KUALA LUMPUR: The Speedy Tigers can forget about playing in the Paris Olympics following an unexpected 3-2 defeat to China in the Olympic Qualifier Group A match in Muscat on Monday.
Gao Jiesheng became the hero for China, securing victory with a penalty corner conversion in the final minute of the match.
Malaysia had a strong start, taking the lead through Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal in the 29th minute.
However, their lead lasted only two minutes as China levelled when Lin Changliang converted a penalty stroke. Chao Jieming then gave China a 2-1 lead with a field attempt.
Undeterred, the Speedy Tigers equalised through Razie Rahim from a penalty corner setpiece.
Despite Malaysia's best efforts, China persisted and forced Malaysian players to concede several penalty corners in the closing stages. Jiesheng capitalised on China's final penalty corner attempt, securing the win.
Malaysia will play Britain and Pakistan next.
