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KEJAYAAN demi kejayaan yang dicipta atlet negara dalam pelbagai acara sukan telah banyak menaikkan nama Malaysia di persada antarabangsa sepanjang tahun 2012. Tidak kira pada peringkat mana sekali pun, atlet negara telah membuktikan kemampuan mereka bersaing bukan sahaja untuk kepuasan peribadi tetapi yang lebih penting bagi mengharumkan nama Malaysia di pentas dunia. Mewarnai pencapaian yang membanggakan rakyat Malaysia ialah pungutan satu pingat perak dan satu gangsa pada Sukan Olimpik 2012 di London menerusi Datuk Lee Chong Wei (badminton) dan Pandelela Rinong Pamg (terjun). Biarpun tidak banyak kilauan pingat diraih atau sasaran pingat emas pertama Malaysia pada temasya sukan terbesar dunia itu tidak kesampaian, pencapaian tersebut adalah yang terbaik jika dibandingkan dengan temasya sebelum ini. Ini kerana, pada temasya Olimpik empat tahun lepas di Beijing, China, Malaysia hanya meraih satu perak dan meskipun kejayaan kali ini menyamai pencapaian kontinjen negara pada edisi 19

RAJAGOBAL (dua dari kiri) kini mengalih tumpuan bagi menghadapi kempen kelayakan Piala Asia 2015 yang bermula tahun depan. PENGENDALI Harimau Malaya, Datuk K. Rajagobal enggan cepat melatah di sebalik tekanan daripada sesetengah pihak ekoran kegagalan anak-anak buahnya mempertahankan kejuaraan Piala Suzuki AFF tahun ini. Biarpun didesak melepaskan jawatannya, Rajagobal menegaskan bahawa beliau masih mempunyai tanggungjawab yang telah diamanahkan oleh Persatuan Bola Sepak Malaysia (FAM). Justeru, Rajagobal enggan mempedulikan 'cakap-cakap luar', sebaliknya mahu terus fokus membimbing Harimau Malaya bagi menghadapi kempen kelayakan Piala Asia 2015 yang bermula tahun depan. "Saya tahu apa yang perlu saya lakukan. Selepas Piala Suzuki AFF 2012, misi saya adalah fokus kepada persiapan pasukan kebangsaan bagi menghadapi kelayakan Piala Asia 2015... itu sahaja," kata Rajagobal ketika dihubungi Kosmo! semalam. Sebelum menghadapi kempen Pia

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 20 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's number two women squash player, Low Wee Wern was shown the exit at the ongoing Women's World Open squash championship in Cayman Islands on Wednesday. In the quarter-finals match held at the glass court mounted at Camana Bay, the world number seven lost to England's Laura Massaro, 11-8, 4-11, 5-11 and 5 -11 in 45 minutes. Malaysia's world number one, Datuk Nicol David will start her campaign later.

KUALA LUMPUR, 20 Dis (Bernama) -- Pemain skuasy nombor dua Malaysia, Low Wee Wern tersingkir daripada Kejohanan Skuasy Wanita Terbuka Dunia yang sedang berlangsung di Kepulauan Cayman pada Rabu. Dalam perlawanan suku akhir di Camana Bay, pemain nombor tujuh dunia itu kalah kepada pemain England Laura Massaro, 11-8, 4-11, 5-11 dan 5-11 dalam 45 minit. Cabaran Malaysia pada kejohanan itu akan diteruskan ratu skuasy negara yang juga pemain nombor satu dunia Datuk Nicol David.

KUALA LUMPUR, 19 Dis (Bernama) -- Persatuan Angkat Berat Malaysia (PABM) akan mengemukakan surat berhubung cadangan tarikh mesyuarat agung tahunannya (AGM) kepada Pesuruhjaya Sukan Datuk Mohd Yassin Mohd Salleh dalam masa terdekat. "Dalam masa dua atau tiga hari lagi, kami akan menghantar surat kepada Pesuruhjaya Sukan bagi menetapkan tarikh AGM," kata Presiden PABM Zafarul Akhbar Kassim kepada pemberita selepas mesyuarat exco PABM di sini Rabu. Menurutnya, dua tarikh yang dicadangkan pada mesyuarat hari ini ialah sebelum atau selepas tempoh yang diarah Pesuruhjaya Sukan. Mohd Yassin sebelum ini dilaporkan meminta badan induk itu mengadakan AGM sebelum akhir bulan ini. PABM sepatutnya mengadakan AGM Mac lepas.

KUALA LUMPUR, 19 Dis (Bernama) -- Buat tahun ketiga berturut-turut, Andrea Guardini sekali lagi merupakan antara bintang berbasikal yang akan memeriahkan perlumbaan Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL) 2013 , tetapi kali ini, dia datang bersama Pro Team Astana, bukan lagi dengan pasukan Pro Continental, Farnese Vini. Guardini berkata Le Tour de Langkawi merupakan "perlumbaan yang amat dekat di hati saya". "Saya sukakan kehangatan negara ini dan rakyatnya. Keseluruhan suasana perlumbaan ini memberi rangsangan hebat kepada saya. Apabila saya berbincang tentang kontrak baharu saya dengan Astana, tidak sukar untuk mencapai persetujuan kerana hakikatnya saya akan mengambil bahagian dalam Le Tour de Langkawi sekali lagi. "Pihak pengurusan pasukan dengan terus terang menyatakan kepada saya bahawa perlumbaan ini sangat penting bagi Astana, kerana kami merupakan satu-satunya Pro Team dari Asia," kata Guardini dalam kenyataan yang dikeluarkan penganjur pe

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 19 (Bernama) -- The delay in payment of bonus to national players who achieved success at international level, as promised, was due to a delay in cash flow to the Badminton Association of Malaysia. BAM general manager Kenny Goh said it was not a new issue because such a situation had occurred before, but promised to pay the bonus as promised. "The money is there but the problem is the cash flow which has delayed the payment of bonus to the players. We will try to expedite payment. But I cannot comment further because it might tarnish the image of certain people," he told Bernama when contacted Wednesday. Newspapers reports today quoted several national shuttlers claiming that their bonus had not been paid for their achievement since last June. The BAM had promised bonus payment for players who qualified for the quarterfinals onwards at international tournaments.

