International field hockey opens 2004 with its first tournament, the 13th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Germany is the current favorite to win the tournament and they beat Malaysia 4 to 2. To further strengthen Germany's superiority, they fought off India's challenge by outscoring India 3 - 1 yesterday. Earlier, Malaysia managed to hold off Spain with the scoreline of 3 - 3.
Spain, despite having trouble taming Malaysia, shocked Australia by winning the match 3 - 2.
In battle of South Asia, Pakistan managed to defeat its arch rival, India 3 - 2.