Malaysia stun Singapore to win first SEA 7s title

KUALA LUMPUR: The national men’s seven-a-side (7s) rugby team created history when they won the Southeast Asian 7s (SEA 7s) Championships for the first time after defeating Singapore A 14-10 in the final at the Singapore National Stadium yesterday.

The victory enabled coach Nik Safuan Ismade Nik Man’s (pic) men to make amends for missing out on the title in the previous edition when they lost to Taiwan in the final.

Malaysia and Singapore A took to the field with an unbeaten record, winning all three group matches yesterday.

Malaysia led 7-5 at halftime thanks to a try by Mohd Harith Iqbal Mohd Anhar and a conversion by Mohd Azwan Zuwairi Mat Zizi. Singapore replied with a try by Miguel William.

Ahmad Zulhilmi Azizad then scored another try for Malaysia which Azwan again converted to put Malaysia 14-5 up.

Tene Chong scored a late try for Singapore A but Malaysia held on to win 14-10.

Safuan attributed the victory to his men’s gallant effort, saying that even he was surprised by their spirited performance despite their short training period.

“Our focus after this is to prepare for the Asia Rugby Sevens Series in September and November. We will make further plans based on whether or not rugby will be included in the 2025 SEA Games,” he said.

Malaysia took bronze in the women’s category by thrashing Indonesia 38-5 in the third-placing match as Thailand retained the women’s title by trouncing Singapore 42-0. — Bernama