Golden takraw team out to upstage rivals again in team regu

High-flying action: Malaysia’s Mohd Azlan Alias Aksi (left) attempts a smash as Thailand’s Varayut Jantarasena tries to block during their Asian Cup regu final. — Bernama

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s sepak takraw team have proven they are no longer in Thailand’s shadow after clinching the regu gold at the Asian Cup but the mission isn’t over just yet.

The national squad are now chasing a third gold medal in the team regu event, which also comes with a shot at redemption.

Malaysia are eager to settle the score with Thailand, who denied them the title in last year’s World Cup final at the same venue in Stadium Titiwangsa.

So far, the hosts have enjoyed a double dose of delight, first by claiming the quadrant gold, and then by outclassing Thailand 15-12, 15-9 in the regu final on Thursday.

The trio of Azlan Alias, Syahir Rosdi and Farhan Adam didn’t just defeat the highly regarded Thais but they even did it in style, dismantling the team of Sittipong Kamchan, Varayut Jantarasen and Yodsawat Uthaijaronsri.

Sittipong, known for his powerful horse-kick serves, was completely nullified by Malaysia’s disciplined defence and was even replaced during the second set.

“Compared to the World Cup last year, our momentum then was more consistent from start to finish. This time, we started a bit slower but thankfully, we found our rhythm just in time for the final,” said Syahir, who played a pivotal role in the win.

In the team regu event, Malaysia are expected to cruise through Group B, which also features South Korea, Brunei and Japan

They got off to a strong start, sweeping aside Brunei 3-0 in their opening group match yesterday with convincing scores of 15-5, 15-10; 15-7, 15-8;15-5, 15-3.

Given the team’s form, Sepak Takraw Association of Malaysia (PSM) president Datuk Sumali Reduan believes another showdown with Thailand in tomorrow’s final is highly likely but this time, Malaysia will not be intimidated by the Thais.

“Our level with Thailand is now about 50-50, regardless of the event. Our players have become more accustomed to high-pressure situations.

“In the past, our morale or fighting spirit would dip, but now, with more exposure to major tournaments, the team are growing in confidence. The key when facing Thailand is simply to avoid making too many errors.

“If we can minimise mistakes, we can definitely take the fight to them and, God willing, win. There’s nothing to fear anymore especially when we’re playing on home ground, here in Malaysia,” said Sumali.