Lao sepak takraw team delights fans

The Lao men's sepak takraw team yesterday amazed fans by reaching the final round for the first time in SEA Games history after defeating their Philippine opponents in the semi-finals.

The team thrilled the fans crowded into the competition hall and television audiences watching at home with a display of skill which gave them a convincing 21-12 and 21-18 win in yesterday's competition.

This means the Lao team will now face experienced favourite Thailand at 2 pm today at Lao ITECC to compete for the gold medal.

The Lao team defeated Vietnam in the first round of the competition, followed by Malaysia and then the Philippines .

Team member Daovy Sanavongxay said he was very excited to be competing for a gold medal for the first time in SEA Games history.

“I'd like to thank all the fans with their loud cheers who encouraged us and spurred us on,” said Mr Daovy, who also participated in the last SEA Games in 2007.

The team is assured of at least a silver medal this year after never having won one at previous SEA Games.

The players admitted it would be a hard match as their Thai rivals had the advantage of more experience. Their opponents are well-known and are longstanding champions in the sport.

Laos has faced Thailand many times in the past, but has always been defeated, including in the annual King's Cup event.

“However, we are better prepared for this competition, and know how to improve our weak points. We will do our best to honour all the Lao people,” the players told local media after the match.

Team manager Khamvanh Nanthaxay admitted Thailand would be a tough opponent, but said they still had high hopes for a gold medal.

“Everything is possible. We were able to defeat Malaysia who are just as strong as Thailand in this sport. The skill of the Thai and Malaysian teams is not that different.”

The Lao team's skills have significantly improved after they trained for seven months in Savannakhet province.

The winning of at least a silver medal despite never having won a medal before is testimony to this.

The Lao women's singles and compound teams have already won a bronze medal each.

As of 3pm yesterday, Laos ranked seventh with 12 gold, 5 silver and 25 bronze medals after Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines respectively.

By Souksakhone Vaenkeo
(Latest Update Decembe 15, 2009)