It was a close affair between last year’s silver medallists Mongolia and bronze medallists Thailand in the Pilipino city of Pasay, but it was Mongolia who struck first through Batbilguun Chuluunbat to give his side a 1-0 lead at the end of the first period.

The Mongolians then took confidence from this goal in the first period and increased their lead to 3-0 early in the second period thanks to goals from Batzaya Purevdorj and Batgerel Zorigt in the 24th and 35th minutes respectively.

Thailand struck back with a goal of their own to reduce the deficit to 3-1 just under a minute later.

Mongolian captain Mishigsuren Namjil ensured his side entered the third and final period with their three-goal cushion still intact with a goal of his own.

Thailand seemed to lose hope at this point and Tamir Gangold completed the Mongolian rout with a fourth goal in the final period, meaning his side recorded a 5-1 win overall.

At the other end of the table, Kuwait’s survival hopes took a large blow as they lost 3-2 to relegation rivals Singapore by virtue of a shootout after a 2-2 draw in the regulation period.

Kuwait now sit bottom of the league on one point, one point behind Singapore who are just above the dropzone.

Whoever tops the round-robin will win the tournament whilst the country who finishes bottom will be relegated to Division One.

Tomorrow is due to be the final day of action with Thailand taking on Kuwait and Singapore coming up against host nation The Philippines.