KUALA LUMPUR: Defending champions Malaysia got off to a flying start in the men's Indoor Hockey Asia Cup by outplaying Oman 10-2 in Group B in Taldykorgan, Kazakhstan, today.
Najmi Farizal Jazlan scored a hat-trick in the third, 24th and 31st minute.
Abdul Khaliq Hamirin (12th, 34th) Aminuddin Zain (19th, 27th), Izham Azhar (17th), Ashran Hamsani (25th) and Faridzul Afiq (33rd) contributed the other goals for Malaysia.
Asama Barazahan (18th) and Rashad Al Fazari (37th) replied for Oman.
National coach Rodzhanizam Mat Radzi said Malaysia had a good start, but will face a strong challenge against hosts Kazakhstan tomorrow.
"We need a win over Kazakhstan to qualify for the winners' pool,'' he said.
Malaysia will wrap up their group fixtures against Sea Games champions Indonesia tomorrow night.