Boston, Aug 12 - India fought hard but went down 2-3 to defending champions South Korea in their last second round match of the women's junior Hockey World Cup here.

For South Korea, Seul Ki Cheon fired a hat trick from penalty corners while Rani Devi and Monika Badran scored for India here Tuesday night at the Harvard University's Jordan Field..

With the win South Korea qualified for the semi-finals, while India will fight it out for the ninth and the 10th position.

Both teams were locked 2-2 at half time with India attacking most of the time. India took the lead in the 11th minute when Rani found the target off a Ranjita Devi pass.

Six minutes later, South Korea came back well and Cheon flicked past Jasdeep Kaur to draw level.

Cheon was again on the mark in the 23rd minute, converting the second penalty corner.

However India restored parity in the 29th minute from Monika.

In the second half, India looked to dominate the game but South Korea found the winner in the 53rd minute from a fierce dragflick by Cheon.