Malaysian Sports - Today's back pages!

NEW DELHI, April 28 (Bernama) -- World number one Datuk Lee Chong Wei lived up to his top billing by winning the Yonex-Sunrise India Open 2013 men's singles title by beating Japan's Kenichi Tago 21-15, 18-21, 21-17 after a three-set thriller. Chong Wei who had won the title in 2011 and lost it to South Korea's Shon Wan Ho last year, was in his element today, to defeat his Japanese opponent who put up a spirited display at the Siri Fort Sports Complex in New Delhi, India. The Malaysian number one was the only Malaysian left standing in New Delhi following the defeats of men's doubles second seeds Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong and mixed doubles pair Chan Peng Soon/Goh Liu Ying, in the quarterfinals.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- National number two men's squash player, Mohd Nafiizwan Adnan has finally put an end to his winning drought in the PSA World Tour as he bagged the Irish Open title in Dublin, Ireland late Saturday. In the final matches held at the Fitzwillian Tennis Club, Mohd Nafiizwan who was seeded third, upset second seed Omar Abdel Meguid of Egypt 13-11, 8-11, 11-7 and 11-2 in the 57-minute match. Commenting on his victory, the 27-year-old Terengganu-born said the title meant a lot to him as it was his first major win in the profesional squash tour this year. He hoped to return next year. "I will relax now after a long week. Ireland has been good to me, it's a great tournament for me and let's hope that Canon Kirk Homes, the sponsors (of this tournament), can support the events next year," he was quoted in the tournament website www.irishsquash.com. Meanwhile, in the women's category, Irishwoman Madeline Perry w

Kuala Lumpur: Perlumbaan Jelajah Malaysia 2013 ditunda ke Jun berikutan Pilihan Raya Umum ke-13 (PRU13), 5 Mei ini, menurut penganjur perlumbaan, Persekutuan Kebangsaan Berbasikal Malaysia (PKBM). Perlumbaan berbasikal tertua di Malaysia itu sepatutnya berlangsung dari 7 hingga 11 Mei ini kini ditukar ke 26 hingga 30 Jun. Timbalan Presiden PKBM Datuk Naim Mohamad berkata, pihaknya memohon kepada Kesatuan Berbasikal Antarabangsa (UCI) untuk meminda tarikh asal kerana PRU13 baru selesai dua hari sebelum itu. Bagaimanapun, katanya, secara kebetulan UCI sudah menetapkan semua kejohanan kebangsaan di seluruh dunia perlu diadakan dalam tempoh antara 17 hingga 30 Jun ini. Naim yang juga Ketua Pegawai Operasi Jelajah Malaysia 2013 berkata, sebelum ini beliau sudah mendapatkan pandangan Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) mengenai tarikh asal perlumbaan iaitu 7 hingga 11 Mei ini. “Polis meminta PKBM mengambil kira faktor kawalan keselamatan perlumbaan memandangkan negara bar

KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) has reschedule the 2013 Tour of Malaysia from May to June, in view of the forthcoming 13th General Election (GE13), and polling day on May 5. The Tour of Malaysia, the oldest cycling event, that was initially scheduled from May 7 to 11, has now been fixed for June 26 to 30. "The decision was made following the International Cycling Union's (UCI) request to host all cycling events from June 17 to 30," MNCF deputy president Datuk Naim Mohamad told Bernama. here, Thursday. Earlier, the Tour of Borneo was also rescheduled from April 26-30 to Aug 22-26, after receiving the green light from the UCI. Naim said the MNCF had appealed to reschedule the date of the Tour of Malaysia (May 7) since the 13th General Election would have just ended on May 5. "I had also received feedback from the police since the issue of security must be taken into account after the GE13.

Kelana Jaya: “Saya tak mahu komen.” Itu reaksi jurulatih kebangsaan Datuk K Rajagobal yang mengelak daripada ditemuramah pihak media sejurus mendapati dirinya tidak bersalah atas kesalahan mengkritik dasar Persatuan Bolasepak Malaysia (FAM) semalam. Sejurus selesai perbicaraan mesyuarat Jawatankuasa Tatatertib FAM yang berlangsung hampir empat jam semalam, Rajagobal yang tampil membuat pembelaan terus bergegas masuk ke biliknya di Wisma FAM tanpa sebarang kenyataan. Pengendali skuad Harimau Malaya itu pastinya menarik nafas lega dengan keputusan diumum Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Tatatertib, Datuk Taufek Abd Razak apabila beliau terlepas daripada dakwaan di bawah Perkara Kod Tatatertib 4.5.8. Ini kes pertama tertuduh terlepas daripada hukuman Jawatankuasa Tatatertib selepas kes sebelum ini menyaksikan beberapa individu seperti bekas jurulatih kebangsaan B Sathianathan, Timbalan Presiden FAM Tan Sri Annuar Musa, Presiden Bola Sepak Negeri Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan

