KUALA LUMPUR – Thailand will not be the only threat to Malaysia at the Sepak Takraw World Cup as the national team should also be wary of Indonesia in the doubles.
The World Cup, starting on Saturday until May 26 at the Titiwangsa Stadium, will see three events contested – regu, team regu and doubles.
Former national player Azlan Mubin said Indonesia could cause plenty of problems for Malaysia in the doubles, and both teams could meet in the semi-finals.
“The competition for the doubles is open, even Thailand aren’t guaranteed the title. There are other strong teams, especially Indonesia.
“Indonesia have beaten Thailand before this, and we also lost to them in the Cambodia SEA Games doubles final last year,” said Azlan.
Azlan added that Malaysia would need strong mental fortitude and composure to triumph in the doubles due to its faster pace compared to the regu.
There will be plenty of mistakes, but the pair that can maintain composure and better recover from errors will be the victors, he said.
“The pressure in doubles is different, it is a much faster game and mistakes will happen.
“Usually, it is difficult to recover from mistakes and now with the new scoring system of 15 points, the game could slip away from you faster.
“So having a strong psychology in terms of being able to keep composed and recover from mistakes is paramount.
“Whoever can keep errors to the minimum will win, and I hope the home crowd can be a factor in helping our players perform well,” said Azlan, who is now a host and media personality.
In the Premier doubles, Malaysia have been drawn in Group A with Japan and Brunei.
Indonesia are in Group C with Myanmar and the Philippines. – May 13, 2024