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A view of the new 50,000-seat Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium in Gong Badak, Kuala Terengganu. The stadium will be ready in time for the Malaysia Games (Sukma) athletics competition beginning June 4 to 7. Pix: Bernama
Not Right To Ignore FAM, Says Azalina
SHAH ALAM, May (Bernama) -- Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, who was Youth and Sports Minister previously, said Thursday it was not right that the organisers of the Champions Youth Cup (CYC) football competition had neglected the FA of Malaysia (FAM).
The second edition of the tournament organised by Gifted Group Limited (GGL) at a cost of RM17 million and scheduled to be held from Aug 5 to 16 had to be called off after it did not get the sanction of the FAM, who are the football governing body in the country.
Azalina, who was on an official visit to Selangor in her capacity as Tourism Minister, said this to reporters here when asked to comment on the debacle.
She said that when she was the Youth and Sports Minister, the idea to have the tournament was brought up at a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Sports Development, which is represented by 15 other ministers and chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
"It was a decision of the committee to organise the tournament. I was also disappointed when I got to know the promoter did not want to work with the FAM on it.
"For me, it was the most important thing they should have paid attention to," she said.
-- BERNAMA
Journeyman Farderin Sets Sights On Sukma Success
By Jaiarajo Letchumanan
KUALA TERENGGANU, May 29 (Bernama) -- By the end of the season, National youth footballer Farderin Kadir would have set a record of sorts in Malaysian football by representing four different teams in four different competitions.
After helping Kuala Muda gain promotion in the recently-concluded Premier League and representing the country in the Inter-Continental Cup, the 21-year-old international has arrived in Terengganu to spearhead Melaka's challenge in the Sukma (Malaysia Games) football competition which kicked off Wednesday.
Once the Sukma is over, Farderin will pack his bags and head to Perlis, his fourth team in a season, where he will play for the Northern Lions in the prestigious Malaysia Cup.
But for now, the Melaka skipper's focus will be on leading his team to success in the highly competitive Sukma competition though his team slipped to a 0-1 loss to Negri Sembilan in a Group C match at the Gong Badak Sports Complex here with Shahrain Abu Samah scoring the winner for his own team in the 43rd minute.
"We had chances even to win against Negri. But we paid the price for not taking them on. Our finishing was poor," said Farderin, adding that all was not over for Melaka.
Coming back to his football career, Farderin, who hails from Kampong Padang in Pokok Mangga, Melaka, was quick to admit that it has been virtually non-stop football for him since the Malaysian Super League began in December last year.
"Football is my bread and butter. I played for Kuala Muda in the Premier League as I want to improve my football career. I do not regret my move to Kuala Muda. In fact, I believe my game has improved very much.
"Playing for Kuala Muda has helped improve my game and coach K. Devan has done my football career a world of good. He has made me a more disciplined player, though there were times when I felt the strain of too much football. However, thanks to Devans recovery programmes, I have been able to cope with fatigue well.
When asked why he chose to play for Perlis in the Malaysia Cup and not for his home state, Farderin said: "Kuala Muda Naza are my employers and I just follow their orders as the management had a prior arrangement with Perlis on this matter.
"As much as I would love to play for my home state in the Malaysia Cup, I am not in a position to do so but playing in the Sukma is the least I can do for my state... hopefully we will make the grade to the quarter-finals."
Incidentally, Melaka's next match is against Perlis Thursday at the same venue. Perlis also started their campaign on a losing note, going down 0-1 to Kuala Lumpur at the same venue.
-- BERNAMA
Presence Of Super League Players In Sukma Irks Kelantan Coach
By Jaiarajo Letchumanan
KUALA TERENGGANU, May 29 (Bernama) -- Kelantan coach Azman Yusoff was left fuming after his team's 3-0 crushing by Selangor - not because of his teams big defeat but with the lack of restrictions on teams fielding Super League or Premier League players.
"The Sukma (Malaysia Games) should be a place to expose our young talent and make them better players. Selangor brought their Super League stars.
We next play Kedah, another team that is virtually their Super League side. "We are not playing on a level field. Kelantan are made up of young, up and coming talent who need exposure. That is our aim," Azman told reporters.
However, his counterpart from Selangor, Dollah Salleh was quick to refute, claiming that the presence of Super League and Premier League players in the Sukma will provide a perfect opportunity to guide the young players in the team.
"I am pleased with the way my seniors in the team are guiding the young talent. It is good for football," said Dollah.
Thursday is a rest day for the football competition in the Games and most of the teams spent the day assessing their performances and mending "fences", especially teams that lost their first matches.
However, though Kedah carved out a 3-2 win over Sabah, coach Mohamad Ramli was not a happy man and did not mince his words when he said, “another 10 minutes we would have lost the match” as the favourites struggled to contain Sabah's late charge in a Group B match at the Gong Badak Sports Complex here Wednesday.
“The players simply lost focus after taking a 3-0 lead at halftime. They took things easy with the three goal cushion. Such things are very dangerous in football," said Mohamad.
“If the match had gone for another 10 minutes, we would have lost. I have drilled this into my players. I had warned the team that we cannot underestimate any opponent. My boys will have to be focused in the match against Kelantan to make the quarter-finals."
And it was also a close call for defending champions Terengganu who scored the winner deep into injury time for a 3-2 win over Perak in a Group A match played at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium.
Terengganu coach Khalid Mohd Dahan was the first to admit that despite the full points against Perak, it was a match that could have gone either way after Perak wiped off his team’s 2-0 lead at halftime.
“Our defensive midfielders did not do their job well. We allowed Perak to get into their rhythm,” said Khalid.
“I am not too pleased with what we dished out in the second half. Frankly, I was worried when Perak drew level. Luckily we managed to get the winner in injury time. It would have been disastrous if we had lost our opening match."
-- BERNAMA
Sukma Results On Official Website Within Three Minutes
KUALA TERENGGANU, May 29 (Bernama) -- All Malaysia Games (Sukma ) results will be uploaded on Sukma's official website www.sukma-2008.com.my within three minutes of completion of an event.
Sukma chief executive officer Arpin Draman told this at a media briefing at the main venue of the Games, the Gong Badak Sports Complex, here Thursday.
