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The Road to Asian Games Regionals 2022 (RDAG Regionals 2022) FIFA Online 4 for the Southeast Asia Group took place on August 5, 2023, in Seoul, Republic of Korea. We had the opportunity of sitting down with the region’s talented athletes, including P3rlis and RipedJean from Malaysia, alongside the group's top-ranked athlete from Thailand, THAxTDKeane. In this interview, we explored their experiences, victories, and aspirations.

P3RLIS

_{Photo: P3rlis, Malaysian national athlete}

How does it feel to secure your first victory?

Winning against the well-known Thai athlete, THA.JubJub, was quite unexpected, given his reputation as one of Asia's top players. I initially assessed my chances of winning at around 50% prior to the match. However, this triumph has significantly boosted my confidence, and I am eagerly anticipating further successes in my upcoming matches. Additionally, it's worth noting that Thailand hosts the FIFA Online 4 server, whereas Malaysia lacks one. This situation prompts me to frequently travel across the border from my home state of Perlis in Malaysia to Thailand, which also explains my in-game name, P3rlis.

RIPEDJEAN

_{Photo: RipedJean, Malaysian national athlete}

How does it feel to win your first match?

Winning against Eggsy of Indonesia brought me a sense of happiness, considering his reputation as a skilled player in the game. Having observed his performance in various competitions, claiming victory against him was satisfying.

Could you share your experience of competing against THAxTDKeane in the final round?

Experiencing a significant score gap against my opponent, THAxTDKeane, in the final round caught me off guard. Having previously encountered and played against him on the Thailand server, I was surprised by the margin of defeat. Nevertheless, this encounter serves as a motivation to enhance my performance in future matches.

What are your expectations if you were to compete in the Hangzhou Asian Games?

My aspiration is to secure a spot within the Top 3, thereby contributing a medal to Malaysia's tally. I am hopeful that Malaysia will grant me the opportunity to represent the nation in the Asian Games, especially given my participation in other international tournaments.

THAXTDKEANE

_{Photo: THAxTDKeane, Thai national athlete}

How does it feel to secure victory in the final match against RipedJean on the grand stage, claiming the Top Rank?

I crossed paths with RipedJean on the Thailand server. He's a Malaysian residing in Thailand and competes in the pro league there. The match was not easy. However, scoring in the first and second sets of the opening game gave me the momentum and impetus to push ahead and secure the win.

Could you shed light on the strategies and tactics you employed to emerge victorious in the RDAG Regionals 2022 FIFA Online 4 matches?

My approach involves applying constant pressure throughout the game while maintaining a robust defensive stance. I prioritize reclaiming possession and keeping the game in the offensive zone, effectively pressuring my opponent. Swift agility allows for quick rebounds and a speedy build-up, amplifying the attack against my opponents.

What are your expectations for the Asian Games?

My ultimate goal is to clinch the gold medal. This event provides a platform to showcase my skills to the fans. Undoubtedly, there's a degree of nervousness when facing off against athletes from diverse Asian regions. I've competed against them in previous tournaments, and they've proven to be formidable opponents. Yet, I am determined to maintain my focus and strive for victory.

_{Photo: THA.JubJub and THAxTDKeane, Thais national athletes}

In case you missed the thrilling competition, you can catch all the action on AESF Official YouTube, Facebook, and Twitch channels through the recorded live-streamed videos.