MALACCA, Feb 7 — Malaysia and Thailand qualified for the semifinals of the men's Istaf Super Series Malaysia 2015 sepak takraw tournament when they emerged as champions in their respective groups at the Malacca International Trade Centre yesterday.

The final match of Group B saw Malaysia easily beating Indonesia 2-0 (21-14, 21-12), thus placing Malaysia at the top of the group followed by Singapore.

Thailand, meanwhile, did not have much problem in overcoming South Korea 2-0 (21-11, 21-11) in the final match of Group A today which placed Thailand as the group champion with South Korea in second place.

In the semifinals today, Malaysia will face South Korea, which had beaten the national squad several times with the latest at the group stage of the 17th Asian Games last year.

Commenting on the match today, Malaysian coach Abd Talib Ahmad said he would think of the best strategy especially for the “killer” position.

“We have two very good strikers (killers), namely Khairol (Khairol Zaman Hamir) who showed a good performance in earlier matches while Hanafiah Dollah demonstrated good partnership with the tekong (Mohd Shahir Mohd Rosdi), I will look into who will be fielded,” Abd Talib told reporters.

In the women's category yesterday, defending champions Thailand suffered a shocking defeat to Myanmar 1-2 (21-17, 17-21 and 14-21), thus placing Myanmar on top of Group B with Thailand in second spot.

Malaysia, unfortunately, lost to Vietnam 1-2 (12-21, 23-21 and 12-21) in Group A, thus failing to advance to the semifinals.

In the semifinals for the women's category today, Myanmar will face Vietnam, while South Korea will face Thailand.

Results — Men's Group A: Thailand beat Myanmar 2-0 (21-7, 21-18), Thailand beat South Korea 2-0 (21-11, 21-11), Myanmar beat Japan 2-1 (21-14, 17-21, 21-8). Group B: Malaysia beat Singapore 2-0 (21-13, 21-16), Indonesia beat China 2-0 (21-15, 21-10), Malaysia beat Indonesia 2-0 (21-14, 21-12).

Women's Group A: South Korea beat Vietnam 2-0 (21-18, 21-17), Vietnam beat Malaysia 2-1 (21-12, 21-23, 21-12). Group B: Myanmar beat Thailand 2-1 (17-21, 21-17, 21-14) — Bernama