One more match to glory
THE national men’s water polo team have guaranteed their firstever podium finish in 12 years in the Sea Games after an impressive 11-7 win over Thailand at National Aquatic Centre in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
It was Malaysia’s second win in the competition following the 8-7 success over the Philippines on Wednesday.
Voon Yong Hui side are already assured a bronze medal with one match left to play against defending champions Singapore tomorrow.
Malaysia last won a medal — a bronze — in the 2005 Manila Sea Games.
Fam Jia Yi, Anderson Wong, Toh Yi Xiang and Tan Yi Xun scored a brace each, while the other goals are from Irshad Syahir, Soh Yong Wee and Daryl Khoo.
Jia Yi is currently Malaysia’s top scorer with seven goals.
In the other match, Singapore were surprisingly held 4-4 by unfancied Indonesia.
“I am very happy with the achievement. A bronze medal after 12 years is a sign of progress for the men’s team,” said Yong Hui.
“My players are still young, and I believe we have a good future ahead. However, we need more support from concerned parties to progress.”
On the win over Thailand, Yong Hui said his players were a little nervous and cautious in the first quarter, which ended 4-4.
“We managed to regroup in the second, third and fourth quarters and played with more coordination. During the break, I told the players to stay calm because there were three more quarters left, and I am happy that they handled the pressure well,” said Yong Hui.
Yong Hui is not expecting a miracle against Singapore tomorrow.
“Our boys are getting better after each match, but Singapore are in a different class. We can only try our best in this match,” he added.
For the record, Singapore have never lost a gold medal in men’s water polo since the sport was first introduced at the 1965 KL edition. Ajitpal Singh