Malaysia top group to stay on course for Asian Games team regu gold

NAGOYA: Malaysia's sepak takraw squad remain on course to end a 36-year gold medal drought after advancing to the semi-finals of the men's team regu event at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games as Group B winners.

The achievement came after Ahmad Jais Baharun's charges swept aside India 3-0 in their final group match at Nagoya City Mizuho Arena on Tuesday.

Malaysia are expected to face the Group A runners-up, either Indonesia or South Korea, in the semi-finals on Thursday.

Malaysia's first regu, comprising Zulkifli Razak, Aidil Aiman Azwawi and Afifudin Razali, had to work hard before overcoming India's trio of Malemnganba Singh Sorokhaibam, Arun and Akash Yumnam 15-13, 11-15, 15-6.

The second Malaysian regu, featuring Syahir Rosdi, Farhan Adam and Azlan Alias, kept Malaysia in control by defeating Lokhon Singh Elangbam, Ram Kumar Sharma and Henary Singh Wahengbam 15-9, 15-12.

The emphatic victory was completed by the third regu of Zarif Marican Ibrahim Marican, Amirul Zazwan Amir and Hafizul Hayazi Adnan, who beat Shyam Singh Chundawat, Ashok Singh Mayengbam and Jasvir 15-11, 15-5.

Malaysia had earlier opened their campaign with a 3-0 victory over hosts Japan before recording another 3-0 win against the Philippines.

Malaysia are chasing their first gold medal in the team regu event since their triumph at the 1990 Beijing Asian Games.