Youth And Sports Ministry Wants Reports On Athletes Failure At The Beijing Olympic After Hari Raya
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- All trainer and coaches who participated in last month's Olympic Games in Beijing are required to submit reports on their athletes after the Aidilfitri for evaluation, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob said Wednesday.
He said they were required to submit a detail report, covering all aspects, on Malaysia's failure to win any medals, except in badminton.
Speaking to reporters after the breaking of fast with the media and athletes at the Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalil here, Ismail Sabri said the National Sports Institute (NSI) would play a more important role in the development of the country's sports science.
Towards this end, he said the function and role of the institute and the National Sports Council would be separated where MSN would focus more on sports management while the NSI on sports science.
However, he said the matter was still being discussed and no decision had been made yet on its implementation.
-- BERNAMA
All Eyes On Kien Keat-Boon Heong As Hafiz, Mew Choo Exit
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- In the absence of men's singles world number one Datuk Lee Chong Wei, all eyes would now be on Malaysian men's doubles pair Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong after Hafiz Hashim and Pei Wee Chung were knocked out of the China Masters in Guangzhou, Wednesday.
Former Olympic champion and seventh-seeded Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia showed Hafiz Hashim the exit in a three-set thriller that went the distance 17-21, 21-13, 22-20, while Japan's Sho Sasaki crushed youngster Pei Wee Chung 21-18, 21-7 in straight sets.
Chong Wei's withdrawal due to minor injuries on his right hand, suffered during the Japan Open last week where he lost in the final to Indonesian Sony Dwi Kuncoro, saw China's Li Yu receive a walkover.
In the women's singles, despite receiving a bye in the first round, world number eight Wong Mew Choo conceded a walkover to Wang Lin of China in the second round.
Hence, third seeded Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong, who had a first round bye, face a tricky second round match against Sun Junjie/Xu Chen of China Thursday.
Following them into the second round were Khoo Chung Chiat/Tan Bin Shen who beat China's He Hanbin/Shen Ye 21-19, 24-22 and face another Malaysian pair, Chan Chong Ming/Chew Choon Eng, who earned a bye in the first round.
In another all-Malaysian affair, fourth-seeded Mohd Razif Abdul Latif/Tan Wee Kiong swept aside Goh Wei Shem/Ong Jien Guo 21-14, 21-18 and meet Yonatan Suryatama Dasuki/Rian Sukmawan of Indonesia in the second round.
Malaysians would also see action in the women's doubles as Japan Open runner-up Chin Eei Hui/Wong Pei Tty, who were given a first round bye face the winner of the match between seventh-seeded Chinese pair Pan Pan/Tian Qing and Zhang Dan/Zhang Zhibo of Macau.
FIRST ROUND RESULTS (Only Malaysian matches):
Men's Singles: Taufik Hidayat (INA) bt Hafiz Hashim (MAS) 17-21, 21-13, 22-20; Sho Sasaki (JPN) bt Pei Wee Chung (MAS) 21-18, 21-7.
Men's Doubles: Khoo Chung Chiat/Tan Bin Shen (MAS) bt He Hanbin/Shen Ye (CHN) 21-19, 24-22; Mohd Razif Abdul Latiff/Tan Wee Kiong bt Goh Wei Shem/Ong Jien Guo (MAS) 21-14, 21-18; Gan Teik Chai/Lin Woon Fui(MAS) bt Chan Lo Chong/Lam Chi Man (MAC)21-5, 21-11.
Women's Singles: Wang Lin (CHN) bt Wong Mew Choo (MAS) walkover.
-- BERNAMA
Fairuz To Race In Zandvoort For A1 Team Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- The A1 Team Malaysia has selected Fairuz Fauzy to pilot the team's car in the opening round of the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport in Zandvoort, Netherlands, next week.The team said in a statement that Fairuz tested the car two weeks ago at the Donington circuit in the United Kingdom, which was the first run for the newly built car.
The team's chief executive, Jack Cunningham, who described the test as "highly-successful", said that Fairuz was the obvious choice for Zandvoort.
"We have only been allowed two days of testing, so we need to use this experience to our best advantage.
"Fairuz settled in very quickly on his return to the team, and it was good to see him working so well with other team members," Cunningham said.
The all-new racer, with design consultancy and an engine package from Ferrari, was delivered to the A1 Team Malaysia late last month.
Fairuz said he was pleased for having been chosen for Zandvoort.
"The car is very much a 21st century car; it is a step forward, with improvements all round -- brakes, engine power, handling -- all the features that a racing driver wants to be in top quality," he said.
