India, Malaysia battle in tight 2nd game
August 01, 2024 17:12The Indians stormed out to a familiar 4-0 lead, their aggressive style thriving on the fast court.
But Malaysia wouldn't back down, clawing their way back with a 3-point surge to level the score at 4-4.
Chia showcased his attacking prowess, leaving Chirag flat-footed for Malaysia's first lead. Satwik countered with a signature smash, but a service error handed the advantage back to their opponents.
The rallies tightened, with neither side holding the upper hand for long. Chirag unleashed a powerful smash, met by Soh's deceptive body shot. The score remained deadlocked at 8-8, mirroring the intense opening of the first set.
A lucky shot from Chia put India ahead momentarily, but he wasn't done. He tested Satwik's defense, forcing an error to level things again. Chirag showcased his net play brilliance, pulling India back to 10-10. However, Malaysia snatched the lead just before the mid-game interval with a decisive winner.
The strategy shifted as Malaysia employed flat, mid-court returns. Chia landed a well-placed smash right on Chirag's ankle, extending their lead to 11-13. The drift from the far side and a few unforced errors at the net further widened the gap, putting Malaysia ahead 12-16.
Service woes continued to plague India with a costly fourth error. The deficit grew to a concerning 4 points at 14-17. Satwik's audacious attempt at a return backfired, and Chirag followed suit with a net shot, handing Malaysia game point. A low serve by Soh proved too tricky for Satwik, securing the game for Malaysia 14-21.
The thrilling encounter heads into a decisive third set!