DHAKA: China qualified for their first World Cup thanks to a super performance from Malaysia in the ongoing Asia Cup in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
China's spot was confirmed on Saturday when Malaysia held South Korea to a 1-1 draw, a result which put the Malaysians into the final against India as well.
Under International Hockey Federation (FIH) regulations, the team that wins its continental qualifier automatically qualifies for the World Cup.
However, as both India, as hosts, and Malaysia – who finished fourth at the World League semi-final in London earlier this year – have already qualified for next year’s showpiece, a World Cup qualification spot opened up for the team next in line that has not yet qualified for the event.
That team was China, who take the ticket to Bhubaneswar courtesy of their eighth place finish in the World League semi-final in London.
South Korea finished ninth at the World League in London, a placement that was not going to be enough for a World Cup berth.
Winning the Asia Cup was Korea's final chance to achieve World Cup qualification, but that dream was ended in heartbreakingly dramatic fashion.
A last-gasp penalty corner from Malaysia's Faizal Saari tied the match at 1-1 to put the Malaysians into the championship match at the expense of Korea, who miss out on their first World Cup since 1998 in Utrecht, Netherlands.
China are the 15th team to qualify for the World Cup, joining hosts India, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, England, Germany, Ireland, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Pakistan, Spain and France at the prestigious 16-nation event.
The final men's World Cup qualification place will be decided by the outcome of the Africa Cup of Nations competition, which takes place on Oct 22-29 in Ismailia, Egypt.
The World Cup will be held at the Kalinga Stadium on Nov 28-Dec 16 next year.