SEA GAMES: MALAYSIA AGAIN MISS WOMEN’S TEAM FINAL AFTER NARROW LOSS TO INDONESIA

From Amiril Muttaqien Meketar

BANGKOK, Dec 8 (Bernama) -- Malaysia came agonisingly close to ending their eight-year wait for a place in the women’s team badminton final after losing 2-3 to Indonesia in the semi-finals of the SEA Games Thailand 2025 in Pathum Thani today.

Indonesia’s world number 76 Mutiara Ayu Puspitasari delivered the winning point in the fifth and decisive match, defeating Siti Zulaikha Muhammad Azmi 21-18, 21-16 at Gymnasium 4, Thammasat University Rangsit Campus.

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National women’s singles head coach Iskandar Zulkarnain said Siti Zulaikha, ranked 91st in the world, struggled to maintain focus and power after the interval in the second game despite making a promising start.

“I think Siti Zulaikha's focus dropped slightly (after second-game interval) and could not maintain her power in returning her opponent's shots,” he told reporters in a post-match interview at the mixed zone.

Malaysia had earlier gotten off to a poor start when first singles player K. Letshanaa was outclassed by Putri Kusuma Wardani, who won 21-9, 21-10 in 34 minutes.

The national team drew level through their world number two women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah, who edged world number 58 duo Rachel Allessya Rose-Febi Setianingrum 21-14, 17-21, 21-16.

Malaysia’s second singles player and world number 44 Wong Ling Ching then pulled off a major upset by defeating world No 10 Gregoria Mariska Tunjung 22-20, 15-21, 21-16 in a 66-minute duel.

Ling Ching, who has been down with the flu in recent days, admitted she did not expect such an outcome in their first-ever meeting.

“I now she is a skilful and experienced player. I had expected to be thrashed by her,” she said.

However, Indonesia dragged the tie into the decider as their world number 59 pair Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma-Meilysa Trias Puspitasari overwhelmed the scratch combination of Go Pei Kee-Toh Ee Wei 21-10, 21-9.

Mutiara then rose to the occasion to seal the tie for Indonesia.

Indonesia will face defending champions Thailand in the final for the fourth consecutive edition after the hosts brushed aside Singapore 3-0 in the other semi-final.

Today’s results meant Malaysia share the bronze medal with Singapore in the women’s team event.

-- BERNAMA