KUALA LUMPUR: The national women's team bounced back from heavy defeats in the group stage to finish sixth in the first series of the Asia Rugby Sevens in Bangkok today.
Parading a young team, Malaysia were thrashed by China (53-0) and Japan (36-0) in group stage on Saturday.
However, they showed desire and commitment today to beat the Philippines 22-12 in the Plate semi-finals at the Boonyachinda Stadium.
In the playoff for fifth, Malaysia with eight newcomers lost 32-0 to Kazakhstan.
The good news is that the national women's team achieved the top-six target set by the National Sports Council (NSC).
They must finish top six in the next two series to be part of NSC's 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games programme.
Coach Siddiq Amir Jalil said: "I am satisfied with the performances of the newcomers. They are gelling well with the four seniors, and this is good indication ahead of the next two series.
"However, there are many areas we need to focus on before the next series in Incheon, South Korea, on Nov 12-13.
"We need to maintain the top-six placing in Incheon and in the third series in Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates, on Nov 26-27," said Siddiq.
RESULTS
Men's final: Hong Kong 36 Japan 19.
Third: S. Korea 31 UAE 0.
Semi-finals: Hong Kong 26 S. Korea 0, Japan 19 UAE 5.
Plate Semi-finals: Philippines 19 Malaysia 14.
Fifth: China 41 Philippines 0.
Women's final: China 21 Japan 17.
Third: Thailand 10 Hong Kong 0.
Semi-finals: Japan 14 Hong Kong 7, China 33 Thailand 5
Plate semi-finals: Malaysia 22 Philippines 12.
Fifth placing: Kazakhstan 32 Malaysia 0.