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Sunday November 1, 2009

Fijians power Malaysia into Sevens quarter-finals

KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia, powered by three Fijians, chalked up impressive wins over Thailand and Indonesia in Group A to qualify for the quarter-finals in the Borneo leg of the IRB Asian Rugby Sevens series at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinbalu yesterday.

Sixth seeds Malaysia, led by Fijians Apenisa Vasutoga, Nacani Seniu and Semi Seruvakula Sovunidakua, however, were beaten 22-0 by top seeds Japan in the last group match.

Malaysia finished runners-up in the group and will face Group C winners China in the quarter-finals today.

Japan, who defeated Indonesia 57-0 and Thailand 26-0 in their group matches will again face Thailand in the other quarter-finals match.

There are three groups and two teams in each group and the best two third-placed team qualify for the quarter-finals.

Malaysia seeded sixth, outplayed seventh seed Thailand 34-0 with six tries and two conversions.

In the match against Indonesia, Malaysia won 32-0 with six tries and one conversion.

National coach Jude Rampang-jouw said that they were happy to reach the quarter-finals but Japan were just too strong for them.

“We can expect another tough encounter against China in the quarter-finals tomorrow,” said Jude.

“I hope my boys can rise to occasion and get the better of the Chinese team, who are seeded third.”

Second seeds Hong Kong topped Group B and they will take on Guam in the quarter-finals while the other quarter-final match is between Group B runners-up South Korea and the Philippines.

Meanwhile, only three teams took part in the women competition after Guam pulled out at the last minute.

The Malaysian team, formed in April, had disappointing outings and lost both their matches.

They were thrashed 52-0 by Thailand and lost to India 10-21. Thailand meanwhile defeated India 39-0.

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