By Aftar Singh
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia defeated defending champions Thailand 3-1 in the final to win the men's team title for the first time in the Sea Table Tennis Championships in Bangkok yesterday.
Javen Choong delivered Malaysia's first point by beating Thanmathikom Napat 10-12, 13-11, 11-8, 5-11, 13-11.
Wong Qi Shen got the second point by overcoming Sanguansin Phakpoom 11-6, 11-7, 11-8.
Thailand won a point through Nuchchart Sitisak who beat Danny Ng Wann Sing 11-6, 8-11, 11-6 12-10.
But Qi Shen clinched the match for Malaysia by beating Thanmathikom Napat 11-5, 12-10, 11-9.
In the semi-finals, Malaysia outplayed Indonesia 3-0.
The Malaysian women's team bagged the bronze after losing 3-0 to Singapore in the semi-finals.
National coach Beh Lee Wei said: "We lost to Thailand in the final in Bangkok in 2022, but this time we beat them in their own backyard for the gold.
"It's the first time in the history of the Sea Championships we won the men's team gold since the inauguration of the championships in Bangkok in 1998.
"Winning the men's team gold is a big boost for us for next year's Sea Games in Bangkok.
"We, however, have to prepare much harder for the Sea Games as Thailand is the host and they will definitely be going all out to avenge their defeat.
"We now hope for a few more medals in the mixed doubles, doubles and singles events,"
At the 2022 Sea championships, Malaysia won one silver and three bronze medals.