{
  "id": 10404505,
  "title": "'We could have won': Malaysia rue lost Honor of Kings crown",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/we-could-have-won-malaysia-rue-lost-honor-of-kings-crown",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-28T08:34:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/esports/2026/09/1543028/we-could-have-won-malaysia-rue-lost-honor-kings-crown"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Malaysia's Honor of Kings team grappled with the aftermath of their loss to China in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games final, despite recognizing their opponents as formidable contenders. Captain Lee Han Siang expressed belief that Malaysia had a genuine opportunity to secure an upset, citing only minute differences in execution and strategy between the two teams. The team's disappointment stemmed from the fact that they fell short by mere margins in China's 4-0 victory at Aichi Sky Expo. Team captain Han Siang lamented, \"We are not happy with this result. We felt we could have won because in all four games, we only needed a little bit more to do it.\"\n\nMalaysia's roster included Chen Tat Yann, Lim Chee Hong, Chong Han Hui, Ryan Na Jie Rong, and Han Siang. They faced a well-structured China lineup consisting of Huang Yaoqin, Wang Ke, Xu Bicheng, Meng Jiajun, and He Weijia. China, recognized as a leading force in Honor of Kings, demonstrated a consistent performance throughout the match, ultimately sealing the gold medal with a resounding victory. Despite the setback, Lee Han Siang emphasized the value of learning from the experience, stating, \"We learnt a lot from these four games and we will improve ourselves for the next tournament.\"\n\nChina's strong performance in Honor of Kings remains a challenge for Malaysia to overcome. However, the silver medal, which marked the country's third esports achievement at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, is undoubtedly a source of pride. Earlier in the event, e-racing athlete Taj Izrin Aiman Taj Madira triumphed in Gran Turismo 7, while Malaysia secured silver in eFootball as well.",
  "summary": "AICHI: Malaysia’s Honor of Kings team are struggling to come to terms with their defeat by China in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games final, despite acknowledging their opponents as one of the powerhouses of the game.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "South China Morning Post",
        "title": "China’s gas turbine makers aim to challenge global giants. Is Malaysia the start?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/chinas-gas-turbine-makers-aim-to-challenge-global-giants-is-malaysia",
        "published": "2026-09-28T06:20:17.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Malaysia settle for Honor of Kings silver after China sweep",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/malaysia-settle-for-honor-of-kings-silver-after-china-sweep",
        "published": "2026-09-28T07:46:11.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}