Malaysian Sports - Today's back pages!

LEGENDA renang dunia, Mark Andrew Spitz percaya kejayaan meraih sembilan pingat emas pada Sukan Olimpik dan memecahkan rekod dunia adalah hasil daripada kepercayaan terhadap kemampuan sendiri. Menurut juara dunia yang terkenal dengan imej bermisai pada era 1970an itu, percaya kepada kemampuan sendiri dan keluar daripada zon selesa merupakan prinsip terbaik yang perlu di tanam dalam minda setiap perenang sekiranya mereka mengidam kemenangan podium. "Pada zaman kegemilangan saya, ada pemberita dari Rusia yang mempertikaikan misai yang saya ada. Mereka percaya, misai tersebut akan membuatkan renangan saya menjadi perlahan dan akhirnya kalah. "Tetapi saya katakan kepada mereka, dengan misai inilah saya mendapat kelebihan dan apa yang berlaku, tahun berikutnya iaitu 1972, boleh dikatakan semua perenang Rusia menyimpan misai dan tahun itu juga saya meraih sembilan emas di Sukan Olimpik Munich, Jerman. "Jadi, ia menunjukkan betapa pentingnya elemen perc...

IN MEMORY: All sporting events to be scaled down as a mark of respect to passengers and crew of MH370   SPORTS Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said that all upcoming sporting events this week will be toned down as a mark of  respect to the victims of the ill fated Malaysia Airlines flight MH370. Khairy said it would not be possible to cancel the competitions but promotional and side-events will either be scaled down or cancelled. "Due to international commitments we are not able to cancel events such as the Formula One race in Sepang, the EurAsia Cup (golf) and the Laureus Awards," said Khairy when met at the Laureus All Stars Unity Cup friendly match in Bukit Kiara yesterday. "We hope the Malaysian public will understand that we cannot cancel the events as they have been planned for a long time. "We have, however, advised organisers to tone down their events to show their sympathy towards the family members, relatives and friends of all th...

Ex-Japan footballer Hidetoshi Nakata (left) in action during the Laureus All Star Unity Cup friendly match in KL on Tuesday. - BERNAMA KUALA LUMPUR: Several young local players experienced an unforgettable day when they participated in the Laureus All Stars Unity Cup and got a chance to rub shoulders with some famous former internationals in a football friendly at the Royal Selangor Club. Among the stars on the pitch on Tuesday were Hidetoshi Nakata of Japan, Dane Michael Laudrup, Steve McManaman of England, Victor Baia of Portugal, Dutchman Ronald de Boer, Portuguese Paulo Ferreira, Spaniard Gaizka Mendieta and Antonios Nikopolidis of Greece. Also present at the event were Minister of Youth and Sports Khairy Jamaluddin, chairman of Laureus Sport for Good Foundation Edwin Moses, former English football star Bobby Charlton and Yayasan Rakyat 1Malaysia (YR1M) chief executive officer Ung Su Ling. As a sign of respect ...

Kuala Lumpur: Pelumba negara Azizulhasni Awang mahu melupakan insiden malang ketika Kejohanan Dunia dengan memberi tumpuan terhadap latihan dalam usahanya menghadiahkan pingat emas buat negara di dua temasya utama. Sukan Asia dan Komanwel menjadi fokus utamanya selepas ini dengan segala perancangan sudah diatur ketua jurulatih John Beasley bagi memastikan pelumba negara itu berada di landasan tepat untuk memberi saingan. Azizulhasni yang juga penyandang juara acara keirin Sukan Asia, tetapi dinafikan pingat emas di Sukan Komanwel berkata, perancangnya selepas ini melakukan latihan seperti biasa dengan mengikuti segala program dirancang Beasley. Katanya, dia perlu terus menggilap prestasi semasa bagi memastikan kemuncak prestasinya berada di tahap tertinggi. “Saya perlu fokus dan mengikut segala perancangan ditetapkan Beasley. Dua temasya itu penting buat saya. “Saya akan terus berlatih biarpun apa yang berlaku di Kejohanan Dunia masih lagi dirasai, tapi ...

KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 (Bernama) -- The 2014 Laureus World Sports Awards programme of activity here is being scaled down following news that a missing Malaysian airliner had gone down in the southern Indian Ocean. Chairman of the Laureus World Sports Academy, Edwin Moses, said several events had been put on hold ahead of the Laureus Awards Ceremony, which takes place Wednesday. "Everyone in the Laureus World Sports Academy are upset by this terrible tragedy. We feel particularly close to the Malaysian people at this time, which makes what has happened even more personal and distressing. "We feel the appropriate action at this time is to scale down some of our activities over the next two days," he said in a statement. Moses said they dedicated the Laureus All Stars Unity Cup to the families and loved ones of the victims of MH370. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak on Monday night said the jetliner ended in the southern Indian Ocean based o...