Fairuz raced with the A1 Team Malaysia in the first and third seasons of A1GP.
The Malaysian has been racing in the World Series by Renault and has scored a podium and a pole position so far this season.
He will travel to Estoril, Portugal this weekend for the penultimate round of the series before his season debut with the A1 Team Malaysia.
-- BERNAMA
FAM President Assures No Change In Azzuddin's Position
PETALING JAYA, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) President, Sultan Ahmad Shah today put to rest, rumours surrounding the status of Secretary-general Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad.
"He will continue as the Secretary-general. He met me and explained the situation in detail and I am satisfied.
"I have always been happy and satisfied with Azzuddin job since his appointment to the post and I hope it will continue," said Sultan Ahmad Shah at Wisma FAM Wednesday.
It was earlier reported that Sultan Ahmad Shah was unhappy with FAM's financial status, communications and media relationship.
"He (Azzuddin) should not be blamed unnecessarily. We must understand that everybody has his or her own style, including Azzuddin and I hope the media can accept the fact," he said.
Meanwhile, Azzuddin said he was happy and relieved that the president had listened to his explanation and accepted that the said allegations on him were not true.
"I put forward all evidence to proof that all such allegations were malicious lies and the president was very understanding and open minded," said Azzuddin.
"I personally do not agree that I am not media friendly but since some have such a perception, I will try harder to accommodate their wish."
He added that he would not consider any action on those who had hurled accusations at him that were not true but advised them to repent.
"The focus should be on how to develop football in the country and not go around spreading malicious lies on people," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Sultan Ahmad Shah Wants AFC To Reconsider HQ Relocation Plan
PETALING JAYA, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) President Sultan Ahmad Shah urged the Asia Football Confederation (AFC) to reconsider its plan to relocate their headquarters (AFC House) situated in Bukit Jalil.
"FAM will not make an appeal on AFC's decision but we will merely ask them to reconsider," Ahmad Shah told reporters at Wisma FAM here Wednesday.
The AFC Executive Committee at its meeting in July had decided to open bids for the relocation of the AFC House to its Member Associations although the governing body of football in Asia, had a strong historical background in KL.
"Malaysia's first Prime Minister, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra who was the first AFC president was instrumental in the expansion of AFC. The Malaysian government later gave a piece of land in Bukit Jalil to build the AFC House," he said.
It is also no secret that the AFC is what it is today due to the leadership, hard work and contributions of Malaysian leaders and the support from the government.
Tunku Abdul Rahman had served as its president for 24 years, followed by Tan Sri Hamzah Abu Samah for 16 years and Sultan Ahmad Shah for eight years before Hammam took over in 2002.
Datuk Peter Velappan who retired last year, had served as AFC general secretary for 30 years and credited with building AFC from a fledging confederation to what it is today.
Meanwhile, Sultan Ahmad Shah said though FAM would continue to help state FAs, they must also cooperate and strive for excellence.
"I also want state FAs to combine efforts with the FAM to reshape the national team," said Sultan Ahmad Shah after chairing FAM's Finance Committee meeting.
He added that FAM's financial standing was good and not in a financial crisis as claimed by certain parties.
-- BERNAMA
Nik Mahmud Not Ready To Retract Decision On MTA Despite Legal Implications
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- Sports Commissioner (SC) Datuk Nik Mahmud Nik Yusuf on Wednesday reiterated that he would not retract the decision to declare the current office bearers of the Malaysia Taekwondo Association (MTA) void, although it may constitute to contempt of court.
"I am willing to face whatever legal implication that may arise but I will not change my mind or retract the decision," he told Bernama when contacted today.
Nik Mahmud who took over from Tan Sri Elyas Omar in April, was reacting to MTA president Raja Taharuddin Nong Chik, who had said that he had instructed his lawyers to send the SC a notice of demand to retract his decision to annul the MTA office bearers.
The decision by the SC would simply mean that office bearers of the previous committee under president Ho Kham Pow would be reinstated to their positions.
Nik Mahmud added that the decision, made with the consent of the Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob was final and that nobody can change it.
They can however summon the SC's office to register their objection or disapproval of the decision made, he said.
"But I have not received the lawyers letter as claimed by the MTA president, so it is still too early to comment on it," he said.
He added that the decision to reinstate the former committee was made based on a complaint made by the former office bearers, and also a means of resolving the ongoing internal squabble in MTA.
