M'sia lose to Thailand in King's Cup final

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia lost to traditional rivals Thailand in the men's final of the 36th King's Cup Sepak Takraw World Championship in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) tonight.

Mohammad Syahir Mohd Rosdi, Amirul Zazwan Amir and Mohd Khairol Zaman Hamir Akhbar were beaten 20-22, 17-21 by the host team of Pattarapong Yupadee, Pornthep Tinbangbon and Varayut Jantarasena.

The two teams fought for each point in the first set, till the score was tied at 18-all. A combination of handling errors by the Thais and Mohammad Syahir’s solid service brought Malaysia to the verge of winning only to see the Thais pick up four consecutive points to end the set at 22-20.

The win gave the hosts the momentum that allowed them to win the second set 21-17, despite Malaysia’s efforts of a comeback midway through the set.

The second place result tonight is actually a step up from Malaysia’s bronze medal win in the last King’s Cup.

Focus will now turn to the team event, scheduled to begin this Thursday, in which Malaysia also won the bronze in the previous edition. - BERNAMA