NAGOYA - Malaysia ended their 36-year wait for the Asian Games sepak takraw men's team regu gold medal in style when they defeated arch-rivals Thailand 2-0 in the final at the Aichi-Nagoya edition at the Poloma Mizuho Arena here today.
Malaysia last won gold in the event when they defeated the same opponents at the 1990 edition in Beijing.
Malaysia's strategy of starting with their main regu of Mohammad Syahir Mohd Rosdi, Farhan Adam and Mohamad Azlan Alias paid off brilliantly as they overcame the Thai trio of Marukin Phanmakon, Phutawan Sopa and Pornthep Tinbangbon 15-9, 5-15, 15-11.
Buoyed, Malaysia's second regu of Zulkifli Abd Razak, Muhammad Afifuddin Mohd Razali and Aidil Aiman Azwawi took to the court with an extra spring in their steps, brushing aside the Thai trio of Kritsanapong Nontakote, Tanaphon Sapyen and Wuttinu Kamsanor 15-13, 15-10 to deliver Malaysia's fourth gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asiad. - BERNAMA