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Malaysia advances to two finals at Sepak Takraw World Cup

KUALA LUMPUR: The national doubles and inter-regu teams both advanced to their respective finals in the Sepak Takraw World Cup here today.

The national doubles team staved off a late fightback from Myanmar to the delight of the home supporters at the Titiwangsa Stadium.

Aidil Aiman Zawawi-Noraizat Nordin held their nerve late in the second set to dispatch Myanmar's Zin Min Oo-Shein Wunna Zaw 15-10, 17-16 and book their spot in the decider tomorrow.

They will face Thailand, who defeated Indonesia 15-8, 15-13, in the final.

A visibly pleased Noraizat said he is looking forward to facing Thailand.

"We are grateful for this win, Aidil controlled the game well. We were not affected by psychological games they tried to play," said Noraizat.

"Our focus now is on the final against Thailand. We will do our best to make Malaysia proud.

"I want to thank all the fans who came out to support us today."

The men's inter-regu competition saw national trio Farhan Adam, Syahir Rosdi and Azlan Alias beating Myanmar's Zin Ko Ko, Min Thant Thu and Phay Nyein Chan 15-3, 15-11 in their semi-final.

They will also face Thailand in the final tomorrow, the latter defeated Philippines 15-4, 15-8 in their semi-final.

Azlan is hoping to give their long-suffering fans a match to remember.

"We will give it everything we have tomorrow. We are hoping to pull off a miracle," said Azlan.

"We have to forget the past and give the fans the performance they want."

Traditional heavyweights Thailand, rarely beaten in any category over the past two decades, are the outright favourites in both categories.

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