SUNGAI PETANI: ALFA Cafe MIBJ D clinched the Liga Takraw Nasional Mekdi Northern Zone title after defeating Highlander A in today's final at the Arena of Sport.
Powered by the sharp spikes of Wan Muhammad Azieq Wan Mohd Zaki, they won 16-14, 15-7 at the Arena of Sport, pocketing RM5,000 and the championship trophy.
Azieq's attacking prowess kept Highlander A's defence under pressure as ALFA Cafe MIBJ D seized the initiative early.
However, Highlander A fought back from 14-10 down to draw level in the opening set before ALFA Cafe MIBJ D held their nerve to win 16-14.
Highlander A brought on their second tekong to regain momentum in the second set, but the change did little to stem their opponents' relentless attacks.
ALFA Cafe MIBJ D tightened their grip on the contest and took the second set 15-7 to seal a straight-sets victory.
Highlander A received RM3,000 as runners-up, while joint third-place finishers SSTMI B and Perak JR earned RM1,500 each.
The league continues with the Central Zone on Nov 15-16, followed by the East Zone on Nov 20-21 at the Gong Badak Sports Complex in Terengganu.
The Grand Final will be held on Nov 28-29 at the Malaysian Sepaktakraw Academy in Kuala Lumpur.
ALFA Cafe MIBJ D also claimed two individual honours, with Azieq named best right apit and teammate Danish Irfan Beri'uldaini winning the best left apit award.
Highlander A's Ahmad Akmal Arif Ahmad Zamanhuri was named best tekong, with all three award winners receiving RM500 each.
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