logo
Sepak Takraw Asian Cup 2025: Malaysia advance to regu quarter-finals

Sepak Takraw Asian Cup 2025: Malaysia advance to regu quarter-finals

The Sun13-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia have confirmed their spot in the quarter-finals of the regu event at the 2025 Sepak Takraw Asian Cup after defeating Singapore today.
In the match held at Stadium Titiwangsa here, the Malaysian trio comprising Mohammad Syahir Rosdi (tekong), Farhan Adam (feeder), and Mohamad Azlan Alias (striker) made a strong start by taking the first set 15-9.
Riding on the momentum, Ahmad Mohd Zain's men went on to win the second set 15-6, securing their second victory in Group D.
Earlier in the afternoon, Malaysia overcame Nepal in straight sets, 15-6, 15-6.
'In the two matches today, I think the players have yet to showcase their full potential.
'Perhaps we will conduct a post-mortem to identify areas for improvement ahead of tomorrow's match,' said Ahmad when met after the match against Singapore.
Malaysia will conclude their Group D campaign against the Philippines tomorrow to determine the group winner and runner-up.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Herry's different approach as coach bearing fruit for men's doubles
Herry's different approach as coach bearing fruit for men's doubles

The Star

time5 hours ago

  • The Star

Herry's different approach as coach bearing fruit for men's doubles

That's the way: Herry Iman Pierngadi (second from left) hugging Man Wei Chong after he and Tee Kai Wun (right) beat Japan's Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi in the Malaysian Masters semi-finals last month. PETALING JAYA: A coach can change a game, a great coach can change a life. It is a famous saying by American basketball trainer John Wooden and one that is greatly followed by national doubles coach Herry Iman Pierngadi. In fact, the 62-year-old Herry displays Wooden's slogan instead of his photo on his WhatsApp's profile. With such a profound belief in his calling as a coach, no wonder Herry has been able to transform the image of the Malaysian men's doubles department in just six months. From a washout at the All-England in March, the men's doubles under the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) have now contributed five titles in the first half of the year through former world champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun. Aaron lifted the Asian championships, Thailand Open and Singapore Open titles while Wei Chong-Kai Wun bagged the Malaysian Masters and entered the Indonesian Open final under the guidance of Herry since early February. It was such a turnaround especially after men's doubles wilted at the All-England in March when none made it past the first round. Wei Chong-Kai Wun also won the Indonesian Masters this year and reached the semi-finals of the Malaysian Open but that was before the arrival of Herry. 'The role of coach is more than just coaching,' said Herry, who has a four-year contract with BAM. 'It's about making a difference in the life of the players. I want them to be successful on and off the court. 'It's about trusting each other – the players and coach; also having a good communication, and being like a father to these players,' said Herry. Herry's calm manner and years of experience as Indonesia's long-serving doubles coach for almost three decades is rubbing off on the Malaysians, and the challenge now is to keep the momentum going in the second half of the year. 'It's a joy for a coach to see his players doing well. I'm so happy to see Man-Tee reaching the final of the Indonesian Open. Earlier, Aaron-Wooi Yik stayed solid for three weeks in a row,' said Herry. 'I think, the greater sense of accomplishment is seeing the change in the players' mindset ... they are now playing with more confidence,' he added. With a strong showing so far, naturally all eyes will be at the World Championships in Paris in August. Since Aaron-Wooi Yik ended the country's wait by winning the world title for the first time at the 2022 edition in Japan, Malaysia's men's doubles campaign has been rather quiet and it's time to make some noise again. In leading to the worlds, Herry's boys will firstly be out make their marks at the back-to-back Japan Open from July 15-20 and China Open from July 22-27. Last year, professional shuttlers Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani captured both the men's doubles title in Japan and China.