He also said there would be a dress code for the women's beach volleyball event which will be held at Pantai Teluk Mak Nik, Kemaman.
This 12th edition of the Games begins on Saturday and ends on June 9.
-- BERNAMA
Benjamin Lee's Moment Of Reckoning Arrives
By Dan Guen Chin
JOHOR BAHARU, May 29 (Bernama)-- Malaysia's Benjamin Lee takes a step into the unknown when he competes in the third leg of the Guiness Asian 9 ball Tour at the Genting Highlands, which cues off Friday.
The Penang-born Lee, who is making his debut in the Tour, knows the odds are heavily stacked against him as he lines up against the best in the continent.
Among the 24-player field competing in the three-day meet at the Genting Convention Centre include the defending Grand Finals champion Chang Jung-Lin, who also swept the 2008 Tour's first two legs in Taipei and Penang.
Chang, who also won at Genting last year, will be joined by compatriots Wu Chia-Ching, the 2005 WPA World Pool Champion; Yang Ching-Shun, winner of the Kaohsiung and Singapore legs in the 2007 Tour and 2008 Tour and the Penang leg runner-up Wang Hung-Hsiang.
The Philippines, led by recently-crowned World Pool Masters champion Alex Pagulayan, will be aiming to end their title drought on the Tour.
There is also the 2006 Doha Asian Games gold medallist Antonio Gabica and apart from Korat SEA Games gold medallist, Marlon Manalo.
Such big names in the sport but Lee, essentially a snooker player before he swtiched to pool eight months ago, is not overawed by the reputation of those he will come up against.
"I have got nothing to lose. Maybe the years I spent on the international snooker circuit will help me. I have had a taste of pool when I took part in the Korat SEA Games but I think this competition will even be tougher," said Lee.
Lee will be joined by season campaigner Ibrahim Amir, the 2007 Singapore leg finalist and debutant Mohammad Sapawi as Malaysia's representatives.
Ibrahim, a bronze medal winner in the Korat SEA Games is drawn together with Tour veteran and Indonesian number one Ricky Yang and 2006 World Pool Championship semifinalist Li He-Wen from China.
Mohd Sapawi will test his skills against Pagulayan and Ryu Seung-Woo of South Korea while Lee is together with two battle scarred warriors in Marlon Manalo and Yang Ching-Shun of Chinese-Taipei.
The 24-players are divided into eight groups with the top two from each group advancing to the knock-out round of 16 in a tournament which is offering a total prize money of US$50,000 (RM165,000).
-- BERNAMA
Tan Fook/wan Wah, Kien Keat/Boon Heong Heading For Beijing
KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Bernama) -- The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) Thursday confirmed that the men's challenge in the doubles at the Beijing Olympics will be shouldered by the pairs of Choong Tan Fook/Lee Wan Wah and Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong.
Their selection puts paid to the hopes of rising pair Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif/Mohd Fairuzizuan Tazari seeing action in Beijing. BAM general manager Kenny Goh told a press conference here that their selection was based on their world rankings.
Tan Fook/Wan Wah are currently ranked fourth, Kien Keat/Boon Heong fifth while Mohd Zakry/Mohd Fairuzizuan are in 16th place.
All the three pairs had qualified for Beijing based on their rankings as of May 1, but BAM were only allowed to send two pairs with the names having to be submitted by Saturday (May 31).
The other Malaysian shuttlers heading for Beijing are Lee Chong Wei and Wong Choong Hann (men's singles), Wong Mew Choo (women's singles) and Wong Pei Tty/Chin Eei Hui (women's doubles).
-- BERNAMA
Brunei Will Be Happy If They Can Win One Gold
KUALA TERENGGANU, May 29 (Bernama) -- Nobody would expect any contingent to this year's Malaysia Games (Sukma) here to settle for a single gold medal.
But that is the target set by guest contingent Brunei, who can be said to be minnows in sports in the region.
The contingent's deputy head Abang Zamhor Abang Haji Abu Hanifah told Bernama their delegation this time was much smaller (61 athletes) than at the Kedah Games in 2006.
He said they stood a good chance of achieving the target in football.
At the Kedah Games they won three silver and five bronze.
-- BERNAMA
Govt Always Gives Emphasis To Sporting Culture, Says PM
KUALA TERENGGANU, May 29 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the government always gives emphasis on cultivating a strong sporting culture in achieving excellence at the international level.
As such, the Prime Minister said, it was important to scout for young talents in sports.
"I observe that the Malaysia Games (Sukma) has become one of the important platforms to do so.
"In this arena, the potentials and skills of the youngsters can be identified for development so that they can achieve greater success in sports," he said in his message in the souvenir book of the 12th Sukma from May 31 until June 9.
Abdullah said he was aware that competition in sports was very keen and challenging but this did not mean that Malaysian athletes were incapable of competing at the international level.
"The fact is that we have all the characteristics required to be excellent. We must inculcate a strong fighting spirit so that we don't easily surrender," he said.
The Prime Minister also congratulated the Terengganu state government for being the host of the 12th edition of Sukma.
-- BERNAMA
Stadium Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin To Be Ready By Thursday
KUALA TERENGGANU, May 29 (Bernama) -- The new 50,000-seat Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium in Gong Badak, Kuala Terengganu, will be ready in time for the Malaysia Games (Sukma) athletics competition beginning June 4 to 7.
The athletics technical delegate for Terengganu Sukma, S. Chinetamby said although it was a rushed job, it would be completed by Thursday with only the marking of lanes for the athletics track left to be done.
"I can see that all the work has been done and yesterday we checked all the technical parts of the stadium which include the photo-finish, digital score board and electronic devise measurement (EDM)," he told Bernama when contacted here Thursday.
He said the stadium, the largest in the East Coast, will be checked by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF).
"The IAAF delegates will be here in the next few days and approve the "A" certificate for the Stadium of International standard," he said.
The stadium was officially opened by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin on May 10.
However, Chinetamby said all the officials will hold a dry run on May 3 to ensure everything was fine before the competition day.
Sukma, a platform to unearth new talents for the country, will be hosted by Terengganu for the first time from May 31 to June 9.
