THE esports squad have a good opportunity to deliver their second medal for Malaysia at the Hangzhou Asian Games today.
The Dota 2 team, comprising Chan Kok Hong, Cheng Jin Xiang, Ng Wei Poong, Cheng Jin Xiang, Thiay Jun Wen, Tue Soon Chuan and Yap Jian Wei, put up a good fight before going down 1-2 to favourites China in the semi-finals yesterday.
Malaysia got off to take the first point but China fought back to win the next two points to book their spot in the final. Malaysia will take on Kyrgyzstan in the bronze-medal playoff today.
Mongolia, who beat Kyrgyzstan 2-0 in the other semi-final match yesterday, will face the hosts for the gold medal.
Malaysia had defeated Saudi Arabia 2-0 to reach the medal rounds late on Saturday.
Team manager Wong Kang Woon was pleased with the gamers for achieving their target to enter the medal rounds.
“It was unfortunate that we were drawn to face the hosts in the semi-final. This was actually the final battle in the eyes of those who followed Dota 2,” said Kang Woon.
“We had used the Clockwork character in the tie against Saudi Arabia as we wanted to ensure the advantage was on our side.
“However, the rules stipulated that our players had violated the rule and therefore were banned from using Clockwork for the next tie. China had the advantage then in the semis. But our players did not give up and managed to take a point off China. That will give them the confidence to fight for the bronze.”
The Dota 2 team prepared in Shanghai for a few weeks prior to arriving in Hangzhou for the Asian Games.
Esports have already contributed silver for Malaysia in their Asian Games debut in the Arena of Valor event. The curtain will come down on esports at the Asian Games stage today.
