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Following their first victory for the week yesterday at the Kuala Lumpur 9th ASEAN Para Games,Myanmar approached their game against Malaysia with great enthusiasm. Unfortunately Malaysia had other ideas as they really flexed their muscles in a powerful display to completely dominate Myanmar from the opening tap.
Azman proved too tall and strong in the paint as he rolled in 33 points, while Mat Seman (16), Freday Tan (14) and Razali (12) all had solid games. Kaline (8) was Myanmar’s best contributor as they went down 99-19 in a one sided affair.
The second game saw Thailand in another commanding show of strength completely over-run an under manned Laos. Thailand virtually did as they pleased and ran away with a 109-9 victory. With 6 players in double figures, Sripirom (31) was the high scorer. Laos’ Chanpheng and Khammany toiled hard all game but were no match for the all conquering Thailand.
The evening 3 on 3 session proved to be the opposite of the morning games. With the Bronze medal at stake, Laos and Philippines put it all on the line. Nothing separated the two teams all game, as they went to half time 6 all. The second period was basket for basket again until in the dying seconds Escalante hit 2 in a row to seal victory for Philippines 12-11. Khammany was again Laos’s leading scorer with 7, and Escalante also finished with 7.
The Gold medal game had the two undefeated teams from Thailand and Malaysia facing off. In a big night for the hosts as their Prime Minister had joined the large vocal crowd to cheer them on. Thailand had a small but enthusiastic following who made sure that their team heard the support.
In the first period it looked like the occasion had got the better of Malaysia as they missed several open opportunities to score that they were making easily all week. Thailand made them pay for the errors as they maintained their composure and structure to lead at half time 6-1. Malaysia found their game more in the second period, but it was too little too late as Thailand showed great patience and control to claim the victory 12-5. Jumjarean led the scoring for Thailand with 8, and it was his consistency that was the difference in the end.
Tomorrow these two face off again in the final of the 5 on 5 competition – both again undefeated. The question will be, can Malaysia re-group and challenge Thailand. In the other game Philippines will be chasing a second Bronze medal when they play Myanmar. With both equal on points, the winner will take the third place.
For full results and more information on the Kuala Lumpur 9th ASEAN Para Games visit the website.
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