Malaysian Sports - Today's back pages!

SHAH ALAM, Sept 30 (Bernama) - Selangor Selection ended a drought of three years by lifting the 11th Sultan of Selangor Cup after beating Singapore Selection 3-1 at Shah Alam Stadium Saturday night. The last time Selangor Selection won the cup was in 2005 after beating Singapore Slection 3-1 at the same venue. Singapore first opened scoring when Aleksandar Duric beat Selangor goalkeeper Norazlan Razali in the 23rd minute. Stung by the goal, Selangor reshuffled the frontline and were rewarded when skipper Safiq Rahim equalised in the 32nd minute. Selangor got the second goal when import player Bosko Balaban scored in the 54th minute. Mohd Rozaimi Abdul Rahman added to Singapore's misery when he scored Selangor's third goal in the 88th minute.

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 (Bernama) -- Seventh seeded Julien Benneteau of France stunned top seed David Ferrer of Spain to book his berth in the men's singles final of the Malaysian Open Sunday. In the semifinals held at the Putra Satdium in Bukit Jalil here Saturday, the world number 34 who appeared calm throughout the game sent the world number five packing 6-4, 6-1 in an hour and 37 minutes. Benneteau will face Argentinian ace Juan Monaco in the final. Meanwhile, second seeded Monaco, nicknamed 'Pico', crushed Asian number one Kei Nishikori of Japan 6-2, 2-6, 7-6(4) in the other semifinal match. In a highly charged match that lasted two hours and 41 minutes, both players fought valiantly, dragging the game to a tie break decider. Monaco, however, managed to lead the tie break a few points up thus giving him an advantage over the Japanese. "I lost my rhythm a bit when the game was stopped, when he called for medical time out. But I managed to comeback to my game, t...

SHAH ALAM, Sept 29 (Bernama) -- Singapore Veterans beat Selangor Veterans 2-1 in the 11th Sultan of Selangor Cup at Shah Alam Stadium Saturday night. The visitors drew first blood when Steven Tan Teng Chuan scored with a crisp shot in the 7th minute. Selangor legend Zainal Abidin Hassan kept the home crowd happy when he scored the equalising goal in the 13th minute. Zainal was denied a second goal when his powerful shot in the 16th minute was saved by Singapore goalkeeper Mohd Shahri Abdul Rahim. After the break, Singapore Veterans reshuffled the side and were rewarded when former golden boy Fandi Ahmad scored the second goal in the 82nd minute. Selangor Veterans beat Singapore Veterans 3-1 at the same venue last year.

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's world number one Datuk Nicol Ann David crashed out of the Carol Weymuller Open 2012 on Friday. According to a squash website, www.squashsite.co.uk , Nicol went down to England's Alison Waters 9-11, 11-5, 3-11 and 7-11 at Casino Heights, Brooklyn in New York, United States. The defeat was the second time for the 29-year-old Nicol after the stunning defeat to Egypt's Raneem El Weleily in the Malaysian Open earlier this month. Alison, the competition's qualifier, will be meeting team mate Laura Massaro in the semifinals, while Raneem and Nour El Sherbini set-up an all-Egyptian semifinals. RESULTS: ------- [7] Nour El Sherbini (EGY) bt [3] Jenny Duncalf (ENG) 11-6, 11-9, 11-7; [2] Raneem El Weleily (EGY) bt Joelle King (NZL) 3-11, 10-12, 11-3, 11-8, 13-11; [4] Laura Massaro (ENG) bt [6] Annie Au (HKG) 9-11, 11-4, 11-3, 11-6; [Q] Alison Waters (ENG) bt [1] Nicol David (MAS) 11-9, 5-11, 11-3, 11-7.

KUALA LUMPUR, 28 Sept (Bernama) -- Peruntukan RM50 juta bagi persediaan menghadapi Sukan Olimpik 2016 di Rio de Janiero, Brazil, menyuntik semangat atlet untuk memburu pingat emas pertama negara pada temasya sukan itu, kata Menteri Belia dan Sukan Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek. Beliau berkata Belanjawan 2013 yang dibentangkan Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak pada Jumaat adalah di luar jangkaan dan antara peruntukan terbanyak yang pernah diperolehi. "Ini adalah peruntukan terbanyak yang kita perolehi bagi persiapan menghadapi Sukan Olimpik 2016. Ternyata ia menunjukkan betapa serius Perdana Menteri kita kepada sukan negara. "Beliau (Perdana Menteri) faham sukan bukan sekadar pingat semata-mata tetapi ia berkaitan dengan soal melonjakkan imej, moral, menyatupadukan rakyat dan memberikan inspirasi kepada generasi muda untuk terlibat dalam sukan," katanya kepada pemberita di bangunan Parlimen. Di bawah program 'Road to London' sebanyak RM20 juta diperu...

PETALING JAYA, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- Former internationals Datuk Soh Chin Aun, Datuk Santokh Singh and Reduan Abdullah were among those who paid their last respects to Tan Sri Ghani Minhat who passed away today. Abdul Ghani who passed away at the National Heart Institute (IJN) due to complications following a heart by-pass operation at 10.34am today was buried at the USJ 21 Muslim cemetery in Subang Jaya at about 5.20pm. The eldest son of the man known as 'Raja Bola' Nik Abdul Halim said the death of his father was due to complications after undergoing a by-pass surgery. "Due to his age, his organs could not function well after the operation," he said. Chin Aun who was under Abdul Ghani's tutelage and regarded him as a mentor said the latter's demise was a big loss to sports in the country, particularly football. "He was a big influence and impact in my football career. As my coach and senior he offered valuable advise to me and charted my career in f...