KUALA LUMPUR, 25 Mac (Bernama) -- Anugerah Sukan Dunia Laureus 2014, yang pada mulanya dijadual berlangsung secara besar-besaran, diubah sebagai tanda simpati dan bagi menghormati berita tentang pesawat Malaysia Airlines MH370 yang mengakhiri penerbangannya di selatan Lautan Hindi. Pengerusi Laureus World Sports Academy Edwin Moses berkata beberapa acara yang sepatutnya diadakan menjelang majlis itu esok, ditangguhkan. "Semua kami di Laureus World Sports Academy sedih dengan tragedi dahsyat ini. Oleh kerana kami berasa begitu rapat dengan rakyat Malaysia ketika ini, maka apa yang berlaku itu menjadikan kami lebih terharu dan menyayat hati. "Jadi, kami rasa, langkah yang wajar diambil dalam keadaan begini adalah tidak mengadakan beberapa kegiatan kami dalam tempoh dua hari ini dengan begitu meriah," katanya dalam satu kenyataan. Moses berkata pihaknya mendedikasikan Laureus All Stars Unity Cup kepada keluarga dan mereka yang disayangi oleh mangsa MH...

KUCHING, 25 Mac (Bernama) -- Ratu terjun negara Pandelela Rinong kini semakin yakin untuk bersaing dengan dua pencabar terbaik dunia iaitu Liu Huixia dari China dan Filion Roseline dari Kanada setelah beliau berjaya memperoleh pingat perak kedua pada pusingan kedua Kejohanan Siri Dunia Fina di Dubai, Emiriah Arab Bersatu pada Ahad. "Sangat-sangat gembira kerana bukan sahaja kerana saya berjaya memenangi pingat perak semalam tapi ia adalah pingat perak kedua berjaya saya menangi dalam acara yang sama dalam siri Dunia Fina tahun ini," kata penerjun berusia 21 tahun dari Sarawak ini ketika dihubungi. Pada pusingan pertama kejohanan di Beijing awal bulan ini, Pandelela merangkul pingat perak dalam acara individu 10 platform dan pingat gangsa bagi acara 10m berpasangan berirama bersama Leong Mun Yee. "Selepas berjaya memenangi pingat perak di pusingan pertama di Beijing minggu lepas, saya sememangnya lebih berkeyakinan di kejohanan di sini (Dubai). ...

TUNKU Ismail Sultan Ibrahim is set to challenge the intended smooth father-and-son transition in the FA of Malaysia's (FAM) congress-cum-elections on May 26. The Johor prince, along with incumbent FAM president Sultan Ahmad Shah and his son, Tengku Abdullah have been nominated for the top post as nominations closed yesterday. Sultan Ahmad Shah, who has been president since 1984, is said to be keen to step down but will only do so if deputy president Tengku Abdullah replaces him. However, Tunku Ismail's emergence as a   challenger may disorientate the transition if the Johor FA president accepts his nomination. It is learnt that Sultan Ahmad Shah, also the president of the Asean Football Federation, had initially planned to stay for another four-year term but is now having second thoughts. He is believed to be upset with some fans who want him to resign over the national team's poor recent form and also due to   health concerns. Tunku Ismai...

JFA president Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim inspecting the gymnasium at the association’s newly opened training centre worth more than RM3mil in Johor Baru on Thursday. JOHOR BARU: The Johor Football Association (JFA) have unveiled their new state-of-the-art fitness centre at Padang Seri Gelam here. The RM3mil fitness centre is located at Super League team Johor Darul Ta’zim’s (JDT) training ground. It is equipped with world-class facilities, including a gymnasium, physiotherapy room, changing room, jacuzzi and will even have an in-house doctor. JFA president Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim said the centre would play a big role in the state’s bid to raise the standard of the game. “The centre is important to develop and keep our players fit as well as help them recover from injuries ... the equipment will help our players to recover faster. Spending more than RM3mil is not a problem for us ... it is a good investment,” said Tunku Ismail at the trainin...

