KUALA LUMPUR, March 23 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's hopes of advancing to the final of the men’s doubles event at the International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) World Cup 2025 were dashed when they lost 2-1 to archrivals Thailand in the semi-finals today.
Malaysia, represented by Aidil Aiman Zawawi, Shahril Aiman and Noraizat Nordin, lost the first set 9-15 but bounced back to win the second 17-15 in Bihar, India.
They, however, failed to get the job done in the deciding set, going down 15-17 to the Thais and missing out on the final.
Malaysia's failure to reach the final leaves the national squad, under the guidance of coach Zulkarnain Arif, failing to equal their achievement last year when they emerged as men's doubles champions.
However, Malaysia can take consolation in the fact that they will at least return home this time with a bronze medal.
-- BERNAMA
