Second defeat: Thailand players (in red) celebrating their win over Malaysia in the regu team final. — Bernama
AFTER an insipid first set when they lost 15-21, the Malaysian regu team came to life in the second and had Thailand on the ropes.
They thought they had levelled the score at 20-20 but the line judge denied them by saying a shot by Thailand was in. The Malaysian players thought it was miles outside.
Tekong Mohd Syahir Mohd Rosdi immediately protested but they could not challenge the decision as they had already used up their two allotted challenges.
The point went to Thailand and they lost the second set 19-21 in the Asian Games final at the JSC Gymnasium yesterday.
Syahir was visibly frustrated and livid that decisions did not go their way, but conceded that it was the nature of the competition.“It’s how competition goes and I accept the referee’s decision. But I am still disappointed at some of the decisions,” said Syahir.
“With that point, it would have been 20-all. We couldn’t even get that opportunity so naturally I am disappointed.”
Coach Ahmad Jais Baharun also did not hold back, saying that competition must have a high degree of sportsmanship.
“We are okay with losing but it has to be accompanied by sportsmanship and fair play,” he said.
“The referee’s decision is final and there was no way they were going to replay the point or something like that.
“For me, both ISTAF (International Sepaktakraw Federation) and ASTAF (Asian Sepaktakraw Federation) have to look at this and think about using more experienced line judges. That is my opinion.
“There were a few controversial calls but we accepted the result for what it was. We just need to work harder.
Thailand’s flanker Pansan Pichet, however, was confident that the last ball of the game was in.
“It was always in. I knew it was in when I hit it, I knew it was in when the ball hit the ground. I was 100% sure.
“It was also clear in the video review. I knew all along that the game was over.”
Pansan said the final showed how strong the rivalry was between Malaysia and Thailand.
“This is a big rivalry. Every time our two teams play, it is really exciting for us, the players, but also for everybody else, especially the fans.
“They are a very strong team and today they were excellent. Both teams came here to play the final with a lot of confidence. There are still many weaknesses on our end and we will work to fix them.
