THE national water polo team have suffered the ignominy of being Malaysia’s first casualties of the Philippines Sea Games.
Malaysia’s hopes of defending the bronze they won two years ago were dashed after losing 14-7 to Indonesia at the New Clark City Aquatics Centre yesterday.
The win allowed Indonesia to take an unassailable lead at the top of the standings and clinch their first gold in water polo at the biennial Games.
The victory was made all the more sweeter for Indonesia as they now hold the distinction of being the first team to topple perennial favourites Singapore, who had won the gold in 27 straight editions since 1965.
Malaysia, who had earlier lost 17-4 to Singapore and 19-5 Thailand, will wrap up their campaign against the Philippines on Sunday, a day after the official opening of the Games.
But even a win against the hosts cannot ensure a third placing.