Voice of Malaysian » Malaysian Sports

BADMINTON/Kedah Open: Underdogs top the heap

Tiger — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 02:44:39 +0000

IT was the day of the underdogs as Goh Soon Huat and Chan Kwong Beng eliminated more established national teammates to reach the men’s singles final of the Kedah Open in Alor Star yesterday.

Soon Huat was not given a chance against Tan Chun Seang, the favourite to win the title, but the former battled from a game down for a 16-21, 21-11, 21-13 win in 54 minutes.

Kwong Beng also battled hard against fellow back-up player Liew Daren before securing a 21-18, 11-21, 22-20 victory in 73 minutes to reach the final in the local circuit for the second time.
Kwong Beng, who upset Hafiz Hashim before losing to Lee Chong Wei in the final of the Pahang Open last year, will be in a confident mood against an inexperienced Soon Huat who is in the final of a senior tournament for the first time.

There were no surprises in the women’s singles as siblings Lydia Cheah and Sonia earned their places in contrasting styles.

Lydia was taken to three games by Tee Jing Yee of Penang before posting a 21-8, 20-22, 21-11 win while Sonia had an easy 21-10, 21-15 defeat of Sannatasah Saniru of Sabah.
Tan Boon Heong also made it the final of the mixed doubles event for the first time with Chin Eei Hui when the pair beat Vountus Indra Mawan-Ng Paou Leng 21-15, 21-14.

They will meet the top mixed doubles combination of Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying, who beat Goh Wei Shem-Lim Yin Loo 18-21, 21-10, 21-15, in the final today.

RESULTS — (All S-Finals) Men’s Singles: Chan Kwong Beng (Pk) bt Liew Daren (KL) 21-18, 11-21, 22-20; Goh Soon Huat (Mal) bt Tan Chun Seang (Ked) 16-21, 21-11, 21-13.
Women’s Singles: Lydia Cheah (KL) bt Tee Jing Yi (Pg) 21-8, 20-22, 21-11; Sonia Cheah (KL) bt Sannatasah Saniru (Sab) 21-10, 21-15.

Mixed Doubles: Tan Boon Heong-Chin Eei Hui (Ked-Pg) bt Vountus Indra Mawan-Ng Paou Leng (Sab) 21-15, 21-14; Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying (Pg-Mal) bt Goh Wei Shem-Lim Yin Loo (KL-NS) 18-21, 21-10, 21-15.

FOOTBALL: Sabah in Super League

Tiger — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 02:37:23 +0000

Felda United’s Mohd Saufi Ibrahim (left) is brought down by Armed Forces defender Ahmad Tarmini Saiban in their Premier League match at the KLFA Stadium yesterday. The match ended 0-0. – Picture by Osman Adnan

SABAH were promoted to the Super League after a 1-0 win over Pos Malaysia, put them as runners-up on the last day of the Premier League at the Selayang Stadium yesterday.

Farid Ideris’ strike in the fifth minute was enough to secure Sabah their first Super League appearance in five years.

Third-placed PKNS, who were the only side that could have denied Sabah’s promotion, lost 2-1 to a handicapped Young Tigers side at the MBPJ Stadium in Kelana Jaya.
The Tigers were without 10 players including four regulars, who are with the national Under-23 side.

It was a disappointing outcome for PKNS as they just needed to secure a win to earn the promotion. PKNS and Sabah, were both level on 45 points before yesterday’s proceedings, with the former having a better goal difference.

Felda United, who had secured promotion and the Premier League crown last week, drew 0-0 with the Armed Forces at the KLFA Stadium in Cheras.
D. Saarvindran shocked PKNS with a fine solo effort when he weaved past two defenders before unleashing a tame grounder, outside the penalty box, in the 23rd minute.

Christie Jayaseelan reduced the deficit for PKNS in the 89th minute.

Saarvindran was on the scoresheet again two minutes before the half time whistle when he coolly outfoxed PKNS keeper Saiful Amar Sudar, after latching onto a through ball in the penalty box and rounded him to slot the ball into the empty net for a 2-0 lead.
Felda together with Sabah, PKNS and Forces have also qualified for Malaysia Cup, which starts in September.
Read more: FOOTBALL: Sabah in Super League http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/51premmo/Article/#ixzz0uZ07JF6h

Ticket prices will go down next year to keep Malaysian GP well attended

Tiger — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:19:41 +0000

TICKET prices for the Malaysian Grand Prix next year will come down as race promoters and organisers Sepang International Circuit (SIC) continue to look into ways to make the event a well attended one.