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 19 (Bernama) -- Thailand's "War Elephants" found Singapore's "Lions" to be a handful in the first leg of the final of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore Wednesday night. Thailand lost 1-3 in the match and will have to pull out all the stops in their home leg in order to lift the Cup for a fourth time. Singapore, also three-time champions (1998, 2004 and 2007), were clearly the better side in the first half and created many scoring chances. It paid dividends when they were awarded a penalty in the 10th minute which their naturalised player Mustafic Fahrudin converted. Referee Toma Masaaki from Japan awarded the penalty after Singapore striker Aleksandar Duric was brought down in the box by a defender. On resumption, the Thai players coached by Winfried Schafer from Germany adopted a different tack and went for the jugular but were denied by stout defending by the towering Baihakki Khaizan

KUALA LUMPUR, 19 Dis (Bernama) -- Juara tiga kali, Singapura mencerahkan peluang mereka untuk muncul juara Piala AFF Suzuki buat kali keempat selepas mencatatkan kemenangan selesa 3-1 ke atas Thailand pada perlawanan akhir pertama di Stadium Jalan Besar, Singapura, Rabu malam. Skuad 'The Lions' yang muncul juara pada 1998, 2004 dan 2007 jelas menguasai sebahagian besar permainan pada separuh masa pertama dengan mencipta banyak peluang untuk menjaringkan gol. Hasilnya, mereka berada di hadapan seawal minit ke-10 menerusi jaringan penalti yang disempurnakan oleh pemain naturalisasi mereka, Mustafic Fahrudin. Pengadil perlawanan, Toma Masaaki dari Jepun memberikan sepakan penalti kepada Singapura selepas penyerang mereka, Aleksandar Duric dijatuhkan oleh pemain lawan dalam kotak penalti. Bersambung separuh masa kedua, skuad 'Changsuk' (Gajah Perang) yang dibimbing oleh jurulatih dari Jerman, Winfried Schafer mengubah strategi permainan dengan melan

KUALA LUMPUR, 19 Dis (Bernama) -- Kekalahan secara agregat 1-3 skuad Harimau Malaya kepada Thailand pada separuh akhir Piala AFF Suzuki 2012 baru-baru ini tidak menjejaskan kedudukan pasukan kebangsaan dalam peta bola sepak dunia. Berdasarkan senarai ranking terbaharu Persekutuan Bola Sepak Dunia (FIFA), skuad bimbingan Datuk K Rajagobal itu naik lima anak tangga, daripada kedudukan ke-163 dunia bulan lepas ke posisi 158. Sebelum ini, skuad negara berada di tangga ke-148 dunia pada Januari, 150 (Februari), 152 (Mac), 156 (April), 153 (Mei), 154 (Jun), 157 (Julai dan Ogos), 156 (September) dan 162 pada Oktober. Berikutan ranking terkini itu, skuad Harimau Malaya setanding dengan pasukan seperti Kepulauan Solomon (150), Aruba (151), Kepulauan Faroe (153) dan Bermuda (157). Dalam kalangan negara Asia Tenggara, Malaysia jatuh satu anak tangga ke kedudukan keenam di belakang Vietnam (131), Thailand (136), Filipina (147), Singapura (154) dan Indonesia (156).

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysia moved up five places in the FIFA world ranking list released despite the 1-3 aggregate loss to Thailand in the AFF Suzuki Cup. Malaysia who held 163rd position climbed five spots to 158. In January, Malaysia were in 148th spot but dropped to 150 in (February), 152 (March), 156 (April), 153 (May), 154 (June), 157 (July, August), 156 (September), 162 (October) and 163 November. Malaysia are now in the same league as Solomon Islands (150), Aruba (151), Faroe Islands (153) and Bermuda (157). In South East Asia, Malaysia dropped one spot to remain in sixth spot with Vietnam leading the pack on (131), Thailand (136), Philippines (147), Singapore (154) and Indonesia (156). In Asia, Malaysia moved up one spot to take up 26th position among 46 countries. Meanwhile, World and Euro champion Spain continued to stay at the top of the world with 1,606 points while Germany and Argentina maintained their second and third spots with 1

RAJAGOBAL (berdiri di kanan) masih mendapat kepercayaan daripada FAM untuk membimbing Harimau Malaya. PERSATUAN Bola Sepak Malaysia (FAM) tidak akan berganjak dengan pendirian untuk terus mengekalkan khidmat Datuk K. Rajagobal sebagai ketua jurulatih skuad Harimau Malaya. Biarpun pengendali berusia 56 tahun itu gagal membantu Malaysia mempertahankan kejuaraan Piala Suzuki AFF 2012, FAM memberi jaminan bahawa ‘kerusi panas’ itu masih menjadi milik Rajagobal. Setiausaha Agung FAM, Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad menegaskan bahawa cadangan untuk melantik jurulatih Harimau Muda A, Ong Kim Swee untuk menggantikan tempat Rajagobal tidak wujud buat masa sekarang. Menurut Azzuddin, FAM tidak akan menghukum Rajagobal hanya disebabkan gagal pada kempen Piala Suzuki AFF 2012, sebaliknya badan induk sukan bola sepak negara itu masih memerlukan khidmatnya. Jelasnya, FAM juga tidak mahu pihak-pihak tertentu memberikan tekanan kepada Kim Swee dan beliau yakin jur

