Sarawak qualify for both men and women’s finals
SIBU: The battle line has been drawn and Sarawak will lock horns with Pahang in the women’s volleyball fi nal showdown today ( July 29) at 2 .30pm at Sibu Volleyball Association Indoor Stadium.
While expecting an enter taining encounter, a cautious head coach Dato Moh Wung Ming rated Sarawak’s chances as 50- 50.
“This is going to be another thrilling and exciting game but playing in our own backyard should be an added impetus for our girls to win the gold medal,” he said.
History is also on the side of the hosts as Sarawak have been champions in 10 of 12 Sukma editions.
Sarawak spiking trio of Angela Tan, Alicia Yii and Mandy Chiu are expected to be the inspirational force for the state team.
Moh was ecouraged by the fact that his team had defeated Pahang in the recent National U20 tournament.
In the semi-fi nals, Sarawak had to come back from a set down to edge Johor 3-2 (20-25, 25-21, 25-18, 22- 25, 15- 9) while Pahang had a confortable 3- 0 win over Selangor (25-13, 25-17, 25-21).
Moh also expressed appreciation to the vociferous local crowd that stood in solidarity behind the home team.
About 3,000 people turned up to watch the semi- final match and they cheered each time the Sarawak players scored a point.
By late afternoon yesterday, the men’s team also qualified for the fi nal after beating Pahang 3- 0 (2513, 25-21, 25-20).
They will clash with Selangor in the gold medal match after the latter defeated Johor 3- 0.
The men’s fi nal will be played at 4.30pm after the women’s fi nal today (July 29).
Playing in our own backyard should be an added impetus for our girls to win the gold medal. Dato Moh Wung Ming, head coach