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- National sports associations welcomed the RM50 million allocation to prepare athletes for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak when tabling the 2013 Budget today. Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) deputy president Datuk Naim Mohamad said the 'big' allocation from the government would help inspire athletes in their search for the country's first ever Olympic gold. "The allocation of RM50 million for a four-year period under the 'Road to Rio' programme will ensure that all programmes carried out towards that goal will be fulfilled. "The announcement to build a new velodrome in Seremban will certainly give added inspiration to the sport of track cycling," he told Bernama Friday. He added that MNCF would be meeting the National Sports Council (NSC) on Oct 2, to discuss programmes for the 'Road to Rio'. Badminton Association of Malays...

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- The RM50 million allocation by the government to prepare athletes for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janiero, Brazil can inject new blood among athletes in their quest for the first ever Olympic gold medal said Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek. Ahmad Shabery said the allocation announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak when tabling the 2013 Budget today was beyond expectations and the biggest budget for a specific event. "This is the biggest allocation for the 2016 Olympics and it goes to show how serious the Prime Minister feels about sports development in the country. "He (Prime Minister) understands that sports is not just about winning medals but related to image, moral, unity of the people and an inspiration for youths to be involved in sports," he told reporters when met at Parliament here today. For the 'Road to London' programme, the allocation was RM20 million but Malaysia managed o...

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- Football legend Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Minhat, nicknamed "Raja Bola" or "King of the Ball" died Friday. He was 77. Abdul Ghani passed away at 10.34 am at the National Heart Institute (IJN) as a result of complications following a heart by-pass operation, his brother-in-law Datuk Nik Kamaruddin Ismail told Bernama. He said Abdul Ghani would be buried at the USJ 21 Muslim cemetery in Subang Jaya after prayers were conducted at the Kampung Baru Mosque. Abdul Ghani leaves behind wife Puan Sri Tengku Aishah Tengku Ibrahim and four children, two boys and two girls. During his heyday, in the 1960s and 1970s, Abdul Ghani played in the position of inside forward and was a crafty and agile player dreaded by opponents. Tan Abdul Sri Ghani Minhat (The King of Football) Born in 1935, Ghani Minhatwas put on the path of professional football by a pair of boots hereceived from Police Officers sometime in 1951. In those...

SHAH ALAM - Legenda bola sepak negara, Tan Sri Ghani Minhat meninggal dunia akibat komplikasi selepas menjalani pembedahan pintasan jantung di Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) hari ini. Allahyarham menghembuskan nafas terakhir kira-kira jam 10.34 pagi tadi. Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Minhat (The King of Football) Born in 1935, Ghani Minhatwas put on the path of professional football by a pair of boots hereceived from Police Officers sometime in 1951. In those days, only professionals wore football bootsand Ghani saw thisas a calling for him to upgrade his skills. By1952 he had earned a place in thePoliceDepotteam. Thisbecame hisstepping stoneto earning a place on the Selangor squad in theMalaysia (then Malaya)Cup series. The left-winger helped to bring in eight Malaya Cup wins and three Merdeka Football Tournament (“Pestabola Merdeka”) wins. He was also partof thevictorious team in the 1961 SEAP Games (now SEA Games) in Rangoon. One of the finest forwards ofthe 60s, Ghani’ssuperb sk...

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 27 (Bernama) -- Third seed Kei Nishikori of Japan was made to sweat before securing himself a slot in the men's singles quarterfinal of the Malaysian Open held at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil here today. The world number 17 booted out Spaniard Albert Ramos (world number 48) 6-7 (5-7), 6-2, 6-1 after a gruelling two hour and 13 minutes match. "I was struggling in the first set, probably because I was nervous, then I started to play more aggressive and not make many mistakes," said the 23 year old who was cheered by the home crowd here. The Asian number one, who is scheduled to face Russian Nikolay Davydenko, said he was not feeling like himself on the court Thursday night.

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 27 (Bernama) -- Former champion Nikolay Davydenko of Russia eased into the men's singles quarterfinals of the Malaysian Open at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil here Thursday. The Russian ace, winner of the title in 2009, however, did not have it easy as he was given a tough fight by 2010 Asian Games silver medallist Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan. A few mistakes at the net by Istomin in the last round finally gave Davydenko a slight advantage to clinch the match 7-5, 6-4 after an hour and 41 minutes. "I played much better today, played faster, improved my game than yesterday. I know he (Istomin) has a good serve and good baseline shots, the only way for me to beat him is to play faster. Overall I think I played a good game," said the 31-year old who reached the quarterfinals last year

 NICOL David has a chance to put a disappointing Malaysian Open outing behind her with the start of back-to-back American campaigns in New York today. The World No 1, who left home fans stunned after her defeat to Raneem El Weleily at The Curve on Sept 15, faces a tough opening round at the Carol Weymuller Open against Australian Kasey Brown. Nicol is itching to get back to winning ways and could avenge her defeat to Raneem if both make the final at Heights Casino in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. "I hope to get my revenge in New York," was Nicol's parting words after having her bid for an eighth consecutive Malaysian Open title thwarted by the Egyptian. The last time Nicol lost in two tournaments in a row was at the end of 2010 when Jenny Duncalf claimed her first wins over the six-time world champion. But before Nicol can entertain thoughts of renewing her rivalry with Raneem, she must first get past World No 8 Kasey. Bef...

