Tekong Syahir Suffers Muscle Strain, Semi-final Appearance Uncertain

KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 (Bernama) -- The national sepak takraw squad's head coach, Ahmad Jais Baharun, is still waiting for the full report from the medical team regarding the extent of the injury to national captain Mohammad Syahir Mohd Rosdi ahead of tomorrow's semi-final.

He said Mohammad Syahir suffered a muscle strain in his left back and the player's fitness level is currently not at its best.

"I am waiting for the report from the medical team first to see the extent of the injury that Syahir has suffered.

"We are aware that Syahir's fitness level is not at its best. He suffered a muscle strain in his left back and we hope that the treatment can be carried out as best as possible in preparation for the semi-final," he told reporters after the match today.

According to Ahmad Jais, if Syahir's condition does not allow him to be fielded, the coaching staff may reshuffle the squad and player arrangement to face the semi-final.

"I have to accept it with an open heart because in sports we cannot anticipate any situation that may occur. We don't want to take a big risk on Syahir's injury and need to see how well he is able to perform," he said.

In today's quarter-final, Syahir suffered an injury at the end of the first set before being replaced by Zarif Marican Ibrahim Marican.

Malaysia, however, still advanced to the semi-finals after disappointing Japan 2-0.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Jais admitted that both of the semi-final opponents have their own strengths and the national squad must be prepared to face any team.

"If we look at the level of play, both teams are quite balanced and each has its own strengths. Our target in the team event is to qualify for the final and the players who are given responsibility tomorrow must perform their duties to the best of their ability," he said.

-- BERNAMA