KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor Red Giants (SRG) remain confident of reaching the Grand Final of the M7 World Championships despite dropping into the lower bracket following their defeat to Aurora Philippines in the upper bracket final on Thursday.
SRG were edged 3-2 in a thrilling upper bracket final at the Tennis Indoor Stadium Senayan in Jakarta.
SRG player Hazziq Danish “Stormie” Rizwan said the team’s belief has not wavered, stressing that they have already faced the remaining contenders in the lower bracket and are unfazed by whoever stands in their way.
“Our focus right now is on who we are playing in the lower bracket final and we don’t mind facing anyone,” said Stormie after the defeat to Aurora Philippines.
The Malaysian side are still widely regarded as strong title contenders, with Indonesian MLBB professional Gilang Sanz describing SRG as one of the most complete teams in the tournament based on their consistent performances.
“SRG are still a strong candidate to win M7 because their performances throughout the tournament have been very impressive,” said Gilang, whose Onic Indonesia side exited the tournament after losing 3-1 to Team Liquid Philippines on Thursday.
He added that SRG’s strengths lie in their communication, chemistry and wide hero pool, factors which continue to give them an edge despite the setback against Aurora PH.
Former professional player Faris Zakaria, better known as Soloz, echoed that view and believes SRG have the mental strength to bounce back from the loss.
“Even though they lost to Aurora PH, they still have another life and can reset and refocus for the next match,” said Soloz.
Stormie admitted that the defeat in the upper bracket final has only fuelled SRG’s motivation, although the team are choosing to keep their emotions in check for now.
“Of course our desire to get revenge against Aurora Philippines is high after that loss, but we have to take things one step at a time,” said Stormie.
SRG are scheduled to feature in the lower bracket final on Saturday with a place in the Grand Final at stake as they continue their bid to become the first Malaysian team to lift an M Series World Championship.
For the record, SRG’s best finish at the tournament came at M6 in Kuala Lumpur two years ago, where they ended their campaign in third place.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