Johor Bahru: Masih menjadi tanda tanya sama ada Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim bersedia merebut jawatan Presiden Persatuan Bolasepak Malaysia (FAM). Beliau yang juga Presiden Persatuan Bolasepak Negeri Johor (PBNJ) masih belum menyatakan kesediaannya secara terbuka untuk bertanding dalam Mesyuarat Kongres Pemilihan FAM, Mei nanti. “Semuanya terserah kepada ahli gabungan untuk membuat pilihan siapa calon bakal bertanding nanti. “Itu semua kena tanya ahli gabungan, mereka lebih tahu siapa yang layak,” katanya ketika diminta mengulas kenyataan Penasihat Persatuan Bolasepak Kelantan (KAFA) Tan Sri Annuar Musa mengenai kesediaan beliau bertanding jawatan tertinggi itu. Tunku Ismail ditemui ketika meninjau kemudahan gimnasium dan pusat pemulihan pemain di Padang Latihan Pasukan Johor Darul Ta’zim (Johor DT) di Seri Gelam, semalam. Post by JOHOR Southern Tigers . Jawatan Presiden FAM yang kini disandang Sultan Ahmad Shah mula hangat dibincang...

Misbun Ramdan and Adrian Dziolko #RomanianIS @MisbunRamdan pic.twitter.com/6qPUJf4DPK — GOODminton (@G_minton) March 17, 2014 KUALA LUMPUR, March 20 (Bernama) -- Misbun Ramdan Misbun is seen as a strong candidate to fill the vacant singles slot for the Thomas Cup, said world number one men's badminton player Datuk Lee Chong Wei. Chong Wei said the view was based on the position of Ramdan as the country's fourth men's singles player and was ranked 48th in the world. "Ramdan is also one of the players who produced consistent outstanding performance since last year. We have to follow world rankings and the results achieved last year. "Nonetheless, the selection to fill the slot is by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM). They will make the decision maybe tomorrow or next week," he told reporters after attending an incentive presentation ceremony for athletes who produced excellent results at the 2013 Maybank Malaysia Open Badm...

LEE Chong Wei, despite the probability of a weak team, still harbours hopes of helping Malaysia to reach at least the semi-finals in the Thomas Cup finals in New Delhi in May. Chong Wei said players like Chong Wei Feng and Liew Daren should be persisted with and he also felt that doubles Hoon Thien How-Tan Wee Kiong and Goh V Shem-Lim Khim Wah will provide Malaysia a fighting chance to achieve the last four target. Not only did Chong Wei sound optimistic, he also lobbied for the inclusion of independent player Misbun Ramdan Misbun who he feels is good enough to be named as the reserve in the Thomas Cup squad. "If we are well prepared, we can fight for at least a place in the semi-finals of the Thomas Cup despite the majority of our team members still being young," said Chong Wei after receiving incentives from the BA of Malaysia (BAM) for winning the All England and other international tournaments at Juara Stadium yesterday. "We have to try ...

Leong Mun Yee (left) and Pandelela Rinong grab silver in the second leg of the Diving World Series in Dubai on Thursday. PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s Pandelela Rinong and Leong Mun Yee continued with their hot run by grabbing a silver medal in the second leg of the Diving World Series in Dubai. Pandelela-Mun Yee gave London Olympic champions Chen Ruolin-Liu Huixia a good run for their money to finish the five-dive women’s 10m platform synchronised final with 314.64 points. The Chinese pair took gold with 337.56 total. Canadians Meaghan Benfeito-Roseline Filion overtook Mexicans Alejandra Orozco-Paola Espinosa on the last dive for the bronze with 309.09 points. The Mexicans, silver medallists at the London Olympics, finished fourth with 305.37 points. It was the second straight success for the Malaysian pair in the series, which expanded from five to six legs this year. Pandelela-Mun Yee took bronze in the first leg in Beijing last week but Thursday’...

Low Wee Wern (left) in action against Canada’s Samantha Cornett during their second round match of the 29th Penang-CIMB Women World Championship at the Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre (SPICE) on Thursday. — CHAN BOON KAI / The Star GEORGE TOWN: Malaysia’s top two players – Nicol David and Low Wee Wern – marched into the Penang-CIMB 29th Women’s World Squash Championship 2013 quarter-finals with straight set wins at the SPICE Arena. Top seed and defending champion Nicol defeated Egypt’s Heba El Torky 11 -6, 11-3, 11-4 in 24 minutes. Malaysian No. 2 Wee Wern put on a solid display to end Canadian qualifier Samantha Cornett’s dream run with an 11-8, 11-3, 11-9 win in 42 minutes. Nicol, who is seeking her eighth world title in Penang, takes on France’s eighth seed Camille Serme in Friday’s quarter-finals. “I’m happy with the way I played today (Thursday) and, hopefully, I can put on the same, or even better, perfo...

