The Hague: Glenn Turner scored two goals as defending champions Australia outplayed Malaysia 4-0 to get off a resounding start in the 2014 Hockey World Cup at the Kyocera Stadium here on Saturday.
Turner beat his marker deftly to break the Malaysian resistance and deadlock in the 26th minute with a fine shot to the right of goalkeeper Kumar Subramaniam.
The Malaysian defence held its ground against rapid Australian raids and even created a couple of dangerous moves into the rival circle, but gave it all away midway through the second session when three goals in the space of four minutes sealed the world champions' supremacy.
Eddie Ockenden increased the lead in the 50th minute with a reverse drive, Jamie Dwyer dribbled past a couple of defenders to flick in two minutes later before Turner scored his second goal with a firm penalty corner shot.
Two-time champions Australia are seeking to win their third title as a farewell present to their coach Ric Charlesworth, for whom this will be his last World Cup.
Charlesworth, who has the distinction of having won the World Cup as captain (1986) and coach (2010), will retire as coach after the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this year.
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