Title favourites Australia swept aside South Africa 12-0 to record the biggest victory in the history of the men's Hockey World Cup.
Penalty corner specialist Luke Doerner slammed four goals, Jamie Dwyer three and Glenn Turner two as the Australians gave the South Africans a hockey lesson in their first Hockey World Cup meeting. The 11th goal in the 66th minute, which was attributed to Doerner, was later awarded to Dwyer by the technical bench.
Desmond Abbott, Fergus Kavanagh and Matthew Butturini were the other scorers in a spectacular goal spree at the Dhyan Chand National Stadium in the Indian capital.
The Kookaburras, who led 5-0 at half-time, surpassed Pakistan's 12-3 romp over New Zealand in the 1982 tournament in Mumbai, which was the previous highest victory margin in the World Cup.
"I did not know it was a record, but it is not everyday that we score 12 goals in a match," said Australian coach Ric Charlesworth. "This will help us in future games. I liked the way we played throughout the match. We were relentless. We attacked the opponents in a very good manner. I am also very pleased with our penalty corner conversions."
Australia, who lost their opening match against England, bounced back in style to defeat hosts India 5-2 and have now taken their Group B tally to six points from three matches.
European champions England, who have six points from two games, were taking on Pakistan later. India and Spain, with three points each, clash in the evening's last match.
South Africa have lost all three matches so far, scoring six goals and conceding 22. "We are extremely disappointed," said South African captain Austin Smith. "The scoreline suggests Australia were too good for us. It is difficult to pick ourselves up after such a loss because we are a young side."
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