PETALING JAYA, 24 April (Bernama) -- Ketua jurulatih skuad kebangsaan Datuk K. Rajagobal didapati tidak bersalah oleh Persatuan Bola Sepak Malaysia (FAM) atas tuduhan melanggar Artikel 88 Statut FAM. Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Tatatertib FAM Datuk Taufik Abdul Razak berkata tidak wujud kes ke atas Rajagobal selepas meneliti rakaman video yang diserahkan oleh jurulatih berusia 56 tahun itu. Oleh itu, katanya, jawatankuasa berkenaan memutuskan untuk tidak mengenakan hukuman atas kesalahan mengeluarkan kenyataan mengkritik dasar badan induk itu seperti termaktub dalam Artikel 88 FAM. "Kita mendapati tidak wujud kes ke atas beliau (Rajagobal) selepas membuat pengakuan bahawa beliau tidak pernah mengeluarkan kenyataan sedemikian (mempersoalkan polisi FAM) sebagaimana yang dilaporkan oleh beberapa akhbar sebelum ini. "Mungkin akhbar itu tersilap memberikan tafsiran mengenai kenyataan beliau sebelum ini," katanya kepada pemberita selepas mempengerusikan me

PETALING JAYA, April 24 (Bernama) -- National head coach Datuk K. Rajagobal was let off the hook by the Football Association of Malaysia's (FAM) Disciplinary Committee after finding no evidence that he had violated FAM's Article 88, as claimed. FAM Disciplinary Committee chairman Datuk Taufik Abdul Razak said the committee had decided not to charge Rajagobal after carefully analysing the video of the post-match press conference by the 56-year-old coach. "After listening to the recording of the post-match press conference, we decided to drop the charge against Rajagopal as he did not make such a statement. "Maybe his (Rajagobal) assessment and comments of the match was misconstrued by the media. There was no mention of the FAM policy throughout his comments," said Taufik after emerging from a three-hour Disciplinary Committee meeting at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya, here, Wednesday. Rajagobal who does not mince his words when asked to com

  TAN Sri Vincent Tan celebrated the promotion of Cardiff City to the English Premier League by announcing that the word "Malaysia" will be retained in the club's jersey for the new season.    The billionaire owner of Cardiff, however, made it clear that he and the team manager, Malky Mackay, will not be hiring Malaysian players due to a Fifa ruling but said young players from Malaysia could be recruited for attachment with the Welsh club.    "We will maintain the word 'Malaysia' in our jersey to show to the world that I am patriotic. There will be no changes when we play in the EPL next season," said Tan in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.      "I have done this to promote Malaysia on the global stage and I hope the Malaysian government, through the Ministry of Tourism, will join in as sponsor.      "However, we will not be able to hire Malaysian footballers because of a Fifa ruling where Malaysia must be in the world top

Doubtful pair: The participation of Malaysia’s Woon Khe Wei (left) and Vivian Hoo in the Malaysian Open depends on the doctor’s prognosis of the former’s ankle injury.   PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s top women’s pair Vivian Hoo-Woon Khe Wei are out of the India Open. And they may find themselves ruled out of the Malaysian Open GP Gold from April 30-May 4 if the doctor does not give the nod for Khe Wei to take part. Khe Wei, who only returned to action in March after recovering from a nagging knee injury, hurt her ankle during the final of the New Zealand Open last week. It resulted in the pair missing out on their first title of the year. Although she has recovered from the ankle injury, Khe Wei-Vivian prefer to sit out the India Open and await the doctor’s green light to compete in the Malaysian Open. “There’s still a bit of pain and I’ll consult the doctor tomorrow. Hopefully, he’ll clear me for action. I hope to be able to compete in the Malaysian Open,”

NEW DELHI, April 24 (Bernama) -- World No. 1 badminton player, Datuk Lee Chong Wei aims to reclaim the Yonex Sunrise India Open title for his new born son, Kingston Lee. "I will try hard to win the title for my baby," he told reporters after winning round one of the Yonex-Sunrise India Open 2013, against Ireland's Scott Evans in straight sets 21-16 and 21-5 in 23 minutes. He won the title in 2011. For round two, Chong Wei will play against Japan's Kazumasa Sakai tomorrow. On his choice to participate in the tournament despite the Badminton Association of Malaysia allowing him to skip it, the two-time Olympic silver medalists said: "Yonex is my biggest sponsor and I need to support them...besides, it is also an important tournament for India. "(While) I do miss my son, it's my duty (to take part in the tournament)," he said.

KUALA LUMPUR, 23 April (Bernama) -- Cardiff City FC yang akan melangkah ke Liga Perdana Inggeris (EPL) musim depan akan terus menggunakan perkataan 'Malaysia' di jersi mereka. "Ini bagi menunjukkan kepada negara dan dunia bahawa saya rakyat Malaysia yang patriotik. Kami akan mengekal perkataan Malaysia pada jersi Liga Perdana kami. "Saya telah lakukan ini (mempromosi Malaysia) sudah beberapa tahun dan mungkin kali ini kerajaan Malaysia menerusi Kementerian Pelancongan akan turut serta sebagai penaja kami," kata pemilik kelab Wales itu, Tan Sri Vincent Tan kepada pemberita di sini Selasa. Beliau berkata seperti tahun sebelum ini, beliau akan memberi peluang kepada pemain Malaysia yang muda dan berbakat untuk menjalani latihan dengan kelab itu. Namun Tan berkata beliau dan pengurus pasukan Malky Mackay tidak boleh mengambil pemain Malaysia untuk bermain dengan kelab mereka kerana peraturan ranking FIFA dan peraturan EPL. "Terdapat

