It is semifinal day in the sepaktakraw team competition at the
Al-Sadd Indoor Arena. The men will take centre stage later on
Tuesday 5 December as Thailand tackle Myanmar with Malaysia facing
off against Indonesia.
Meanwhile the women's last four line up with Thailand against
China and Vietnam playing Korea.
The men from Thailand and Malaysia are expected to meet in the
final. Thailand topped qualifying group A with victories over Korea
and Indonesia. Malaysia had to play three qualifying games in group
B but they wasted little time in whitewashing Japan, Myanmar and
India.
Defending champions Thailand should be too good for surprise
package Myanmar who qualified courtesy of victories over India and
Japan but came unstuck against Malaysia. Myanmar have improved in
this Asian Games, though, and have shown a liking for winning
points with headers.
Malaysia versus Indonesia will see the runners-up from Busan
2002 take on the Indonesians who are yet to win a medal in
sepaktakraw at the Asian Games.
Ladies are first, with Thailand up first against China, followed
by Vietnam against Korea.
The Chinese play in excellent spirit – look out for China's
pre-match huddle when their players break into song with gusto. The
semifinal is a repeat of the last four encounter from the last
Asian Games which Thailand won. Experts are predicting a similar
outcome this time around.
Korea and Vietnam should be more evenly matched. The Koreans won
one and lost one on their way to the final four, falling foul of
Thailand in their opening match but recovering to outwit India.
Vietnam, considered the most likely to challenge Thailand, won
both of their group encounters but did drop the first regu against
China.
Both team finals in the men's and women's competitions take
place on Wednesday 6 December at the Al-Sadd Indoor Hall.
(dohaasiangames.org December 5, 2006)