PHNOM PENH: To play four matches in a day is a killer for any team. And this only happens in the Sea Games.
The national sepak takraw team played four matches in the men's doubles here today.
The schedule is the same for the men's regu event on Tuesday.
Although teams are unhappy, they still had to go through the hectic schedule as hosts Cambodia said the sepak takraw events must finish before the closing ceremony on Wednesday,
However, it is a lame excuse as the host nation should have scheduled the events earlier.
Malaysia are the favourites in the doubles event. They played Cambodia, Myanmar and Singapore in the group stage and will feature in the semi-finals later today.
National coach Ahmad Jais Baharun is puzzled by the hectic schedule.
"It has never happened before... four matches a day is tough.
"However, we cannot say much as other teams are in a similar situation. Like it or not, the players will have to focus and do their best in every match.
"Of course, playing four matches a day is physically demanding. Luckily, the organisers have rooms for each team to recover before every match.
"We have our masseuse and doctor to assist the athletes."