More consistent, composed Thailand still hold the edge, says sepak takraw coach

KUALA LUMPUR: The national sepak takraw squad concluded their campaign at the Asian Cup which concluded yesterday (May 18) with a decent two gold and two silver haul but more importantly continued to keep heavyweights Thailand on their toes.
Malaysia's first-choice regu of Azlan Alias (killer), Syahir Rosdi (tekong) and veteran feeder Farhan Adam beat Sittipong Khamchan, Varayut Jantarasena and Yotsawat Uthaijaronsri in straight sets to win the inter-regu gold at the Titiwangsa Stadium last week which proved Malaysia's win over Thailand in the Kuala Lumpur World Cup last year was no fluke.
Doubles duo Noraizat Nordin and Aidil Aiman Azwawi, who beat Thailand in the World Cup final last year, this time lost in three sets to Boonkoom Tipwong-Sirisak Anuloon.
National head coach Ahmad Jais Baharun opted to tweak his regus for the team event final yesterday, opting to field Azlan and Syahir with Amirul Zazwan Amir in the first regu. They lost in three sets to Sutthikiarat Panseankaew, Jakkrit Thinbangbon and Wuttinun Kamsanor.
Farhan joined forces with Noraizat and Haziq Hairul Nizam in the second regu but also lost in three sets to Tanaphon Sapyen, Sittipong Kamchan and Sirisak Anuloon.
Amirul Zazwan Amir, Norfaizzul Abd Razak, Shahalril Aiman Halim and Afifuddin Mohd Razali also won the quadrant gold for Malaysia, beating Japan (Toshitaka Naito, Yuki Sato, Ryota Haruhara and Wataru Narawa) in straight sets. Thailand, however, did not compete in the quadrant which is a relatively newer event though is expected to be contested at the Thailand Sea Games in December.
Jais admitted that his charges will have to raise their game if they are to end Thailand's dominance in the team event.
Malaysia has not beaten Thailand - who have immense strength-in-depth - in the team event since the 1991 Manila Sea Games.
"Thailand were much more composed in the team final and were solid in both attack and defence. They found an extra gear when it mattered," said Jais yesterday.
"I was hoping that we could win one of the first two regus to force a decider and possibly sneak an upset win. We came close in the first two matches but unfortunately it did not go our way.
"I have to admit that our team has to work even harder to improve if we are to beat them, we have to multiply our efforts. We have to be more consistent with our serves and be more solid in defence.
"The Thais are very consistent and are good at absorbing pressure. At the moment, that is what separates us.
"We still have the Thai King's Cup as well as the Thailand Sea Games to compete in this year so we have to keep our chin up and keep grinding."
Malaysia has now beaten Thailand twice in the inter-regu (World Cup and Asian Cup) after many years of playing perennial bridesmaids to the latter.
But whether Azlan, Syahir and Farhan can repeat the feat at the Sea Games this year, where Thailand will have home ground advantage, remains to be seen.
Jais is looking to use the King's Cup, which will be held in Korat on July 20-27, to prepare his squad for the Sea Games.
"Personally, I would prefer to send some different players to the King's Cup," said Jais.
"I believe we have young players who have strong potential but may be lacking exposure in the really big international events.
"This would be a good chance for us to prepare ourselves for the Sea Games."

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