Chennai, Jan 3 (NationPress) Young goalkeeper Prince Deep Singh made two remarkable penalty saves as Tamil Nadu Dragons triumphed in a nail-biting shoot-out against Hyderabad Toofans, starting their journey in the Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) with a bonus point at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium on Saturday.

The match concluded in a 3-3 draw during regulation time, leading to a thrilling shootout, where the Dragons emerged victorious with a score of 4-2, thanks to Prince Deep Singh's pivotal saves.

In the regular play, goals were scored by Uttam Singh (4’), Thomas Sorsby (9’), and Karthi Selvam (32’) for the Dragons, while Amandeep Lakra (12’, 18’) and Arthur De Sloover (37’) found the net for the Toofans.

The match kicked off with high intensity, with David Harte making a critical save in the fourth minute, after which the Dragons swiftly countered to earn the first penalty corner of the match. Uttam Singh (4’) capitalized on this opportunity, scoring the tournament's opening goal from close range.

With their confidence growing, the Dragons extended their lead when Thomas Sorsby (9’) skillfully maneuvered into the circle and struck past the goalkeeper. However, the Toofans quickly retaliated, leveling the score with Amandeep Lakra’s (12’) powerful shot from their first penalty corner, closing the first quarter at 2-1.

The second quarter saw the Toofans starting strong, converting their second penalty corner through another thunderous effort from Amandeep Lakra (18’), tying the game at 2-2. The match became increasingly competitive, with both teams creating opportunities but unable to score further, leading to a draw at halftime.

Within the first two minutes of the third quarter, the Dragons regained the lead with Karthi Selvam (32’) scoring from close range, following an impressive setup by Uttam Singh. Yet, only five minutes later, the Toofans equalized again, this time with Arthur De Sloover (37’) scoring from a tight angle.

The Dragons pressed hard towards the end of the quarter, but last season's runners-up, the Toofans, held their ground, finishing the quarter level at 3-3.

The final quarter saw early pressure from the Toofans. David Harte remained resolute, making several key saves during penalty corners to keep the score even. Both teams fought fiercely for a decisive goal, but the match ultimately went to a penalty shootout.

In the electrifying shootout, the Dragons triumphed, with Raheel Mohammed netting the winning penalty, leading to a 4-2 victory and securing a bonus point in their opening campaign match.