Sepak Takraw World Cup: M'sia Tame japan 2-0 For Flying Start In Doubles

KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysia lived up to expectations with an easy victory over Japan, securing a 2-0 win in their Group A match of the premier division doubles event at the 2024 Sepak Takraw World Cup at the Titiwangsa Stadium here today.

In their first group match, the Malaysian team, made up of the trio of Aidil Aiman Azwawi, Muhammad Noraizat Mohd Nordin and Baihakki A’ripin, delivered an impressive performance to record a stylish win of 15-9, 15-3 against Ryota Haruhara, Yuki Sato and Ryo Nakajima.

This was the first loss for Japan, coached by Takeshi Terashima, after they had secured a 15-13, 15-10 victory over Brunei in their opening group match yesterday.

Guided by Ahmad Jais Baharun, Malaysia will next face Brunei in the final group match tomorrow, aiming to advance to the quarter-finals as group champions.

"This match wasn't exactly easy, but with adequate training, insya-Allah, we achieved the desired result. Personally, for me, today’s match was more about finding my rhythm and adjusting to the hall's environment,” Aidil Aiman said when interviewed by reporters.

"For tomorrow's match against Brunei, we will perform even better. I thank all the supporters who came and supported us, the turnout at the 2024 Sepak Takraw World Cup has been very large," Aidil Aiman added.

Commenting on the new 15-point scoring system, Aidil Aiman said, "In my opinion, we need to defend strongly because the game is short, just a brief period."

Earlier, Myanmar became the first team to secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the premier division doubles event, claiming their second victory after defeating Indonesia 2-1 in a Group C match.

The Myanmar team, comprising Zin Min Oo, Sheik Wunna Zaw, and Yan Paing O, surprised Harsono Abdulatif Taha's squad—Hardiansyah Muliang, Rusdi, and Diky Apriyadi—by pushing the match to a deciding set and sealing their win with scores of 15-9, 16-17, 15-12.

Defending champions Thailand also secured a ticket to the quarter-finals after earning their second victory by overcoming South Korea 2-0 in Group D.

Seksan Tubtong, Kittiphum Sareebut, and Tanaphon Sapyen ensured Thailand’s stylish progression by easily winning 15-10, 15-6 against Kim Youngcheol, Shin Heeseop and Park Cheolhee.

Meanwhile, China were eliminated from the tournament after suffering their second defeat, this time at the hands of India, who claimed their first win with scores of 7-15, 15-8, 15-13 in a Group B match.

-- BERNAMA