• விளையாட்டு Malaysia Fights to the End but Indonesia Denies Women's Team Final Berth in Gripping Semi-Final
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• ramani on 2025-12-08 13:37:47

Padmasri

BANGKOK, THAILAND 08 Dec, — The Malaysian women\'s badminton team showcased remarkable resilience and determination in a gripping semi-final clash against their traditional rivals, Indonesia, at the SEA Games. Despite a valiant effort, Malaysia narrowly succumbed to a 3-2 defeat, halting their pursuit of a final appearance for the first time in ten years. The intense encounter was highlighted by thrilling upsets and pivotal moments, notably the commendable performance of the scratch pairing, Toh Ee Wei and Go Pei Kee.

 

The contest commenced on a challenging note for Malaysia as first singles player K. Letshanaa was swiftly overpowered by Indonesia’s Putri Kusuma Wardani, placing Malaysia at an early 0-1 disadvantage.

 

The Double’s Anchor and a Singles Upset

 Malaysia’s star women’s doubles pair, Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, upheld their reputation by leveling the score. Demonstrating world-class coordination and resilience, they emerged victorious after a demanding three-game battle against Indonesia’s Rachel Allessya Rose and Febi Setianingrum, restoring parity at 1-1.

 

The tie’s defining moment arrived during the second singles match. Young talent Wong Ling Ching delivered a stunning upset by defeating Indonesia’s world number 10, Gregoria Mariska Tunjung, in a tense three-set thriller. This crucial victory propelled Malaysia into a 2-1 lead, bringing the team tantalizingly close to securing a place in the final.

 

All Eyes on the Scratch Pair

 With the final berth within reach, attention turned to the scratch second doubles pairing of Go Pei Kee and the newly appointed women’s team captain and mixed doubles world champion, Toh Ee Wei. This pairing was regarded as a strategic “secret weapon” intended to strengthen Malaysia’s doubles depth.

 

However, the Indonesian duo of Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma and Meilysa Trias Puspitasari proved too formidable. The relative inexperience of the Malaysian pairing was evident, culminating in a straight-sets defeat (10-21, 14-21). This loss leveled the semi-final at 2-2, setting the stage for a decisive final match.

 Heartbreak in the Decider

The outcome rested on third singles player Siti Zulaikha Muhammad Azmi, who faced immense pressure against Mutiara Ayu Puspitasari. Despite a valiant fight, Indonesia maintained momentum, with Mutiara clinching the winning point that sealed a 3-2 victory for Indonesia, who advanced to the final. Although Malaysia’s aspiration to reach the final.