It is also part of efforts to ensure that Malaysia is not a stop to be missed for the overseas fans, especially when increasing attention shifts to Asia.

South Korea will stage a first-ever F1 race in October, making it the seventh Asian country to do so after Japan, Malaysia, China, Bahrain, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.

And it is possible that one more European stop will have to make way as India is confirmed to be given a slot on the calendar next year. The SIC chief executive officer, Razlan Razali, said that it should not affect them much but the challenge on their part was to make sure the Malaysian GP stayed relevant.

The 12th edition of the Malaysian GP ended last Sunday with Red Bull Racing emerging triumphant for the first time.

Some 97,800 fans were present to watch Sebastian Vettel leading Mark Webber home for to a 1-2 finish.

It was a drama-filled afternoon the previous day as big teams Ferrari and McLaren ended on the back row of the grid after the qualifying sessions were hit by heavy rain.

“As we see, there are plenty of elements to make our race interesting. Now we have to start planning for next year and we will review all ticket prices,” said Razlan.

“It is to make the Malaysian GP more accessible to everybody and we want to ensure more Malaysians get in touch with the sport.

“My hope was to get 100,000 to come on race day and we were just a bit short of reaching the target.

“We have to work on volume to get the fans in and my hope is to see the stands filled in future Malaysian GPs.

“If Air Asia’s tagline is ‘Everybody can fly’, the SIC should have something like ‘Everybody can watch the race’.”

Grandstand ticket prices went for between RM500 and RM2,650 and the cheapest ticket was RM100 for the hillstands.

Razlan added that the circuit in Sepang, after 12 years in existence, needed urgent repairs and improvements to ensure that it remained on par with the newer tracks.

The SIC recently submitted a proposed renovation and refurbishment package to the circuit owners, the Ministry of Finance, on the matter.

“The plan is to look at improving the facilities and upgrading the infrastructure for the next few years,” said Razlan.

“We also have immediate priorities to repair leakages besides putting up a permanent hospitality building and the support paddock.”

Source

The ‘Flying Sikh’ is still the man to beat

Tiger — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:05:40 +0000

THE man they dubbed “the Flying Sikh” may no longer be the dominant force in Malaysian rallying but Karamjit Singh is still the driver to beat.

As he and his co-driver Jagdev Singh head for Kota Tinggi’s Tai Tak Estate for the Malaysian Rally and the Asia Pacific Rally Championship on April 23-25, the rivals are aware of the threat from the 48-year-old Karamjit.

The 2002 Production Car World Rally Champion has kept himself fit, and given his natural talent, the money is on him to win his 11th overall Malaysian Rally Championship title.

The race is spread over four legs, with the opening leg in Johor Baru followed by Perak, Kuala Terengganu and Perlis.

Karamjit will be behind the wheel of a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX under the GSR Penzoil Racing Team banner.

The Malaysian Rally will be held simultaneously with the Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) which has attracted 11 entries from six countries.

(From left) Johor Tourism’s Abdul Jabar Md Tahir, Tengku Shaharin Tengku Suleiman, Muhammad Rafiq Udhaya, Sean Gregory and Johor exco Hoo Seong Chang at the launch yesterday. — Picture by Roslan Khamis

Saladin Mazlan of the Felda Rally Team, who finished second overall in the Malaysian Rally Series last year, is out and the challenge to Karamjit could now come from the pair of Muhammad Rafiq Udhaya and Sean Gregory, who finished fourth last year.

Muhammad Rafiq, in a Subaru Impreza STI, has also entered for the APRC, a race which he feels will take him to a higher level.

“I have given myself another year or two to establish myself. And the APRC challenge is part of my experience gathering race. I need to know how the car reacts and what I need to to do before I can make a serious bid.

“But for now Karamjit is the man. He is still fit and given his talent, I wouldn’t be surprised if he wins the Johor leg of the Malaysian Rally,” added Muhammad Rafiq.

Though the defending champions of the Malaysian leg of the APRC Championship, Cody Crocker and Ben Atkinson from Australia, have retired, the Atkinson family name will still be around.

Chris, the younger brother, has joined the fray with Belgium’s Stephane Prevot in a Proton Satria Neo S2000 under the Proton R3 banner while another famous name in world rally, the McRaes, will make their presence felt too.

Alister McRae, the younger brother of former World Rally Champion, Colin, who died in an aircrash in 2005, will partner Australia’s Bill Hayes in a Satria Neo 2000.

Japan’s Katsu Taguchi, a former World Rally Championship participant, is also among the entrants with his Mitsubishi Evo X with Australian partner Chris Murphy.

