KUANTAN: Malaysia salvaged some pride in the Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) when they beat South Korea to the bronze medal at Kuantan Hockey Stadium today.
The match was tied 1-1 after regulation time, and Malaysia won their fourth consecutive ACT bronze by winning the penalty shoot-out 3-1.
After losing the semi-finals shoot-out to Pakistan on Saturday, Malaysia were more prepared this time around.
"After playing hard at home in the previous matches, we did not want to end empty handed and my players gave their best to win a medal as a boost leading towards the World League Round Two next year," said Malaysian coach Stephen van Huizen.
The rain came pouring down as Malaysia and South Korea started their quest for bronze.
Malaysia took the lead of Shahril Saabah in the 14th minute, his fourth goal of the tournament.
However, South Korea equalised off skipper Jung Manjae off their first penalty corner in the 17th minute.
Shahril was yellow carded 20 seconds from half-time, and Malaysia re-entered the pitch with 10-men and looking very jaded.
The score stood in the next two quarters, and it went to a penalty shoot-out to decide the winners.