KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia defeated China 3-0 in the Sultan of Johor Cup at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium on Sunday despite missing a number of chances.
Malaysia, coached by Nor Saiful Zaini, took the lead off a penalty corner converted by captain Nabil Irfan Yusof in the fifth minute.
Malaysia continued to pile on the pressure but the forwards failed to get it right.
Malaysia were awarded a penalty stroke in the 16th minute but Safwan Salihe's shot was saved by goalkeeper Zhang Zhiyuan.
However, Nabil converted another penalty corner in the 28th minute.
Malaysia struck again through Aferull Syah Ahmad Azuan Syahrill in the 57th minute.
Malaysia's next match is against Japan on Tuesday.
Nor Saiful, though pleased with collecting three points, said: "I am unhappy that my players missed a number of opportunities. We missed three and four chances in the second and third quarters and this is our weakness.
"Safwan missed a penalty stroke in the second quarter and he also missed a penalty stroke against Pakistan in the Junior Asia Cup last month. We have to look for another penalty taker."
Pakistan, who beat China 8-3 in an earlier match, outplayed Canada 6-2. The Green Shirts will face Malaysia on Wednesday, and a win will book them a place in the final.
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