PETALING JAYA: Tension turned to celebration for Federal Territories after a controversial line call on match point sealed their 2-0 win over hosts Selangor in the Malaysia Games (Sukma) men’s team tennis final at the Kelana Jaya Sports Complex yesterday.
Federal Territories’ Aqil Adibi Rahiman and Gareth Lim Hao Zhe benefited from the call as they completed a 6-3, 6-0 win over Selangor’s Aiden Lim Shi Feng-Jon Caleb Valentino.
“It looked like the ball was on the line, but the umpire ruled it out,” said Aqil after the match. “If it was up to us, we would have overruled the call and replayed the point.”
The 17-year-old pointed out that there were many questionable calls in the game that favoured both teams.
“It was tough because it was a match point but it happens. All we can do is move on and enjoy the win because we did play well.”
This victory marked a second consecutive Games gold for Aqil, following the state’s team event triumph in Kuching in 2024, where he partnered Nao Ziyi Phang in the mixed doubles category.
The segregation of events for men and women at this Games meant that Aqil had to find a new partner in Gareth.
“We’ve been playing together for a month now, and our chemistry was instantaneous,” said Aqil.
The duo had reached the quarter-finals of the Kuala Lumpur Open at the beginning of the month before competing at the Games.
An avid Roger Federer fan, Aqil is currently balancing his time between the courts and his studies as he endeavours to complete his A-levels.
“I follow Federer’s discipline and consistency. So far, it’s working out well.”
Aqil will be looking to replicate his idol’s penchant for silverware as he looks to get more gold in the individual singles and doubles categories at the Games from today.
Meanwhile, it was double delight for the Federal Territories led by Daania Daniella Abdul Hazli as they clinched the ladies team title with their 2-1 win over Sarawak.
19-year-old Isabelle Chiew from the east Malaysian team pulled double duty playing back to back matches in the doubles and final singles game but the mountain proved too high to conquer for her.
“I gave it my best. We won the doubles but it was my first time playing against Nao Phang Ziyi in the singles. I didn’t know what to expect,” said Isabelle.
“But I am proud to have been able to lead the state to a silver.”
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