  (Clockwise from left) National coach Lee Jae Hyung, Khairul Anuar Mohamad with Cheng Chu Sian at the London Olympics in June, Nurul Syafiqah Hashim (second from right) with her 2011 Sea Games teammates and Haziq Kamaruddin. SUCCESSORS: Emergence of Khairul, Haziq and Syafiqah augurs well for Malaysia as evergreen Chu Sian takes his bow THE national archers have made great strides over the years but even more remarkable is the young competitors who are emerging from the shadows as the sport undergoes a generation shift. National coach Lee Jae Hyung has unearthed a couple of gems in Khairul Anuar Mohamad and Haziq Kamaruddin to carry Malaysia's challenge at the London Olympics in June. Following the retirements of Marbawi Sulaiman and A. Anbarasi and the poor form of Wan Khalmizam Wan Abd Aziz, Jae Hyung dug into the deep talent well in Malaysian archery to emerge with three archers few had heard of prior to the Olympics. Khairul,

  A walk in the park: Nicol David stayed firmly on track for a record seventh world title at the Women’s World Open at Cayman Islands.   PETALING JAYA: World No. 1 Nicol David stayed firmly on track for a record seventh world title after effortlessly crushing Hong Kong’s Annie Au in the second round of the Women’s World Open at Cayman Islands. The 23-year-old Annie, ranked ninth in the world, has never beaten Nicol in 12 meetings – not even when she was at her very best. This time, Annie came into the tournament suffering from a slight dip in form, having lost in the first round of the Hong Kong Open earlier this month – and was duly punished by Nicol, who won 11-3, 11-2, 11-3 in just 25 minutes on Monday. It was a truly dominant performance by the 29-year-old Nicol, a far cry from her Malaysian Open campaign back in September, where she struggled to beat Annie in four sets. In fact, Monday’s match was over even before it started as Nicol raced to early

EASY: World No 1 downs Annie to set up clash with Madeline TITLEHOLDER Nicol David  showed how much she likes the music and warmth of the bay-side venue at Grand  Cayman on Monday with an in-tune performance which carried her to the  quarter-finals of the World Open in less than half an hour. The six-time champion looked as strong a favourite as ever as she won 9-3, 9-2, 9-3 against Annie Au, the Hong Kong player who has become a regular in the world's top ten, but was allowed no chance to show how. Nicol struck the ball rhythmically and well, gave little away, and kept pressure on so relentlessly that it was easy to forget that the tournament had undergone a major shift of playing conditions. "They made the ball bouncy, but at the same time this is a glass court so if you play your shots, it goes in," said Nicol referring to the more favourable chances of putting the ball away compared with the first round which had been played on conventionall

ASEAN UNIVERSITY GAMES: Athletes grab 10 gold, nine silver, six bronze medals Winners of the Men’s Team Recurve and Women’s Team Compound (clockwise from top left) Nazrin Aizad Mat Nasir, Liew Tek Wa, Wan Mohd Khalmizam Wan Abdul Aziz, Saritha Cham Nong, Fatin Nurfatehah Mat Salleh and Norhayati Al Madihah Hashim. Pic by Goh Thean Howe MALAYSIA continued to be top of the class in Vientiane, Laos, winning another 10 gold, nine silver and six bronze at the Asean University Games yesterday. The Malaysians led the table with 49 gold, 35 silver and 45 bronze. Vietnam are second (44 gold, 24 silver, 17 bronze) while Thailand are third (26 gold, 36 silver and 34 bronze). Malaysia dominated the archery team events, winning three of the four gold medals on offer. Liew Tek Wa, Wan Mohd Khalmizam Wan Ab Aziz and Nazrin Aizad Mat Nasir (who had finished fourth in the World University championships in Spain last July), overcame a spirited Indonesia (Riau Ega Agata

PEMANAH lelaki dan wanita negara menguasai saingan acara berpasukan pada AUG 2012 semalam. VIENTIANE, Laos - Kontinjen Malaysia semakin hampir untuk dinobatkan sebagai juara keseluruhan Sukan Universiti ASEAN (AUG) 2012. Selepas enam hari temasya edisi ke-16 itu berlangsung, kontinjen negara terus unggul selaku pendahulu carta pungutan pingat. Setakat semalam, kontinjen negara berada di tangga teratas carta apabila mengumpul 49 pingat emas, 39 perak dan 49 gangsa diikuti Vietnam di tangga kedua dengan 44 emas, 26 perak dan 22 gangsa. Tuan rumah, Laos pula menghuni tangga ketiga dengan mengumpul 29 pingat emas, 8 perak dan 31 gangsa. Berbaki dua hari lagi sebelum temasya dwi tahunan itu menutup tirainya esok, kontinjen negara dijangka menambah koleksi pingat emas menerusi beberapa acara yang bakal berlangsung. Sukan renang dan memanah yang akan beraksi untuk hari terakhir hari ini dijangka menjadi lubuk buat kontinjen negara bagi meraih pingat emas. Pada

KUALA LUMPUR, 18 Dis (Bernama) -- Peminat bola sepak tempatan berpeluang menyaksikan perlawanan Liverpool FC menentang Tottenham Hotspur, secara langsung, di Anfield dalam Liga Perdana Inggeris (EPL) Mac depan, atas ihsan Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia Berhad. Bank itu telah melancarkan pertandingan digital di mana peminat bola sepak perlu menghasilkan video, tidak lebih 90 saat di YouTube mengenai apa makna bola sepak kepada mereka. Dalam kenyataan hari ini, Pengarah Urusan dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya Osman Morad berkata dua tiket Centenary Stand dan tiket penerbangan kelas ekonomi, lawatan dibiayai sepenuhnya ke Anfield ditawarkan kepada pemenang. Penginapan dua malam dan wang belanja RM2,400 (500) juga sebahagian daripada tawaran itu. Peserta yang berminat perlu mempunyai akaun YouTube yang sah, akaun e-mel dan berumur 18 tahun ke atas layak menyertai pertandingan itu.