The Games will have a change in format in deciding the overall champions this time. Instead of the total points collected, the gold medal count will decide the champions.
After barring the national athletes from competing at the last Sukma in Kedah two years ago, the Sukma Supreme Council have agreed to allow the nations stars to make a return to this years Under-23 tournament.
And for the first time, top national athletes who are not eligible to compete for Sukma would also be invited to compete in selected sports to add glamour to the 12th edition of the Games.
-- BERNAMA
Pecut: 'Dua Zabidi' sandaran Terengganu
Oleh Lukman Salleh
 SAMA: Zabidi Ghazali (kiri) dan Zabidi Ahmad berbincang ketika sesi latihan di Kompleks Sukan Negeri Gong Badak, petang semalam. Dua pelari pecut ini menjadi sandaran tuan rumah untuk menguasai acara pecut Sukma bermula esok. |
DUA 'Z' - Zabidi Ghazali dan Zabidi Ahmad, menjadi senjata utama Terengganu untuk merampas gelaran Raja Pecut Sukma di hadapan penyokong sendiri pada temasya edisi XII ini.
Kedua-duanya, mungkin hanya berbeza umur dan keadaan fizikal, tetapi masing-masing mempunyai tekad yang sama iaitu pingat emas dalam acara riben biru olahraga - 100 meter.
Bagi Zabidi Ghazali, 21, sememangnya gelaran pecut menjadi idaman apa lagi selepas hanya berjaya menduduki tangga ketiga di Kedah dua tahun lalu, serta mahu mengikut jejak jaguh pecut paling ternama pernah dilahirkan Terengganu, Nazmizan Mohammad.
"Memang tekad saya memenangi emas 100m dan gelaran pecut Sukma," kata Zabidi, anak kelahiran Dungun. "Untuk melakukannya di tempat sendiri dalam Stadium Sultan Mizan pastinya sukar dibayangkan nikmatnya.
"Saya akui saingan 100m amat sengit terutama dengan kehadiran dua pelari dari Johor, tetapi saya bukannya orang yang mudah mengalah, sebaliknya akan berusaha bersungguh-sungguh," katanya yang mempunyai masa peribadi terbaik, 10.65 saat.
Dua pelari Johor yang dimaksudkan itu, ialah juara bertahan Abdul Latif Nyat dan pemenang pingat perak 100m Sukan Sea XXIV di Korat, Disember tahun lalu, Mohd Noor Imran Hadi.
Sememangnya saingan untuk Zabidi Ghazali memang sengit, terutama sekali memandangkan dua pencabar utamanya dari Johor itu mempunyai masa terpantas musim ini dengan Imran mencatatkan 10.59s di Terbuka China, minggu lalu manakala Latif pula melakukan 10.61s di Terbuka Pahang, baru-baru ini.
Bagi Zabidi Ahmad pula, dia mengakui peluangnya dalam 100m mungkin tipis tetapi mahu bertindak sebagai 'pengacau' bagi memberi peluang kepada rakannya memenangi acara itu.
"Memang sukar bagi saya kerana ada tiga atau empat pelari lebih pantas daripada saya," katanya, yang berusia 19 tahun.
Apapun, kedua-dua pelari itu pastinya tidak mahu membiarkan gelaran Raja Pecut menjadi milik orang lain dan mungkin sudah tiba masanya dua Zabidi ini mengembalikan semula mahkota itu kepada Terengganu, yang kali terakhir dimenangi Nazmizan pada 2002 di Sabah.
Fairuzizuan-Zakry kempunan
Oleh Hasnira Hassan
BAM tetap sandarkan harapan kepada Tan Fook-Wan Wah, Kien Keat-Boon Heong
TEKA-teki pemilihan dua beregu ke Sukan Olimpik di Beijing, Ogos ini dinoktahkan selepas Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM) mengumumkan kombinasi Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah dan Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong selaku pilihan, semalam.
Keputusan itu sekali gus memadam ramalan peluang beregu ketiga negara, Fairuzizuan Tazari-Mohd Zakry Latif untuk ke Beijing selepas mempamer aksi cemerlang pada pusingan akhir Piala Thomas di Jakarta, dua minggu lalu.
Presiden BAM, Datuk Nadzmi Salleh, berkata pemilihan itu menepati dua pra-syarat ditetapkan persatuan itu ketika bermulanya peringkat kelayakan Sukan Olimpik sebelumnya.
"Berdasarkan syarat yang ditetapkan, adalah tidak adil andai kami memilih pasangan yang mempunyai ranking lebih rendah ke Olimpik.
"Malah, aksi cemerlang dalam satu kejohanan bukan gambaran prestasi mereka secara keseluruhan," kata Nadzmi ketika ditemui selepas bermesyuarat bersama ketua jurulatih, Yap Kim Hock di Majlis Sukan Negara (MSN), semalam.
Dua syarat yang ditetapkan sebelumnya ialah pencapaian konsisten dicapai dalam kejohanan sepanjang tempoh kelayakan itu selain ranking dunia pasangan itu. Ia sekali gus membuka laluan bagi Tan Fook-Wan Wah - di tangga keempat dunia - dan Kien Keat-Boon Heong yang setangga di bawah mereka untuk terpilih.
"Pemeriksaan ISN (Institut Sukan Negara) ke atas Tan Fook dan Wan Wah mendapati kedua-duanya tidak cedera ketara. Saya yakin mereka sedia untuk ke Beijing dan punya pengalaman cukup buat membuktikan kemampuan sebenar," kata Nadzmi.
Wan Wah melahirkan rasa gembira terhadap pendekatan BAM yang bersikap profesional dengan menepati janji kepada pra-syarat ditetapkan sebelum ini.
"Berita ini memang melegakan. Kami berhak terpilih berdasarkan kerja keras selama ini. Sekalipun pelbagai laporan media seolah-olah kami disingkirkan, saya tidak pernah putus harapan kerana percaya BAM akan berlaku adil," katanya.
Wan Wah juga berjanji dia dan Tan Fook akan berjuang habis-habisan bagi menyempurnakan tugasan dalam temasya Olimpik terakhir mereka.
