LAHORE: Pakistan`s national hockey champions Customs defeated China`s Guangdong 3-2 in a closely contested match between the two national champions at Jinnah Stadium here on Monday.

Customs took the lead in the final minute of the first quarter when Bilal Aslamconverted the team`s first penalty corner with a high flick into the top-left corner.

Guangdong equalised three minutes before half-time through Qui Wenxuan, who converted a penalty corner.

Customs regained the lead in the 39th minute after a well-worked move ended withShahzaib Khan scoring from close range. The Chinese side earned three penalty corners in quick succession but failed to restore parity.

Bilal extended Customs` lead to 3-1 in the 51st minute, converting another penalty corner as the ball deflected off the goalkeeper`s pads intothe goal.

Guangdong reduced the deficit in the final minute through captain Chao Jieming, who fired a reverse hit from the top of the circle into the right corner.

However, Customs held on to secure a 3-2 victory in the encounter.-Sports Reporter