Farhan Admits Regu Squad Still Finding Rhythm Despite Opening Win

KUALA LUMPUR, May 17 (Bernama) -- National regu captain Farhan Adam admitted that the Malaysian squad is still adapting and finding its rhythm despite opening its Sepak Takraw World Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over Japan at Stadium Titiwangsa yesterday.

Farhan said the match against Japan was the national squad’s first international outing this year, posing a challenge for players to readjust to the actual competition environment.

“As everyone knows, this (against Japan) was our first international match this year.

“We were unable to test our level of play while training together in the national squad. So now, we are still in the process of finding our rhythm and adapting to the match environment,” he said.

He said the team’s performance is expected to improve in their final Group A match against Singapore tomorrow. 

Commenting on the change of tekong during yesterday’s match, Farhan said the decision was part of the team’s strategy to ensure all players gain chemistry and early exposure on the court.

“In my view, it was all part of the strategy because we need all players to feel comfortable early in the tournament.

“So that for upcoming matches, which may be more challenging, all players will be ready and have experienced the atmosphere on the court,” he said.

In the match, Syahir Rosdi was substituted near the end of the first set and midway through the second set to allow Haziq Hairul Nizam to feature.

Farhan also stressed that the national squad’s main focus is now on the regu match against Singapore.

The win over Japan has virtually confirmed Malaysia’s place in the quarter-finals, with the match against Singapore to determine whether they finish as Group A champions or runners-up.

-- BERNAMA