Favorites South Korea scored 65.777 points in the Doha Asiad equestrian opener on Monday to claim the title of the team dressage, which South Korean riders had won at three of the four previous Asian Games.

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The South Korean team won the gold medal as three of four Korean riders finished top six individually.

Suh Jung Kyun, the 44-year-old who won the silver of dressage individual event, finished the top of the team event as well as the individual qualifier with a point of 66.444 points.

"I'm happy that we won a team medal today," said Suh. "As I said before I came here just to support our team and wait for some young riders."

"I don't have great ambition to tomorrow's games (dressage individual final) but I will do my best."

Since 1988, Suh has maintained his connection with Germany, where he visits regularly to brush up his riding skills. At home, Suh trains on his own at stables where he keeps 21 horses and gives clinics to other dressage riders.

Malaysia managed to beat the Asian powerhouse Japan by a margin of 0.037 to win the silver with a point of 64.222 points.

"It's really a surprise. Our team members all did very well today and we are happy to win the silver medal," said Mahamad Fathil Mohd Qabil, who finished third with a score of 66.000 points in the individual ranking.

"I think it's hard to compete tomorrow as all the riders there are strong. Anyway I'm looking forward to a medal!" the Malaysia young rider said.

Japan finished third with 64.185 points and their top rider Yukiko Noge finished second in individual ranking with 66.389.

"I'm happy to have a team medal. My horse did a very good job today and I am sure to go for the gold tomorrow," she said.