M'sian Quad Team Storm Into Sepak Takraw World Cup Semi-finals

KUALA LUMPUR, May 18 (Bernama) -- The national quadrant team had no trouble booking their ticket to the semi-finals after defeating the Philippines 2-0 in the Sepak Takraw World Cup quarter-final at Stadium Titiwangsa here tonight.

The national quartet of Muhammad Afifuddin Mohd Razali, Muhammad Shaharil Aiman Halim, Amirul Zazwan Amir and Aidil Aiman Azwawi got off to a shaky start in the first set as both teams traded points closely until 7-7.

However, the squad coached by Ahmad Jais Baharudin remained consistent with solid blocking and clinical service finishes in their hunt for points before taking the opening set 15-13.

The second set saw the visitors take an early 0-3 lead, but Malaysia fought back point for point and the match remained tied at 8-8.

Malaysia continued to pile pressure on the visitors before showing the Philippines the exit door by winning the second set 15-10.

The result also saw the national team move a step closer to achieving their target of reaching the final of the prestigious tournament.

Awaiting Malaysia in the semi-finals are Vietnam, who defeated Brunei 2-0 in another quarter-final clash earlier tonight.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Shaharil admitted that his team had to contend with fatigue following consecutive matches since Saturday.

“However, we tried to overcome it with our fighting spirit to reach the semi-finals. Against Vietnam, we will try to improve in terms of blocking. Our blocking and smashes to get past their blocks. God willing, we will do our best.

“For now, our focus is on the semi-finals first. We’re taking it one game at a time,” he said.

For the record, the quadrant squad emerged champions of the Asian Cup last year after defeating Japan 2-0 in the final.

-- BERNAMA