"It is the duty of the SC's office to resolve matters pertaining to associations in the country and our perusal of the MTA case was not just to show of that the SC's office was working, as claimed by Raja Taharuddin," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Naim: We should learn and move up
"We are willingly paid the price, but will we learn from this?"
Fauzan had been hampered by virtually no preparation with the gloom of uncertainty cast over the national team's participation at the world meet. They only confirmed two riders to compete days before the departure, when a serious programme targeted at performance at that level should already be in progress.
Fauzan, 22, completed the 33.5km course in a time seven and a half minutes slower than winner Adriano Malori of Italy. He joins Anuar Manan for the road race on Friday.
"Honestly, we can plan and psyche the riders up for them to do the best they can for that moment. But why we really wanted the team to compete here was for us to learn and move up. Also for the pride of having our flag flown at the top level of world cycling," said Naim.
" Malaysia qualified for the Under-23 World Championships, we even qualified to send five riders to the Women's World Championship. But all we have to represent us here is two riders.
"What do we compete for, what do we aim for in our sport, in any sport, if not the World Championships and the Olympics. Yes, Fauzan finished 59th, maybe he could have even finished last. But what do we do from now?
"If you ask me, we should tailor a serious programme from next year onwards, targeted at the World Championships, because it is the annual pinnacle of our sport."
But it remains to be seen whether the National Sports Council (NSC), who already failed to fund the squad of five qualifiers for these World Championships, will read from the same page. The two cyclists' trip to Varese was funded by cycling enthusiast Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz. Naim too paid his own way to be with them.
Hafiz out, pairs stay on
Gan Teik Chai (right) and Lin Woon Fui bt Chan Io Chong and Lam Chi Man 21-5, 21-11.
HAFIZ Hashim's first-round exit ended Malaysia's campaign in the men's singles but seven men's doubles combinations got through to the second round of the China Masters in Changzhou yesterday.
Women's national shuttler Wong Mew Choo also withdrew from the singles, thus leaving the men's doubles as Malaysia's best chance for a title.
Gan Teik Chai-Lin Woon Fui were the most fortunate as they had already secured a berth in the quarter-finals.
Teik Chai-Woon Fui thrashed Macau's Cha Io Chong-Lam Shi Man 21-5, 21-11 in 17 minutes in the first round and then received a walkover from Japan's Shuichi Sakamoto-Shintaro Ikeda, who they were supposed to meet today.
Up-and-coming back-up pair Razif Latif-Tan Wee Kiong outlasted compatriots Goh Wei Shem-Ong Jian Guo 21-14, 21-18 in 30 minutes to set up a second round encounter against Yonathan Dasuki-Rian Sukmawan of Indonesia.
Razif-Wee Kiong beat Yonathan-Rian en route to the Taiwan Open semi-finals a fortnight ago and should fancy their chances of making the last eight.
Third seeds Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong, seeking to boost their career which is on a downward spiral, received a first-round bye and play China's back-up pair Xu Chen-Sun Junjie today.
Zakry Latif-Fairuzizuan Tazari, the fourth seeds who were surprisingly eliminated in the second round of the Japan Open last week, will be aiming to put things right when they play Indonesia's Hendra Gunawan-Joko Riyadi in the second round today.
Hoon Thien How-Ong Soon Hock are the only pair staring at a second round exit as they must play China's second seeds Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng today.
In the mixed doubles, three pairs begin their campaign today and Kien Keat-Ng Hui Lin look to be in for a tough time as they will play third seeds Xie Zhongbo-Zhang Yawen of China. Thien How-Chin Eei Hui open against Japan Open champions Muhammad Rijal-Vita Marissa of Indonesia, while Lim Khim Wah-Wong Pei Tty are up against China's back-up pair of Shen Ye-Pan Pan.
RESULTS -- (1st Rd) Men's Singles: Bobby Milroy (Can) bt Zhou Wenlong (Chn) 21-17, 21-19; Ng Wei (HK) bt Lu Qicheng (Chn) 21-10, 16-21, 21-19; Taufik Hidayat (Ina) bt Hafiz Hashim (Mas) 17-21, 21-13, 22-20; Joachim Persson (Den) bt Du Pengyu (Chn) 21-18, 12-21, 21-14; Bao Chunlai (Chn) bt Boonsak Ponsana (Tha) 22-20, 13-21, 21-10; Gong Weijie (Chn) bt Lu Yi (Chn) 21-15, 21-17;
Qiu Yanbo (Chn) bt Jan Jorgensen (Den) 21-11, 21-12; Sho Sasaki (Jpn) bt Pei Wee Chung (Mas) 21-18, 21-7; Chen Yu (Chn) bt Chan Io Chong (Macau) 21-7, 21-12; Chen Jin (Chn) bt Chen Long (Chn) 21-10, 21-12; Kenichi Tago (Jpn) bt Hu Yun (Chn) 21-5, 21-19; Andrew Smith (Eng) bt Lam Chi Man (Macau) 21-9, 21-8; Sony Dwi Kuncoro (Ina) bt Eric Pang (Ned) 21-12, 21-15.
