Malaysia’s SEA Cup mixed team title defence over after fall to the Philippines

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian squash team endured a tough loss after their hopes of defending the SEA Cup mixed team title were dashed in Thailand yesterday.

The national squash team went the distance but fell 2-1 to the Philippines in the semi-finals at the Vajiravudh College in Bangkok.

Duncan Lee, who won the men’s singles title on Wednesday, put the team on the right path as he defeated Reymark Begornia 11-3, 11-7, 11-7 to give Malaysia the first point.

Mohd Raziq Putra Mohd Fakhrur Razi then faced a tough challenge against David William Pelino, with the Filipino eventually prevailing 10-12, 10-12, 11-3, 11-3, 11-7 in 54 minutes.

The pressure was mounting on women’s singles player Anrie Goh, who had stepped in for an injured Noor Ainaa Amani Ampandi, but women’s singles runners-up Jemyca Aribado proved too strong as she won 12-10, 11-7, 11-7 and booked the Philippines’ spot in the final.

The Philippines will face Singapore in the final, after they beat Indonesia 3-0 in the other semi-final match.

There will be no third-fourth placing match.

National coach Shahril Shahidan admitted that the team could have been stronger if the full squad were available, but it was also important to give the juniors a chance to shine.

“It was a tough loss.

“If we had our full team for the tournament, I’m confident we would have been too strong for the other countries,” said Shahril.

“Overall, it was a great opportunity for our juniors to compete at this event, and I believe they have gained valuable experience from it.”

Shahril added that 15-year-old Raziq faced a tough fight and could use more experience on the court.

“Raziq should have stayed on a little longer during the match. He slowed the pace down and gave the opponent time to recover.

“He is still young and needs more experience to handle high-pressure situations,” he said.

Earlier, the team had booked their spot in the semi-finals after topping Group A following their 3-0 win against Indonesia in the final group stage match.

RESULTS

SEMI-FINALS

Philippines bt Malaysia 2-1 (Duncan Lee bt Reymark Begornia 11-3, 11-7, 11-7; David William Pelino bt Mohd Raziq Putra Mohd Fakhrur Razi 10-12, 10-12, 11-3, 11-3, 11-7; Jemyca Aribado bt Anrie Goh 12-10, 11-7, 11-7)

Singapore bt Indonesia 3-0