IPOH: Malaysia's hopes of defending the Sultan Azlan Shah (SAS) Cup ended after going down 2-1 to Japan in their penultimate round robin match at the Azlan Shah Stadium on Wednesday.
The Speedy Tigers had needed a win over Japan to keep their hopes alive, but crashed out after Ryoma Ooka's 50th minute winner ensured thaa the Samurais keep their unbeaten run intact.
Japan had taken the lead through Kazumasa Matsumoto (24th) but Faisal Saari drew level (31st).
The Malaysians huffed and puffed for one more goal but could not break past the stout Japanese defence.
Japan will take on Pakistan in the final on Saturday as both teams have an unassailable 10 points from four matches with one more round yet to be played in the round robin competition.
The Malaysians, who are third in the standings with six points from four matches, will wrap up their group stage against South Korea on Friday.
In an earlier match, New Zealand beat South Korea 4-1 with goals from George Baker (fourth), Jonty Elmes (18th), Jake Smith (23rd) and Isaac Houlbrooke (53rd) while Sim Jae Won scored Korea's consolation goal (39th)