INCHEON: Malaysia are in a freefall in sepaktakraw.

On Monday, Malaysia sank deeper into the abyss as they lost 2-1 to South Korea in the inter-regu event at the Bucheon Gymnasium.

The South Koreans won 14-21, 21-16, 21-10 to record their first win over the Malaysians. They now look set to top Group B to avoid meeting defending champions Thailand, who are expected to top Group A, in the semi-finals.

Malaysia were silver medallists in both the team and inter-regu events at the last Asiad in Guangzhou in 2010. Their target was to retain both the medals here.

But it is already a failed mission. They lost to Thailand in the team event semi-finals and had to settle for a bronze. Now, it seems the silver is out of reach in the inter-regu as they are expected to meet Thailand in the semi-finals.

Before the Malaysians set foot in Incheon, they were warned of the South Korean threat and were told not to take them for granted. They did not take heed and paid the price.

Malaysia used all their five players – Izurin Refin, Syahir Rosdi, Zamree Dahan, Syazreenaqmar Salehan and Mohd Fadzli Roslan – in the match but they were not effective.

The Malaysians, however, started well and led all the way to win the first set. But the South Koreans, powered by Jeong Won-deok, Park Hyeon-geun and Im An-soo, then found their rhythm and Malaysia just had no answer.

Malaysian coach Jamaluddin Hassan blamed his team’s defeat on inexperience.

“We played well. Although there were some decisions which we felt were unfair to us, we accept the loss,” said Jamaluddin.

“They (South Koreans) are much more experienced than our team, having played in many international tournaments. We have a lot of young players who are competing in the Asian Games for the first time.”