Boon Heong pula percaya ruang kelemahan - terutama komunikasi ketika beraksi - akan cuba diperbaiki bersama-sama Kien Keat dalam tempoh dua setengah bulan sebelum Sukan Olimpik nanti.
"Saya yakin, pasukan lawan masih menggeruni kami walaupun prestasi tidak menentu akhir-akhir ini. Saya juga akui, kami tidak mempamerkan kekuatan sebenar. `Sentuhan' yang kami perolehi semasa latihan, gagal diterjemahkan ketika perlawanan.
"Kelemahan utama yang saya perlu diatasi ialah perasaan takut selepas melakukan kesilapan kerana ianya menjejaskan keyakinan Kien Keat yang sentiasa bersemangat tinggi untuk menang," katanya.
Azalina kecewa Gifted tolak FAM
Oleh Meor Hisham Zulkifli dan Wan Jailani Razak
PENDIRIANNYA jelas - Persatuan Bola Sepak Malaysia (FAM) tidak harus dipinggirkan dalam isu penganjuran Kejohanan Piala Juara-juara Belia (CYC) yang kini membelenggu Kementerian Belia dan Sukan (KBS).
Tetapi Datuk Seri Azalina Othman - menjawat jawatan menteri ketika perjanjian penganjuran CYC dengan promoter, Gifted Group Limited (GGL), dimeterai - enggan masuk campur dan menyerahkan kepada penggantinya, Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob, untuk mencari jalan penyelesaian.
"GGL sepatutnya mengambil kira peranan persatuan dalam apa jua keadaan sekalipun. Jadi, saya rasa tidak patut mana-mana persatuan atau syarikat yang melaksanakan program, tidak bersama dengan persatuan sukan tempatan.
"Saya dukacita apabila mendapat tahu promoter CYC tidak mahu bekerjasama dengan FAM," katanya selepas menghadiri sesi dialog bersama pengusaha sektor pelancongan, semalam.
Azalina, kini selaku Menteri Pelancongan, berkata idea menganjurkan CYC itu dibentangkan dalam mesyuarat Jawatankuasa Kabinet Sukan, dipengerusikan Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Razak bersama 15 menteri lain.
"Kerana itu, keputusan menganjurkan Kejohanan CYC ini adalah keputusan Jawatankuasa Kabinet," katanya.
Presiden FAM, Sultan Ahmad Shah, sebelumnya mengumumkan pendirian tidak memberi pengiktirafan terhadap CYC selepas FAM dipinggirkan daripada penganjuran selain pelaburan sejumlah RM17 juta setahun oleh KBS yang disifatkan terlalu tinggi.
Ia diikuti tindakan Ismail Sabri yang mengarahkan penasihat undang-undang KBS untuk mengkaji kemungkinan membatalkan ikatan kontrak penganjuran dengan GGL.
Dalam perkembangan berkaitan, wujud desas desus terbaru betapa KBS masih mencari jalan untuk mungkin memastikan CYC tetap dilangsungkan, tahun ini.
Andaian itu bagaimanapun tidak disahkan Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pengurusan Bersama CYC, Datuk Mohd Yasin Salleh, yang menghormati pendirian FAM untuk tidak memberi pengiktirafan.
"Apa yang dapat saya nyatakan adalah FAM tidak mengiktirafnya dan bagi KBS pula, kami belum membatalkan lagi kejohanan berkenaan. Kami melihat daripada semua aspek, termasuk perundangan.
"Apa yang pasti, belum ada sebarang keputusan dibuat mengenainya," kata Yasin.
Terengganu lancar 'perang'
PERMAINAN psikologi sudah bermula dalam acara bola sepak Sukma XII apabila juara bertahan, Terengganu mengalihkan tekanan pasukan pilihan kepada Selangor ketika tuan rumah dan finalis 2006, Kedah bergelut menewaskan lawan mereka, kelmarin.
Terengganu yang merangkul emas di Alor Star dua tahun lalu, terpaksa berhempas pulas menundukkan Perak 3-2 dalam perlawanan Kumpulan B di Stadium Ismail Nasiruddin Shah, manakala Kedah, juga meraih kemenangan dengan angka sama untuk mengatasi Sabah dalam Kumpulan A di Kompleks Sukan Gong Badak (KSGB).
Selangor pula tidak menghadapi masalah menewaskan Kelantan 3-0 dalam perlawanan Kumpulan B, lantas dianggap pengurus Terengganu, Ahmad Awang sebagai pilihan bagi edisi kali ini berikutan skuad mereka yang dibarisi ramai pemain berpengalaman.
Pengurus Selangor, Hamidin Mohd Amin pantas menolak ke tepi tanggapan itu dengan menyatakan mereka hanya menampilkan tiga pemain nasional daripada kesebelasan utama mereka berbanding Terengganu dan Kedah.
"Terengganu adalah juara bertahan, mereka adalah pilihan,” katanya.
Selangor hanya mendapat lampu hijau menurunkan Mohd Asrarudin Putra Omar, Safiq Rahim serta Mohd Nasriq Baharom.
Selepas kemenangan besar yang dicapai kelamrin, Hamidin kini mensasarkan kemenangan ke atas Sabah hari ini dengan tiga mata itu akan menjamin kemaraan ke suku akhir.
Raja Sukma' belum sedia turun takhta
Oleh Lukman Salleh, Harris Rajahdin dan Hamid Salleh
Selangor mahu kekal penguasaan, sasar 60 pingat emas
SEJAK merampas gelaran 'Raja Sukma' pada 1996 dengan kemenangan dramatik kelebihan satu emas mengatasi Sarawak pada hari terakhir kejohanan, Selangor belum bersedia untuk menyerahkan mahkota itu kepada kontinjen lain pada Sukma kali ini.
Selepas enam kali muncul juara sejak temasya VI di Pahang, Selangor tampak cukup selesa dengan gelaran kuasa mutlak sukan tempatan, dan tampak akan menerus penguasaannya dengan menjadikan sasaran 60 emas sebagai matlamat untuk muncul nombor satu.
Bagi Selangor, kunci kepada kejayaannya di temasya kebangsaan itu adalah cukup mudah, tumpuan kepada program pembangunan atlit secara berterusan dan bukannya mengikut musim - hanya dilakukan setiap kali Sukma mahu diadakan.
