This is Malaysia’s only title in the championships, which ended today.

The combination of  Noraizat Nordin and Aidil Aiman Azwawi, with Afifuddin Razali as reserve, edged the Laos team of Noum Souvannalist, Laksanaxay Bounphaivanh and reserve Kantana Nanthisen in a three-set thriller.

In the first set, the Malaysian pair led 20-17 before Laos drew level at 24-24.

However, Malaysia gained service and clinched victory at 25-24.

In the second set, Malaysia trailed 12-15 due to a series of errors, including in service and striking.

Afifuddin was brought in but that failed to swing the tide and Malaysia lost 14-21.

In the deciding set, the pair of Noraizat and Aidil scored four points in a row to surge to a 17-13 lead.

Laos brought in substitute Kantana but still Malaysia went on to win 21-18.

National coach Rashidi Nordin said the blocking of Noraizat and Aidil proved crucial in the game.

“The two teams were evenly matched in the deciding set but towards the end, the Malaysian team were helped by their blocking. That contributed to Malaysia’s victory,” he told Bernama.

Malaysia also finished third in the Premier Division men’s team regu and men’s regu.

The women’s squad under Ahmad Zin finished third in the women’s doubles.