KUALA LUMPUR, 18 Dis (Bernama) -- Perlawanan akhir Piala Emas Raja-Raja 2012 antara Perak dan Kedah akan berlangsung Sabtu ini di Stadium Perak, Ipoh. Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pertandingan Persatuan Bola Sepak Melayu Malaysia Datuk Mohd Noor Mohd Darus berkata perkara itu diputuskan selepas mesyuarat jawatankuasa tersebut di sini Selasa. "Kita memilih Stadium Perak sebagai gelanggang perlawanan akhir Piala Emas Raja-Raja 2012 kerana sudah 22 tahun Perak tidak layak ke perlawanan akhir," katanya kepada pemberita. Mohd Noor berkata harga tiket bagi perlawanan yang dijadual bermula pukul 8.45 malam itu akan ditentukan Persatuan Bola Sepak Melayu Perak. "Saya harap penyokong Kedah dan Perak akan hadir beramai-ramai untuk memberi sokongan kepada pasukan masing-masing," tambahnya.

VIETIANE, 18 Dis (Bernama) -- Selepas Khoo Cai Lin, seorang lagi perenang kebangsaan Siow Yi Ting membantu kontinjen Malaysia di Sukan Universiti Asean (AUG) 2012 meraih pingat emas ke-45 pada hari keenam temasya di sini Selasa. Perenang berpengalaman itu merangkul emas dalam acara 200m kuak dada wanita dengan catatan 2 minit 34.88 saat menewaskan pencabarnya dari Indonesia, Margareta Kretapradani, pingat perak dengan masa 2:41.16s. Gangsa milik Chontida Onnim dari Thailand dengan 2:48.41s. "Saya sangat gembira dapat membantu kontinjen mencapai sasaran pingat emas ke-45. Saingan di sini tidak begitu kompetetif jika dibandingkan dengan Sukan SEA, dan mungkin ini menjadi kelebihan buat saya. "Pertandingan ini pemanas badan dan platform buat saya untuk mengenal pasti kelemahan prestasi semasa bagi menghadapi kejohanan akan datang," katanya kepada pemberita. Siow dan rakan sepasukan Cai Lin, Leung Chii Lin dan Chui Lai Kwan turut meraih emas d

VIENTIANE, Dec 18 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian contingent competing in the Asean University Games (AUG) steam rolled all pre-games expectations by surpassing the revised target of 45 gold medals even before the final day of competitions. The Malaysian contingent that had surpassed the initial target of 36 by reaching the 39-gold mark, revised the target upwards by setting 45-gold as the new target. However, Malaysia with an accumulated total of 49 gold, 39 silver and 49 bronze medals has managed to overcome even the second target and the current momentum could see the medal tally zooming past the half century mark tomorrow. The swimming team led by Siow Yi Ting, fished out six gold medals from the pool Tuesday while archery contributed three and wushu to close the proceedings of the day with 10 gold medals, the same as Monday. Yi Ting, an experienced swimmer, splashed her way to the 200m Breastroke gold in a time of 2:34.88s, well ahead of her closest rival Marg

TUNKU Ismail ketika bercakap kepada pemberita pada sidang akhbar di Johor Bahru semalam. PASUKAN Johor Darul Takzim bukanlah tempat ‘percutian’ untuk pemain-pemain berstatus bintang sebaliknya mereka mempunyai misi besar untuk membantu Harimau Selatan muncul juara saingan Liga Malaysia (Liga M) musim hadapan. Presiden Persatuan Bola Sepak Negeri Johor (PBNJ), Tunku Mahkota Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim bertitah, pasukan Johor Darul Takzim mempunyai matlamat besar iaitu untuk menjadi juara sekali gus menjadi pasukan yang digeruni pihak lawan. “Mereka (pemain) bukan datang sini (Johor) untuk bercuti dan hanya menerima gaji setiap bulan tetapi kami mempunyai matlamat besar yang untuk dicapai. “Kami mahu menaikkan semula nama Johor dalam arena bola sepak tempatan dan saya amat gembira dengan pasukan ini. Kami telah merancang hampir setahun untuk mengenal pasti pemain-pemain berkualiti,” titah baginda pada sidang akhbar di Johor Bahru semalam. Pada

KUALA LUMPUR (By K. Rajan):  Harimau Muda A coach Ong Kim Swee hopes to have his team’s overseas training and playing trips confirmed by this week.  The national Under-23 squad are scheduled to have a stint in Australia in January and another in Europe some time in March.  Kim Swee explained that the overseas stints were a vital part of the team’s preparations to defend the SEA Games gold medal in Naypyidaw, Myanmar, next December.  “We have finalised the teams for the Australian stint and are awaiting the green light from the FA of Malaysia (FAM), which we should get by the end of this week,” said Kim Swee.  “We are also waiting for the Australian FA to confirm a friendly match against their Under-23 side during the stint. An official announcement will be made when everything is finalised.  “We have 27 players in the squad and I plan to use all of them in these overseas stints. I want to gauge their ability at a higher level.”  The Harimau Muda A squad are

CAI LIN (kanan) menunjukkan angka 36 selepas meraih pingat ke-36 kontinjen negara pada AUG 2012 semalam. VIENTIANE, Laos - Perenang wanita negara, Khoo Cai Lin muncul wira apabila menyumbangkan pingat emas ke-36 buat kontinjen Malaysia pada Sukan Universiti ASEAN (AUG) 2012. Kejayaan itu hadir selepas dia memenangi pingat emas dalam acara 800 meter (m) gaya bebas dengan catatan 9 minit 06.01 saat (s) pada aksi final yang berlangsung di Pusat Akuati Kompleks Sukan Nasional Laos semalam. Lebih manis, catatan tersebut turut memadam rekod lama kejohanan iaitu 9:32.87s. Pingat emas yang dimenangi atlet berusia 24 tahun itu sekali gus melengkapkan misi kontinjen Malaysia yang meletakkan sasaran untuk membawa pulang 36 pingat emas dari bumi Loas. Sebagai rekod, Cai Lin yang merupakan penuntut di Universiti Taylor turut melengkapkan sasaran pingat emas kontinjen negara pada edisi 2010 di Chiangmai, Thailand. "Saya gembira kerana sekali lagi berjaya melengka

