KUALA LUMPUR, May 10 — Malaysia opened the quadrant event by defeating China in Group B of the 2025 Asian Cup Sepak Takraw Championship today.
In the action at the Titiwangsa Stadium, the national squad, which featured Muhammad Afifuddin Mohd Razali, Amirul Zazwan Amir, Norfaizzul Abd Razak, and Muhammad Shahalril Aiman Halim, began shakily when they were trailing 2-7 before recovering to win the first set 15-10.
In the second set, China made two changes with the intention of making a comeback, but it did not yield results, as Malaysia punished them with a 3-15 defeat.
National quadrant coach Mohammad Zulkarnain Abdul Rahman said his men were slow to 'warm up', resulting in a weak start in the match.
"At first our squad seemed to be struggling, but Alhamdulillah, they were able to quickly recover and score points.
"However, I told the players to improve their attacking style from now on and reduce their mistakes," he told the press.
Malaysia will next face the Philippines in the second match of Group B tonight.
Earlier, the Philippines lost 12-15, 6-15 to Japan in another group opening match.
— Bernama
