Goals by Edward Ockenden (39th, 41st) and Russell Ford (53rd) set up the Australian victory while the Malaysians drew some consolation from Jiwa Mohan's penalty corner in the last minute of the game.

It was Australia's third title triumph in four years and their fifth overall, as they proved far too superior for the Malaysians who did a lot of running but precious little else.

For Malaysia, it was second time unlucky in the final. They had lost to India in 1985, the only other time the hosts had entered the final of this tournament.

Australia raised the level of their game when it mattered most and clearly, they were the quicker, fitter and better organised side than the Malaysians who simply did not have the ammunition to counter their mighty opponents.

Thus, the barren first-half during which the Malaysians kept up with the Aussies, gave no indication of what was to follow, but there were definite signs that the hosts would have to work harder to keep their rivals at bay.

Australia's big-match experience came into play in the second-half after failing to make any headway in the first session when they had only a couple of scoring opportunities.

The Malaysians defended for all their worth, but as the game progressed, the Aussies began to take a stranglehold on the proceedings.