Doubles: Gan Teik Chai-Lin Woon Fui (Mas) bt Chan Io Chong-Lam Chi Man (Macau) 21-5, 21-11; Razif Latif-Tan Wee Kiong (Mas) bt Goh Wei Shem-Ong Jian Guo (Mas) 21-14, 21-18; Khoo Chung Chiat-Tan Bin Shen (Mas) bt He Hanbin-Shen Ye (Chn) 21-19, 24-22.
Women's Singles: Yao Jie (Ned) bt Salakjit Ponsana (Tha) 21-14, 21-18; Ai Goto (Jpn) bt Charmaine Reid (Can) 21-10, 21-10; Wang Yihan (Chn) bt Zhu Jingjing (Chn) 21-17, 21-17.
Nafiizwan goes that extra mile
FOR the second straight year, National No 3 Nafiizwan Adnan (pic) will not be celebrating Hari Raya Aidilfitri at his home in Terengganu as he seeks to establish himself on the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Tour.
If last year he had to pay on his way to Europe, Nafiizwan managed to convince the National Sports Council this time to cough up some cash to help him in his quest to close the gap on Ong Beng Hee and Azlan Iskandar, Malaysia's top two players on the PSA Tour.
But he has had to make a few sacrifices, not least, being away from home during the Hari Raya celebrations, attesting to his determination to succeed.
"It's a normal thing to miss important events due to tournaments. In fact, I'll be playing in one during this Hari Raya, but it's been like this for a few years, so I'm used to it," said Nafiizwan, currently training in London under Azlan's coach Peter Genever, in an e-mail yesterday.
Nafiizwan lost 11-9, 11-9, 11-6 to World No 52 Mark Krajcsak of Hungary in a match the Malaysian might have won but for several unforced errors.
"I'll do better next time," said Nafiizwan, who has two one-star PSA Tour titles to his name this year.
Nafiizwan gets a chance to redeem himself at the Wolverhampton Open next week where he is the highest ranked player outside the main draw and is expected to reach the first round proper.
Earlier this year, Nafiizwan reached the main draw of the British and Irish Opens after battling his way through the qualifying rounds while compiling a 4-4 win-loss record.
Shalin bundled out
SHALIN Zulkifli, despite posting excellent scores, failed to make the second stage of the Samho Cup -- a South Korean professional event -- at the Anyang bowling centre yesterday.
However, the 30-year-old bowler should be proud of her performance as she was not awarded handicap pins in the tournament which pits men and women bowlers in one category.
In yesterday's third block, Shalin needed to post at least 1,500 pinfalls to qualify for the second stage of 36 bowlers but fell short by 189 pins.
Among the top bowlers competing in the event are Japanese pro Nakano Kazuhiro, South Korea's Kwon Young Dae, Oh Joo Hun, Eo Young Jun, Australia's Jason Belmonte and Rhino Page of the US.
Sultan Ahmad Shah to stay as FAM supremo
FA of Malaysia (FAM) president Sultan Ahmad Shah (pic) has reiterated that he will continue to lead FAM despite all that has been said about him and the administration.
"Indeed, I am very sad and disappointed that there are people who are trying to destroy this association and trying to victimise the general secretary," said Sultan Ahmad Shah during a media conference at Wisma FAM yesterday.
"I am here to stay and I will continue to lead the association, but if anyone is interested they can always take over this position. We practice democracy and no one is indispensable."
Sultan Ahmad Shah also defended his general secretary Lt Jen (R) Datuk Azzuddin Ahamd's position as FAM's head of administration.
Recently, Azzuddin has become the target of some individuals in a state FA with numerous allegations levelled against him. These individuals also said that the president was not hands on anymore.
"My advice to these people is to come together and continue working as a family for the betterment of football," added the Sultan. "We should be concentrating on the national team and how to improve our ranking. I am not worried and I will weather this storm. I have gone through worse times leading the FAM and I am confident that together with the council, we can do better."
Sultan Ahmad Shah also confirmed that FAM's financial status is sound and that there is no financial crisis.