Bukit Jalil, 23 April 2013 – ISN dengan bangganya telah turut sama menjayakan program anjuran Standard Chartered – “Standard Chartered TID Football Clinic with EPL Legends” bertempat di Dewan Biomekanik ISN.   Program ini adalah salah satu inisiatif khidmat masyarakat oleh Standard Chartered bersempena kedatangan lagenda-lagenda bolasepak EPL ke “ Standard Chartered EPL Football Malaysia Cup ” baru-baru ini. Lagenda-lagenda bolasepak EPL yang telah menjayakan program ini adalah terdiri daripada Dietmar Hamann (Liverpool), Stephane Henchoz (EPL All Stars), Jerzey Dudek (Liverpool), Bjorn Tore Kvarme (Liverpool), Phill Babb (EPL All Stars) dan Michael Thomas (EPL All Stars). Klinik Bolasepak ini diadakan sejajar dengan usaha Standard Chartered  untuk melahirkan lebih ramai lagi bakat tempatan dalam sukan bolasepak dengan matlamat untuk melahirkan pelatih dan pemain bertaraf antarabangsa. Disamping itu turut menarik perhatian pada program ini, seramai 40 orang murid-

MAJLIS Sukan negara (MSN) pening.Selepas menerima berita pemain No.1 dunia, Datuk Nicol David enggan menyertai Kejohanan Skuasy Asia di Pakistan, terbaharu, jurulatih skuasy negara, Peter Genever pula membuat keputusan tidak akan menyertai skuad negara ke kejohanan tersebut. Untuk menambahkan lagi kekecewaan MSN, keputusan tersebut tidak dimaklumkan kepada mereka. Ketua Pengarah MSN, Datuk Seri Zolkples Embong naik angin apabila dia tidak mengetahui keputusan yang diambil oleh jurulatih dari England itu. “Saya tidak tahu dia (Genever) tidak akan menyertai skuad negara ke kejohanan tersebut. Seharusnya kami dimaklumkan terlebih dulu. “Saya akan mendapatkan penjelasan daripada Persatuan Skuasy Raket Malaysia (SRAM) mengenai hal ini,” ujar Zolkples ketika dihubungi Kosmo! semalam. “Kita tahu Nicol tidak ke sana (Pakistan) kerana isu keselamatan, tetapi tidak menjangka pula jurulatih mereka turut mengambil keputusan yang sama,” tambah Zolkples. Genever mula be

Kuala Lumpur: Persekutuan Kebangsaan Berbasikal Malaysia (PKBM) memandang serius rungutan ketua jurulatih negara John Beasley dan akan bersemuka dengannya bagi mencari jalan penyelesaian terbaik. Timbalan Presiden PKBM Datuk Naim Mohamad berkata, jurulatih dari Australia itu mungkin mempunyai masalah dengan individu tertentu namun yakin masalah itu mampu diselesaikan dengan segera. “Kami di PKBM sebenarnya tidak mempunyai sebarang masalah dengan Beasley. Mungkin beliau mempunyai masalah dengan individu yang bekerja dengan PKBM dan bukan membabitkan kami yang sentiasa memberi sokongan terhadap perancangannya,” katanya. Arena Metro kelmarin melaporkan pengendali yang sudah bersama skuad negara sejak 2006 itu melahirkan rasa kurang senang apabila mendedahkan ada musuh dalam PKBM yang cuba menjejaskan perancangannya. “Saya sudah mula ada musuh dalam persekutuan dan ini sangat memalukan kerana saya cuba membantu sukan berbasikal Malaysia ke peringkat lebih ting

WORLD SERIES: Finishes last in 10m platform final AN out-of-sorts Pandelela Rinong failed to add to the silver medal she won with Leong Mun Yee in the women's 10 metre platform synchronised when she finished last in the 10m platform individual final at the Edinburgh leg of the World Diving Series on Sunday. The London Olympics bronze medallist was inconsistent throughout her five attempts with a poor fourth dive effectively ending any hopes of a podium finish. She scored 61.50, 63.80, 73.60, 59.20 and 72.00 for a 330.10 total. Pandelela had earlier looked on track for a podium finish after she qualified for the final in third place from the six finalists with a 366.90 score. China's Si Yajie and Liu Huixia, however, left no room for surprises when they powered to the gold and silver with scores of 405.60 and 374.40 respectively. Mexico's Alejandra Orozco took bronze with 367.45. The 20-year-old Pandelela said she was disappointed with h

No medal glint: Pandelela Rinong could only manage sixth placing in the individual 10m platform final of the FINA Diving World Series in Edinburgh, Scotland, on Sunday. PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s Pandelela Rinong was given a timely reality check after a dismal performance in the individual 10m platform final of the FINA Diving World Series in Edinburgh, Scotland, on Sunday. The London Olympic bronze medallist was unable to repeat the consistency she showed in the semi-final. As a result, she plunged to the bottom of the six-woman final in the series’ third leg. The 20-year-old Bidayuh lass was looking good for a medal finish given her comfortable semi-final win and the absence of world and Olympic champion Chen Ruolin. But Pandelela, who won a bronze in the opening leg in Beijing last month, started on the wrong foot. She made two poor dives that earned her only 61.50 and 63.80 points. From there onwards, it was obvious that the podium was out of her reach.