JOHOR BAHARU, 17 Dis (Bernama) -- Tujuan pasukan bola sepak Johor Darul Takzim mengambil pemain ternama adalah untuk meletakkan pasukan itu di barisan hadapan dalam arena bola sepak negara serta menjadi pasukan unggul dalam Liga M. Sejajar dengan itu, presiden Persatuan Bolasepak Negeri Johor (PBNJ) Tunku Ismail Idris Sultan Ibrahim mengingatkan pemain bahawa penyertaan mereka dalam pasukan itu bukan untuk tujuan 'makan angin', tetapi sebaliknya perlu berusaha untuk menjadikannya pasukan terbaik. "Pasukan ini bukan tempat untuk menikmati percutian di mana pemain datang untuk mengambil gaji dan berehat, tapi mereka perlu bermain dengan sepenuh hati," katanya pada sidang akhbar di sini Isnin. PBNJ menjadi perhatian ramai sejak beberapa bulan lepas kerana dikatakan berbelanja besar untuk mengambil ramai bintang bola sepak asing dan tempatan untuk bermain dengan pasukan Johor Darul Takzim, yang dulunya dikenali sebagai Johor FC. Antara pemain te

VIENTIANE, 17 Dis (Bernama) -- Kontinjen negara melepasi sasaran pungutan pingat emas apabila meraih 39 pingat emas, 25 pingat perak dan 37 pingat gangsa pada temasya Sukan Universiti Asean (AUG) yang memasuki hari kelima. Kontinjen negara mencapai sasaran pingat emas ke-36 menerusi perenang kebangsaan Khoo Cai Lin dalam acara 800 meter gaya bebas wanita yang berlangsung di Pusat Akuatik Kompleks Sukan Nasional dekat sini. Pada acara hari ini, kontinjen negara terus menguasai carta kedudukan pingat dengan menambah 10 pingat emas, empat perak dan 10 gangsa. Secara keseluruhan, Malaysia terus meninggalkan Vietnam di kedudukan kedua dengan 31 pingat emas, 18 perak dan 15 gangsa diikuti Thailand dengan 22 pingat emas, 30 perak dan 22 gangsa. Ketua kontinjen Malaysia Profesor Dr Yahaya Ibrahim berkata beliau berpuas hati dengan pencapaian atlet negara yang terus membuat kejutan dan meletakkan sasaran kedua iaitu 45 pingat emas bagi edisi kali ini. "Kit

VIENTIANE, Dec 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysia continued to dominate proceedings on the fifth day of the Asean University Games (AUG) to remain at the top of the medal standings with 39 gold, 25 silver and 37 bronze medals. The 39-gold tally achieved today also surpassed the Malaysian contingent's initial target of 36, when national swimmer Khoo Cai Lin won the women's 800m Freestyle event at the National Aquatic Centre. Malaysia who were leading the overall standings yesterday with 29 gold medals, added another 10 gold, 4 silver and 10 bronze medals today to strengthen its position at the top. Vietnam with 31 gold, 18 silver, 15 bronze are second while Thailand with 22 gold, 30 silver, 22 bronze are third while host Laos are fourth with 19 gold, 17 silver and 25 bronze medals. Malaysia contingent chef-de-mission Prof Dr Yahaya Ibrahim said he was satisfied with the achievement of his athlete and set 45 gold medals as his revised target. "We have surp

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's world number one Datuk Nicol Ann David strolled into the second round of the Women's World Open in Cayman Islands, Sunday. Nicol took 31 minutes to beat unseeded Omneya Abdel Kawy of Egypt in straight sets 11-8, 11-5, 11-5 and will be meeting Annie Au of Hong Kong in the second round match today. "It was definitely a tough draw, for both of us. She's all there now, and when she's firing them in it really puts the pressure on you. If she'd taken that first game it could have gone any way, so I was pleased to finish that one, I really did not want to have a big struggle in the first round. "Glad to take it in three, and really looking forward to playing on the glass court now, the setting looks really spectacular," said Nicol as quoted in the competition official website, www.worldopensquash.com. Meanwhile, Malaysia's second ranked women squash player, Low Wee Wern defeated Eng

KOTA BAHARU, Dec 16 (Bernama) -- Media personnel will enjoy better facilities at the Stadium Sultan Muhammad ke-IV here especially when making coverage for the Malaysian Football League for the next season. The secretary of the Kelab Media Kelantan Darul Naim (Kemudi) Mazram Idzam Ridzal Mahmud said this was because the Perbadanan Stadium Kelantan (PSK) and Kelantan Football Association (Kafa) had agreed to make improvements on the existing facilities. "Kafa has given an assurance that it will increase the number of seats to 20, provide a long table and upgrade the broadband service to media personnel wishing to use the facility at the stadium's media centre," he told Bernama, here today. Mazram said Kemudi took the initiative to hold discussions with Kafa and PSK after receiving complaints from media personnel who found difficulty when making football coverage at the stadium previously.

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 (Bernama) - Head coach Datuk K. Rajagobal must be given the opportunity to make improvements and bring about change to the Harimau Malaya squad. Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said it would be unfair to sack the coach as punishment for Malaysia's exit from AFF Suzuki Cup recently. "We must remember that it was Rajagobal who restored the people's faith in the national football squad and enhance the image of the players. "However, he must find ways to improve the performance of the national squad," he told reporters at the wedding of his daughter, Nurkhalida and her partner, Qaiyum Hasnul at Juara Stadium, Bukit Kiara Saturday. Among those present were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Cabinet ministers, deputy ministers and director-general of National Sports Council, Datuk Zolkples Embong.

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- The Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Haminah Saturday took part in the two-day women's golf championship 'Kedah International Red Tee Golf Invitation 2012', at the The Mines Resort & Golf Club here. Her arrival at 7.30am was received by the competition chairman, Tunku Puteri Datuk Seri Jawahir Tuanku Ja'afar and head organiser Datuk Rosli Awang before tee-off at 8am. Rosli said the championship was aimed at promoting Malaysia as an international golf destination to lure more tourists to the country. The event, which was organised by the Malaysian Ladies' Golf Association (Malga), was the third since 2010 but held for the first time outside Kedah. The event was also included in the promotion web site of the Tourism Ministry of Malaysia. More than 60 amatuer women golfers comprising businesswomen and dignitaries from Croatia, Korea, England and Malaysia took part in the championship.

