Black Panthers, Thunder stunned as unbeaten STL runs end

For the Black Panthers, despite having 2018 Asian Games gold medalists Syahir Rosdi and Azlan Alias in the starting line-up, they were beaten 0-2 by the ATM Guardians at the Gem In Mall, Cyberjaya.

After a nervy 1-5 start to the first set, the defending champions, who had not suffered a defeat or conceded the first set for 10 straight games in all competitions since last season, never recovered from it to lose the first set 17-21.

In the second set, the Black Panthers started sluggishly, falling behind by as many as four points at one point.

They managed to overcome it to take a 18-17 lead, but conceded the next four consecutive points to lose 18-21.

"We had expected that it would get more difficult because at the start of the season many teams were still not in tune and adjusting to the court's condition.

For me, the first defeat of the season is not an issue, as the journey is still long and we will work hard to be stronger afterward," said Black Panthers coach Helmi Ismail.

As for Guardians tekong Hairul Hazizi Haidzir, it was an unexpected win for him and the team.

"It was really unexpected to beat the Black Panthers, especially in straight sets, because we know they are favourites and very strong.

"Our targets were to give a good fight and show a good game for spectators, but fortune was on our side.

"The return of [striker] Afifuddin Razali to the squad has also allowed our team to attack better.

"At the same time, we remained focused, patient and calm in weathering their attacks especially from Azlan and Syahir," he said.

The win, coupled with the Thunder's surprise 0-2 defeat to the Kelantan Warriors, saw the Guardians move to the top of the standings as well as remain the only unbeaten team so far.

The Kuala Lumpur side, who were unbeaten in four matches, were easily outmatched by their East Coast rivals 15-21, 12-21.

Meanwhile, the Selangor Pistons, who recorded their first win of the season on Saturday, were brought back down to earth by the PDRM Defenders, losing 10-21, 21-17, 10-21.

With only one win in five matches, the Pistons avoided being at the bottom of the table on virtue of winning one more set than the Melaka Titans did.

Also having one win in five matches and lingering at the bottom were the Terengganu Turtles, who lost their fourth consecutive league matches after being defeated by the Johor Tigris.

They were beaten 18-21, 21-17, 19-21.