KUALA LUMPUR, 22 April (Bernama) -- Ratu terjun negara, Pandelela Rinong Pamg sekadar berada di kedudukan keenam dalam acara 10m platform wanita pada Kejohanan Terjun Siri Dunia di Edinburg, Scotland pada Ahad. Olahragawati Kebangsaan 2012 yang berusia 20 tahun itu mengumpul 330.10 mata pada pusingan ketiga kejohanan. Pingat emas dan perak acara itu masing-masing dimenangi penerjun dari China, Si Yajie (405.60 mata) dan Liu Huxia (374.40), manakala pingat gangsa menjadi milik Alejandra Crozco dari Mexico dengan mengumpul 367.45 mata. Terdahulu Pandelela Rinong meraih kedudukan teratas peringkat separuh akhir B dengan mengumpul 366.90 mata untuk meraih tempat ke peringkat akhir. Pada Jumaat lepas, Pandelela Rinong yang bergandingan dengan Leong Mun Yee berjaya meraih pingat perak dalam acara 10m platform seirama wanita pada kejohanan yang sama.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 22 (Bernama) -- Malaysian diving queen Pandelela Rinong managed only sixth place in the 10m platform at the World Diving Series Championships in Edinburg, Scotland, Sunday. Pandelela who was last week crowned National Sportswoman for 2012 only accumulated 330.10 points in the third round of the World Diving Series. The gold medal was won by China's Si Yajie (405.60 pts) while the silver went to another Chinese diver Liu Huxia (374.40) and Alejandra Crozco from Mexico took the bronze with 367.45 points. On Friday, Pandelela had partnered Leong Mun Yee to win a silver medal in the 10m Platform Synchronized diving in the same championships.

Kuala Lumpur: Presiden Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM), Datuk Seri Mohd Nadzmi Salleh (gambar) kekal sebagai Presiden Konfederasi Badminton Asia (BAC) selepas usul yang dikemukakan Persekutuan Badminton Syria (SBF) untuk membatalkan keputusan pelantikannya ditolak ketika Mesyuarat Agung Tahunan (AGM) badan induk itu di Taiwan semalam. Terdahulu, SBF mengemukakan usul agar segala keputusan yang dibuat ketika Mesyuarat Agung Luar Biasa (EGM) di Bangkok, Thailand 17 Mac lalu dibatalkan termasuk pelantikan Nadzmi sebagai presiden dan undi tidak percaya ke atas bekas penyandang jawatan itu, Katsuto Momii. Menurut sumber, majoriti ahli gabungan badan induk itu tidak bersetuju dengan usul SBF kerana keputusan yang dibuat ketika EGM tidak boleh dibincangkan dalam AGM. Malah, usul kedua yang dikemukakan SBF agar Setiausaha Agung BAC, Surasak Songvarakulpan dilucutkan jawatan berkuat kuasa serta merta turut ditolak. Usul KBF diterima Keput

SKUAD Harimau Muda harus mempergunakan sepenuhnya peluang menimba ilmu di bumi Eropah dalam misi mempertahankan pingat emas pada Sukan SEA di Myanmar penghujung tahun ini. PEJAM celik, sudah lebih sebulan skuad bola sepak Harimau Muda berkelana menimba ilmu di bumi Eropah selepas meninggalkan tanah air pada pertengahan Mac lalu. Ia sebagai persiapan awal pasukan muda negara mempertahankan pingat emas pada temasya Sukan SEA di Myanmar penghujung tahun ini. Namun selepas mengharungi lima perlawanan, taring Harimau Muda dilihat masih tumpul apabila gagal memburu kemenangan sulung setakat ini. Sebelum ini, mereka tumpas sebanyak dua kali dalam dua pertemuan dengan kelab Slovakia, MSK Zilina dengan keputusan 1-4 dan 2-3 selain dibelasah 1-7 oleh skuad bawah 21 tahun (B-21) Georgia. Selain itu, skuad kendalian Ong Kim Swee juga sekadar melakar keputusan seri 1-1 dan 0-0 dengan skuad B-19 Slovakia dan B-19 Norway sebelum ini. Jangan terlalu cepat menghukum,

Kuala Lumpur: Pemain nombor satu dunia, Datuk Lee Chong Wei memutuskan untuk menyertai kejohanan Siri Super Terbuka India 24-29 April ini, bagi memastikan rankingnya kekal teratas menjelang Kejohanan Dunia di Guangzhou, Ogos depan. Chong Wei ke New Delhi lewat petang semalam, membuat keputusan saat akhir selepas pemain nombor dua dunia Chen Long muncul naib juara Kejohanan Badminton Asia (ABC) di Taiwan, semalam. “Ya saya baru hendak berlepas ke New Delhi. Saya perlu beraksi bagi mengekalkan kedudukan selaku pilihan utama di Kejohanan Dunia nanti,” kata Chong Wei. Chong Wei adalah naib juara tahun lalu pernah muncul juara pada 2011, dijangka mudah menjuarai kejuaraan kali ini tanpa kehadiran pemain utama China. Pemain harapan negara ini akan membuka cabaran menentang Scott Evans dari Ireland dengan kemungkinan Wong Wing Ki menjadi lawan di pusingan kedua. Pilihan kelima dari India, Kashyap Parupalli atau juara Olimpik Athens, Taufik Hidayat dari

