Malik advanced to the final thanks to the victory. He scored 5-0,5-0,5-1,5-0, and 3-3 in the first round; and 3-2,3-2,3-2,3-0 and 3-0 in the second round.
Finally, BO Thammavongsa lost to Malik 13-4,15-5,15-4,15-6 and 17-7.
Malik told the press that he was very pleased and grateful to Allah SWT for being able to go to the final.
"There was no difficulty, because I know the opponent`s tactic. I had twice met BO in the past. Alhamdulillah (Thank God), I played without burden, now I have to focus on the final," Malik said.
In the final, Malik will play against Muhammad Faizul Nasir of Malaysia, who won against Dines Dumaan of the Philippines in the previous match.
Malik is optimistic that he could grab a gold medal because he had defeated Nasir twice in the past matches.
"I will focus and must remain calm and relaxed. Being calm is one of the keys to victory," he said.
Pencak silat, a form of martial arts from Indonesia, is making its debut at the Asian Games this year.
Reporting by Syaiful Hakim
Editing by Fardah, Suharto
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
