Malaysia’s dream of a historic double triumph at the 2025 Asian Sepak Takraw Cup was dashed after the national doubles team fell to arch-rivals Thailand in a fiercely contested final at the iconic Stadium Titiwangsa this evening.
Despite the deafening support from home fans, the Malaysian duo of Muhammad Noraizat Mohd Nordin and Aidil Aiman Azwawi were unable to overcome the Thai challenge, eventually succumbing 1-2 in sets.
Earlier, Malaysia had written history by clinching their first-ever quadrant title with a superb 2-0 victory over Japan, raising hopes of a golden double for the host nation.
Facing traditional powerhouse Thailand, Malaysia started the doubles final brightly, surging ahead 8-4 in the opening set. However, a tactical substitution — with Tanaphon Sapyen replacing Boonkoom Tipwong — proved pivotal for Thailand, altering the momentum of the match.
Regrouping quickly, Malaysia displayed composure and tactical discipline, overpowering Thailand 15-7 to take the first set in style.
The second set began just as promisingly for Malaysia, racing to a 4-0 lead. But a series of unforced errors, including multiple service faults, allowed Thailand to claw back into the game. The Thais capitalized on Malaysia’s lapses to clinch the second set 15-10, leveling the match.
The decisive third set was a tense, nail-biting affair. Thailand seized an early 4-2 advantage, but Malaysia fought back valiantly, narrowing the gap to 10-11. However, the precise setups from Sirisak Anuloon and the powerful smashes of Tanaphon Sapyen proved too much for Malaysia to handle.
Thailand sealed the final set 15-12, forcing Malaysia to settle for the runner-up position.
Credit Photo : PSM
