HANOI, May 18 — The national sepak takraw squad beat defending champions Indonesia to get off to a flying start in the men’s sepak takraw doubles in the 31st SEA Games at the Hoang Mai Gymnasium here today.
In the Group E opener, the pair of Aidil Aiman Azwawi and Muhammad Noraizat Mohd Nordin did not face any problems against Indonesian pair Muhammad Hardiansyah and Saiful Rijal, winning in straight sets of 21 – 19, 21 – 8.
The victory puts Malaysia in a good position to advance to the semi-finals as they are scheduled to play against Cambodia in their final match on the group stage.
If Malaysia qualifies for the semi-finals, the bronze medal is assured as there is no third/fourth place play-off.
National sepak takraw coach, Abdul Talib Ahmad said that based on the performance displayed, the squad are capable of turning in the best results in the event this time.
He hopes his men will stay focused against Cambodia and finish the group stage competition as champions.
“Based on observations, Laos are good in the doubles. So, it is important for us to emerge as group E champions in advancing to the semi-finals, ”he said.
Group D consists of Laos, the Philippines, Vietnam and Myanmar.
For the record, Malaysia did not participate in the doubles event in the 2019 edition in Manila. At the 2017 SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur, the national squad won the bronze medal in the event.
At the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia, Laos won silver in this event.
— Bernama
