A highly anticipated pencak silat final between Malaysia's Al Jufferi Jamari and Indonesia's Komang Harik Adi Putra at the 2018 Asian Games on Monday ended controversially after the former withdrew midway through the match.



In the Class E 65kg-70kg final, the three-time world champion chose to forfeit and settle for a silver medal due to his unhappiness with the fight's judging standards.







The panel of judges was seemingly biased towards the home fighter, giving him a 4-1 score in the third round despite Al Jufferi landing several successful attacks.



After his protest fell on deaf ears, the 26-year-old opted not to continue the match.



In a post-match interview, he told Astro Arena extensively about his displeasure with the judges.



"I was unsatisfied with the second and third judge because they did not judge my match with Komang Harik fairly.



"I do not blame Komang because he is a silat exponent like I am and wanted to win the gold medal, so he was not at fault.



"Other Indonesian silat exponents and fans were also not at fault, only the judges.



"I feel that I was not respected as a silat exponent who has often spearheaded Malaysia's challenge," Al Jufferi said.



He also said that the unfair judging standards could have severe consequences on the future of pencak silat, which was held for the first time at the Asian Games.



"The chances for pencak silat to take place at the Asian Games or Olympics in the future will be affected due to such judging standards.



"To be honest, if this continues, there will be no more silat competitions," he added.







On the same day, Faizul Nasir lost to Indonesia's Abdul Malik in the 50kg-55kg category.



In another sparring final involving a Malaysian on Monday, two-time SEA Games gold medalist Faizul Nasir lost to Indonesia's Abdul Malik in the Class B 50kg-55kg category.