PETALING JAYA: World No. 1 shuttler Lee Chong Wei will compete in the India Open, which begins in New Delhi tomorrow, after all. The 30-year-old Chong Wei, who became a father on April 12, faces Ireland’s Scott Evans in the first round. Chong Wei is expected to reach the final where he is tipped to meet Indonesia’s Sony Dwi Kuncoro. Besides Chong Wei, the other Malaysian representative in the men’s singles is back-up shuttler Iskandar Zulkarnian Zainuddin. He has to go through the qualifying rounds. The other Malaysians competing are Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong, Hoon Thien How-Tan Wee Kiong (men’s doubles), Woon Khe Wei-Vivian Hoo (women’s doubles) and Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying (mixed doubles).

Kuala Lumpur: Ketua jurulatih negara John Beasley bertekad untuk memastikan matlamatnya mengangkat martabat sukan berbasikal negara ke tahap lebih tinggi mampu tercapai namun sudah ada tanda-tanda “musuh dalam selimut”. Menurut pengendali berpengalaman dari Australia itu barisan atlet kendaliannya di Australia kini giat menjalani latihan dengan tidak pernah mempertikaikan komitmen mereka yang sentiasa bermotivasi tinggi untuk menjadi atlet yang lebih baik namun terdapat masalah berhubung atlet yang berpangkalan di Malaysia membabitkan aspek terbabit sekali gus mencetuskan perbezaan di kalangan atlet elit yang sudah berada di tahap dunia. “Saya percaya semua ini adalah kerana ketiadaan atau kekurangan perlumbaan di Malaysia. Ini menjadi kebimbangan utama kepada saya sejak sekian lama. Saya sudah mengetengahkan isu ini kepada pihak persekutuan dalam beberapa perbincangan namun tiada perkembangan yang positif. “Saya sudah mula mendapat musuh dalam persekutu

PANDELELA Rinong looks on track to capturing a second individual medal in the Diving World Series this year after she won her semi-final group in the women's 10m platform individual event in convincing fashion at the Edinburgh leg in Scotland yesterday. The 20-year-old, who took bronze in the season opener in Beijing but returned empty-handed from the Dubai leg last month, managed a commendable series of 76.50, 69.60, 72.00, 72.00 and 76.80 for a 366.90 total. Yulia Koltunova, who settled for the bronze in the event in Dubai, finished second on 349.55 while Mexico's Alejandra Orozco was third with 339.25. As expected China's Liu Huixia and Si Yajie dominated the other semi-final group by finishing first and second in 373.50 and 371.05 respectively. Third was Tonia Couch who managed 356.00. Should Pandelela manage to finish on the podium, it will be her second medal in Edinburgh. She had earlier won her first 10m platform synchronised medal together

In-form: Pandelela Rinong scored a total of 366.90 points in the women’s individual 10m platform preliminaries at the third leg of the FINA Diving World Series in Edinburgh, Scotland, yesterday.   KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia could achieve their best-ever outing in the FINA Diving World Series after Pandelela Rinong raised hopes of another medal finish with a strong performance in the women’s individual 10m platform preliminaries at the third leg in Edinburgh, Scotland, yesterday. The London Olympic bronze medallist confidently strode into the final after winning semi-final B. The 20-year-old Sarawakian, the two-time national Sportswoman of the Year, performed well in all her five attempts to garner 366.90 points. It was her highest score since she returned to action this year. Russia’s Yulia Koltunova (349.55) and Mexico’s Alejandra Orozco (339.25) made up the top three standings to advance to the top-six final. China’s second stringers Liu Huixia (373.50) and

TOP SEED: Withdrawal could see the Malaysian lose his World No 1 ranking LEE Chong Wei has decided to compete in the India Open which begins in New Delhi tomorrow as withdrawing from the super series event will see China's Chen Long overtake him as the World No 1. Chong Wei, the top seed, reached the final of the India Open last year and needs to at least reach the semi-finals to maintain his World No 1 ranking. Although Chong Wei was mulling his decision to compete in the India Open after BA of Malaysia (BAM) secretary Ng Chin Chai had advised him to skip the event as he had not been able to focus on training since his return from the All England in March. The arrival of Chong Wei's son, Kingston, born two weeks ago was another reason for Chin Chai asking the shuttler to reconsider his decision to compete in India. However, Chong Wei has declared that he is in condition to play in India and will face mediocre opposition as the tournament has no

