PROMISING: State men’s futsal players and officials celebrate their 5-2 win over Perlis yesterday. — Photos by Chimon Upon
Men’s futsal in semis after impressive win as beach volleyball players continue fighting form
KUALA LUMPUR: Sarawak stormed into the semi-finals of the men’s futsal competition at the National Sports Stadium (Panasonic) yesterday with an impressive 5-2 win over Perlis.
Striker Awangku Mohd Fazzrin Awang Mortadza scored two goals with one each from Ronald Dennis, Mohd Nur Arsyad Tamit and Mohd Izzuddin Jahidin.
Perlis’ goals were scored by Muhammad Faizzuddin Mad Abas.
An elated team manager Poasa Majais praised the players for their fine performance.
“I’m very happy with the today’s result that gives us a berth in the last four. The players’ strong determination was key in our victory,” he said after the game.
Not knowing who their next opponents will be as the other quarter-finals were still being played late yesterday, Poasa, nonetheless, hoped the players could keep up their good form in today’s semi-final.
“We are not thinking of our semi-final opponents right now but what the players need to do is to maintain their tempo, focus on their next game and not to make too many mistakes,” he added.
Beach volleyball
There were also cheers for the beach volleyball camp as Sarawak men’s A team of Tang Chee Hung and Sim Ming Huang, and women’s team of Moh Xian Fung and Ho Xiao Hui both registered wins.
Tang-Sim, already assured of a last 16 berth, came back strongly from one set down to vanquish Lieu Zhen Yee and Goh Pin Siang of Johor A 2-1 (19-21, 21-17, 15-10).
Team manager cum coach Allan Chan said the duo showed strong fighting spirit to overturn a first set loss for a well-deserved victory.
“I’m satisfied with their performance today but the defence and attack can still be better.”
Further improvements in these two areas are crucial as Tang-Sim will be up against stronger pairs in the last 16 where they are likely to meet Selangor A whose players, Kiew Chiong Ung and Raffiuddin Abdul Latif, are in the national squad, and Perlis A which will be fielding players with Sea Games experience.
“All our players are indoor volleyballers — this is the first time they are competing in beach volleyball and it will take sometime to adapt to different playing conditions like the hot sun and the sand,” Chan reckoned.
Tang-Sim’s next match today against Selangor B’s Yap Kent Bin and Tan Qee Han will be tough and should the Sarawakians get through, they will be vying for the top and second spots in the Group A standings.
Sarawak A will face Perak in the final group match.
Meanwhile, Sarawak men’s B team, comprising Dylan Goh and Tang Howe Seng, exited the competition after slumping to their third consecutive defeat 2-0 (21-16,21-7) at the hands of Mohd Faiz and Muhd Noor Nazmi from Perlis A.
However, in the women’s competition, the gritty pair of Moh Xian Ching and Ho Xiao Hui faced little problem in defeating Kelantan’s Tan Siew Yong and Lim Yin Shu 2-0 (21-11, 21-11) yesterday.
Their next game against Kedah A today will be tougher as Ho injured her ankle during the 2-0 defeat to Selangor B while Moh is down with flu.
If they win today, Moh-Ho will finished as runners-up in Group Q while a defeat will relegate them to third spot.
Sarawak will step up their hunt for medals when the table tennis, handball, softball and rugby competitions get underway today.