KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian hockey team ended their series of friendly matches against South Korea by edging the former Asian champions 2-1 at Jingcheon Sports Complex, Incheon, on Tuesday.
It was the Speedy Tigers' first win over the world No. 9 after two draws and one defeat.
Malaysia's Najib Abu Hassan scored a field goal in the 28th minute, while Korea equalised in the 36th minute.
Shahmie Irfan Suhaimi netted Malaysia's winner in the 45th minute.
It was the only friendly against Korea, in which world No. 10 Malaysia did not blow an early lead to eventually draw or lose.
In the first friendly last week, Malaysia were held 2-2 by Korea after taking a 2-0 lead, and in the second friendly, Arul Selvaraj's men took a 2-0 lead and then lost 3-2.
The third friendly saw the same script. Malaysia took the lead but were held 2-2 by Korea, with the equaliser three seconds from time off a penalty stroke.
Both teams are preparing for the Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) in Chennai, India, from Aug 3-12 and the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, from Sept 23-Oct 8.
"It was mentally stressful as the umpiring was once again one-sided," said Arul on Tuesday.
"We received two yellow and two green cards, while Korea only received one green.
"The friendlies were a selection process for Korea, and their players did not hold back. These matches will benefit us ahead of the ACT and Asian Games."