HANGZHOU, Sept 26 — Anticipation builds the Hangzhou ESports Centre as Malaysia eye a gold or silver medal in the Asian Games esports final.
By claiming a spot in the final, Malaysia are already assured of at least a silver medal despite facing the “Great Wall” in the final, and the national esports team is confident of beating host China, especially after beating Vietnam 2-0 in the semi-final.
Malaysia, represented by Lai Chia Chien, Nicholas Ng Khai Shuan, Ong Jun Yang, Eng Jun Hao, Yong Zhan Quan and Chong Han Hui are set to clinch the country’s first medal in the Asian Games.
The country’s medal hopes also hinge on sailing, where Asnawi Iqbal Adam has a chance of winning at least a bronze in the men’s ILCA 4 category as he is currently third in the overall standings with only one more race remaining.
At the Ningbo Xiangshan sailing centre about 170km from here, Asnawi Iqbal completed nine of the 10 races in second place, raising his chances for a podium finish.
Nur Shazrin Mohamad Latif, meanwhile, is on track for gold after dominating early proceedings in the women’s ILCA 6, but the medal-deciders are only scheduled for tomorrow.
On the field, the women’s hockey squad put up a dazzling show to beat Hong Kong 8-0 in a Group A match at the Gongshu Canal Sports Park Stadium.
And the national sepak takraw team fought tooth and nail against arch rivals Indonesia in the first Group B match before emerging with a 2-1 victory at the JSC Gymnasium.
After two dry days, Malaysia’s chances of joining the rest of the countries in the medal tally appear bright as a number of medal hopefuls see action tomorrow, including 2019 world wushu champion Tan Cheong Min, who is set for the women’s nanquan and nandao event at the Xiaoshan Guali Sports Centre.
Hopes were also high at the Chun’an Jieshou Sports Centre Velodrome, where track cycling events kick off with Muhammad Fadhil Mohd Zonis, Muhammad Ridwan Sahrom and Umar Hasbullah featuring in the men’s team sprint.
However, without the country’s track cycling ace Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang, the trio must rise to the challenge without the “Pocket Rocketman”.
Men’s and women’s squash events will also kick off at the Hangzhou International Exhibition Centre, with Malaysia hoping to defend the gold won at the 2018 Indonesia Asian Games.
Malaysia athletes will also see action in swimming, shooting, men’s hockey and equestrian events, with defending silver medallist Mohd Qabil Ambak Mahamad Fathil competing in the individual dressage Prix St-Georges at the Tonglu Equestrian Centre.
— Bernama
