PHNOM PENH: The national sepak takraw team virtually missed out on the Sea Games gold medal after losing 2-1 to Thailand in the men's team regu round-robin tie in Phnom Penh today.
In the first regu, Malaysia's Azlan Alias, Syahir Rosdi and Amirul Zazwan Zainal recorded a 13-21, 21-17. 21-18 win over Thailand's Jirasak Pakbuangoen, Kritsanapong Nontakote and Yodsawat Uthaijaronsari.
However, Thailand's Pattarapong Yupadee, Phutawan Sopa and Siriwat Sakha levelled the tie with a 24-25, 21-15, 21-14 win over Malaysia's Aidil Aiman Azwawi, Meor Zulfikar Mat Amin and Affifudin Razali.
Thailand won the gold after Pornthep Tinbanbonm, Rachan Viphan and Thawisak Thongsai overcame Malaysia's Haziq Hairul Nizam, Noraizat Nordin and Norfaizzul Abd Razak 21-8, 21-12 in the final match of the tie.
National coach Ahmad Jais Baharun was unhappy with the result.
"Our second regu could have done better but were not convincing at all. They show potential in training , but could not translate it in the final.
Cambodia are the other team in the three-field competition.
Malaysia will play the hosts today.
"Cambodia will be dangerous in front of their fans. We must keep calm and win the tie to at least take the silver medal," he added.