Fauzi and Khaizul aim to make up for defeat of world champ Al-Jufferi
PENCAK silat exponents Mohdohd Fauzi Khalid and Mohd Khaizuul Yaacob will be out to win goldd medal for their comrade Mohd Al-Jufferi Jamari in the final day of tanding (sparring)) competition at the Padepokann Pencak Silat in Taman Mini Indonesia.
Fauzi takes on Vietnam’s Tran Dinh Nam in the 70-75kg class final while Khaizul’s final opponent is Nguyen Van Tri of Vietnam in the 90-95kg category.
The duo are determined to make up for the defeat of world champion Al-Jufferi, who lost in the men’s 65-70kg final to Indonesia’s Komang Harik Adi Putra in a bout shrouded with questionable judging on Monday.
Malaysia National Silat Federation (Pesaka) secretary general Datuk Megat Zulkarnain Omardin said the athletes were affected by the injustice to Al-Jufferi but he advised them to cha hannel their disappointments in a positive p way by winning the gold medals. m
“What happened to Jufferi wasw a blatant robbery but we needn to regroup and focus. We ne eed to channel our feelings positively... I’ve told our athletes to win the gold medal for Jufferi and I’m confident they will deliver,” said Megat.
“We’re lucky to have a one-day break before competing tomorrow as it gives us ample room to refocus.”
“Fauzi is a seasoned exponent and has beaten his Vietnamese opponent. Both Fauzi and Khaizul have good chances to win the gold medal.”
Meanwhile, Nur Syazreen Abdul Malik and Nor Hamizah Abu Hassan will compete in the women’s double event and Norshahirah Ratius, Nuraisyah Shamsul Bahrin and Siti Nur Khairunnisa Hail will compete in the women’s team event.