KUALA LUMPUR, 21 April (Bernama) -- Pasukan Liverpool Masters berjaya mengekalkan Piala Malaysia Masters bagi tahun kedua berturut-turut selepas menumpaskan European Player Legends (EPL) Masters, 5-4 dalam perlawanan akhir mendebarkan di Bukit Jalil di sini Ahad. Liverpool Masters yang menjuarai piala itu selepas menundukkan Manchester United Masters pada perlawanan akhir tahun lepas dengan jaringan gol yang sama di Stadium Malawati, Shah Alam, turut menumpaskan EPL Masters, 5-3 pada perlawanan awal mereka hari ini. Kelab yang digelar 'The Reds' itu menghiburkan hampir 3,000 penonton dengan mempamerkan aksi yang menarik dan bergaya selepas mereka memenangi semua tiga perlawanan awal termasuk mengalahkan Malaysian Masters 6-2 dan Manchester United (MU) Masters, 4-2. Pemain Liverpool Masters, Robbie Fowler, 38, juga mengekalkan anugerah 'Penjaring Gol Terbanyak' yang diraihnya tahun lepas selepas menyumbat 10 gol pada pusingan round-robin dan perl

CHINI (Pahang), April 21 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today spoke of the possibility of Malaysian footballers playing for the Malaysian-owned Cardiff City FC team of Wales which has secured promotion to the English Premier League (EPL) next season. The prime minister said Malaysian footballers could be allowed to play for the Welsh team to gain experience playing top-level football. Children of Felda settlers had been sent to Cardiff City for training and we could send them again to Cardiff to enable them play at a higher level, he said when opening the Felda Industrial and Recreational Complex near here. In November last year, 50 children of Felda settlers were sent to the Cardiff City Football Academy in Wales for exposure, and they trained with youths of the academy and participated in friendly matches with local teams. The club, the jersey of which sports the word "Malaysia", is owned by Malaysian tycoon Tan Sri Vincent Tan, and has

BEKAS Timbalan Presiden Kesatuan Olahraga Malaysia (KOM), Datuk Karim Ibrahim bakal mencabar keputusan penggantungannya selama enam tahun oleh badan olahraga negara itu dengan membawa kes tersebut ke Mahkamah Tinggi. Karim yang dijatuhi hukuman tersebut oleh jawatankuasa siasatan diketuai bekas Hakim Mahkamah Rayuan, Tan Sri V.C. George pada Oktober tahun lalu dikatakan telah menghantar saman pemula kepada KOM pada 1 April lalu. Presiden KOM, Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad bagaimanapun enggan mengulas lanjut mengenai perkara tersebut, sebaliknya menegaskan bahawa pihaknya telah pun memberi jawapan kepada Karim. “Karim ada hantar surat tersebut kepada kami tetapi saya tidak boleh beri- tahu mengenai kandungannya kerana ia melibatkan proses mahkamah. “Namun, apa yang boleh saya beritahu ialah kami telah memberi jawapan kepadanya pada dua atau tiga hari lepas (16 April). “Sama ada kita mahu lawan atau sele- saikan di luar mahkamah, masih belum ditentukan lagi ker

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Karim Ibrahim ( pic ), who was suspended for six years for his involvement in two doping incidents, is suing the Malaysian Athletic Federation (MAF). MAF president Datuk Zainal Ahmad Abidin, who chaired a three-hour council meeting yesterday, revealed that Karim sent a lawyer’s letter on April 11 stating his intention to sue MAF. In the first incident, relay runner Mohd Yunus Lasaleh tested positive for methandienone , a drug commonly used as an aid for muscle growth, in the Indonesia SEA Games last November. Yunus, from Sabah, alleged that it was Karim, a former deputy president of the MAF, who told him to take the pills and injections given by a Bulgarian doctor while he was training in Miri last September. Karim had, allegedly, told him that they were vitamin supplements. Besides Yunus, the other members of the 4x400m relay team who won the gold medal in the SEA Games were P. Yuvaraaj, Schzuan Ahmad Rosely and S. Kannathasan. They were

Welcome: FAM Deputy president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah (second from left) receiving a Barcelona jersey from the club’s CEO Antoni Rossich. Looking on are FAM vice-president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin (left) and BSC Soccer (M) Sdn Bhd managing director and match promoter Effendi Jagan Abdullah during the “Barcelona Asian Tour 2013” Launch Thursday. -S. S. KANESAN / The Star PETALING JAYA – By ERIC SAMUEL: Fans are in for a “Messi-ive” celebration mood when Spanish football giants Barcelona make their maiden visit to Malaysia in August. Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, the FA of Malaysia (FAM) deputy president, yesterday confirmed that the high-profile exhibition match between the reigning world club champions and the Malaysian XI Selection will be held at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Aug 10 (kick-off at 8.45pm). He said Malaysian football fans can expect a thrilling experience with the likes of three-time World Player of the Year L

  FAM deputy president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah and vice president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin with FC Barcelona chief executive officer Antoni Rossich yesterday. Pic by Osman Adnan LIONEL Messi's presence alone could sell half the tickets despite reigning world club champions FC Barcelona's date with a Malaysian XI at the National Stadium on Aug 10 falling on the third day of Hari Raya. The much anticipated visit of the four-time European champions comes with expectations from fans who want a full star-studded line-up. "The summer will be a busy period with a lot of uncertainty with players moving away and coming in. "But yes, our plans are to bring our full team here," said FC Barcelona chief executive officer Antoni Rossich yesterday. Rossich was speaking at the announcement of the friendly match, which is part of the three-match FC Barcelona Asia Tour 2013, which sees the giants also visiting China and Thailand. Also pre

