Bridesmaid’s role again
Thailand just too good for Malaysia in the team regu final
MALAYSIA’S sepaktakraw squad had to play the bridesmaid’s role again to Thailand and settle for a silver medal in the men’s team regu event after losing 0-2 in the final.
The first regu squad comprising skipper Muhammad Zulkifli Abd Razak, Muhamad Norhaffizi Abd Razak (striker) and Mohd Syazreenaqmar Salehan (feeder) started off well, but failed to keep up the momentum, falling 15-21, 15-21 to the Thais led by Assadin Wongyota at the Ranau Hall, Jakabaring Sports City, Palembang yesterday.
The country’s top squad represented by Muhammad Syahir Mohd Rosdi (captain), Farhan Adam (feeder) and Muhammad Azlan Alias (striker) went out in the second game determined to get it right, but lost 19-21, 13-21 to Thailand’s main squad headed by Pornchai Kaokaew.
However, the silver medal was still an improvement as they only won a bronze medal at the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.
The defeat also saw Thailand extend their reign over the sport, retaining the gold medal for 28 years.
Syahir said he lost his focus a little after the referee refused to allow the national team to “challenge” a decision in the first set of their match.
When Thailand was ahead 20-19 in the first set, the Malaysian team led by Syahir had protested the referee’s decision, claiming that Azlan’s strike had hit the hand of Thai player, Sakha Siriwat.
However, the referee from Laos, Peune Inthanor, did not allow a video challenge and instead awarded a point to Thailand, and eventually the match ended 21-19 in their opponents favour.
“The Thai trio took advantage of the situation and their confidence-level went up. But, we were affected by the decision, and lost our rhythm,” said Syahir.
Meanwhile, head coach Abdul Talib Ahmad said he was satisfied with the performance of the squad in the event.
“In terms of our achievement, it is better than Incheon. All the players have shown good performances and have played with greater spirit,” he said, adding there was still hope of getting the gold in the inter-regu event. — Bernama.