PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's sepak takraw players lifted the team regu World Cup title after beating Thailand in a controversial final.
The match took place at the Titiwangsa Stadium on Saturday (May 24).
Malaysia drew first blood through their first regu as Afifuddin Razali, Aidil Aiman Zawawi and Zulkifli Razak fought bravely to beat Thailand’s Pornthep Tinbangbon, Jirasak Pakbuangoen and Marukin Phanmakon 15-9, 13-15, 15-12.
The Thais hit back to level the tie through Kritsanapong Nontakote, Tanaphon Sapyen and Wuttinun Kamsanor. They defeated Haziq Hairul Nizam, Azlan Alias and Farhan Adam 15-6, 15-10.
The tension rose in the deciding match when Malaysia’s Zarif Marican, Amirul Zazwan Amir and Hafizul Hayazi Adnan took the first set 15-13 against Thailand’s Puthawan Sopa, Wichan Temkort and Jakkrit Tinbangbon.
The drama unfolded in the second set when Thailand, leading 14-13 and seemingly on the verge of forcing a decider, had their winning point overturned. Singaporean umpire Radhi Che Mei ruled that a Thai player had crossed under the net into the Malaysian side of the court.
The Thais protested the decision, resulting in a delay of more than 30 minutes as they refused to leave the court.
Eventually, officials awarded the match to Malaysia, sealing a 2-1 victory.
The triumph also allowed Malaysia to avenge their disappointment in the 2024 World Cup, where they finished runners-up to Thailand.
Earlier in the tournament, Malaysia suffered a shock defeat in the regu event when top trio Farhan Adam, Azlan Alias and Syahir Rosdi lost 9-15, 10-15 to Myanmar.
Malaysia had earlier captured the quadrant title on Tuesday.
