Home court misery as Malaysian aces slip into Davis Cup relegation

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia were relegated from the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group III after they suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Philippines in a rain-delayed relegation playoff at the National Tennis Centre in Jalan Duta.

The national team had started well on Saturday with Darrshan Suresh Kumar taking a point over the Philippines’ Eric Jr Olivarez with a 7-6 (7-5), 6-3 victory.

But Imran Daniel Hazli lost 1-6, 1-6 to Alberto Lim to allow their opponents to draw level.

In the deciding doubles match, Koay Hao Sheng-Darrshan failed to salvage the tie when they fell 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 to Francis Alcantara-Ruben Gonzales in a game that was held late at night due to heavy downpour.

National coach Muliyadi Jamal admitted that it was a disappointing result for the team, who had gained promotion to Group III from Group IV last year.

“I’m feeling a little frustrated after our campaign. We had our opportunities, especially playing at home with great support from the local fans, but unfortunately our players couldn’t convert them into results,” said Muliyadi.

“We’ll have to fight our way back to Group III next year. We’ll keep learning from this experience and come back stronger.

“Our focus now shifts to the 2027 SEA Games preparation.

“I hope our players will raise their level, work harder, and become more competitive against stronger countries.”

Malaysia had finished bottom of Group B, having lost all three of their ties against Iran, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam.

Jordan and Iran secured promotion to Asia-Oceania Group II after topping Groups A and B respectively.

Iran went on to lift the title with a 2-0 victory over Jordan in the final.