MANCHESTER: Even after a grueling day playing against formidable teams from the United States, Scotland and Northern Ireland, Malaysia’s Men’s team sailed into the semi-finals with ease after beating Egypt with an impressive score of 14-1 in the first Dodgeball World Cup being held at the Belle Vue Leisure Centre here.
The men’s team led by Captain Muhamad Heidy Mohd Yusoff, 26, had an encouraging start when they defeated the team from the US 11-7 and then went on to beat Scotland 14-5. They then had a fingernail-biting tight match with the much feared team from Northern Ireland ending with a score of 8-7.
Heidy believes the fight with the Northern Ireland team was the toughest as the Irish players adapted to their tactics.
“They started chasing us after they learnt how we played the game. But we, too, did the same at the last minute and we won through strategy. We were more controlled and played well against their counter attacks,” said Heidy, catching a breather while waiting for the quarter-finals in the evening.
He admitted that the players from the west with their big size had more advantage with longer arms and had more forceful throws. However, the smaller Asian size proved more beneficial as they jumped and dodged quite easily, winning them points.
“It is indeed our expectation to win the World Cup. We have put our hearts and souls into this game and I am truly happy, not just for my team but also for Malaysia,” he said.
The men’s performance had not only worked up the Malaysian flag-waving supporters to a frenzy but also gained the admiration of other supporters from rival teams who admitted that they were indeed strong. Even the announcer was impressed, complementing the team several times.
The team meets Wales at noon today in the semi-finals and they have vowed to give their very best. The winner will meet the winner of the other group where England is playing Australia, making the finals a game not to be missed.
“We can’t wait to meet England and try to beat them in their own home ground in this World Cup,” said a confident Heidy.
Watching the team sail through to the semi-finals was Malaysian Dodgeball Federation president Datuk Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, who is also deputy tourism and culture minister.
Like many watching the game, the president did not manage to dodge a stray ball hitting her head but took it in good spirits, no doubt buoyed by the 14-1 scoreline against Egypt.
“I am very happy with their performance today although they faced some very strong teams,” said Mas Ermieyati who hopes that the game will be introduced to the community and schools in Malaysia.
Speaking about the failure of the women’s team to qualify due to some technical issues, she said, there was a need to see and study fully the regulations of the game.
“We will do a post mortem after this. Although they are now playing in the Invitational event, they performed very well and won two sets and also drew with Scotland. Had it not been for the technical issues, I think, the women’s team could win this championship,” she added.
She explained that there was some confusion about the new regulations as well a bit of unfair treatment.
“However, the women’s team had been positive and still gave a good fight. And that is why I am very proud of them,” said Mas Ermieyati.
The Malaysian team seemed to have the most high spirited supporters waving the Jalur Gemilang at every score and singing patriotic songs. The chants of Malaysia Boleh filled the arena after every win.
Joining in the cheer was Malaysian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Datuk Ahmad Rasidi Hazizi, who said, after watching the performance that he was confident that the men’s team would make it to the finals.