Tengku Shaharin Tengku Suleiman, the clerk of course for the championship, said: “We have 11 cars from six countries on the starting grid for the APRC 2010. Considering the financial situation we are in now, 11 cars is a great figure.

“A narrow and tricky course within an oil palm plantation awaits them. All this will set the scene for a world class rally in the making.”

Source

No place for Selvaraju

Tokey — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:04:12 +0000

S. SELVARAJU has paid the price for playing in the French League.

The hard-running forward missed the recent Razak Cup in Kuantan, which was a ground for national chief coach Stephen van Huizen to select national players, and he is not among the 30 selected.

Selvaraju also did not play in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).

“I have given the training list to the MHF (Malaysian Hockey Federation) for endorsement and I was told they will make the announcement soon.

“I am not at liberty to disclose names, but all those who played in the MHL as well as the Razak Cup, were eligible to be called up for national training,” said van Huizen.

Selvaraju chose to play in the French League instead of the MHL and Razak Cup.

The coach said he did not name Selvaraju because he “does not know” the player’s status.

“He chose to play in the French League instead of the MHL and Razak Cup so I do not know his progress. He was carrying an injury before he went to France, and since I do not know if he has recovered or not, I have left out his name.”

However, Jiwa Mohan, who is working and playing in Australia, will be considered if the MHF and National Sports Council (NSC) are ready to foot his bill.

“Jiwa played in the MHL and his situation is different because of the cost factor involved. If the MHF and NSC are willing to foot his travelling and other bills, he will be considered because we have two important tournaments back-to-back and we need a big pool of players in training,” said van Huizen.

Malaysia will play in the Azlan Shah Cup next month, and after that the Commonwealth and then Asian Games.

Team manager Datuk Dr S.S. Cheema, who was in New Delhi during the World Cup, said this is Malaysia’s best chance to win the Asian Games gold medal.

“India and Pakistan are no longer strong sides and South Korea are only relying on fitness. I did not see anything special in the Korean side during the World Cup, and I personally feel that if Malaysia are to win gold in the Asian Games, this is the right time to make a serious push,” said Cheema.

Source

Hendrawan believes under-fire charges will prove their worth

Tiger — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 12:14:14 +0000

KUALA LUMPUR: National coach Hendrawan has only been in Malaysia for six months.

And what a testing six months they have been as the Indonesian tried to meet the high expectations of a nation clamouring for more shuttlers of calibre in the men’s singles department.

But, contrary to what others believe, the former world champion has not given up faith on his players just yet.

His elite and back-up players – Mohd Hafiz Hashim, Kuan Beng Hong, Tan Chun Seang, Chan Kwong Beng, Liew Daren and Mohd Arif Abdul Latif – came under fire following below par performances at the Malaysian Open in Bukit Jalil recently.

Hendrawan: ‘In Malaysia, everyone wants immediate results.’

Only Wei Feng achieved a breakthrough by reaching the quarter-finals, before succumbing tamely to Thailand’s Boonsak Ponsak.

Hendrawan admitted that training the Malaysian players had been the toughest since he began coaching in 2004.

He was, however, optimistic that his current batch of players would see the fruit of their hard labour — soon.

“I started out as the Indonesian women’s singles coach in 2004. That was also a tough job but, fortunately, it was a long-term project and I had enough time to whip the players into shape,” he said.

One of his charges — Maria Kristin Yulianti — won a bronze medal at the Beijing Olympic Games.

And when he took charge of the Indonesian men’s singles players, Sony Dwi Kuncoro achieved his career best by reaching the men’s singles final at the 2007 World Championships in Kuala Lumpur.

“In Malaysia, it is a different challenge altogether. Everyone wants immediate results. But, as a coach, I am trying to take one step at a time,” said Hendrawan.

“But I understand the situation here. Everyone wants to know who is next after (Lee) Chong Wei. Naturally, the pressure falls on the back-up shuttlers.

“I came here with the confidence of making a change and I still have that confidence.”

Hendrawan said that there had been pockets of improvements among his players.

“Hafiz is the most improved. Unfortunately, he did not meet his semi-final target (at the Malaysian Open) despite giving his best in training. As a player before, I understand Hafiz’s predicament,” said Hendrawan.

“It is time to move on. We have to refocus and look towards our preparation for the Thomas Cup Finals (in May). Hafiz will get a chance to regain his confidence at the German Open and All-England.”

Hendrawan said he would also continue to emphasise on the back-up players in a bid to close the gap on Chong Wei.

