Malaysian esports team finish second but get invite to RM46mil meet

AT the end of the day, the grandfather was better.

The Malaysian esports teams had been bristling with confidence when they took on China in the Arena of Valor (AoV) final – but were outplayed by a dominant host side comprising Sun Liwei, Lin Heng, Chi Xiaoming, Xu Bincheng and Tao Jiang at the Hangzhou esports Arena.

In the first round, the Chinese were surprised when the Malaysian AoV team of Chong Han Hui, Eng Jun Hao, Lai Chia Chien, Nicholas Ng Khai Shuan, Ong Jun Yang and Yong Zhan Quan took a 2-1 lead, producing a top draw team attack on the Chinese side in the first three minutes of the game.

But the Chinese side, filled with professional players playing in various AoV leagues in China made a comeback to beat them 8-3.

The second round was all China as they walloped the Malaysians 10-1 to bag the gold medal.

Malaysia’s captain Chia Chien said the team did their best but were overawed by the occasion.

“It’s like playing against the grandfather, while we are the grandchild. China are the best for a reason. They have been playing this game for seven years now. They have vast experience,” said the 21-year-old.

“But it’s an experience we will cherish. It will make us stronger for future competitions. I believe we played a good game and made the Chinese crowd see our potential.”

Before the games, Chia Chien revealed that for two weeks before flying to Hangzhou, they had trained 10-12 hours a day.

The long hours, he said, did benefit them as they won the silver.

And the medal wasn’t the only thing they won – they have also earned themselves a shot at a US$10mil (RM46mil) reward.

Team manager Wong Kang Woon said the AoV publishers have invited a team from Malaysia to take part in their professional league in December.

“The purse is US$10mil. We will head home and set up a professional team. I know the boys are eager to be part of the team.”