Only the fittest will win hockey gold in Malaysia Games

KUALA LUMPUR: Penang girls claimed their Malaysia Games semi-final spot from Group Y when they edged Sabah 1-0 at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil today.

Now, fitness will come into the picture as Penang and the other semi-finalists immediately enter the knock-out stage tomorrow after five matches in seven days.

“This Malaysia Games gold medal will be the most difficult to claim. For us to win the gold, we will have the play flawless matches,” said Penang team manager Nasser Isa.

Penang last had a rest day on Sept 19.

Tomorrow’s semi-final against Pahang will be their third match in a row after wins over Group Y opponents Malacca (3-2) and Sabah.

“The good news is none of our players are injured. The fittest team will survive this gruelling Games and win gold,” said Nasser.

RESULTS

Group A: Malacca 2 Terengganu 5, Sabah 4 Federal Territory 3, Perak 4 Perlis 1.

Group B: Sarawak 2 Negri Sembilan 10, Pahang 2 Selangor 2, Johor 5 Kelantan 0.

WOMEN: Group X: Johor 0 Pahang 4, Kedah 2 Selangor 2, Sarawak 0 Terengganu 1.

Group Y: Negri Sembilan 1 Perak 4, Penang 1 Sabah 0, FT 1 Malacca 2.

FIXTURES

TODAY: Men’s semi-finals: Perak v Johor, Pahang v Terengganu;

Women’s semi-finals: Penang v Pahang, Selangor v FT.

NST