 in the first of the seven match hockey series at the University of Victoria ground here Friday.

Tushar Khandekar (27th) and Sandeep Singh (66th) scored the goals for India.

The Canadians put up a stiff resistance to thwart Indian attacks, but could not hold for long.

Tushar, playing as a midfielder, put India ahead after shaking off his marker and firing home past Canada custodian David Carter.

India missed a couple of scoring chances shortly thereafter as attempts from Gurwinder Chandi and Sarwanjit Singh went off target.

Canada came back strongly at the start of the second half but the backhand efforts from Gabbar Singh and Connor Meakin were well saved by goalkeeper Adrian D'Souza.

Shortly after, India lost a chance to increase the lead when Rajpal Singh failed to connect a Vikram Pillay cross at the second post. This was followed by another attempt but Shivendra Singh's effort was foiled by Canadian defender Wayne Fernandes.

Sandeep sealed Canada's fate in the 66th minute as he sank a penalty corner to hand India the victory.

The second Test shall will be played here Sunday.