INDIA blew a two-goal lead to lose tamely 3-2 to South Korea in a match that saw two contrasting halves.
In their last meeting, India won the Asian Games bronze medal on a slim 1-0 score when Tushar Khandekar scored, but he is missing from the Azlan Shah Cup line-up.
Korean coach Shin Seok Kyo was hoarse from shouting to his players, and admitted that his charges were lost in the first half.
"I almost lost my voice shouting instructions because we only have 10 players from the Asian Games squad, while eight others are new.
"Also, I only had one week to prepare the team as all the players were with their clubs playing in our league. We lost to India the last time, and many players retired. Now I am rebuilding a team for the Olympics Qualifiers," said Shin.
From the seven teams in Ipoh, Australia, New Zealand, Britain and Pakistan have qualified for the Olympics. India, Malaysia and Korea are building sides for the Qualifiers.
"This is a very important tournamen for Korea, as four Olympic teams are playing and my young side needs the exposure," said Shin.
And his take on the Pakistan side: "I personally feel this team is better than the Asian Games side. They move very swiftly, and chance their attacking format on the run.
"On a lighter side, I would like to see my players in the final, where I expect Pakistan to be waiting for us."
India took the lead off Diwakar Ram (20th) and Danish Mujtaba (27th) but collapsed big time after that.
The Korean scorers were Cho Suk Hun (31st), Yoon Sung Hoon (41st) and Jang Jong Hyun (56th).