KUALA LUMPUR, May 16 (Bernama) -- Malaysia started Group C action of the 2026 Sepak Takraw World Cup with a bang when they defeated Singapore 2-0 at Titiwangsa Stadium here today.
The national squad, comprising Muhammad Afifuddin Mohd Razali, Muhammad Shahalril Aiman Halim, Amirul Zazwan Amir and Aidil Aiman Azwawi, had no problem dominating the first set to win 15-9.
In the second set, Malaysia made a change by introducing Jefri Ahmad to replace team captain Amirul Zazwan before confirming a 15-13 victory over the Singaporean quadrant of Mohammad Fairuz Azahari, Hairul Fizly Abdullah, Youri Adli Fathullah Ahmadi and Akmal Musyarraf Rostam.
Malaysia is scheduled to play South Korea and India in the second and third Group C matches tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Amirul Zazwan admitted that the national squad had to fight hard to penetrate Singapore's game and needs to immediately improve their serving and blocking aspects ahead of the matches against India and South Korea, which are considered more challenging.
"For today, my serve did not help Malaysia get points. In terms of blocking, the Indian and South Korean squads are better than us. We have to accept that, but in terms of our game, we are equal," he said when met after the match.
In the other opening match today, Thailand defeated Indonesia 12-15, 15-13, 15-7 and will meet Vietnam in the next match of Group D.
Meanwhile, Vietnam defeated Japan 15-6, 10-15, 15-11.
-- BERNAMA
