Host nation Malaysia achieved a successful return to Group III after defeating Qatar at the Asia/Oceania Group IV event in Kuala Lumpur. This marks Malaysia’s first time competing outside Group III, and they secured promotion by winning all four matches at the National Tennis Centre, losing only one set.
In the opening singles match on Saturday, Hao Sheng Koay overcame illness to win 7-5 6-2 against Mubarak Alharrasi. “I was feeling a bit dizzy yesterday but had a good rest last night and felt better today. I am quite satisfied with my performance today, I managed the pressure and the match quite well,” said Koay, 26.
Koay acknowledged the pressure of returning to Group III: “There was definitely pressure on us because this is the first time we have been in Group IV and we wanted to go back to Group III really badly.” He also noted his responsibility as the oldest player in the squad.
Darrshan Suresh Kumar secured another victory for Malaysia with a 6-3 6-1 win over Mossa Alharassi. Malaysia’s captain Adam Jaya utilized his five-man squad effectively throughout the week, giving a Davis Cup debut to Daniel Prickett and rotating players strategically. “I am proud of my players because there were a lot of expectations on them, the whole nation wanted us to go back to Group III. They played well throughout the week,” Jaya stated.
Jaya praised Koay’s mental strength and resilience: “Hao Sheng has very good mental strength and showed great resilience even when he was not feeling well.” He also commended Darrshan, Leroy Yong, and Daniel Prickett for their performances: “Darrshan, Leroy [Yong] and Daniel are all of a similar level and rotating them kept our opponents guessing.”
The Philippines will join Malaysia in Asia/Oceania Group III next year after defeating Kyrgyzstan in Pool B. Meanwhile, Nepal and Pacific Oceana faced relegation to Group V following losses to Kuwait and Iraq.