At least one gold expected from silat as six exponents storm into sparring semis

Here it comes: Malaysia’s Mohd Al-Jufferi Jamari (right) competing against Iran’s Akbar Kiyaniyan during the Putra E (65-70kg) quarter-finals on Friday. — AFP

THE Malaysian pencak silat squad stayed on course to contribute at least one gold medal when six exponents marched to the semi-finals of their respective men’s events in tanding (sparring) today.

Three-time world champion Mohd Al-Jufferi Jamari led the way by beating Iranian Akbar Kiyaniyan 5-0 to book a spot in the last four of the Putra E (65-70kg) class in Padepokan.