Sultan Ahmad Shah also firmly believes that state FAs should be more independent.
"The bailing out must stop," he said. "We expect the state FAs to be self funding. We can only help with what is within our means."
Meanwhile, Azzuddin was relieved to have had a fair hearing. "I explained to the president my situation and presented all facts regards the allegations that were all baseless," said Azzuddin.
"I am happy that the president has trusted me to continue as the general secretary."
Hafiz falls to first round defeat in first foray with BAM
By LIM TEIK HUAT
PETALING JAYA: Mohd Hafiz Hashim represented the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) outfit in his first international tournament but there was little change in his fortunes as he crashed out in the first round of the China Masters in Changzhou yesterday.
Hafiz fell 21-17, 13-21, 20-22 to Indonesia’s Taufik Hidayat after battling for 55 minutes to leave Malaysia with no representative after the first round of the men’s singles competition.
Hafiz was unfortunate to be drawn against the 2004 Olympic gold medallist but Taufik has been struggling of late and it was yet another missed opportunity for the Malaysian to stamp his mark in the absence of national No. 1 Lee Chong Wei, who skipped the event due to fatigue.
Except for a quarter-final appearance in the Asian Championships in April, Hafiz has failed to make it past the early rounds in six Open tournaments.
Starting the year as the second ranked Malaysian behind Chong Wei, Hafiz is now sixth in the national pecking order.
He is also set to slide further from his current 31st spot in the world rankings.
BAM general manager Kenny Goh said Hafiz will have to start proving himself like the others in the national team when it comes to selection for international meets.
“Hafiz is still a valuable asset as he can help the younger players in sparring to come up faster in the national team. But that does not mean that he can enjoy the ride. We will evaluate his performances over several tournaments and see whether he deserves his place,” said Kenny.
National men’s doubles pair Gan Teik Chai-Lin Woon Fui are through to the quarter-finals after the withdrawal of Japan’s Shuichi Sakamoto-Shintaro Ikeda.
Teik Chai-Woon Fui defeated Chan Io Chong-Lam Chi Man of Macau 21-5, 21-11 in the first round yesterday before being given a walkover by the Japanese pair.
But their progress could be halted as they are likely to face second seeds Fu Haifeng-Cai Yun of China, unless compatriots Hoon Thien How-Ong Soon Hock do them a favour by beating the Olympic silver medallists in the second round today.
The focus will be on the men’s doubles pairs Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong and Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari-Mohd Zakry Latif, who will begin their campaigns in the second round today. Both pairs enjoyed first round byes yesterday.
Kien Keat-Boon Heong, who have yet to reach the final in an international tournament this year, face a tricky tie against China’s back-up pair of Sun Junjie-Xu Chen today.
A win will pit them against either compatriots Mohd Razif Latif-Tan Wee Kiong or Indonesia’s Yonathan Dasuki-Rian Sukmawan in the last eight.
The under-performing Kien Keat-Boon Heong are in the same half with Cai Yun-Haifeng and their paths will cross only meet if both pairs make the semi-finals.
Fairuzizuan-Zakry will also be aiming to make amends for a second round defeat to Indonesian back-up pair Muhammad Ahsan-Bona Septano in the Japan Open last week.
Fairuzizuan-Zakry, winners of the Singapore and Indonesia Opens in June, begin their campaign against another Indonesian pair €” Hendra Gunawan-Joko Riyadi €” in the second round.
Malaysian women’s singles player Wong Mew Choo also has a stiff test in her opening match in the second round. Mew Choo, who had a bye in the first round, will take on world junior champion Wang Lin of China.
Malaysia’s AFC Cup quest over
GEORGE TOWN: Malaysia’s challenge in the AFC Cup has ended at the quarter-final stage yet again.
After Kedah were humiliated 7-1 on aggregate by Bahrain’s Al Muharraq FC on Tuesday, Perak crashed out in similar fashion in Beirut to Lebanon’s SAFA early yesterday morning.
Trailing 0-2 from the first-leg clash, Perak were thrashed 5-0 in the return leg.
Despite the thrashing, Perak can take heart from a spirited display, with skipper Ahmad Shahrul, Wirat Nom and Mohd Nor Ismail all hitting the woodwork in the first 30 minutes.
SAFA, however, were more clinical, with Rony Azar hitting a brace in the 43rd and 45th minutes before Hussein Tahan, Mohd Kassas and Mahmoud El Zoughbi scoring one each to put their team into the semi-finals.
Comments
Post a Comment