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- World number 10 Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark and defending champion Hsieh Su-Wei of Taiwan became the first two players to confirm participations in the BMW Malaysian Open women tennis championship next year. The announcement was made by event patron Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad during a press conference at a hotel here Saturday. The former prime minister also announced the qualifier wildcard entry for national player 16-year-old Aslina Chua, who was recently crowned BMW Malaysian National Circuit 2012 Women's Open winner. In his speech, Dr Mahathir said, it had always been his intention to see Malaysians engaging in sports, not just for its competitive elements but also in promoting healthy lifestyle, as well as developing stronger mindset and discipline. "This passion also had to do with cultivating sportsmen and sportswomen from young, who will be advocates for Malaysia and future role models for our younger generation

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- Diving queen Pandelela Rinong and national shuttler Datuk Lee Chong Wei were named men's and women Olympian of the Year for 2012, respectively. They received their award, which came with RM10,000 each, from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah at the 20th Olympian of the Year dinner, here Friday night. Also present were the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Haminah, Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Razali Ibrahim and Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Tan Sri Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja'afar. Pandelela and Chong Wei were chosen for the award by the OCM Executive Board for their performance at the London Olympics last July. Sarawakian Pandelela, 19, became the first Malaysian woman athlete to bring home an Olympic medal by winning a bronze in the 10m platform. Chong Wei, 30, from Penang, won a silver medal in the men's singles.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah dan Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Haminah berkenan berangkat ke Majlis Makan Malam Olympian ke-20 di sini. Tuanku Abdul Halim turut berkenan menyampaikan Anugerah Olympian 2012 kategori wanita kepada ratu terjun Pandelela Rinong Pamg dan jaguh badminton Datuk Lee Chong Wei bagi kategori lelaki. Kedua-dua atlet itu dipilih oleh Lembaga Eksekutif Majlis Olimpik Malaysia (MOM) sebagai penerima anugerah tahun ini berikutan kejayaan menyumbang pingat buat negara pada temasya Olimpik London Julai lepas. Masing-masing menerima pingat dan wang tunai RM10,000. Anak kelahiran Sarawak, Pandelela, 19, muncul atlet wanita dan atlet terjun pertama negara meraih pingat gangsa pada temasya itu menerusi acara 10m platform. Chong Wei, 30, dari Pulau Pinang, pula merangkul perak menerusi acara perseorangan lelaki. Anugerah Olympian adalah acara tahunan yang dianjurkan MOM sejak 1993 untuk mengiktiraf pencapaian atlet lelaki dan wanita

NORSHAHRUL (kanan) melepaskan tandukan ke gawang Thailand tetapi tandukannya itu berjaya diselamatkan penjaga gol lawan. BANGKOK – Segala-galanya sudah berakhir buat Harimau Malaya apabila tumpas 0-2 kepada Thailand dalam aksi separuh akhir kedua kempen Piala Suzuki AFF 2012 di Stadium Supachalasai, malam tadi. Kekalahan tersebut sekali gus mengecewakan harapan seluruh rakyat Malaysia yang mengharapkan Harimau Malaya berjaya melangkah ke final. Impian Harimau Malaya untuk mengulangi 'magis' muncul juara dua tahun lalu hanya tinggal sejarah apabila Gajah Perang terlalu unggul di gelanggang sendiri, sekali gus menyaksikan Thailand mara ke final dengan kelebihan agregat 3-1. Untuk rekod, kedua-dua pasukan sebelum ini terikat seri 1-1 dalam aksi separuh akhir pertama di Stadium Nasional, Bukit Jalil Ahad lalu. Suka atau tidak, skuad negara yang tempang apabila terpaksa beraksi dengan 10 pemain gara-gara Mohamad Fadhli Shas diperintahkan keluar pada

KUALA LUMPUR, 13 Dis (Bernama) -- Hajat Malaysia untuk melangkah ke perlawanan akhir Piala AFF Suzuki 2012 tidak kesampaian selepas mereka kalah secara agregat 1-3 kepada Thailand pada separuh akhir kedua di Stadium Supachalasai, Bangkok, Thailand, Khamis. Kedua-dua pasukan sebelum ini mencatatkan keputusan seri 1-1 di Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil pada Ahad lepas. Kekalahan tersebut sekali gus meleburkan rekod skuad Harimau Malaya bimbingan Datuk K. Rajagobal untuk mempertahankan Piala AFF yang dimenangi pada 2010 di Indonesia. Thailand yang menggunakan khidmat pembantu jurulatih Mano Polking ekoran penggantungan ketua jurulatih Winfried Schafer nyata unggul dengan menguasai sebahagian besar permainan dengan serangan bertali arus ke kubu skuad kebangsaan. Nasib malang menimpa skuad Harimau Malaya apabila pengadil perlawanan, Lee Min Hu dari Korea Selatan melayangkan kad merah kepada pemain pertahanan, Mohamad Fadhli Mohd Shas pada minit ke-44 kerana bergaduh den

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's hopes of making it to the final of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 were dashed after they went down 0-2 to Thailand in the second leg of the semi-finals at the Supachalasai Stadium in Bangkok, Thursday night. Malaysia lost 3-1 on aggregate after both teams played to a 1-1 draw at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium last Sunday. Thailand also frustrated Malaysia's hopes of retaining the title which they lifted in Indonesia in 2010. Buoyed by the home crowd, Thailand were in control for most parts of the game, but Malaysia managed to keep Thai sporadic attacks at bay in the first half. Harimau Malaya's midfielder Mohamad Fadhli Mohd Shas was sent off in the 44th minute by referee Lee Min Hu from South Korea for quarrelling with Thai midfielder Datsakorn Thonglao. National coach Datuk K. Rajagobal replaced left-winger S. Kunalan and brought in Mohd Khyrill Muhymeen Zambri in the 52nd minute to beef up the midfield but

