SEA GAMES – Day of the defending champs in mixed team

Both Thailand and Indonesia defended their SEA Games women’s and men’s team title respectively in Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil.

By Justine.  Photos: Badmintonphoto (archives)

Both countries denied host Malaysia from winning the gold medals.   The Malaysian women’s team put up a good fight before losing 1-3 to Thailand. Soniia Cheah found Busanan Ongbamrangphan too hot to handle when she lost in straight games to the Thai.

With the support of the Malaysian crowd chanting different types of cheer, Woon Khe Wei / Vivian Hoo took the 1st game in the first women’s doubles easily at 21-9 against Puttita Supajirakul / Sapsiree Taerattanachai. However, the Thais manage to fight back to force rubber game which they won narrowly, 21-18.

Then, hope was high on rising star Goh Jin Wei (pictured right) to keep Malaysia in the fight and she delivered. The former World Junior Champion displayed her skills and strong mental strength to upset Nitchaon Jindapon in 3 games, all of which went to deuce, 22-20, 25-23, 22-20. Goh showed no signs of nerves, but played confidently with fist pumping in the air in high spirits.

Malaysia’s 2nd doubles, Chow Mei Kuan / Lee Meng Yean also played in rubber games before losing narrowly Jongkonphan Kittiharakul / Rawinda Prajongjai (pictured top). With the crowd’s loud cheer, the Malaysians fought back but lost 18-21, denying the crowd the last match of the tie.

More and more spectators filled the stadium towards the evening, showing their support for their beloved country. Quite a large number of Indonesian fans were also present, shouting in support of Indonesia in the men’s team event.   Jonathan Christie scored the 1st point for Indonesia, defeating Iskandar Zulkarnian. Jonathan played aggressively to win in straight games.

Malaysia then hoped that their 1st men’s doubles could deliver a point but Indonesians Fajar Alfian / Muhammad Rian Ardianto (pictured) smashed their way to win 1st game. Ong/Teo gave Malaysian hope when they won the 2nd game but the Indonesians played better and won the decider.

Rising star Lee Zii Jia needed to win his tie to prevent Indonesia from winning 3-0. Unfortunately for Malaysia, Indonesia’s  Ihsan Maulana Mustofa led all the way, giving the Indonesians fans their victory in straight games.   Despite the lost, the home crowd was still in high spirits, singing thank you to the Malaysian shuttlers. The individual event will start on 26 August where Malaysia is hoping to add to their gold medal count.

Click here for complete mixed team results