Sukma XXI: Sarawak downs Sabah 4-1 in first tennis Group C mixed team event

KUCHING (Aug 16): Sarawak defeated neighbours Sabah 4-1 to register their first win in the tennis Group C mixed team event for the 21st Malaysian Games (Sukma XXI) today.

Sarawak’s first point was won by Matthew Goh, who defeated Sabah’s Rus Zareef Hazmy 6-4 6-0 in the men’s singles.

In the women’s singles, Soo Hui Yii had to retire due to injury and conceded the point to Sabah.

She went down 6-4, 3-6, 0-1 to her opponent Elena Mishra Manoj.

Sarawak went on to win subsequent points in the men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles.

Ayden Shah Deen Hisham and Raidon Tan overcame a strong challenge from their opponents Mohd Asyahmie Haffiezi Suhaili and Samuel Benjamin Guansing 6-0, 4-6, 10-5 in the men’s doubles.

In the women’s doubles, Eliora Hii and Nathanielle Lee defeated Jashnavissri Uigneswaran and Miza Rasyidah Zakirah Rasyid 6-2, 6-3 to secure the third and winning point for Sarawak.

The pair of Hii Shieng Wee and Lydia Liong then made sure Sarawak won a fourth point by defeating Ryan Yang and Kyra Vamsikrish 6-1, 6-1 in the mixed doubles.

Sarawak contingent assistant chef-de-mission for tennis Datuk Henry Harry Jinep attributed the win to intensive endurance training.

“Initially, we were very worried because they (some players) were sometime trailing behind 0-4, 0-3, something like that. But thanks to their endurance training and intensive training, they can build up their composure and confidence and get fired up to win.

“Like what we saw in the men’s singles. We thought we almost lost when the score was 0-4, but then he (Goh) got fired up and he won straight sets. Very strong. So, that is the endurance that we have seen. The result of sending them for intensive training,” he said.

Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association president Datuk Patrick Liew said the Sarawak team already passed the first hurdle, which ensured them at least a top two finish in Group C and qualification to the quarter final stage.

He said it was unfortunate Sarawak had to concede a point to Sabah from the women’s singles match, but he was confident the players will be well rested and fired up to play against next opponent Selangor tomorrow morning.

He said Sarawak could secure a marginal win against Selangor, which he rated to be a tougher opponent than Sabah.

“We hope we can beat Selangor tomorrow to maintain top spot in the group. Because that is important that we get seeded in the quarter finals,” he added.