"Kami sudah bersedia yang terbaik mungkin untuk mempertahankan gelaran kami," kata Pemangku Penolong Pengarah Bahagian Pembangunan Majlis Sukan Negeri Selangor (MSNS) Mohd Nizam Marjugi, di Kuala Terengganu semalam. "Sasaran kami adalah 60 emas, yang saya rasa mencukupi untuk muncul juara keseluruhan.
"Bagi saya, kunci kejayaan kami dalam setiap Sukma ialah pelan pembangunan kami yang tidak pernah diabaikan malah ia dilakukan secara berterusan dan bukan hanya setiap kali kejohanan berlangsung baru hendak dimulakan.
"Sebab itu saya rasa Selangor sentiasa dapat melahirkan atlit muda berbakat berbanding kontinjen lain, sekali gus memberikan kelebihan kepada kami.
"Tetapi kami sedar kontinjen lain juga sedang meningkat dan kami perlu memberikan perhatian kepada negeri-negeri ini bagi memastikan sasaran kami tidak terlepas daripada genggaman," kata Nizam, yang juga Ketua Persediaan Atlit Negeri Selangor.
Sejak kemenangan bersejarah di Pahang pada 2006 apabila Selangor berjaya menamatkan dominasi Sarawak selepas tiga edisi kejohanan, Selangor tidak melepaskan gelaran juara keseluruhan itu.
Jika kejohanan pada 2006 ditentukan melalui pungutan pingat sebelum ditukar kepada penentuan berdasarkan mata raih bagi pingat emas, perak, gangsa dan kedudukan tempat keempat, Selangor mendominasi dalam kedua kategori itu.
Kali ini dengan dibarisi beberapa bintang kebangsaan seperti Koo Chai Lin dalam renang, Ng Hui Lin dan Woon Khe Wei (badminton), Yap Khim Bun, Mohd Azzam Aziz dan Chan Sau Wah (gimnastik artistik) serta Lee Hup Wei (lompat tinggi) sudah semestinya Selangor hadir dengan reputasi menggerunkan.
"Apa yang penting bagi kontinjen Selangor adalah memastikan kejuaraan keseluruhan dalam kedua-dua kategori iaitu pungutan pingat emas dan juga jumlah mata," kata Mohd Nizam. "Tetapi kita tidak boleh memandangkan ringan tentangan lawan seperti dari Pahang, Pulau Pinang serta Sarawak."
Anuar semakin hampiri impian
Oleh Azidan Nahar
Team Type 1 minat senaraikannya
HANYA selangkah saja lagi buat Raja Pecut Jelajah Malaysia 2008, Anuar Manan untuk merealisasikan impiannya bergelar pelumba profesional apabila menerima perkhabaran Team Type 1 dari Amerika Syarikat sedang di peringkat akhir menimbangkan kemungkinan mendapatkan tandatangannya.
Difahamkan pasukan berkenaan sedang berbincang dengan penaja utama mereka untuk menyenaraikan pelumba kelahiran Terengganu itu yang menjadi tumpuan selepas tamatnya Le Tour de Langkawi 2008 (LTdL) Februari lalu.
"Bulan lalu pasukan itu sudah menghantar emel kepada saya. Mereka sedang berbincang dengan penaja mereka," katanya.
Sebaik berakhirnya LTdL 2008, Anuar mengesahkan dia dilamar kelab profesional berbasikal terkemuka dari AS dan Asia kerana tertarik dengan pencapaiannya menduduki tempat kedua keseluruhan kategori pecut LTdL.
Antara yang dikaitkan dengannya ialah Team Type 1 dan Meitan Hompo-GDR dari Jepun yang turut menyertai LTdL.
Pelumba kelab berstatus benua, LeTua Cycling Team itu menegaskan, dia memang berminat untuk menyertai pasukan ternama di luar negara untuk memperkembangkan kariernya ke peringkat lebih tinggi.
"Jika tiada rezeki saya bersama Type 1, mungkin saya akan menyertai Meitan Hompo ataupun cuba menyertai pasukan dari Iran, Azad Universiti Cycling Team," katanya.
Ketika ini Anuar sedang menumpukan perhatian kepada Sukma sebelum menyertai Jelajah Korea pada 20 Jun nanti.
Bukan memandang rendah saingan di Sukma, sasaran sebenar Anuar bukan pada temasya dwi-tahunan itu sebaliknya mahu mencipta gelaran 'hatrik' Jersi Hijau pada Jelajah Malaysia dan menjuarai peringkat pada LTdL musim depan.
Pasukan memanah terima suntikan semangat ke Olimpik
Oleh Meor Hisham Zulkifli
PENCAPAIAN memberangsangkan pada Kejohanan Memanah Piala Dunia ke-4 di Antalya, Turki kelmarin, membawa sinar kepada pasukan memanah negara untuk meraih pingat di Olimpik Beijing depan.
Trio memanah berpasukan yang dianggotai Wan Khalmizam Abd Aziz, Chen Chu Sian dan Muhd Marbawi Sulaiman mempamerkan aksi menarik dalam pusingan kelayakan 70m apabila menduduki ranking keempat.
"Pencapaian ini menggembirakan kami kerana ia menunjukkan petanda prestasi mereka semakin meningkat kerana sebelum ini mereka di ranking ketujuh dunia," kata penyelaras sukan memanah Majlis Sukan Negara, Hazani Hashim.
Dalam pertandingan itu, skuad lelaki negara yang sudah pun menempatkan diri ke Olimpik, berada di belakang Korea Selatan, India dan Taiwan.
Bagi acara individu pula, Khamizam menduduki ranking ke-11, Cheng Chu Sian ke-17 dan Muhd Marbawi ke-39. Selepas ini, mereka akan bersaing dalam pusingan kalah mati bagi menentukan juara.
Kejohanan itu disertai 27 negara termasuk 12 negara dan 59 atlit yang sudah layak ke Sukan Olimpik. Bagi acara individu, 116 pemanah menyertai kejohanan ini.
Sementara itu, skuad negara berharap atlit wanita akan turut melayakkan diri ke Olimpik dengan harapan ditumpukan kepada S Anbarasi yang dikatakan mempunyai peluang cerah ke Beijing.