CHANGE is the only constant, they say. And that was exactly what happened in the local athletics scene, with the Malaysian Athletic Union (MAU) undergoing several key personnel changes during an election on Sunday. Out went the president – Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim – and his deputy – Datuk Karim Ibrahim. And in came Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad and Datuk Wan Hisyam Wan Salleh respectively. It is commendable of the affiliates to vote for a change after seeing athletics sink to the abyss in recent years. Malaysian athletes used to rule supreme in the SEA Games and some even excelled at the Asian level. Who can forget the achievements of such giants like Tan Sri Dr M. Jegathesan, Datuk M. Rajamani, Ishtiaq Mubarak, Khoo Chong Beng, Nashatar Singh, Marina Chin, Zaiton Othman, Saik Oik Cum, Rabuan Pit, M. Rajkumar and many, many more. We even used to rule the roost at the Asean schools level. How many can still remember the exploits of sprinter Ooi Juat Khoon bac...

SHAHIDAN Kassim bersalam dengan Zainal Abidin Ahmad pada majlis serah tugas Presiden baru KOM di Kuala Lumpur, semalam. - UTUSAN/AMIR SYAFIQ    KUALA LUMPUR - Majlis penyerahan tugas kepada Presiden Kesatuan Olahraga Malaysia (KOM) yang baru Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad oleh bekas pemimpin badan induk sukan olahraga kebangsaan Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim berlangsung dalam suasana mesra dan lancar, semalam. Tiada sebarang isu dibangkitkan dalam pertemuan itu, walaupun sebelum ini Zainal meluahkan rasa kecewa ekoran tindakan Shahidan yang terus meninggalkan lokasi Pemilihan Mesyuarat Agung Tahunan (AGM) KOM Ke-10 di Dewan Komanwel Majlis Sukan Negara (MSN), Ahad lalu. Sementara itu, berhubung laporan siasatan terhadap bekas Timbalan Presiden KOM, Datuk Karim Ibrahim yang dikaitkan dengan isu doping dan petisyen, Zainal sekadar berkata: "Saya baru baca muka surat depan sahaja". Katanya, dia baru sahaja menerima laporan kes itu daripada Shahidan pad...

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 26 (Bernama) -- It was a display of high level tennis mixed with wisdom of 15 years experience from fifth seed Feliciano Lopez of Spain in the Malaysian Open played at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil here Wednesday. In a highly charged match against Lukas Lacko of Slovakia tonight, the 31-year old nailed five aces and used tricky slice backhand shots to edge out the later 6-3, 7-6 (7-3), thus securing himself a slot in the second round. "It was a tough match. I did not play good in the early rounds but later managed to win six straight points in the second set," said Lopez who turned professional at the age of 16. The world no 32 will next take on Igor Sijsling of Netherland. Other players who moved in into the second round today included Alejandro Falla of Colombia, Alex Bogomolov of Russia, Dennis Istomin of Uzbekistan and 2010 champion Nikolay Davydenko of Russia. Canadian Vasek Pospisil and seventh seeded Julien Benneteau of France became the firs...

PETALING JAYA, Sept 26 (Bernama) -- Leading low-cost carrier AirAsia Berhad has taken a step forward to produce world-class shuttlers by setting up the AirAsia Badminton Academy (AABA) which will open its doors on Monday. AirAsia group chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said AABA had set up three badminton centres to date, namely in Klang, Kepong and Petaling Jaya, at a cost of over RM200,000. "So far, a total of 120 students aged 12 and above have enrolled at the academy under the tutelage of four experienced coaches who were all former national badminton players and registered with the Badminton World Federation (BWF)," Fernandes told reporters after launching the AABA badminton centre at SP Forum 19 here, Wednesday. The coaches are Jason Lim, Bradon Lee, Guan Ming and Lee Winnie. Fernandes said AABA would undertake programmes designed to nurture a new generation of badminton players and create world class champions while advancing the development of the spo...

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Malaysian Athletic Union (MAU) president Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim has clarified that he does not have the findings of the inquiry into former deputy president Datuk Karim Ibrahim’s alleged involvement in two doping cases. Shahidan, the former mentri besar of Perlis, said “I handed over the report to MAU lawyer Thalia Rohaina Abdul Latiff on Sunday during the annual general meeting (AGM)”. “I gave the report to Thalia to study as I wanted her feedback of the findings. However, I failed to retain the MAU president’s post ... so the report is still with her,” said Shahidan, who lost by two votes to Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad. An inquiry committee, headed by retired judge Tan Sri V.C. George, was set up to investigate Karim’s involvement in two doping cases. The inquiry committee handed three copies of the findings – one each to Shahidan, Karim and also Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) president Tunku Tan Sri Imran Tuanku Ja’afar – last T...

NAMPAK gayanya laporan penuh berhubung siasatan yang dijalankan ke atas bekas Timbalan Presiden Kesatuan Olahraga Malaysia (KOM), Datuk Karim Ibrahim akan mengambil masa lebih lama untuk didedahkan. Ini kerana, Presiden baharu KOM, Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad (gambar) tetap dengan pendiriannya yang sekadar mahu mengambil pendekatan tunggu dan lihat selagi laporan itu tidak berada dalam tangannya. “Saya langsung tidak tahu apa-apa berhubung siasatan yang dijalankan ke atas Datuk Karim. Apa isi kandungan petisyen yang dihantar oleh jurulatih dan atlet mengenai beliau pun saya tidak tahu. “Lagi pun, laporan itu hanya berada di tangan Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim (bekas Presiden KOM). Jadi, macam mana saya hendak membuat keputusan jika laporan itu berada di tangan orang lain. “Saya tidak boleh berbuat apa-apa selagi laporan itu saya tidak terima,” kata Zainal ketika dihubungi Kosmo! semalam. Ditanya sama ada beliau akan meminta laporan itu sendiri daripada S...

