MALACCA (28/7/2022): Competing for the fourth time in the World Pencak Silat Championship, Muhammad Robial Sobri hopes to hunt for glory in the 19th edition of the championship as he begins his quest for the gold medal by defeating Indonesia to cruise into the semi-finals.
The previous three editions of the championship witnessed the Kedahan accompanied with misfortunes as he suffered various injuries which led him to lose or withdraw from his matches.
“I am very satisfied with my performance. This is my fourth time competing in the prestigious World Pencak Silat Championship, and I’m happy to do well after being halted by so many injuries in the previous championships and competitions. I hope to maintain this momentum and pledge to give my very best in my next game.
“With the grace of the almighty, I believe I will be able to prevail match and I humbly request my family, friends and silat fans to keep encouraging me to succeed, “said Muhammad Robial after defeating Hendra Wahyu Hidayat from Indonesia 40-17 in Class I (85-90kg) in the quarterfinals today.
This is the 29-year-old’s maiden involvement in the 85-90kg weight category for the World Championships, mounting from Class H (80-85kg) since competing in the recent SEA Games.
Nevertheless, Muhammad Robial does not lack experience competing in Class I as he has acquired a bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta-Palembang.
The next opponent awaiting for the 2017 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games gold medallist is newcomer Earl Hurlburt from the United States who advanced to the next round after overcoming the challenge of India’s Piyush Abhay Shukla with a 36-12 victory.
The mouth-watering encounter between both the semi-finalist is scheduled to take place this Saturday at the Melaka International Trade Center (MITC), Ayer Keroh.
Malaysia aims to win seven gold medals out of its 32 contested events and will surely receive a fierce challenge from their fierce rival namely Indonesia in addition to Vietnam and Thailand who also sent a large contingent.
40 nations including debutants United States, Algeria and Germany will be vying to acquire the 19th World Pencak Silat Championship which is scheduled to reach its climax this coming Sunday.
