IPOH, April 17 — The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup is heading Down Under for the ninth time.

After losing the title to bitter rivals New Zealand last year, world champions Australia reclaimed the trophy by hammering India 4-0.

The early exchanges were tense and hard fought with Australia bossing possession and India looking dangerous on the counter —there was no sign of the lopsided 5-1 scoreline from the group stages.

Australia took the lead in the 25th minute through Thomas Craig, who then added another 10 minutes later.

Matt Gohdes scored the Kookaburras’ third and rounded off the rout by blasting in the fourth three minutes from time.

Earlier, Malaysia let the bronze medal slip through their fingers as they succumbed to a 5-4 penalty shootout loss to New Zealand.

The home team were up 3-2 with three minutes to go after putting in a spirited performance, but were unable to withhold a late barrage from last year’s champions.

Despite finishing fourth—an improvement on last year’s sixth place showing — the Speedy Tigers were left ruing the dramatic loss.

Disappointed Malaysian coach Stephen van Huizen said his team deserved better.

“The players gave their absolute best, but we couldn’t hold on to the lead. It’s sad but that’s hockey, anything can happen in a matter of minutes.

“The performances here put us in good stead and we can improve.”

Malaysia started the match on fire, pressuring and harrying the Black Sticks.

Ramadan Rosli then broke the deadlock in the seventh minute with a glorious solo run from the left flank before slamming the ball home. Four minutes later, it was Fitri Saari’s turn to rifle the ball past Devon Manchester.

New Zealand reduced the deficit in the 27th minute through Hayden Phillips and pulled level when Kane Russell converted their first penalty corner in the 43rd minute.

But it took only seconds for Shahril Saabah to restore the lead.

Malaysia tried to repel the continued New Zealand attacks but the Kiwis broke the resistance with only seconds to go, levelling through Russell’s second.

The shootout was a tightly contested affair with both sides scoring their first four shots.

However, Malaysia’s heartbreak was complete when Fitri’s shot was saved by Manchester.

Meanwhile, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) honoured tournament founder, the late Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah by creating an award in his name as a tribute to his spirit and dedication to the sport.

The HRH Sultan Azlan Shah award will be presented every two years at the FIH Ordinary Congress, to honour the achievements of an “individual who has contributed to hockey in an outstanding manner while becoming a beacon of inspiration through their leadership and vision”.

FIH president Leandro Negre said: “We’re immensely thankful for the late Sultan’s contributions to hockey, which he was passionate about.

“The introduction of this award is our way of acknowledging his lengthy and valuable service to the sport he loved.”