Thailand Whip Malaysia 22-2 But Coach Remains Hopeful Of Winning A Medal

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 16 (Bernama) -- Defending champion Thailand whipped Malaysia 22-2 to kick off their title defence in style when the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games women's water polo kicked off at the National Aquatic Centre, Kuala Lumpur Sports City, here Tuesday. "To be realistic, we had expected this defeat. Thailand are the defending champion and have won the title many times. This is our first match in-front of the home crowd and I think they were a bit nervous. We had several good attempts but couldn't execute. That's why the scoreline looks so huge," said national coach Goh Kah Yi. Kah Yi said to win a medal in the event held on a round robin format, the girls have to beat at least one country in the competition which features four teams. "This is only the first game, the competition is not over yet. We still have two opponents. I'm looking positively over the next two matches. We only need one win for a medal," he added. The team’s next task will be Singapore, who had earlier beaten Indonesia. Thailand skipper Varistha Sarikarn was Thailand’s top scorer with six goals, followed by Kornkarn Puengpongsakul (5); Kaithip Saeteaw (4); Sarocha Rewrujirek (2), Alwani Sathitanon (2) while Pranisa Nilklad, Nirawan Chompoopuen and Rojnaree Taweechai scored a goal each. Malaysia's two goals were scored by Trisha Then Chiah Huey and Mak Ai Sin. The women's water polo event at this year's SEA Games involves only four teams, namely Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia. -- BERNAMA