Indonesia Semi-Final Awaits Khanh-Inspired Vietnamese

Phnom Penh, Cambodia: Le Khanh Hung's dream week at the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games continued when he led Vietnam into the semi-finals of the men’s team event.

The tall 14-year-old, who clinched the individual gold medal on Wednesday, maintained his imperious form at Phnom Penh’s Garden City Golf Club.

In one of the most emphatic performances on the opening day of the team event, Khanh was far too strong for his Lao opponent Chanpasit Ounaphom, racing to a 5&3 success.

With Uy Doan and Nguyen Dang Minh also posting comfortable victories, Vietnam triumphed 3-0. Thanks to that result they'll now face Indonesia in Friday’s semi-final.

Indonesia needed a play-off to edge past the Philippines after their quarter-final contest ended all square, 1.5-1.5.

In tomorrow’s second men’s semi-final, Malaysia, led by individual silver medallist Malcolm Ting, face a wounded Thai team determined to atone for failing to win a medal in the individual event.

While the Thais saw off the challenge of Singapore 2.5-0.5 on Thursday, the Malaysians were pushed hard by the hosts Cambodia.

Ting produced a powerful display to defeat Seng Vanseiha 6&4, but Nateeshvar Ganesh lost to Im Rea Hul 2&1.

With Anson Yeo halving with Peou Pichmeta, extra-time was required with the Malaysians nominating in-form Ting to represent them in the play-off. He duly got the better of Im Rea at the first extra hole to keep alive Malaysian hopes of further medal glory.

Although Jiradech Chaowarat halved with Brandon Han, Thailand progressed against Singapore thanks to wins for Ratchanon 'TK' Chantananuwat and Arsit Areephun.

Ratchanon, 27th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, held off Ryan Ang 2&1 while Arsit bettered Daryl Low 3&1.

Meanwhile, in the semi-finals of the women’s team event, favourites Thailand will face Cambodia while Malaysia will take on Indonesia.

In the quarter-finals, Thailand swept past Vietnam while Cambodia pulled off a major shock, eliminating the Philippines.

For Thailand, Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific champion Eila Galitsky, winner of the individual silver medal on Wednesday, beat Xuan Khue Minh Doan 4&3 and Navaporn Soontreeyapas saw off Chuc An Le 5&4.

Although Cambodian Brenna Preap Lien lost to world number 96 Rianne Malixi by 3&2, Harmonie Yin held her nerve to pip Lois Kaye Go one-up with the host nation progressing after a play-off at the expense of the Philippines.

Thanks to the individual medal-winning feats of Ng Jing Xuan and Foong Xi Yu, Malaysia received a bye as number one seeds and were interested onlookers as Indonesia ousted Singapore in another tense play-off.

In a closely-contested tie, Elaine Widjaja gave Indonesia the edge with a 2&1 success over Hailey Loh, but Holly Halim lost to Aloysa Atienza one-down ensuring a 1-1 outcome - and the necessity for extra holes.

In the play-off, Widjaja went head-to-head with Atienza and it was the Indonesian who prevailed with a par after Atienza bogeyed.