Davies sees good mix of newbies who can make a difference
Davies sees good mix of newbies who can make a difference

The Star

time5 hours ago

  • The Star

Davies sees good mix of newbies who can make a difference

PETALING JAYA: National captain Matthew Davies has given his full backing to the ''newbies'' of mixed heritage players in the Malaysian football squad. Many felt that it was unnecessary to bring in these players but Davies was quick to defend and embrace the inclusion of experienced centrebacks Facundo Garces, Jon Iranzabal and attackers Joal Figueiredo, Imanol Machuca and Rodrigo Holgado. In fact, the 30-year-old Johor Darul Ta'zim defender, who has won 55 caps with the country, believes they will hit the ground running in Malaysia's crunch match against Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil today. While some adjustments were needed, Davies said the players had integrated into the national set-up ahead of the Vietnam tie. 'They've come in, taken it seriously like we all do, and shown real commitment despite the language barriers,' said the Australian-born Davies. 'Integration will naturally take time, but what matters is 100 percent effort, which is needed to get the people on their side. 'No one should judge them any differently than any other player in the team.' The squad have been undergoing a well-structured centralised camp, which Davies believes has given them a solid base heading into the match. 'The phases were planned carefully. From a sports science perspective, it's been spot-on,' he said. 'We've been building for the past few weeks. We've come in fresh and worked hard. Some players are in the middle of their seasons, so the preparation needed to be tailored and I think we've done that well.' Vietnam have been unbeaten against Malaysia since 2014 and Davies acknowledged the challenge. 'We're focused on how we play as a group. The analysis is more on our game than on the opposition. It's going to be difficult no matter who we face. ''But if we stick to our plan and keep our identity strong, we'll give ourselves every chance.'

Cklamovski and his charges shut out external distractions to deliver on the field
Cklamovski and his charges shut out external distractions to deliver on the field

The Star

time5 hours ago

  • The Star

Cklamovski and his charges shut out external distractions to deliver on the field

Set for the big night: The Malaysian football team warming up at a training session ahead of their 2027 Asian Cup third round qualifier against Vietnam at the National Stadium today. — Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: There are negative vibes outside the walls of the national team camp but inside, head coach Peter Cklamovski is instilling positivity. As Malaysia gear up for their pivotal clash against Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifiers at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil today, the Australian coach sent out a strong message – they will continue to focus on rebuilding. He said the outside noise in regards to the mixed-heritage call-up and eligibility issues won't derail what is being built from within, which is unity and an ambition that is tied deeply to a long-term vision. 'All these don't distract us internally. We've had a good preparation and we're ready to come out at the stadium and do the country proud,' said Cklamovski. 'We've got new players from abroad - Malaysians who are proud every time they wear the jersey and train. ''We're building a family atmosphere, and we'll show that tomorrow night.' While critics and pundits have been fixated on naturalised players and perceived divides, Cklamovski insists the squad are only focused on progression, unity, and delivering for the fans, especially with the strategic backing of Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim. Coach Peter Cklamovski and captain Matthew Davies at a press conference. — Bernama 'This isn't about one game, it's about changing mindsets and rewriting Malaysia's football story,' said Cklamovski. 'We are building a long-term legacy. And to do that, we need all Malaysians behind us.' Malaysia haven't beaten Vietnam since 2014, a record that Cklamovski is eager to put behind them. 'Instead of being fearful, we want to embrace the challenge. Create a new history. We're ready for Vietnam to play their best game, we want to be at our best every day.' Since the centralised camp began on May 11, Cklamovski and his team have worked through every layer of preparation, from physical conditioning to instilling tactical identity. 'Despite many players being in the off-season, they've shown great professionalism. Everything has gone to plan. 'Our style is built on principles and progression. We've rotated all 30 players to assess and build chemistry. Every one of them knows what is expected.' One of the standout additions has been Facundo Garces, a towering centreback who plays in Spain's La Liga and now dons the Malaysian colours. 'Facundo is a high-level player. He brings elite standards and a mentality of never wasting a second. Some players have sacrificed a lot to be here, and he's connected with the team so well. That rubs off on others.' Cklamovski urged fans to recognise the stakes and get behind the project being built with an eye not just on Vietnam, but the bigger picture.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store