Tokyo, Aug. 3 -- Riding on a fine hat-trick by renowned drag flicker Alexander Hendrickx, favourite Belgium beat India 5- 2 in the first semi final of the men's hockey at the Olympics Tuesday.

After a spirited display against Great Britain in the quarter final earlier, India Tuesday began almost on equal note and also took 2-1 lead for a brief period in the second quarter. Though Belgium drew level soon, the score line remained 2 -2 till the 49th minute. But India succumbed to the pressure in the final quarter and conceded three more goals during the last eleven minutes.

India still have a chance to earn the bronze if they can beat Germany in the play off match for the third place. In the second semifinal Tuesday, Australia beat Germany...