DATUK Seri Shahidan Kassim is puzzled over reports that newly-elected Malaysian Athletic Union (MAU) president Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad had questioned the professionalism of the union's officials. Shahidan, after losing his president's post, left the annual general meeting before it was adjourned and without officiating the traditional handing-over of power ceremony on Sunday. Shahidan insisted he did not do anything wrong by leaving the Commonwealth Hall in Bukit Jalil where the AGM was held. He had lost 21-23 to Zainal in the election. Zainal, after being elected as MAU president, had lambasted those who failed to adhere to decorum. Refuting claims he had acted unprofessionally, Shahidan said: "There was nothing of such in the meeting agenda about the handing-over of power ceremony. "So, after the results which saw me narrowly losing my post as the president, I congratulated Datuk Zainal. We shook hands and I later headed off to...

KUALA LUMPUR - Selepas sekian lama dibelenggu pelbagai kontroversi, Kesatuan Olahraga Malaysia (KOM) bakal melalui proses 'pemulihan' pada mesyuarat ahli majlis yang pertama 10 Oktober ini di bawah kepimpinan baru. Presiden KOM, Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad berkata, banyak perkara yang bakal dibangkitkan sebagai agenda perbincangan pada mesyuarat pertama itu terutama pembangunan olahraga. Menurutnya, laporan siasatan dakwaan terhadap bekas Timbalan Presiden KOM, Datuk Karim Ibrahim yang dikaitkan dengan isu doping dan petisyen juga akan disentuh pada mesyuarat berkenaan. "Setakat ini saya masih belum mengetahui isi kandungan laporan tersebut kerana ia masih berada pada Presiden sebelum ini Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim. "Sekiranya telah memperoleh laporan berkenaan sudah tentu kita akan membincangkannya pada 10 Oktober ini bersama ahli majlis yang lain," katanya ketika dihubungi Utusan Malaysia di sini, semalam. Antara perkara lain yang di...

KUALA LUMPUR - Meskipun Datuk Karim Ibrahim tidak lagi berada dalam barisan kepimpinan Kesatuan Olahraga Malaysia (KOM), namun badan induk olahraga kebangsaan itu digesa agar tidak menutup kes petisyen jurulatih dan atlet yang dibuat ke atas bekas Timbalan Presiden mereka itu.  Petisyen yang ditandatangani 42 atlet dan 16 jurulatih kebangsaan itu telah diserahkan kepada bekas Presiden KOM, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim pada 13 Februari lalu. Antara kandungannya, Karim didakwa terlibat dalam dua kes doping melibatkan atlet negara. Hasil daripada petisyen setebal 11 muka surat yang bertajuk 'Laporan dan Aduan Jurulatih dan Atlet Olahraga Kebangsaan kepada Presiden Kesatuan Olahraga Malaysia KOM' itu, panel siasatan bebas yang dipengerusikan bekas hakim, Tan Sri V C George telah dibentuk. Empat hari sebelum Mesyuarat Agung Tahunan, KOM berlangsung Ahad lalu, panel berkenaan menyerahkan laporan siasatan kepada Shahidan. Namun kerana kesuntukan masa, ahli majlis ...

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- Pahang pulled of a pleasant upset by beating high riding Lions XII from Singapore 2-1 in their first leg Malaysia Cup quarterfinal match at the Darul Makmur Stadium in Kuantan Tuesday. The slim one goal margin may not hold out when Pahang enter the Lion's den in Singapore for the second leg but with vast experience on their side, Pahang will be looking tame the Lions at their own den. Despite playing in the Premier League competition, Pahang had shown tremendous form against Super League teams Selangor, T-Team and Sarawak in the Malaysia Cup group matches. Their thumping 6-1 victory over Sarawak was the highlight of the East Coast team that is coached by former international Dollah Salleh and tonight's win against the Super League runner-up further underlines their capability. Hafiz Kamal was the toast of the Pahang side when he struck the winner in the 76th minute after both teams were tied 1-1 when import Maycon Calvalho's 9th minute...

KOTA BAHARU, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- Kelantan's fairy tale run in the AFC Cup competition came an end after a 1-1 draw against Iraq club, Arbil SC in their second leg quarterfinal match at the Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium here Tuesday night. The Super League champion who were the only remaining Malaysian team in the competition, lost out 2-6 on aggregate after losing the first leg 1-5 at the Francouse Al Hareeri Stadium in Erbil, Iraq on Sept 18. Kelantan who were eager to overturn the deficit on home soil, were however, stunned by a 37th minute strike by the visitors through Sula Matovu. After numerous failed attempts and wasted chances, Kelantan finally managed to equalise when Mohammed Ghaddar Mahmoud converted a penalty kick that was awarded in the closing minutes of the game. With the win, the Iraq club will face either Chonburi FC from Thailand or Al-Shorta from Syria in the semifinals scheduled on Oct 2 and 23 respectively.

