Malaysia and another seventeen countries including world
champion, Thailand was participated in ISTAF World Cup 2017. This tournament
been held from 2 until 5 November 2017 at Hyderabad, India. It was a
second-ever World Cup after the last game was held in Kuala Lumpur on 2011.
In this tournament, Malaysia has did well during the
tournament to go through the final match against the top seeds Thailand. But,
Malaysia went down in straight games in the final.
National coach Abdul Talib Ahmad fielded an experienced side
comprising tekong Syahir Rosdi, feeder Farhan Adam, killer Norhafizi Abd Razak
with Hanafiah Dolah (killer) coming off the bench in the second game.
On the other side, Thailand rested legendary killer Pornchai
Kaokaew and Anuwat Chaichana (killer) for the tournament thought they did
include tekong Siriwat Sakha.
Malaysia showed determination and sheer fighting spirit
especially in the second set where they stretched the Thais who eventually won
with a score of 23-21. At a time when Malaysia lag 15-18, they managed to tie
the score and struggling until the end before losing the game. It was a tough
game which both team always exchange points. The national squad also fought
well in the first set in which they went down 19-21.
“Our players gave the best fight to win. Just a few mistakes
hampered our efforts to emerge victorious. Congratulations to our players for forcing
the opponents to more struggling for victory. In fact, at one point, the Thais
got worried and even despatched their experienced tekong, Siriwat Sakha. For me,
this is a loss where our pride is still very much intact”, Abdul Talib said.
For the record, the last time Malaysia beat Thailand was in
Malaysia during the ISTAF Super Series 2015 Final. The achievement in Hyderabad is a repeat of the 2011 edition
when the national team lost to Thailand in the final for bringing back the
silver medal.
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