Jurulatih negara, Lee Jae-hyung, berkata Anbarasi perlu membuktikan kemampuannya dalam saingan di Boe, Perancis, Jun ini yang menjadi medan terakhir pemanah dunia untuk merebut tempat ke Olimpik.
Menurutnya, prestasi Anbarasi kelihatan semakin meningkat selepas kejohanan Piala Dunia di Porec, Croatia, akhir bulan lalu. Anbarasi akan turut diiringi Irza Hanie Abu Samah dan Nur Amirah Mohamed bagi mengibarkan cabaran trio wanita negara.
Tan Fook-Wan Wah get the nod
Lee Wan Wah (left) and Choong Tan Fook have experience on their side and will be motivated to win a medal at the Olympics.
CHOONG Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah will feature in their third consecutive Olympics in Beijing. The BA of Malaysia (BAM) coaching committee yesterday unanimously decided to pick the veteran pair and Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong ahead of Zakry Latif-Fairuzizuan Tazari.
"We consulted the National Sports Insitute (NSI) doctors today (yesterday) and they concluded that Wan Wah's minor shoulder injury will not affect his performance in training or at the Olympics," said Nadzmi at the National Sports Council (NSC) in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
"We felt that, after the report by NSI, Tan Fook-Wan Wah shouldn't be denied a chance to compete in the event as they have proven themselves as one of the better pairs in the country.
"On BAM's part, we have fulfilled our promise, made a year ago, to select only the best pairs for the Olympics."
Nadzmi also said the shuttlers must aim for the best result in Beijing as he believes the gold medal target set last year is within reach.
"All of them should try their best for the gold medal if not silver or bronze."
He said World No 2 Lee Chong Wei and Kien Keat-Boon Heong are genuine gold medal contenders.
"They have proven many times that they have the potential."
However, Nadzmi did not discount Tan Fook-Wan Wah chances.
"They have experience on their side and will be motivated to win a medal as it will likely be their last Olympics," he added.
The others who will compete in Beijing are World No 10 Wong Mew Choo and Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui.
Penang aim to paint lanes gold
Penang’s Diyana Zuhaili hopes to achieve something special at the Games. — Pic: HAIRUL ANUAR
PENANG hope to restore their supremacy in bowling after failing to land a gold medal in the last Malaysia Games in Kedah two years ago.
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| Adrian |
Now that they are able to count upon the talent of two national youth bowlers in Adrian Charles Dragon and Diyana Zuhaili, the Penang bowlers want to consign memories of 2006 to the past.
Adrian, 20, who failed to win a medal in Kedah, hopes to put that statistic right this time.
"I did not win anything the last time but I think we can get something in the team (fours) event. I'm also looking at winning a medal in the individual events," said Adrian, who has been with the national youth squad for the last four years.
"This Games is the stepping stone to a higher level. I am expecting a tough fight from the Sarawak, Johor and KL (Federal Territories) bowlers nor can I rule my teammates out as well," said Adrian in reference to Mohd Kamarul Nizam, Muhd Syazly Hamzah and Yap Khai Dong.
Diyana, 19, will be rolling off in her first Malaysia Games while looking to bag her first national youth title.
"I've won an inter-state doubles gold but only have a silver to show from the same tournament. I did win one leg of the national youth circuit but being at my first Games I hope to achieve something special here," said the Bukit Jalil pre-university student.
Penang have depth in their women's squad with the inclusion of Maisarah Rozali, who has won four gold medals at the on-going Malaysian Schools Championships in Ipoh, in addition to Fatin Syazliana and Fok Mae Yin.
The bowlers also had their first taste of the new 48-lane bowling alley nestled in the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium at the Gong Badak Sports Complex yesterday.
"We are just getting a feel of the venue now but we are not sure what the conditions will be like later.
"We will only know during official practice if this is the oiling they will use for the competition," said Adrian.
Bowling, which begins on Sunday, offers 13 gold medals in the men's and women's singles, doubles, trios, fours, All Events and Masters and the mixed doubles.
Sea Keong boost for Kelantan
Sea Keong will ride for the first time in Kelantan colours.
A LAST-MINUTE confirmation sees China's team Trek-Marco Polo's most promising rider, Loh Sea Keong come on a patriotic mission for his home state of Kelantan in the Malaysia Games cycling road race, individual time trial and criterium.
Interestingly, despite being born and raised in Kelantan, this will be the first time Sea Keong dons the colours of the state in any competition, having made his name with Kuala Lumpur and as the first real export of Malaysian cycling in his four years with Trek-Marco Polo, competing throughout Asia and Europe.
"It was my own decision. I had said I wanted to ride for Kelantan in this Malaysia Games as it will be the last opportunity for me to do something for my home state. But it still depended on my programme and if there weren't any races with Marco Polo during this time," said Sea Keong.
"When it was confirmed that I would be free during this period, I immediately asked to be slotted for Kelantan and I'm already proud to be starting the race for my state."
Terengganu will be led by the duo of Harrif Salleh and Nor Umardi Rosdi, Pahang by the sprinting duo of Anuar Manan and Ahmad Haidar Anuawar, Selangor by national rider Rauf Nor Misbah and Kedah by national rider Faris Abdul Razak.
"It will be about fighting for everything. If I want to get something, it will have to be through a breakaway or opportunities like that.
"Anyway, we're all looking forward to this Malaysia Games. With most of the big names there, the level is quite high, which is good for a place like Terengganu where there are many cycling fans," added Sea Keong, who is known for his aggressive, attacking style.
The road events begin in Kuala Berang on Monday.
Azalina: Organisers must consult sports associations first
LOCAL sports associations must be consulted and included by any party which intents to organise sporting events in Malaysia.
Azalina was referring to the Champions Youth Cup (CYC) controversy.
"The organisers should have considered the role of the sports association regardless of the situation," said Azalina, who added that she was disappointed to learn that the promoter of the CYC, Gifted Group, had refused to work with the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM).
Azalina, who is now the Tourism Minister, has left the matter to her successor, Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob, to sort out.