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- Ex-International Datuk M. Chandran, skipper of the National team that played in the 1972 Munich Olympics, expressed confidence that Malaysia would be able to retain the AFF Suzuki Cup. The former National defender, aged 70, based his confidence on the results and achievement by team currently under Datuk K. Rajagobal. "The national squad has shown vast improvement compared with a few years ago and we as supporters, fans and critics must join hands to continue supporting the team as well as give Rajagobal an opportunity to rectify the weaknesses instead of crucifying the players and coach," he told reporters after receiving RM30,000 from MIC President Datuk Seri G. Palanivel at his house here Tuesday. Chandran who was a pillar of strong during his playing days suffered a stroke in July and has been confined to the wheelchair. "We must also be aware that all the countries taking part in the AFF Suzuki Cup will be eager to beat Malaysi...

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- World number five David Ferrer of Spain is eyeing victory in his third appearance at the 2012 Malaysian Open title at Stadium Putra in Bukit Jalil, here, this week. The top seed, however, is not underestimating the line-up of players this year. "I've played in 2009 and 2010, so I would love to win this time. But there're good players around -- Monaco (Juan Monaco of Argentina) is one of them, Feliciano Lopez (of Spain), Kei Nishikori (Japan), Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine, so it is going to be tough," he said. Known as a clay court specialist, the 30-year-old player has a good record this year by reaching two semifinals (French and US Open) as well as reaching November's Davis Cup final with his national team. "It's the best year of my career so far. I guess I've been playing really well, I'm happy, but now it's time to focus on this tournament and try to win," he said.

SEREMBAN, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan wants to see his team make the Malaysia Cup final to justify their status as defending champion. "After qualifying for the quarterfinals, the target now is to continue the progress to the semifinal and final. This is also the hope of the Negeri Sembilan fans and supporters," he told reporters here Tuesday. Negeri Sembilan under coach Mohd Azraai Khor Abdullah face Armed Forces (ATM), spearheaded by coach B. Sathianathan, in a first leg quarterfinal match at the Selayang Stadium on Friday. The second leg will be held at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi on Oct 2 or 5. Mohamad Hasan who is also the Negeri Sembilan FA President said he wants every player to work toward the objective.

SEREMBAN, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- Eight teams will compete in the Negeri Sembilan Schools Sports Council (MSSNS) Under-17 International Invitation Cricket Challenge 2012 at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan King George V here from Oct 1. Negeri Sembilan Cricket Association vice-president Zakri Abdul Aziz said the teams comprised two from Pakistan, Sri Lanka (two), Hong Kong (one), India (one) and Malaysia (two). He said Malaysia will be represented by Negeri Sembilan and Bukit Jalil Sports School. "Apart from providing exposure to the local players, the tournament was also aimed at popularising cricket among the people in the country," he told Bernama here today. Zakri, who is also MSSNS cricket technical chairman, said the seven-day tournament was the first to be organised by MSSNS. Besides a trophy, the champion will receive accompanying medal, certificate and cash of US1,000, while the first runner up will receive a medal, certificate and cash of USD500....

KUALA TERENGGANU, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- The Terengganu Golf Association (TGA) is intensifying efforts to groom professional golfers at its golf academy which opened last month. Its president, Ahmad Zubir Azhari said the academy has several junior players based at Kuala Terengganu Golf Resort (KTGR) in Kampung Tok Jembal, Gong Badak near here. "The academy is open to male and female students between 7 to 16 years-old. I hope parents will send their children to join the academy in order to discover hidden talent," he told Bernama here Tuesday. The academy managed by qualified and experienced golf coaches open on Fridays and Saturdays. Twenty students have enrolled at the golf academy paying fees of only RM30 per month.

Sazali Samad (tengah), Shahrul Azman Mahen Abdullah (kiri) dan Ismail Riji bersama trofi kemenangan ketika tiba KLIA, Sepang semalam dari Kejohanan Bina Badan Asia, di Guangzhou. - UTUSAN/MOHD. NAIM AZIZ   SEPANG - Badang Malaysia, Sazali Samad terus mengharumkan nama negara di pentas dunia setelah dinobatkan Mr. Asia kali kelapan pada Kejohanan Bina Badan Asia di Guangzhou, China kelmarin. Lebih manis, kejayaan itu turut dikongsi bersama dua rakan senegara, Shahrul Azman Mehan, 39, yang muncul naib juara dalam kategori kKlasik dan Ismail Riji, 33, menggondol pingat gangsa bagi kategori heavyweight. Sazali, yang bakal menjangkau usia 45 tahun 8 Oktober ini, pertama kali memenangi gelaran tersebut pada 1996 di New Delhi, India dan kemudian mengekalkan kecemerlangan dalam kejuaraan sama pada 1998, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2009 dan 2010. Bekas Olahragawan Kebangsaan itu ketika ditemui sebaik sampai di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA), Sepang...

MUKA baru dalam Kesatuan Olahraga Malaysia (KOM) bukan penamat bagi segala kontroversi yang melanda kesatuan itu kerana begitu banyak persoalan perlu diselesaikan peneraju baru, Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad. “Namun ini bukanlah masa untuk pihak yang kalah bertindak balas dan mereka yang tewas harus menerima dengan sikap terbuka,” kata Ketua Pengarah Majlis Sukan Negara (MSN), Datuk Seri Zolkples Embong. Pertelingkahan Zolkples dan bekas Timbalan KOM, Datuk Karim Ibrahim dikatakan banyak merencatkan pembangunan olahraga tanah air apabila sering tidak sependapat dan selepas ketiadaan individu itu, hubungan antara dua badan sukan negara dijangka kembali pulih. Biarpun mengaku terkejut apabila jatuhnya regim kendalian bekas Presiden KOM, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim yang tewas dengan hanya dua undi, Zolkpels berkata, pihak yang tewas perlu menerima kekalahan kerana ia pilihan majoriti. “Memang saya ada menerima SMS (khidmat pesanan ringkas) daripada segelintir atlet y...

