KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Malaysia have advanced to the final of the 2024 Sepak Takraw World Cup for the third time after defeating Indonesia 2-0 in the team semi-finals at the Titiwangsa Stadium here last night.
With Thailand also advancing after beating South Korea 2-0 (15-8, 15-9 in the first regu and 15-5, 15-10 in the second regu), the stage is set for an epic title showdown between the two archrivals today.
It will be the third World Cup final showdown for both teams, with Thailand triumphing in 2011 in Kuala Lumpur and 2017 in Hyderabad, India.
In yesterday’s match against Indonesia, national coach Ahmad Jais Baharun fielded Amirul Zazwan Amir, Muhammad Haziq Hairul Nizam, and Muhammad Noraizat Mohd Nordin in the first regu, and they duly won the first point with a 15-12, 15-9 victory.
Buoyed, the second national regu of Farhan Adam, Mohammad Syahir Mohd Rosdi and Mohamad Azlan Alias clinched the winning point with a straight-set win of 15-9, 15-7.
Meanwhile, Amirul Zazwan, in his post-match remarks, described the coach’s winning gambit in ‘playing chess’ for the semi-final stage by outwitting Indonesia in the 100-minute battle.
“He knows the abilities of all his players, and we (players) believe in each other. For now, we don’t think about who will be fielded tomorrow (today) because he wants us to take it one match at a time,” Amirul said.
Malaysia last beat Thailand in a team event at the 1991 SEA Games in Manila, with the national team then comprising current head coach Ahmad Jais.
On Wednesday, Malaysia created history when the national squad ended Thailand’s dominance by defeating them in the team and doubles finals with identical 2-0 results.
— Bernama