The second installment of the CYC, an under-19 event, was organised by Gifted Group Limited (GGL) and scheduled to be held on Aug 5-16. However, on May 23, FAM president Sultan Ahmad Shah pulled the plug on the event by refusing to sanction it.
The decision was taken because Gifted Group had disregarded the role of the FAM, which is the authority responsible for football tournaments in the country.
On Wednesday, Ismail Sabri had instructed for documents pertaining to the CYC contract to be sent to the Attorney General's chambers to be studied.
GGL had a contract to organise the CYC till next year.
Negri confident of reaching last eight
Perak football players in a training session ahead of their clash with Pahang today. Pic: HAIRUL ANUAR ABD RAHIM
NEGRI Sembilan will seal their quarter-final berth with a win over the Federal Territories today in the Malaysia Games football competition at the Gong Badak Sports Complex.
"They are used to this intensity as 12 of the players are from the Super League side and another six come from the President's Cup squad.
"The weather aside, of greater importance is that they must win tomorrow (today) so that we can secure a place in the quarter-finals early," he said.
Both Negri and FT have three points after identical 1-0 wins in their opening Group C matches over Malacca and Perlis respectively on Wednesday.
"There is an impression that our players are rough after it was reported we picked up six yellow cards against Malacca but in actual fact only three of our players were booked," added Hanizam.
Kedah and Selangor can also claim their quarter-finals spots with wins over Sabah and Kelantan respectively in Group B, with the same scenario also applicable to Johor and Penang in their Group D matches against Sarawak and Brunei.
Perak must win their clash against Pahang to keep alive their hopes of advancing from the three-team Group A after Terengganu claimed an injury time winner in a 3-2 win on Wednesday.
FIXTURES -- Today: Group A: Perak v Pahang (Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium, 4.45pm).
Group B: Sabah v Selangor (Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium, 8am); Kelantan v Kedah (Gong Badak Sports Complex Field A, 8am).
Group C: Federal Territories v Negri Sembilan (Gong Badak Sports Complex Field B, 4.45pm); Malacca v Perlis (Gong Badak Sports Complex Field A, 4.45pm).
Group D: Johor v Sarawak (Gong Badak Sports Complex Field B, 8am); Penang v Brunei (Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium, 8.45pm).
Focus on priority tournaments
NATIONAL bowlers, with the exception of Shalin Zulkifli, have been barred from competing in tournaments after the ongoing Singapore Open.
Shalin is currently pursuing a professional career in the United States.
Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) high performance manager Cheah Ban Cheng said the Congress wants the bowlers to prepare comprehensively for the priority tournaments.
"It has been the practice of MTBC to bar its bowlers a month before important events," said Ban Cheng yesterday.
The MTBC is expected to select the bowlers for both meets after the Singapore Open which ends tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the national elite bowlers stamped their mark by qualifying for the Masters round in the Singapore event.
Zulmazran Zulkifli, the Malaysian Open champion, is the country's best hope in the men's section, while World Ranking Masters winner Wendy Chai starts as the early favourite in the women's event. -- AJITPAL SINGH
Resignation shocks PSHA
THE Penang State Hockey Association (PSHA) expressed shock when told that its senior vice president S. Sanjilatheeban had resigned as treasurer of the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) with immediate effect.
A furious PSHA deputy president, Datuk Mary Ritchie said this was the first time a government department has done this, not approving the unrecorded leave for a government programme.
"How could a government department sabotage and not support a government programme? The Malaysia Games is a National Sports Agenda," said a visibly distraught Mary.
"All government departments and Government Linked Companies (GLC) should, and must support, the event. It is understandable if the private sector does not support but there is no excuse for government bodies.
"But here we have the Penang customs department director who thinks otherwise."
Mary added that the government has been asking Malaysians to do national service but, shockingly, when someone is offering to do the service a government department becomes the stumbling block.
Mary said Sanjilatheeban's decision to quit is a great loss to the PSHA as he is very hard working and dedicated administrator. In fact he is the first from Penang to be elected to the MHF.
"If necessary, PSHA will write to the prime minister, who is also the Finance Minister, as the customs department is under the finance ministry.
"We may also meet with Tan Sri Mohamad Nor Yaakob, the Finance Minister II to get his opinion," said Mary.
"By right the customs department should be proud to have an officer who is also serving the country as a volunteer."
Sanjilatheeban has been the MHF treasurer since 2004 and is in his second term. He has also been the senior vice president of PSHA since 2000.
When contacted, the customs department director's office said that its director, Matrang Suhali was on leave.
Just three minutes to provide the results, say Sukma organisers
THE organisers of the 12th Sukma have given an assurance that results from all competition venues in Terengganu will be delivered quickly.
The state's executive committee chairman for Youth and Sports, Datuk Abdul Rahin Mohd Said (pic), said that the results and also updates could be accessed on their website.
“With the advanced IT services in the country, we should be able to provide the results within three minutes after the completion of events,” said Abdul Rahin at a press conference at the Gong Badak Sports Complex to update the media on their final preparations of the Games, which will be officially open by the King tomorrow.
However, until yesterday, the broadband wireless service at the Main Press Centre (MPC) in the complex was still not up yet. The MPC is well-equipped for 200 media members and personal computers have been installed.
On the venues of competitions in seven districts of Terengganu, Abdul Rahin ensured that there would be smooth operations for all 34 sports, including the three demonstration events – kabaddi, Formula Future and silambam.
“This is the first Sukma where each district will host at least an event to mark the celebration of the Malaysia Games. As such, we will ensure smooth operations,” he said.
He said that after months of preparations, all venues were now ready except for women's hockey and athletics at the vicinity of the Gong Badak Sports Complex, which required final touch-ups.
“Only the final touches are being done now, such as painting the walls and cleaning the floors. Everything else is in place,” he said.
A total of 404 gold medals will be at stake in the Sukma. The first of medal events will be held on Sunday and 19 will be at stake – eight in swimming, four in karate, two each in cycling-cross country and fencing and one each in equestrian, gymnastics and bowling.
Competitions on June 4 offer the most gold medals – 68.
