OUTFOUGHT by their opponents, Malaysian fighters had to settle for two silver and one bronze on the final day of the kickboxing competition at the Philippines Sea Games yesterday.
Awangku Abdul Rahman Awang Marajaya lost 3-0 to Vietnam's Nguyen Xuan Phuong in the men's Under-57kg (full contact) final at the Cuneta Astrodome in Manila.
Mohammed Mahmoud then slumped 3-0 to Jean Claude Saclag of the Philippines in the men’s Under-63.5kg (low kick) final.
Mohammed, who is new to the sport of kickboxing, said his lack of experience showed in the final.
“I am grateful to be able to reach the final but I am sorry that I was not able to win the gold for Malaysia,” said Mohammed, an accomplished muay thai exponent."
“This is my first time competing in this event, and it was quite tough for me due to the different techniques used (compared to muay thai).
“I think you could see that my opponent was much more comfortable than I was in the final.
“If given the opportunity to represent Malaysia again, I will do my best to improve for Vietnam 2021.”
Earlier yesterday, Iffat Mat Ripen downed Sivin Chork 2-1 in the men's Under-60kg (low kick) third place playoff.