Yew Ming leads Malaysia to second stage

MALAYSIA have reached the second stage of the Asia/Oceania Davis Cup Group III competition, which started on Wednesday, after recording two victories from three Group A ties in Tehran The team, led by Si Yew Ming, started their campaign by edging Oman 2-1 on Wednesday before going down 3-0 to Syria, a day later. In Friday’s deciding tie, Malaysia thrashed Bangladesh 3-0 to secure second spot, behind Group A champions Syria. Yew Ming was Malaysia’s best performer in the group stage with two wins from three matches. Malaysia, Syria along with Group B champions Kuwait and runners-up Iran were involved in the second stage late yesterday. The top two teams from the second stage will earn promotion to Group II next year. The national team, however, will need to raise their level of play if they hope of making a grade. RESULTS Malaysia 2 Oman 1 (Si Yew Ming bt Mohd Al Nabhani 6-4, 2-6, 6-3; Assri Merzuki bt Khalid Al Nabhani 6-4, 6-4; Ariez Deen Heshaam- Syed Agil Syed Naguib lost to Khalid Al Nabhani- Mohd Al Nabhani 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 3-6). Malaysia 0 Syria 3 (Si Yew Ming lost to Issam Al Tawil 2-6, 1-6; Assri Merzuki lost to Marc Abdulnour 1-6, 0-6; Ariez Deen Heshaam- Assri Merzuki lost to Amer Naow-Majdi Salim 1-6, 4-6). Malaysia 3 Bangladesh 0 (Si Yew Ming bt Ranjan Ram 6-3, 6-1; Ariez Deen Heshaam bt Sree Amol Roy 4-6, 7-5, 6-4; Assri Merzuki- Syed Agil Syed Naguib bt Prithul Mondal-Ranjan Ram 6-3, 6-2)