SEA Games: Singapore dethroned as Malaysia clinch netball gold
KUALA LUMPUR – Joyous scenes abounded at Juara Stadium on Sunday afternoon as Malaysia beat bitter rivals Singapore 65-41 to win the SEA Games netball gold again after 16 years.
KUALA LUMPUR – Joyous scenes abounded at Juara Stadium on Sunday afternoon as Malaysia beat bitter rivals Singapore 65-41 to win the SEA Games netball gold again after 16 years.
The hosts, who lost by three goals to Singapore in the 2015 final, lived up to their favourites tag in front of a partisan full-house crowd that roared like thunder every time a point was scored.
Singapore, with only five members remaining from two years ago, had been beaten 37-50 in the group stage on Wednesday and were blown away in the rematch by a fired-up Malaysian side.
Goal shooter Najwa Azizan was unstoppable, registering near-perfect shooting accuracy while Singapore failed to carve out enough opportunities at the other end. Singapore rallied after the break but it was too little, too late.
The superior experience of the Malaysian side, which comprised nine players from the 2015 team, proved crucial and the reigning Asian champions finished the Games by winning all six of their matches.
It is the Malaysians’ second SEA Games netball gold, having also won in 2001 when the sport was introduced for the first time.
Story is developing.