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 (Bernama) -- Under its early bird promotion, the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) is offering a 50 percent discount on tickets for the 2013 Petronas Malaysian Grand Prix (GP), scheduled for March 22 to 24. SIC Chief Executive Officer Datuk Razlan Razali said under the promotion, motorsport fans could buy tickets for as low as RM33 and they should need to act fast as the offer would end on Dec 31. "As the year end is very fast approaching, I would like to remind fans to grab this hot offer because come the New Year, the tickets are back to normal price," he said in a statement here Thursday. He said the discounted RM33 ticket would give fans a full three-day access for natural grass seating at the uncovered Hill stands at K2, which faces the opening three corners or at C1, which faces Turn 8 and 9 or C3, which gives clear view of Turns 11, 12, 13 and 14. Razlan said the offer for 50 percent discount applies to all tickets excep

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 (Bernama) -- National squash queen and world number one Datuk Nicol David is the top seed for the Women's World Open Championship, scheduled to begin later today at the Cayman Islands. The first four days of the annual squash tournament will be held at the South Sound Squash Club before shifting to an all-glass court at the Festival Green on Camana Bay, said the tournament website www.worldopensquash.com. Nicol, who has already bagged six World Open titles in Hong Kong (2005), Northern Ireland (2006), England (2008), Egypt (2010) and twice in the Netherlands (2009 and 2011) has also clinched the Cayman Islands Open for three consecutive times - 2009, 2010 and 2011. She, however has been drawn against world number 20, Omneya Abdel Kawy of Egypt who became the runner-up in the 2010 World Open in the first round this Sunday. The 29-year old Penangite is expected to meet either ninth seed, Annie Au of Hong Kong or Line Hansen of Denmark i

MUN YEE membawa Jalur Gemilang ketika perarakan masuk kontinjen Malaysia pada majlis perasmian pembukaan AUG 2012 di Stadium Utama, Kompleks Sukan Nasional, Laos semalam. VIENTIANE, Laos - Tirai temasya Sukan Universiti ASEAN (AUG) 2012 disingkap secara rasmi semalam. Upacara perasmian penuh berwarna-warni itu berlangsung di Stadium Utama, Kompleks Sukan Nasional, Laos. Majlis perasmian disempurnakan oleh Perdana Menteri Laos, Thongsing Thammavong. Upacara perasmian bermula dengan perarakan masuk semua 11 kontinjen negara yang bertanding pada temasya edisi ke-16 kali ini. Seperti dijadualkan, Malaysia menjadi kontinjen keempat yang memasuki pekarangan stadium yang mempunyai kapasiti 25,000 tempat duduk itu. Ketua Kontinjen Malaysia ke AUG 2012, Prof. Dr. Yahaya Ibrahim mengetuai perbarisan 220 atlet dan pegawai yang memasuki stadium. Atlet terjun wanita negara, Leong Mun Yee pula diberi penghormatan membawa Jalur Gemilang buat kontinjen Malaysia. Kontin

SCHAFER (kanan) berjabat tangan dengan pengendali Harimau Malaya, Datuk K. Rajagobal pada sidang akhbar di Hotel Golden Tulip Sovereign, Bangkok semalam. BANGKOK - 'Wajah sebenar' pengendali Thailand, Winfried Schafer akhirnya terdedah. Ternyata kata-kata manis beliau memuji penyokong Harimau Malaya pada aksi separuh akhir pertama Piala Suzuki AFF 2012 di Stadium Nasional, Bukit Jalil, Ahad lalu sekadar satu sandiwara. Semalam, Schafer secara terbuka mengutuk penyokong Harimau Malaya, selain optimis pasukannya mampu menyambar slot final biarpun tanpa kehadiran beliau di bangku simpanan gara-gara rayuannya tidak dilayan oleh pihak penganjur. Ketika aksi separuh akhir pertama lalu, Schafer diperintah meninggalkan padang kerana didakwa mempertikai keputusan pengadil dari Iran, Torki Mohsen Ramezanali. Menjelang aksi separuh akhir kedua di Stadium Supachalasai malam ini, Schafer memberitahu, penyokong di Thailand jauh lebih profesional berbanding

SCHAFER (kanan) berjabat tangan dengan pengendali Harimau Malaya, Datuk K. Rajagobal pada sidang akhbar di Hotel Golden Tulip Sovereign, Bangkok semalam. BANGKOK - 'Wajah sebenar' pengendali Thailand, Winfried Schafer akhirnya terdedah. Ternyata kata-kata manis beliau memuji penyokong Harimau Malaya pada aksi separuh akhir pertama Piala Suzuki AFF 2012 di Stadium Nasional, Bukit Jalil, Ahad lalu sekadar satu sandiwara. Semalam, Schafer secara terbuka mengutuk penyokong Harimau Malaya, selain optimis pasukannya mampu menyambar slot final biarpun tanpa kehadiran beliau di bangku simpanan gara-gara rayuannya tidak dilayan oleh pihak penganjur. Ketika aksi separuh akhir pertama lalu, Schafer diperintah meninggalkan padang kerana didakwa mempertikai keputusan pengadil dari Iran, Torki Mohsen Ramezanali. Menjelang aksi separuh akhir kedua di Stadium Supachalasai malam ini, Schafer memberitahu, penyokong di Thailand jauh lebih profesional berbanding

