KUALA LUMPUR: The Sepak Takraw Association of Malaysia (STAM) should reconsider pushing the International Sepak Takraw Federation (Istaf) to revert to a 21-point scoring system.
That is the view of sepak takraw observer Abdul Hafiz Ahmad who believes that the new 15-point, single service format introduced by Istaf in February better suits Malaysia.
The sport had previously used a 21-point, three service format. STAM want Istaf to implement the 21-point format again, however, retain the single serve rule currently used.
The 15-point format made its major competition debut at the Sepak Takraw World Cup in Kuala Lumpur last week.
Malaysia stunned Thailand in the doubles and inter-regu finals to claim its first-ever World Cup titles.
"I believe Malaysia is better suited to this 15-point format, this was proven in the doubles final especially," said Hafiz recently.
"We were able to race off to a quick lead and at one point held a five point advantage. Our players, however, may have lost focus and allowed the Thais to pull level in the game.
"But we were still able to secure the game thanks to some errors committed by the Thais.
"This would not have been possible if it was a 21-point game. We probably would not have won the gold as the Thais would have had more time to catch up.
"STAM, however, said that the 15-point format is too quick and is anti-climatic.
"They claim that the fans are not satisfied as the matches are too quick.
"The question I have is, why are we so worried about spectators satisfaction? What we should want is success and it is already proven that this 15-point system can give us that.
"I believe that STAM should at least give this new system some time and see what happens."
Istaf is currently considering STAM's request to change to the 21-point, single service format.
The world body is now seeking feedback from teams and referees about their experiences with the 15-point format from the World Cup.
Hafiz is a veteran sepak takraw journalist who has covered the sport for over three decades.
He is also the team manager of Tim Media, a Malaysian sepak takraw team comprised of former and current media practitioners.
Tim Media, who recently received equipment sponsorship from AHK International and Marathon, is looking to organise a tri-nation competition with their counterparts from Thailand and Singapore later this year.