PETALING JAYA, April 18 (Bernama) -- Spanish premier club Barcelona are sticking to its plan to play a friendly match against a Malaysian XI selection at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Aug 10, which falls on the third day of Hari Raya Aidifitri. FC Barcelona chief executive officer Antoni Rossich said the date was the most suitable for the Catalan club to hold its pre-season tour matches as most of the club's players were expected to be called up for international duty with their respective countries, soon after. "During the month of Aug, the transfer window for players will be opened and the European club, including Barcelona, will be busy searching for new players to strengthen the team," he told reporters after the official announcement of the match here, Thursday. Barcelona in their website had earlier announced that they would play three exhibition matches during their pre-season Asian Tour this Aug, including a match in Shanghai on Au

PARA pemain Cardiff City meraikan kejayaan mereka selepas berjaya melangkah ke saingan Liga Perdana England musim depan. MENTERI Belia dan Sukan, Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek menyifatkan kejayaan kelab bola sepak Liga Kejuaraan England, Cardiff City melayakkan diri ke Liga Perdana England (EPL) musim depan merupakan kebanggaan buat rakyat negara ini. Sambil mengucapkan tahniah kepada kelab yang dimiliki ahli perniagaan Malaysia, Tan Sri Vincent Tan itu, Ahmad Shabery berkata, kejayaan tersebut dapat membawa jenama Malaysia di persada bola sepak antarabangsa. "Saya amat gembira dengan kejayaan tersebut. Tahniah, kerana ia sedikit sebanyak telah memupuk semangat kepada para pemain kebangsaan untuk bekerja lebih keras dalam mengharumkan nama negara di peringkat antarabangsa," katanya semalam. Kelab tersebut, yang menggunakan jersi yang tertera nama Malaysia, menamatkan penantian selama 51 tahun untuk layak ke Liga Perdana England. Keputusan

Kuala Lumpur: Badminton dijangka mengikut jejak langkah tenis dan bolasepak dengan memperkenalkan teknologi baru bagi mengkaji keraguan terhadap keputusan penjaga garisan. Satu ujian akan dimulakan pada Piala Sudirman di Kuala Lumpur bulan depan sebelum sistem baru itu digunakan sepenuhnya pada Terbuka Indonesia September ini, menurut Persekutuan Badminton Dunia (BWF) semalam. “Apa yang kami lakukan sama dengan sukan lain, peraturan dan prinsip pada dasarnya sama dengan sukan seperti tenis, sekalipun teknologi dan prosesnya mungkin sedikit berbeza,” kata Timbalan Presiden BWF Paisan Rangsikitpho. “Akhirnya kami mahu memantapkan integriti perlawanan dan keputusan yang dibuat.” Namun, sistem baru itu masih dalam peringkat perancangan dan BWF masih belum memutuskan teknologi yang akan digunakan, tidak sampai sebulan sebelum Piala Sudirman. “Keputusan ini lebih mengenai peraturan berbanding teknologi sebenar yang digunakan,” kata Rangsikitpho. “Kami masih menimbang

 Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan may have a repeat of the London Olympics as both stars are competing in the World Championships in Guangzhou in August. IT will be a repeat of last year's London Olympics and the 2011 world meet as Lee Chong Wei's nemesis Lin Dan is almost certain of returning to torment him in the World Championships in Guangzhou in August. Lin Dan, missing from competition since winning his second Olympic gold last year and currently ranked World No 40, is competing in the ongoing Asian Championships and national singles coach Tey Seu Bock believes China will enter only two players for the men's singles to accommodate their star player. China are eligible to enter three shuttlers for the world meet. This means there is a strong possibility that World No 2 Chen Long will make the cut while World No 3 Du Pengyu may have to make way for Lin Dan as the four-time world champion's presence will add pressure on Chong Wei. Although Ch

Lee Chong Wei has declared that he wants to pick up one more National Sportsman Award next year.   PETALING JAYA: Welcoming a new addition to the family has made shuttler Lee Chong Wei more determined than ever to pursue new goals. Chong Wei, who became the proud father to son Kingston last Friday, has declared that he wants to pick up one more National Sportsman Award next year, making it a total of five altogether. If he succeeds, Chong Wei will be the most decorated male athlete in national sporting history. Chong Wei, who also won the national award in 2005, 2008 and 2011, is tied with current men’s singles coach Rashid Sidek, who emerged triumphant in 1990, 1991, 1992 and 1996. Squash queen Nicol David holds the most wins for a female athlete – seven altogether starting from 1999 and 2003 to 2010 before diver Pandelela Rinong took over. And how can Chong Wei make sure of a fifth award? By going one step better at the coming World Championships in

KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 (Bernama) -- National number two Liew Daren led a number Malaysian shuttlers who advanced to the second round of the Badminton Asia Confederation (BAC) championships played at the Taipei Arena in Taiwan, Wednesday. The 25-year-old beat Hong Kong's Tam Chun Hei 21-13, 21-8 while Chong Wei Feng defeated Hsuan Lin Chia from the home team 21-13, 21-10 before Goh Soon Huat from the back up squad advanced after a 21-5, 21-10 win over Macau's Tai Kin Hei. In the men's doubles, Goh V Shem/Lim Khim Wah eased past Liang Jui Wei/Liao Kuan Hao from Taiwan 21-11, 21-10 to book their berth while former Junior world champions Nelson Heg Wei Keat/Teo Ee Yi had to go the distance before overcoming Singapore pair Terry Hee/Terry Yeo Zhao Jiang 21-17, 13-21, 21-11. Sonia Cheah Su Ya was the only Malaysian representative left in the women's after her sister Lydia Cheah Li Ya and Tee Jing Yi were shown the exit in the first round. Sonia

KUALA LUMPUR, 18 April (Bernama) -- Pemain perseorangan nombor dua negara, Daren Liew mengetuai cabaran pemain negara yang melayakkan diri ke pusingan kedua Kejohanan Badminton Asia (BAC) di Taipei Arena, Taiwan, Rabu. Pada pusingan pertama, pemain berusia 25 tahun itu tidak menghadapi masalah besar untuk menjinakkan pemain muda Hong Kong, Tam Chun Hei dengan keputusan 21-13 dan 21-8. Chong Wei Feng, pemian pilihan ke-10, turut mara ke pusingan kedua selepas mengalahkan pemain tuan rumah, Hsuan Lin Chia, 21-13 dan 21-10. Pemain pelapis kebangsaan, Goh Soon Huat turut layak ke pusingan kedua selepas beliau mencatatkan kemenangan 21-5 dan 21-10 ke atas pemain pusingan kelayakan dari Macau, Tai Kin Hei. Dalam acara beregu lelaki, pasangan negara Goh V Shem dan Lim Khim Wah turut menempah slot ke pusingan kedua selepas mencatatkan kemenangan 21-11 dan 21-10 ke atas beregu tuan rumah, Liang Jui Wei dan Liao Kuan Hao. Bekas juara beregu remaja dunia, Nelson Heg We

PETALING JAYA, 17 April (Bernama) -- Anugerah Olahragawan Kebangsaan yang digondolnya buat kali keempat Selasa malam merupakan tuah hasil kehadiran cahaya mata sulungnya, Kingston Lee, kata pemain badminton nombor satu negara, Datuk Lee Chong Wei. Beliau berkata kehadiran Kingston Lee yang dilahirkan pada 12 April lepas juga memberikannya semangat untuk terus bergiat aktifdan berjaya dalam setiap perlawanan yang disertainya. "Tuah betul-betul menyebelahi saya ketika ini. Sebaik saja mendapat cahaya mata, saya dinobatkan sebagai Olahragawan Kebangsaan," katanya kepada pemberita pada majlis Anugerah Sukan Negara 2012 di Petaling Jaya. Pemain nombor satu dunia ini berharap kehadiran Kingston Lee akan memberikan tuah kepadanya untuk menjuarai kejohanan Badminton Dunia pula. "Memang menjadi mimpi dan keinginan saya untuk mara ke peringkat final kejohanan Badminton Dunia tahun ini. Saya harap tuah kehadiran anak saya akan terus menyebelahi saya lagi,

KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 (Bernama) -- The 2012 National Sportsman Award bestowed on the number one badminton player in the country last night, was another stroke of good luck for Datuk Lee Chong Wei, following the birth of his son. The arrival of Kingston Lee on April 12, appeared to have given Chong Wei a new resolve in each game he played. "Luck seemed to be on my side soon after the birth of my son including the National Sportsman of the Year award," said Chong Wei who earlier led Malaysia to win the 2013 Axiata Cup. At the same ceremony, Pandelela Rinong was awarded the National Sportswoman of the 2012. Chong Wei hoped to display a better performance this year to continue being the national sportsman and break the record that he shares with former shuttler Rashid Sidek, who is also a four-time winner. The Penang-born Chong Wei who married his long time sweet heart Wong Mew Choo who was also a former National women's number one shuttler in

KUALA LUMPUR, 17 April (Bernama) -- Menteri Belia dan Sukan Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek menyifatkan kejayaan kelab bola sepak liga kejuaraan Inggeris Cardiff City FC melayakkan diri ke Liga Perdana Inggeris (EPL) musim depan merupakan kebanggaan buat rakyat negara ini. Sambil mengucapkan tahniah kepada kelab berkenaan yang dimiliki ahli perniagaan Malaysia Tan Sri Vincent Tan, Ahmad Shabery berkata kejayaan itu dapat membawa jenama 'Malaysia' ke persada bola sepak antarabangsa. "Saya amat gembira dengan kejayaan ini. Tahniah kerana ia sedikit sebanyak telah memupuk semangat kepada para pemain kebangsaan untuk bekerja lebih keras dalam mengharumkan nama negara di peringkat antarabangsa," katanya kepada Bernama Rabu. Kelab itu, yang menggunakan jersi yang tertera nama 'Malaysia', menamatkan penantian selama 51 tahun untuk layak beraksi dalam Liga Perdana Inggeris (EPL). Keputusan seri tanpa jaringan yang dicatatkan kelab bimbingan juru