TEHRAN – Iran failed to qualify for the 2018 Asian Men's Handball Championship after losing to South Korea on Tuesday.

Team Melli lost to the host 28-25 at the Suwon Gymnasium, Suwon.

Borut Macek’s team had lost to Saudi Arabia 26-23 in Group 1 on Monday.

Iran will play Oman on Wednesday in their last match, while have no chance to advance to the competition’s semis.  

Iran had defeated Uzbekistan (37-18) and Japan (37-32) in preliminary round.

The competition is being held at Suwon, South Korea from Jan. 18 to 28.

The teams from the Oceania region are competing in the event for the first time.

The championship acts as a qualifier to the 2019 World Men's Handball Championship which will take place in Denmark and Germany from Jan. 9 to 27.

The top four teams will qualify for the competition.