Brunei Darussalam crashed out of the International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) Sepaktakraw World Cup 2024 following a 2-1 defeat to the Philippines in the regu category at the Titiwangsa Stadium in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
Brunei, fielded by Aliffuddin, Hafizzuddin and Zatie Hidayat, was bested 16-17 15-9 12-15 by the Filipino trio of Marc Kian Jake, Glindel B Phori and Ronsited C Gabayeron.
In the first set, Brunei had three set points but could not close the game out as the Filipinos gained the upper hand, before the former moved the game into a decider after clinching the second set.
Earlier, the national team began their campaign with a 2-0 loss to Malaysia.
Brunei, who assembled a similar line-up, was bested 15-7 15-7 in the Group ‘B’ clash.
The hosts was represented by the trio of Farhan Adam, Mohammad Syahir bin Mohd Rosdi and Mohamad Azlan Alias. The national team, headed by former Malaysian coach Abd Talib Ahmad, bounced back to move into the quarterfinals with a 2-0 win against China.
Phillipines’ reward in eliminating Brunei from the competition is a meeting with Thailand in the last four.
The other semi-final tie will see Malaysia take on Myanmar.
Meanwhile, the national doubles team lost 2-0 (9-15 11-15) to Malaysia in their opening round. – Fadhil Yunus
