KUALA LUMPUR: The Speedy Tigresses endured a tough day at the women's Asian Champions Trophy (ACT), suffering a heavy 5-0 defeat against China's second team at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar, India.
Following their 4-0 loss to defending champions India on Monday, Nasihin Nubli's team have now conceded nine goals in just two matches.
China, the Paris Olympics silver medallists, who are fielding their second squad, displayed their dominance once again, building on their 15-0 demolition of Thailand in the opening game.
China's goals came courtesy of Yu Anhui (12th minute), Tan Jinzhuang (41st and 55th), Wang Lihang (49th) and Hao Guoting (57th) today.
Only three players from their Paris Olympic squad are in Bihar, while the rest are in Changzhou for a training camp to prepare for the FIH Pro League, which begins at the end of this month.
World No. 23 Malaysia have yet to score in the tournament, and while they earned two penalty corners today, they were unable to convert either opportunity.
China, by contrast, earned nine penalty corners and made three count.
Nasihin admitted that China were too strong.
"We managed to hold them well in the first three quarters, but in the fourth quarter, my players made some errors," said Nasihin.
"We need to play more high-quality matches against top teams. We'll use tomorrow's rest day to prepare for our next game against South Korea on Thursday."
In an earlier match, Thailand held Japan to a 1-1 draw.