ARCHRIVALS Thailand crushed Malaysia with superb overall strength, power and precision to win 3-0 in the sepak takraw team event at the Titiwangsa Stadium in Kuala Lumpur today.

Malaysia who lost to Indonesia 1-2 yesterday, seemed a spent force as Thailand piled on the pressure with powerful spikes and stout defence to beat the first regu 15-21, 17-21. 

The second regu match was a lopsided affair, as the Malaysian trio were overwhelmed 10-21, 6-21 by the Thais.

Despite having won the match, the Thais refused to take the foot off the pedal and thrashed the third regu 21-9, 21-8.

Malaysia were awarded the bronze together with Brunei while Indonesia took silver.

The defeat saw Malaysia’s 26-year gold medal drought in the team event continue.

The last time Malaysia won the team gold was in the 1991 Manila SEA Games.

Thailand have now won the gold medal for 12 consecutive Games since 1993, when Singapore was host.

The sepak takraw team event was not included in the 2005 Manila SEA Games. – Bernama, August 19, 2017.