Malaysia's hopes of winning the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup for the first time were dashed after losing 2-1 to South Korea on Wednesday.
The Speedy Tigers, who have never lifted the trophy since its inception in 1983, needed to beat the second-placed Koreans to keep their slim chance of a top-two finish and qualifying for the hockey final.
They had lost 4-2 to India a day earlier.
Despite fully aware ot the task in hand, Roelant Oltmans' men were unable to muster a goal past the South Korea goalkeeper in the first two quarters at the Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh.
It was South Korea who managed to find the opening goal as Lee Nam-yong bagged his fifth goal of the tournament as soon as the second half began.
It did not take long for the lead to increase as Jang Jong-hyun converted a penalty corner four minutes later.
Malaysia attemped to rally back into the game by scoring in the opening minute of the fourth quarter through their own penalty corner specialist, Razie Rahim, but it proved to be their only goal of the game.
The defeat meant the home side would finish outside the top two regardless of the final group stage match on Friday.
It was also their first official loss to South Korea in nine meetings, with their previous defeat coming at the 2015 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
With that, Malaysia were likely to contest the third- and fourth-place play-off, while South Korea progressed to the final to face India.
Mandeep Singh helped the Bharat Army seal a top-two finish by netting a hat-trick in a 7-3 win over Canada.
Meanwhile, Japan notched their first win of the tournament by beating Poland 3-0.
Shota Yamada, Kentaro Fukuda and Hirotaka Wakuri were on the scoresheet for the 2018 Asian Games winners.
Seng Foo Lee
Wed Mar 27 2019
Verstappen follows up sprint race win by taking pole at Miami Grand Prix
Having won the earlier sprint race, Max Verstappen claimed pole in qualifying for the Miami Grand Prix.
Mallorca 0-1 Atletico Madrid: Early Riquelme strike earns narrow win
Atletico Madrid restored a six-point advantage over Athletic Bilbao in the race for Champions League qualification by beating Mallorca.
Sassuolo 1-0 Inter: Serie A champions suffer surprise defeat
Sassuolo boosted their chances of staying in Serie A by claiming a shock 1-0 win over champions Inter on Saturday.
Xavi insists there is 'no debate' over his Barcelona future
Despite only recently agreeing to stay on as Barcelona coach, Xavi was asked if his future was uncertain following the loss to Girona.
New York City FC v Colorado Rapids: Hosts’ morale strong as Cushing aims to extend winning run
New York City FC are in excellent form, and can make it four wins in a row when they host the Colorado Rapids on Sunday.
Swiatek topples Sabalenka in thrilling Madrid Open final
Iga Swiatek overcame Aryna Sabalenka 7-5 4-6 7-6 (9-7) in an enthralling final at the Madrid Open on Saturday.
Ronaldo delivers another hat-trick as Al Nassr ease past Al Wedha
Al Nassr had Cristiano Ronaldo to thank for Saturday's thrashing of Al Wedha, in which Sadio Mane also impressed.
Burnley boss Kompany demands never-say-die attitude as Premier League relegation looms
Burnley were hammered by Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest's win over Sheffield United left the Clarets nearing danger.
Girona 4-2 Barcelona: Hosts secure Champions League football while ending Blaugrana's title hopes
As well as handing Real Madrid the title, Girona secured their place in the Champions League for next season as they overcame Barcelona.
Real Madrid's LaLiga joy must be 'contained' ahead of Bayern meeting
Madrid's joy 'contained'