“All of them have their own strengths and weaknesses. I have no preferences as I believe all of them have an equal chance of making it. All they have to do is to work hard,” he said.

All six of Hendrawan’s charges will compete in the German Open, which will be held on March 2-7.

Hafiz and Beng Hong will also compete in the All-England (March 9-14) while the other four are on the waiting list.

TheStar

Chief coach Rexy in the dark about Kim Her’s return

Tiger — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 04:36:11 +0000

KUALA LUMPUR: National doubles chief coach Rexy Mainaky harboured hopes to start afresh with the men’s shuttlers after a good holiday with his family in Indonesia.

But now he has been presented with a “big headache”.

Rexy, who resumed work yesterday, certainly seemed slighted after he was kept in the dark over the appointment of Tan Kim Her as the latest member of the doubles coaching set-up.

He does not know how the former national doubles shuttler would fit into his plans.

But the Indonesian has no choice but to look again at the work delegation of his coaching team when the Badminton Association of Malaysia’s (BAM) coaching and training committee meet.

The BAM hired Kim Her last week and he is expected to report for work next month.

In a quandary: Rexy Mainaky was not consulted by the BAM in the hiring of Tan Kim Her (right) as a coach.

“Honestly, I do not know what to say. I am the doubles chief coach but I did not know anything about the appointment,” said Rexy.

“I have done my part and planned everything. All the coaches under my jurisdiction have a group of players to look after. For now, I have no answer on the role of Kim Her because I do not know about it myself.”

In the current set-up of doubles coaches are Rosman Razak (men’s elite), Pang Cheh Chang (men’s back-up), Chang Kim Wai (women’s back-up) and Jeremy Gan (mixed doubles).

Rexy oversees the whole group and he also coaches the top women’s pair, Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui, and four men’s doubles shuttlers – Pang Zheng Lin, Chooi Kai Ming, Goh Jian Hao and Lau Win Hwi, who were promoted from the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS).

Rexy, however, was quick to add that he had nothing against Kim Her and said that the presence of the Malaysian would add depth to the set-up.

Kim Her quit as a national doubles coach of the Malaysian team in 2004 to seek new challenge with stints in South Korea and England.

Despite being caught unawares by the BAM’s decision to hire a new coach, Rexy said that his goals and objectives for the players remained the same.

The players are being geared up to hit peak form in four major events this year – Thomas Cup Finals, world championships, Commonwealth Games and the Asiad.

And he is also looking for a good start from the men’s doubles pairs in the Malaysian Open from Jan 19-24. None of the pairs will feature in the season-opening Super Series event, the Korean Open, next week.

TheStar

Rashid wants new recruits to spur second stringers

Tiger — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 04:31:35 +0000

KUALA LUMPUR: Singles shuttlers Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin and Mohd Syawal Ismail have showed determination in training since their promotion to the national team last week.

And national singles chief coach Rashid Sidek is hoping that their presence would keep the other second stringers – Tan Chun Seang, Chong Wei Feng, Liew Daren and Mohd Arif Abdul Latif – on their toes.

All the four players had over the last four years not made any breakthrough or gave any indication that they would be able to move up the ranks. Their stagnancy in performances on the international stage had been attributed to a lack of fire and poor attitude in training.

Iskandar Zulkarnain: Promoted to the national team last week.

Rashid hoped that Iskandar and Syawal would provide the catalyst to strengthen the back-up squad this year.

“It will be a tall order to expect miracles from Iskandar and Syawal but I hope that they will be able to pile on the pressure on the other back-up shuttlers,” he said.

“It would be a shame on them if Iskandar and Syawal can do better in their first year in the national team. If the newcomers do better, it will be time’s up for these back-up players in the national team.”

Rashid conceded that his first year as the national singles chief coach would be remembered for the failure to lift he standard of the back-up shuttlers.

“We even brought in Hendrawan (Indonesia’s former world champion) but he has also found difficulties in motivating these players. The coach arrives at the training hall earlier than the players. I hope to see a change in attitude this year,” he said.

Rashid is desperately seeking for one or two back-up players to make up the team for the Thomas Cup Finals, which will be held at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil from May 9-16.

And he hoped that they will prove their worth in the back-to-back Opens in South Korea (Jan 12-17) and Malaysia (Jan 19-24).

For the singles in the Thomas Cup team, the sure bets for places are world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei and Mohd Hafiz Hashim.

TheStar

Selangor skipper doubtful for opener

Tiger — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 04:26:40 +0000

PETALING JAYA: Selangor skipper Mohd Amri Yahyah (pic) is a doubtful starter for the Charity Shield match against Negri Sembilan at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi on Saturday.

