NATIONAL WOMEN SHUTTLERS FAIL TO DEFEND ASEAN VARSITY GAMES TITLE

From Nurul Izzati Mansor

SURABAYA, June 29 (Bernama) --The national women's badminton squad's hopes of defending their title at the ASEAN University Games (AUG) 2024 were dashed when they were defeated by Thailand 0-3 in the team final in Malang here today.

In the match held at the Graha Cakrawala Convention Centre, Universitas Malang, Yi Xing Un, who played in the first singles, lost to Pornpicha Choeikeewong 9-21, 13-21.

Malaysia's poor showing continued in the second game when the women's doubles pair Xin Jie Lee-Valeree Zi Xuan Siow also failed to secure any points after losing to Pichamon Phatcharaphisutsin-Atitaya Povanon 19-21, 24-22, 18-21.

N. Saranya, who was the last hope for Malaysia to salvage the match, then lost tamely to Thitiphon Klomyong 6-21, 13-21.

Meanwhile, the national men's futsal squad surprised defending champions Thailand to book a slot in the final at the Gelora Olahraga Rakyat (GOR) Futsal Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA).

In the match played at Gelora Olahraga Rakyat (GOR) futsal venue at Universitas Negeri Surabaya (UNESA), they edged the Thais 5-4 in a penalty shootout following a 4-4 draw in regular time.

The squad, managed by Addy Shairullyzam, will face either Timor Leste or hosts Indonesia, who meet in the other semi-final later today.

-- BERNAMA