The Kuala Lumpur Thunder picked up where they left off with a straight-set victory over newly promoted Bomba Fighters in the curtain-raiser of the 2021/22 Emas Anuar Sepak Takraw League (STL) season.

The dynamic duo of Syahir Rosdi and Azlan Alias led the Premier and Champions Cup double winners to a comfortable 21-7, 21-14 win in front of the Titiwangsa Stadium crowds as spectators were allowed once again.

Last season's action was held without spectators due to the Movement Control Order (MCO).

Besides the return of fans, the eighth edition of the competition reached new heights with the STL being broadcast outside Malaysia, the likes of Kedai Emas Anuar, BP Healthcare and more joining Li-Ning and Idemitsu as sponsors, and foreign players set to participate this year.

Nicholas John, Head of Sports at Astro, said: "We're very grateful to our fans who have contributed to the 15.6 million views and 90% increase of viewership on our digital platforms over the past three seasons.

"In the previous season, we received seven million views on our digital platforms, Astro GO and the Stadium Astro website. We hope to grow the STL's international fanbase with our broadcasting partnerships with ELEVEN and All Sports.

"We’re also introducing a new fan experience with the STL Fantasy where fans can manage a sepak takraw dream team and compete to win prizes. We hope this effort increases the value of this traditional sport and attracts more fans. Please stay tuned for the launch of the STL Fantasy later in the season."

Watch Emas Anuar STL 2021/22 every Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting at 3:00pm daily, and the weekly talk show PM Bersama AM on Wednesdays at 10:30pm on Astro Arena (Ch 801) or stream it on Astro GO.