Sepak Takraw World Cup: Malaysia, Thailand Renew Final Clash

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 (Bernama) -- Malaysia have once again advanced to the final of the Sepak Takraw World Cup after brushing aside regional rivals Indonesia 2-0 in the team regu semi-final at Stadium Titiwangsa here today.

The victory ensured the national squad will renew their rivalry with traditional foes Thailand in the final, scheduled to take place at 8 pm today.

Defending champions Thailand had earlier confirmed their place in the final after defeating South Korea 2-0, winning 15-13, 15-10 in the first regu and 15-10, 15-9 in the second regu.

This marks the fourth appearance by Malaysia and Thailand in the final of the world championship.

Thailand previously emerged champion in all three earlier meetings -- at the 2011 edition in Kuala Lumpur, the 2017 edition in Hyderabad and the 2024 edition in Kuala Lumpur.

In the semi-final, national head coach Ahmad Jais Baharun fielded the combination of Muhammad Zulkifli Abd Razak, Muhammad Afifuddin Mohd Razali and Aidil Aiman Azwawi for the first regu.

The move paid off as the national trio produced an impressive performance to defeat their opponents 15-7, 15-9 and hand Malaysia the opening point.

Malaysia’s second regu, comprising Muhammad Haziq Hairul Nizam, Farhan Adam and Mohamad Azlan Alias, faced stiff resistance, losing the first set 10-15 before bouncing back to win 17-16, 15-9 to confirm Malaysia’s place in the final.

Meanwhile, national team manager Abu Jimi Samat said he knew Indonesia were strong but did not expect such fierce resistance.

“However, we did not expect such a strong challenge because we knew their second regu was their main regu. We also fielded our main regu, but were slightly affected by Syahir’s (Mohammad Syahir Mohd Rosdi) absence (due to injury).

“Tonight, we need to play better against Thailand. The players must deliver at 100 per cent because this is a World Cup final, a title we have never won,” he said when met after the match.

The last time Malaysia defeated Thailand in the team event was at the 2025 Thailand SEA Games.

-- BERNAMA