The 29-year-old striker has yet to recover fully from a right knee injury sustained during training a month ago.

“MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans showed my injury was not bad as before but I can still feel pain while doing light training,” he said.

“I hope I am still in the coach’s books for the match against Negri. But I think my chances are slim.”

In the run-up to the season-opening match, which is also counted as a Super League fixture, Amri had featured in only two of Selangor’s eight friendly matches.

The injury also kept him out of the national team for the Asian Cup qualifying match against the United Arab Emirates in Dubai yesterday.

“No doubt I would feel sad if I were left out of the team for the match on Saturday. I hope the lads will successfully defend the title for a great start to the season,” he said.

Besides winning the Charity Shield last season, Selangor also won the Super League and FA Cup trophies.

The Red Giants, who are under the charge of K. Devan, will also be without their national players for the match against Negri. Away on national duty are Bunyamin Umar, Amirulhadi Zainal, Farderin Kadir and Safiq Rahim.

Injuries may also keep P. Gunalan, Fazilidin Khalid and Khairul Anuar Baharom out of the match.

However, Selangor have a wealth of talent to choose from for the match against the Malaysia Cup champions.

“We have a stronger team this season, no doubt about that. With players out injured and also on national duties, the coach will figure out something to deal with Negri,” said Amri.

“The important thing is that those who come into the team for the match will have to give their best.”

TheStar

Top pair out to break Putra Stadium jinx

Tiger — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 04:14:31 +0000

THE Malaysia Open has been all about Lee Chong Wei since 2004 but men’s doubles Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong have a special reason for wanting to steal the limelight in this year’s tournament on Jan 19-25. Chong Wei has won all but the 2007 Malaysia Open and coincidentally that was the only year Kien Keat-Boon Heong managed to secure the title but national doubles coach Rosman Razak said a win at Putra Stadium this time will boost their confidence tremendously.

The Putra Stadium jinx had struck Kien Keat-Boon Heong on three occasions — the Malaysian Open in 2008 and 2009 and the 2007 World Championships — where they failed to progress beyond the quarter-final stage.

“Both Kien Keat-Boon Heong and Zakry (Latif)-Fairuzizuan (Tazari) have prepared well over the last four weeks, so they should do well. It will be good to start the year with a win as they target the four major events later this year,” said Rosman.

“Malaysian pairs have never done well at Putra Stadium and with the Thomas Cup being held there in May, we are looking forward to a good outing this time.

“A win will definitely boost the confidence of Kien Keat-Boon Heong since the world’s top three pairs will be competing but we are also being cautious as the year has many major events ahead.

Koo Kien Keat (right) and Tan Boon Heong will need a win in the Malaysia Open to consolidate their position as World No 1.

“The World Championships (in Paris), Asian Games (in Guangzhou), Commonwealth Games (in New Delhi) and the Thomas Cup at home will be the priorities.

“The pressure is not on them to win the Malaysia Open but the tournament will be a test to gauge how much they have improved since the Sea Games last month.”

Rosman said the four players have been well disciplined and Kien Keat and Zakry, often facing weight problems, have also changed their eating habits to improve on their fitness.

Winning their second Malaysia Open title will also help them consolidate their World No 1 position and Kien Keat-Boon Heong will want to make amends after their poor outing in the Sea Games where they lost tamely to Indonesian rivals Markis Kido-Hendra Setiawan in the final.

Kien Keat-Boon Heong can avenge that defeat in a likely rematch in the semi-finals and should they beat South Korea’s Jung Jae Sung-Lee Yong Dae in an expected title showdown, they can proudly claim themselves as the World No 1 on merit.

Zakry-Fairuz too will be aiming to regroup and halt their slump but they have a battle on their hands as they will meet Americans Tony Gunawan-Howard Bach in the first round.

NST

Voice of Malaysian » Malaysian Sports

BADMINTON/Kedah Open: Underdogs top the heap

More Related Topics

FOOTBALL: Sabah in Super League

More Related Topics

Ticket prices will go down next year to keep Malaysian GP well attended

More Related Topics

The ‘Flying Sikh’ is still the man to beat

More Related Topics

No place for Selvaraju

More Related Topics

Hendrawan believes under-fire charges will prove their worth

More Related Topics

Chief coach Rexy in the dark about Kim Her’s return

More Related Topics

Rashid wants new recruits to spur second stringers

More Related Topics

Selangor skipper doubtful for opener

More Related Topics

Top pair out to break Putra Stadium jinx

More Related Topics