Olympics: Choong-Lee to make third appearance with Koo-Tan in Beijing
By LIM TEIK HUAT
KUALA LUMPUR: The top ranked Malaysian pair of Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah can breathe easy and look forward to making their third appearance in Olympics.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president, Datuk Mohd Nadzmi Salleh, announced yesterday that the veteran pair and Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong would be the two Malaysian entries for the men's doubles competition in Beijing in August.
The BAM had contemplated dropping the world number four after Wan Wah sustained a shoulder injury during the Thomas Cup Finals in Jakarta two weeks ago.
Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari and Mohd Zakry Latif could also be considered for selection because they were also among the top 16 pairs at the end of the qualifying period last month.
Olympic bound: Lee Wan Wah (right) and Choong Tan Fook were selected by BAM to represent the country in Beijing Olympic Games. Today is the deadline for Olympics entries and Nadzmi said that the coaches unanimously decided that the top two ranked pairs be fielded.
“We looked at the medical report given by the National Sports Institute on the players. In Wan Wah's case, he did not suffer any injury that would have affected his preparations towards Beijing. There is no reason for not being able to go to the Olympics.
“We had promised a year ago that the best ranked pairs at the end of the qualifying period would get to go. I hope that these two pairs would strive to get ready in the two-and-a-half month period before the Olympics.”
On the BAM's target, Nadzmi said that they would settle for nothing less than a medal.
“We have genuine contenders in the singles and doubles. Lee Chong Wei has been playing well and if he keeps up his form, he is good for the gold,” he said.
“Our doubles pair, Koo-Tan, are also contenders if they can regain their old form. Wan Wah-Tan Fook have the experience and they may be more motivated now to give their best in probably their last Olympic appearance.”
As the top Malaysian pair set to be seeded fourth in the Olympics, Wan Wah pledged that they would gave give their best to live up to expectations in Beijing.
“I'm relieved that the trust has been given to the seniors to be in the squad for Beijing,” he said.
“The BAM made the promise to sent the top two pairs at the start of the qualification period one year ago. We set our minds to qualify and we are now the top ranked Malaysian pair. We were the best in the world championships last year (semi-finalists) and we have been consistent this year.
“I hope that those who are not going will chip in to help those selected in their preparations. We will put more focus and sit down with the coaches and trainers to discuss how we are going to prepare ourselves.”
The other Malaysian entries for the Olympics are Wong Choong Hann (men's singles), Wong Mew Choo (women's singles) and Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui (women's doubles).
Sukma: Swimmer turned coach Tuck Kar now charts hosts’ fortunes
WONG Tuck Kar is no stranger to Sukma swimming.
Having scooped up a total of six gold medals in three Games appearances from 2000, the former national swimmer is ready for a new challenge in Terengganu.
Secret weapon: Coach Wong Tuck Kar says Carmen Ooi can spring a surprise in the pool. The Perak-born Tuck Kar was appointed as the Terengganu chief coach in January and he has been given the responsibility to ensure that the hosts put up a strong showing in the pool.
It is a tall order, considering the fact that Terengganu have never won a swimming gold medal and have had no representation in the sport in several editions of the Games.
Although the 24-year-old admits that it would be unrealistic to expect miracles from the Terengganu swimmers, Tuck Kar is happy to have started a proper swimming programme for the state.
“The main target for the 15 swimmers in the squad is to gain experience from competing with the best young swimmers in the country,” he said yesterday.
“We have started to lay a good foundation with new swimmers and hopefully they will be strong enough to be serious medal contenders in the next Games in 2010.”
But Tuck Kar is quietly confident that one his charges could spring a surprise in the competitions beginning on Sunday at the Batu Buruk Swimming Complex. He is pinning his hopes on little known 16-year-old Carmen Ooi.
The New Zealand-based swimmer is making her Sukma debut and down to compete in 12 events, including three relays. She is expected to vie for honours in her favourite backstroke events.
“Carmen is Terengganu's secret weapon in the swimming pool. Although she is not in the national team, she has proven that she has the potential to surprise.”
Her biggest achievement to date was an eighth place in the 100m backstroke at the New Zealand national trials in March. Carmen, who is from the West Auckland's Waterhole Swim Club, has also competed in the New Zealand Open.
Sukma: Kelantan face early exit if they fail to beat favourites Kedah
KELANTAN face an early exit in the Under-23 football competition when they play against Kedah in a Group B match at the Gong Badak Sports Complex in Kuala Terengganu today.
After an opening 0-3 defeat by Selangor on Wednesday, Kelantan need nothing less than a win to keep alive their slim hopes to qualify for the quarter-finals.
Coach Azman Yusof is aware that the odds are heavily stacked against them against Kedah, who have eight players from the side who emerged as champions in the Super League.
Kedah, who edged Sabah 3-2 in their opening game on Wednesday, have in their ranks players from the team who won the treble last year.
They are Bunyamin Umar, Badrol Bakhtiar, Fazli Baharom, Mat Sabree Abu, Fazliata Taib, Faiz Sobri, Nizam Mansor and Shafiq Jamal.
Kedah and Selangor are tipped to advance to the quarter-finals. Selangor play their second match against Sabah today.
Terengganu are virtually through to the quarter-finals. There are only three teams in Group A and Terengganu edged Perak 1-0 in the opening game. Perak can bounce back and win a place in the last eight with victory over Pahang today.
Negri Sembilan are the team to watch in Group C. They edged Malacca 1-0 in the opening game and will play against Kuala Lumpur today.
The Negri side under coach Wan Jamak Wan Hassan (pic) have several Super League players, among them S. Kunalan, Shahurain Abu Samah and K. Thanaraj.
Penang and Johor are in the front-runners for quarter-final berths from Group D. Both teams won their opening round matches. Penang edged Sarawak 2-1 while Johor defeated Brunei 1-0.
Today's fixtures
Group A: Perak vs Pahang (Gong Badak C, 4.45pm).
Group B: Sabah vs Selangor (Sultan Ismail Stadium, 8am), Kelantan vs Kedah (Gong Badak A, 8am).
Group C: Malacca vs Perlis (Gong Badak A, 4.45pm), K. Lumpur vs N. Sembilan (Gong Badak B, 4.45pm).
Group D: Johor vs Sarawak (Gong Badak B, 8am), Penang vs Brunei (Gong Badak C, 8am).
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