Pentowa Sabah lose in Asia Indoor Tug-of-War C’ship quarter-finals
KOTA KINABALU: Team manager Rainold J. Mokujin described Pentowa Sabah’s participation at the Asia Indoor Tug-of-War Championship in Singapore as ‘an eye-opener’ for them.
The state squad were ousted in the quarter-finals but the experience and exposure gained have been valuable for them to move forward in the sport.
Pentowa Sabah put up a gallant fight before losing 0-2 to reigning world champions Chinese Taipei in the quarterfinals.
“The trip has been an eye-opener for the boys and I believe we will be much stronger when we compete at this level again,” Rainold said via WhatsApp yesterday.
According to him, the match against Chinese Taipei were close particularly in the second set.
“Experience counted against us but it was a close encounter. It’s already a bonus for us to take on the world champions and the way we fought, it is hoped that it will further motivate our athletes to strive harder,” he added.
China PR would go on to win the title after beating Chinese Taipei in the title decider held at the Singapore Republic Polytechnic Indoor Hall.
Malaysia’s other team PDRM Saka Biru finished third followed by China Li Min.
“Overall, I’m happy with the team’s performance where we did well in the group stage to advance into the last eight,” Rainold said.
For the record, Pentowa Sabah defeated Brunei DS A 2-0, Singapore Home Team 20, drew 1-1 with Singapore Gurkha Police before losing to Saka Biru A and Li Min, both by0-2, in their other matches.