UNION OR FEDERATION: Constitutional committee to look into the dilemma Karim Ibrahim could challenge the legality of the elections. UNION or Federation? That is the question officials of the Malaysian athletics governing body cannot seem to figure out. They are called the Malaysian Athletics Union (MAU) or 'Kesatuan' in Bahasa Malaysia and Federation in English in their own constitution, a muddle which is symptomatic of the running of the body under the leadership of ex-president Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim. As the delegates voted on Sunday to defer the name dilemma to a constitutional committee, change was afoot elsewhere. Few expected Shahidan to be unseated, as the shocked looks on the faces of his supporters and tears of his lawyer, indicated. But the former Perlis Menteri Besar paid the price for his "support" of his scandal-tainted deputy Karim Ibrahim and his inability to steer a ship out of trouble...

PERJALANAN pemilihan pucuk pimpinan Kesatuan Olahraga Malaysia (KOM) Ahad lalu diikuti rapat oleh semua jurulatih dan atlet kebangsaan. Ramai yang bertepuk tangan apabila melihat perubahan besar berlaku.  Mulanya mereka menjangkakan hanya satu perubahan akan berlaku iaitu dalam jawatan Timbalan Presiden, yang melibatkan Datuk Karim Ibrahim tetapi akhirnya sesuatu yang lebih besar terjadi, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim yang telah menjadi Presiden selama dua penggal tumbang kepada Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad. Banyak polemik dan politik berlaku sebelum dan ketika proses pemilihan berjalan. Penyokong calon A mengkritik calon B dan tiba-tiba tanpa disangka wujud pula kem C yang tidak diketahui. Politik KOM lebih hebat dari parti politik, semua orang mahu menjatuhkan orang lain, kononnya demi kepentingan olahraga. Di pihak Shahidan, ada yang mengatakan bekas Menteri Besar Perlis itu tumbang kerana terdapat perwakilan yang membelot pada saat akhir. Mungkin dakwaan me...

KUALA LUMPUR - Pucuk kepemimpinan baru Kesatuan Olahraga Malaysia (KOM) mungkin tidak punya banyak masa untuk berehat selepas memenangi pemilihan penuh kontroversi kelmarin, kerana mereka digesa agar turun padang dengan segera bagi melihat keperluan jurulatih dan atlet kebangsaan. Dalam ucapan sejurus memenangi jawatan Presiden kelmarin, Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad berkata, memenuhi keperluan atlet serta jurulatih kebangsaan merupakan agenda utama dalam usaha memartabatkan sukan olahraga negara. Sekarang langkah harus dimulakan segera memandangkan musim 2013 tinggal tidak sampai tiga bulan untuk menutup tirai dan atlet negara kesuntukan masa untuk memulakan persiapan menghadapi Sukan SEA di Myanmar, tahun depan. "Saya gembira melihat angin perubahan berlaku dalam KOM, malah saya tengok semua atlet kebangsaan dan rakan-rakan jurulatih juga menerima berita ini dengan begitu gembira, ia boleh dilihat dengan jelas pada status-status mereka di Facebook. ...

KUALA LUMPUR: National Sports Council (NSC) director general Datuk Zolkples Embong ( pic ) wants the findings of the inquiry into former Malaysian Athletic Union (MAU) deputy president Datuk Karim Ibrahim’s alleged involvement in two doping scandals to be made public as soon as possible. While welcoming the change in the leadership of the MAU, Zolkples said it was imperative that the new council be allowed to make a clean start without the baggage of the past administration. “But how can the report be made public if newly-elected MAU president Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad and his council don’t have a copy?” he asked. “How are we going to know whether Karim is innocent or the guilty?” The report is with former president Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, who lost to Negri Sembilan AA president Zainal by two votes in the elections. Karim was also ousted, losing to Terengganu AA president Datuk Wan Hisyam Wan Salleh by six votes. The inquiry panel, headed by retired...

PETALING JAYA: Age is just a number for Sazali Samad who continues to stamp his mark as one of the best bodybuilders in Asia. Sazali, who turns 45 on Oct 8, gave himself an early birthday present by flexing his way to a record eighth Mr Asia title at the Asian bodybuilding and physique championships in Guangzhou on Sunday. Sazali came out tops in the below 70kg (lightweight) category final at the Tianhe Sports Centre to regain the title he last won in the 2010 edition in Teheran. Sazali was top ranked in pre-judging and maintained the form in the final to finish ahead of Iranian Yousef Karimi while Vietnam’s Nguyen Hai Au took the bronze. Sazali is on record as the most successful bodybuilder Malaysia has produced. He won his first Mr Asia title in 1996 in the bantamweight category and followed up with triumphs in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2004, 2009 and 2010. The previous most decorated Malaysian bodybuilder at Asian level was Datuk Malek Noor, who was a six-time winner in the heavy...

RATU 400 meter lari berpagar negara, Noraseela Mohd. Khalid berharap agar kepimpinan baharu Kesatuan Olahraga Malaysia (KOM) tidak lagi menjadikan atlet sebagai mangsa. Katanya, sebelum ini segelintir atlet olahraga negara kerap dijadikan seba- gai mangsa ekoran keputusan yang di- buat oleh pemimpin tertinggi dalam KOM. "Sebagai atlet, kami tidak mahu dijadikan mangsa pemimpin-pemimpin dalam KOM. "Sebagai contoh, dalam kes Mohd. Yunus Lasalleh yang didapati positif ujian antidoping ketika Sukan SEA 2011. Segala-galanya berpunca daripada pemimpin tertinggi KOM dan saya pasti semua orang tahu siapa individu itu. "Jadi, saya tidak mahu perkara ini berulang kerana yang menderita adalah atlet itu sendiri. Macam kes Yunus, sehingga kini masih belum selesai lagi dan bakat yang ada padanya berkubur begitu sahaja," tegas Noraseela ketika dihubungi Kosmo! semalam. Ditanya sama ada petisyen yang dihantar oleh barisan jurulatih dan atlet olahraga negara telah memainkan per...

KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad finally has his shot at restoring Malaysian athletics to its glory days. Zainal, who defeated incumbent Malaysian Athletic Union (MAU) president Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim by two votes at the annual general meeting yesterday, however, faces a stiff challenge in lifting the battered image of the association and sport. But he had been so confident of winning that he came prepared with his victory speech to outline his plans for the future. The 71-year-old Zainal, who has been Negri Sembilan AA president since 1992, said he had long wanted to get athletics back on track. Zainal had served as MAU secretary from 1969-1972 and vice-president from 1980-2001. He was also the coaching committee chairman from 1979-1990. Victory yesterday has thrust him into the hot seat and he is looking forward to repairing the damage done to the sport in recent years. “I will have to deliver now that the baton has been passed to me. I don’t have a magic ...

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- The Youth and Sports ministry will focus on a long term training programme to prepare athletes to win the country's first ever gold medal in the Olympics. Its Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said though the ministry's immediate focus would be on the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, there would also be a continuous programme for the 2020 Olympics. "Discussions with various relevant parties is aimed at focusing for the 2016 Olympics and the subsequent Olympics. "This is to ensure a continuous programme to develop and prepare athletes for the task," he said when answering Datuk Shamsul Anuar Nasarah (BN-Lenggong) at the Dewan Rakyat here Monday. Shamsul had wanted to know the achievements and weaknesses identified at the 2012 London Olympics and the ministry's future plans.

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 23 (Bernama) - Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah has offered to contest the post of International Hockey Federation (FIH) executive board member. Tengku Abdullah said today agreed to contest the post at FIH congress here from November 2-4 after MHC council members nominated his name to FIH. "Since the MHC council members nominated my name, I accept the nomination with an open heart," he said after chairing the MHC council meeting here. Tengku Abdullah said the MHC annual general meeting (AGM) will be held on October 20 in Kuantan, Pahang to mark the 50th Tun Razak Cup Hockey tournament from October 14-20. --BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 23 (Bernama) - The Malaysian badminton squad scored a double at the Japan Open which ended at Yoyogi Gymnasium in Tokyo today, said Badminton World Federation (BWF) on its website www.bwfbadminton.org. Top seed Chan Peng Soon/Goh Liu Ying easily beat Muhammad Rijal/Liliyana Natsir of Indonesia 21-12 and 21-19 in 33 minutes, Men's singles champion Datuk Lee Chong Wei brought more cheer after beating Boonsak Ponsana of Thailand, 21-18 and 21-18 in 41 minutes. Malaysia's hope of a hattrick was dashed after Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong unexpectedly lost to Kim Ki Jung/Kim Sa Rang of Korea, 16-21 and 19-21 in 32 minutes. Peng Soon, Liu Ying and Chong Wei each received $US15,800 (RM48,188) and US$15,000 (RM45,748) for their win while Kien Keat and Boon Heong took home US$7,600 (RM23,179) as the runner-up.

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 23 (Bernama) -- President Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim and his Deputy Datuk Karim Ibrahim were ousted during the Malaysian Athletic Union (MAU) Annual General Meeting (AGM) here Sunday. Shahidan who had helmed the MAU since 2006, suffered a shocking loss to Negeri Sembilan Amateur Athletic Association (NSAAA) President Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad by two votes. Zainal received 23 votes while Shahidan had to be contended with 21 when 44 delegates representing 14 affiliates cast their votes at the National Sports Council's Dewan Komenwel in Bukit Jalil. In the race for Deputy President, Karim managed 19 votes while Terengganu Amateur Athletic Association President Datuk Wan Hisham Wan Salleh polled 25 votes. The election for four vice presidents was also a closely fought race with seven candidates contesting for the post of four vice presidents which included a woman representative. --BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, 23 Sept (Bernama) -- Pemain nombor satu negara Datuk Lee Chong Wei menjuarai Terbuka Jepun Yonex apabila mengalahkan Boonsak Ponsana dari Thailand pada perlawanan akhir perseorangan lelaki di Stadium Yoyogi di Tokyo hari ini. Pemain nombor dua dunia dan johan kejohanan pada 2010 itu diberi tentangan sengit oleh Ponsana sebelum muncul juara dengan 21-18, 21-18. Tahun lepas, Chong Wei kalah kepada pemain China, Chen Long pada perlawanan akhir. Bagaimanapun, tahun ini China memutuskan untuk menarik diri daripada kejohanan atas alasan bimbang terhadap keselamatan atlet akibat hubungan Beijing dan Tokyo yang semakin renggang berikutan perbalahan perebutan wilayah. Dalam perlawanan beregu lelaki, Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong kalah kepada pasangan korea Kim Ki-jung/Kim Sa-rang. Selepas memulakan permainan dengan baik, malah mendahului 13-10 pada set pertama, Kien Keat dan Boon Heong memberi laluan kepada pasangan Korea itu menyamakan kedudukan seterusnya memenangi set perta...

