AZIZY ARBI & ZUREEN ZULYKA LIGHT UP THE SPIRIT OF SARAWAK IN SPISC 2023

KUCHING (2 March): The Sarawak silat contingent turned heads today with convincing performances in their quarter-final bouts at Stadium Perpaduan, Petra Jaya.

Azizy Arbi, a vastly experienced competitor in the men's creative category, made a stellar start for the Bumi Kenyalang contingent when he overcame fellow Sarawakian Mohammad Shamiezal Shapian 9.840-9.340 in his opening bout.

Sarawak's run continued as Zureen Zulyka Zaidel emerged victorious in the women's creative category, defeating Hananzohira Harif of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) 9.900-9.390.

Zureen, who now has two consecutive victories under her belt, said, "I'm always ready to face a tactically strong opponent like Hananzohira Harif. I was prepared for this in advance, and I'm delighted to emerge victorious against a tough opponent."

Nur Inatha Khairuniyah added the cherry on the cake for Sarawak as she calmly edged past Nur Sofea Nadillah Noor 9.905-9.875 in the women's creative category.

Malaysia's Muhammad Khairul Shaddad Ardi also secured a sweet victory in the men's senior singles category, proving to the audience that he is worthy of their expectations.

It was not a walk in the park for the 2016 SUKMA bronze medallist, as Brunei Darussalam's Muhammad Ali Saifullah Abdullah Muhd Suhaimi produced a powerful performance. In the end, the Johor-born exponent narrowly prevailed, scoring 9.950 points to his opponent's 9.920.

In the women's senior singles category, Nur Syafiqah Hamzah knocked the Philippines' Mary Francine C. Padios out of the quarter-finals, scoring 9.940 points to her opponent's 9.905.

Nur Syafiqah, who won gold at the Pencak Silat Southeast Asian Championship in Singapore last year, is among the favourites to win this five-star championship.

Twins Muhammad Danial Azray Noorazizan and Muhammad Danial Azroy Noorazizan put on a sensational performance in the men's senior doubles category, scoring 9.925 points to see off Brunei Darussalam's Juzaili Abdullah and Mohd Arif Ismail.

The inaugural Sarawak Premier International Silat Championship 2023, which runs from 27 February to 5 March, features approximately 500 participants from 11 countries and 10 local contingents. Admission is free, and the championship can also be watched live on the OneSilat Facebook page.