RAJAGOBAL (dua dari kanan) mengendalikan latihan skuad Harimau Malaya di Stadium Dhebhasadin, Bangkok semalam. BANGKOK - "Tidak ada apa-apa yang perlu dirisaukan pemain-pemain saya. Kita tunggu sahaja perlawanan (malam ini)." Itu reaksi pengendali Harimau Malaya, Datuk K. Rajagobal yang kekal tenang menjelang aksi separuh akhir kedua kempen Piala Suzuki AFF 2012 berdepan Thailand di Stadium Supachalasai di sini malam ini. Biarpun kelebihan peraturan tempat gol di tempat lawan dilihat lebih memihak kepada Thailand selepas kedua-dua pasukan seri 1-1 pada aksi separuh akhir pertama di Stadium Nasional, Bukit Jalil, Ahad lalu, Rajagobal tidak mahu anak- anak buahnya tertekan dengan situasi itu. Selain itu, perang psikologi lawan ekoran padang latihan yang teruk juga disifatkan Rajagobal sebagai dugaan yang perlu dikendalikan dengan cukup matang oleh anak-anak buahnya. "Kami perlu berfikiran positif, kegagalan menjalani latihan sempurna gara-gara m

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 12 (Bernama) -- Former champions Singapore edged a spirited Philippines side 1-0 in the AFF Suzuki Cup second leg semifinal at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore Wednesday night to book a place in the final. Singapore advanced on a 1-0 aggregate score since both teams had played to a goalless draw in their first leg semifinal at the Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila on Dec 8. Singapore now await the winner of the other semifinal between Malaysia and Thailand that will be played Thursday.

KUALA LUMPUR, 12 Dis (Bernama) -- Singapura menjadi pasukan pertama menempah slot ke perlawanan akhir Piala AFF Suzuki 2012 selepas menundukkan Filipina 1-0 secara agregat selepas saingan separuh akhir kedua di Stadium Jalan Besar, Singapura, Rabu malam. Sebelum ini, kedua-dua pasukan itu terikat seri tanpa jaringan pada perlawanan separuh akhir pertama di Stadium Memorial Rizal, Manila, Filipina, Sabtu lepas. Penyerang Singapura, Mohamad Khairul Amri Mohd Kamal, menjadi wira pasukan 'The Lions' apabila menjaringkan gol tunggal selepas rembatan leret pada minit ke-19 gagal diselamatkan oleh penjaga gol Filipina, Eduard Ortalla Sacapano. Kejayaan skuad Singapura melayakkan ke perlawanan akhir adalah kali keempat selepas layak pada tiga edisi terdahulu yang menyaksikan mereka muncul juara iaitu pada 1998, 2004 dan 2007. Kekalahan itu sebaliknya membolehkan pasukan Filipina mengulangi pencapaian mereka mara ke separuh akhir pada edisi 2010 di Indonesia.

VIENTIANE, 12 Dis (Bernama) -- Upacara pembukaan rasmi temasya Sukan Universiti Asean (AUG) kali ke-16 berlangsung daalm suasana meriah dengan pertunjukkan bunga api dan persembahan kebudayaan tempatan di Stadium Kompleks Sukan Nasional, di sini, Rabu. Lebih 1,600 penonton menyaksikan acara pembukaan kejohanan yang disertai 11 kontinjen dari Laos selaku tuan rumah, Malaysia, Singapura, Indonesia, Filipina, Vietnam, Kemboja, Myanmar, Brunei, Thailand dan Timor Leste. Ia dirasmikan Perdana Menteri Laos, Thongsing Thammavong. Malaysia buat julung kali menghantar kontinjen terbesar ke temasya sukan dwitahunan itu dengan 360 atlet dan pegawai dengan meletakkan sasaran 36 pingat emas. Seramai 220 atlet negara menyertai acara perarakan kontinjen dengan penerjun negara Leong Mun Yee diberi penghormatan sebagai pembawa bendera negara Jalur Gemilang. Sebanyak 245 pingat emas, 245 perak dan 387 gangsa membabitkan 17 acara sukan ditawarkan pada edisi kali ini -- terjun

VIENTIANE, Dec 12 (Bernama) -- National diver Bryan Nickson Lomas was happy to be given the green light to compete in the men's individual 1m Springboard at the Asean University Games (AUG). Bryan, appearing in the AUG for the first time, said he was happy to be given an opportunity to compete and probably contribute a gold medal to the Malaysian contingent. "I am happy to be given a chance to compete in the 1m Springboard, especially so when the 10m Platform diving event was cancelled due to lack of participation. "My target is to win a gold medal in the games," he told reporters here Wednesday. Apart from Bryan, Leong Mun Yee and Cheong Jun Hoon will be taking part in the women's individual 1m Springboard and 10m Platform while Ng Yan Yee will feature in the 3m Springboard. The organisers, Laos, had dropped three of the six diving events due to lack of participation from other countries. Diving team manager Ariffin Mohammed Yusof sai

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 12 (Bernama) -- All 170 special flight tickets allocated by AirAsia for the AFF Suzuki Cup second leg match between Malaysia and Thailand in Bangkok Thursday have been snapped up. The Ministry of Youth and Sports' Corporate Communications Unit spokesman Nik Mohd Fitra Wan Jaafar said the RM500 flight packages offered for fans who wished to travel to Bangkok and support the national team, were snapped up by 12 noon today. "The response was overwhelming because all the tickets were sold out in less than two days. We will now send the list of names to AirAsia," he said when contacted by Bernama. He added that the flight package (RM500) to Bangkok included the flight ticket, special bus to the Supachalasai Stadium in Bangkok, match ticket, seven kilogramme baggage allowance and in-flight meals. Asked if the ministry and AirAsia would decide to add any more flights since the response was good, Nik Mohd Fitra said there were no such pl

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 12 (Bernama) -- The Youth and Sport Ministry will remain committed in combating corruption in football through educational programmes and law enforcement. Its deputy minister Datuk Razali Ibrahim clarified that corruption in football involved match-fixing which is a global issue. He said, the ministry implemented educational and information campaigns by instilling positive values, religion and formation of personality at all ages to check corruption. "In terms of enforcement, an examination, monitoring and transparency committee was set up by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and chaired by Tan Sri Aseh Che Mat with representatives from the police and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)," he said when answering a question from Senator Datuk Mohammed Najeeb Abdullah at Dewan Negara, here, Wednesday. Mohammed Najeeb wanted to know the cause of corruption in football which was still rampant despite various initiatives