SAMA ada Kesatuan Olahraga Malaysia (KOM) bertukar pemimpin atau tidak, semua- nya akan terjawab pada mesyuarat agung tahunan (AGM) badan induk itu hari ini. Pada AGM kali ini, sebanyak tiga jawatan akan dipertandingkan iaitu satu kerusi bagi merebut jawatan Presiden, Timbalan Presiden (satu) dan Naib Presiden (empat). Bagaimanapun, tumpuan sudah pasti akan lebih terarah kepada persaingan bagi merebut jawatan selaku pemimpin No. 1 dan No. 2 KOM. Pada awalnya, persaingan merebut jawatan Presiden KOM akan membabitkan persaingan tiga penjuru. Penyandang jawatan, Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim akan dicabar oleh dua lagi calon iaitu Presiden Persa- tuan Olahraga Amatur Negeri Sembilan (POANS), Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad dan Naib Presiden Majlis Olimpik Malaysia (MOM), Datuk Danyal Balagopal Abdullah. Bagaimanapun, Danyal telah menarik diri selepas mendakwa AGM kali ini tidak sah kerana tidak mengi- kut perlembagaan baharu yang telah ditetapkan KOM. Situasi itu sekali gus menyaksikan pertan...

JOHOR BAHARU, 22 Sept (Bernama) -- Enam pasukan akan berentap di Kejohanan Hoki Antarabangsa Bawah 21 tahun Piala Sultan Johor di Stadium Hoki Taman Daya di sini dari 11 hingga 18 Nov. Pasukan-pasukan tersebut ialah Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, India dan Jerman. Kejohanan itu merupakan platform terbaik bagi persediaan menghadapi Piala Dunia Remaja 2013 di New Delhi. Presiden Persekutuan Hoki Malaysia, Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah berharap pasukan negara akan dapat mempertahankan kejuaraan di dalam kejohanan itu. "Saya harap pasukan kita akan dapat mengekalkan gelaran kerana kita adalah juara bertahan. Ini adalah pasukan masa depan kita dan saya percaya mereka mampu melakukannya," ujar baginda. Tengku Abdullah menegaskan demikian pada sidang akhbar pelancaran kejohanan tersebut oleh Sultan Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar di sini hari in. Kejohanan yang diiktiraf Persekutuan Hoki Antarabangsa (FIH) mendapat tajaan bernilai lebih RM1 juta daripada...

KUALA LUMPUR - Laporan membabitkan Timbalan Presiden Kesatuan Olahraga Malaysia (KOM) Datuk Karim Ibrahim yang didakwa terlibat dalam kes enam atlet olahraga melarikan diri daripada ujian antidoping tahun lepas akan diputuskan oleh anggota majlis KOM selepas mesyuarat agung tahunan (AGM). Presiden KOM Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim berkata salinan laporan akan diberikan kepada anggota majlis KOM untuk diteliti sebelum dibincangkan seminggu selepas mesyuarat yang akan berlangsung esok di Dewan Komanwel, Majlis Sukan Negara di Bukit Jalil. "Saya telah menerima laporan daripada Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Siasatan Datuk V.C George pada Khamis lepas. Laporan tersebut bukan muktamad kerana Anggota Majlis KOM akan putuskan tentang tindakan yang harus diambil, selepas itu baru kita bawa untuk penyataan umum. "Perkara ini adalah melibatkan undang-undang dan masa depan seseorang. Perkara yang melibatkan undang-undang ini tidak boleh dibuat secara tergesa-gesa. Laporan itu akan dibincangkan ...

Peter Butler    KUALA TERENGGANU - Malang bertimpa buat jurulatih Terengganu, Peter Butler apabila dia bukan sahaja digantung selama enam bulan tetapi mungkin terpaksa meninggalkan skuad Penyu lebih awal daripada yang dijangkakan. Ini kerana kontrak Butler mungkin terbatal secara automatik kerana mengikut peraturan Persatuan Bola Sepak Malaysia (FAM) pemain dan pegawai akan terbatal kontrak jika mereka digantung lebih 30 hari. Semalam, Butler menerima surat rasmi mengenai penggantungannya daripada Setiausaha Persatuan Bola Sepak Negeri Terengganu (PBSNT), Abdullah Salleh pukul 11 pagi. Abdullah ketika dihubungi memberitahu, surat itu diserahkan sendiri kepada jurulatih itu di pejabat PBSNT di sini. Jelas Abdullah, riak wajah Butler berubah sebaik sahaja membaca surat tersebut kerana menyangka ia hanya berkaitan isu penggantungan, pemotongan gaji serta denda sebanyak RM4,000 yang dikenakan oleh PBSNT sebelum ini. "Dia (Butler) seolah-olah t...

NO HUNGER: Kien Keat-Boon Heongdon't have winning mentality NATIONAL Sports Council (NSC) director-general Datuk Seri Zolkples Embong is disappointed with the BA of Malaysia's (BAM) decision to retain Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong as a pair for another year despite them being past their prime. Zolkples was expecting the BAM executive committee (exco), which met on Wednesday, to be ready to move forward and approve the proposal of the two new combinations of Tan Boon Heong-Goh V Shem and Koo Kien Keat-Lim Khim Wah rather than hang on to a pair who have stagnated. Zolkples stressed that seeing Kien Keat-Boon Heong become champions is what everyone wants but he believes the pair have lost that exceptional ability shown in their breathtaking win in the 2006 Asian Games. "I am very disappointed with BAM's decision as I was looking forward to the association splitting Kien Keat and Boon Heong and announcing the new combinations. Surprisingly, they ha...