Post by Nicol David . GEORGE TOWN, March 20 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's world number one Datuk Nicol David did not face any problem advancing to the quarterfinals after easily winning over Heba El Torky of Egypt at the 29th Penang-CIMB Women's World Championship. In today's second round match, Nicol only took 24 minutes to cast aside her opponent, in straight sets 11-6, 11-3 and 11-4 at the Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre (sPICE) here.  "Today's match was a good performance for me. Heba, maybe it was her second time in the world championship, I think she started a little bit nervous but still give me a strong match. "Playing in front of home fans has always made me better and keeps me going until the end. For tomorrow, I'll play the way I played today or even better, and need to put more focus because it would be a tough match," Nicol told reporters. The 31-year-old Penang lass will meet Camille S...

#TeamMalaysia arriving at #dxbairport ! @angelaleong #2daystogo pic.twitter.com/xX1sRvXRgs — World Series - Dubai (@DivingWSDubai) March 18, 2014 KUALA LUMPUR, March 20 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's diving aces, Pandelela Rinong and Leong Mun Yee clinched the silver medal in the second leg of the 2014 FINA Diving World Series held at the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Sport Complex in Dubai today. The duo accumulated 314.64 points in the women's 10m synchronised platform to emulate their silver medal feat in the opening leg in Beijing last week. China's pair of Chen Ruolin and Liu Huixia continued their supremacy in the category after defending the gold medal they won in the first leg. They scored 337.56 points while Benfeito Meaghan and Filion Roseline of Canada had to settle for bronze with 309.09 points. The 2013 Myanmar Sea Games gold medallists, Ng Yan Yee and Cheong Jun Hoong however displayed disappointing dives and only managed to score 274....

Women's 10m synchro platform presentation #dubai2014 pic.twitter.com/o09z9FGRzi — World Series - Dubai (@DivingWSDubai) March 20, 2014 KUALA LUMPUR, 20 Mac (Bernama) -- Jaguh acara terjun Malaysia, Pandelela Rinong dan Leong Mun Yee, memenangi pingat perak pada pusingan kedua Kejohanan Terjun Siri Dunia FINA 2014 di Kompleks Sukan Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid di Dubai, Emiriah Arab Bersatu, Khamis. Pasangan itu mengumpul 314.64 mata dalam acara platform 10m seirama wanita, bagi mengulangi kejayaan memenangi pingat perak pada pusingan pembukaan di Beijing, China minggu lepas. Pasangan China, Chen Ruolin dan Liu Huixia, pula meneruskan penguasaan mereka dalam kategori itu dengan mengekalkan pingat emas yang dimenangi pada pusingan pertama, selepas mengumpul 337.56 mata manakala Benfeito Meaghan dan Filion Roseline dari Canada memenangi gangsa dengan 309.09 mata. Bagaimanapun, pemenang pingat emas Sukan SEA Myanmar 2013, Ng Yan Yee dan Cheong Jun Hoon...

Kuala Lumpur: Tiada ruang untuk mana-mana individu yang masih menjalani hukuman Persatuan Bolasepak Malaysia (FAM) untuk bertanding pada Mesyuarat Kongres Pemilihan FAM pada 25 Mei ini. Biarpun ada kedengaran bekas Presiden Persatuan Bolasepak Perlis (PFA) Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim dan Penasihat Persatuan Bolasepak Kelantan (KAFA) Tan Sri Annuar Musa wajar diberikan peluang untuk dicalonkan pada pemilihan itu bagi merebut jawatan tertinggi, namun ia tidak akan berlaku kali ini. Menurut sumber dalaman FAM, individu yang masih menjalani hukuman tidak dibenarkan bertanding, malah dalam kes Shahidan dan Annuar, kedua-dua individu itu tidak dibenarkan membuat rayuan untuk mengurangkan hukuman atas kesalahan melanggar Artikel 88 Statut FAM. “Mana-mana calon berhasrat untuk bertanding dalam Mesyuarat Kongres Pemilihan FAM pada Mei nanti perlu bebas daripada sebarang hukuman. Jika masih berminat untuk bertanding, maka beliau haruslah tunggu sehingga selepas tamat tempo...

BEKAS Presiden Persatuan Bola Sepak Perlis (PFA), Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim tidak dibenarkan bertanding pada pemilihan Persatuan Bola Sepak Malaysia (FAM) 25 Mei depan. Perkara itu disahkan oleh seorang sumber dalaman FAM ketika dihubungi Kosmo! semalam. Menurut sumber tersebut, setiap calon yang berhasrat bertanding haruslah bebas daripada hukuman penggantungan. Pada Februari tahun lalu, FAM telah mengenakan hukuman penggantungan selama dua tahun enam bulan ke atas Shahidan selain denda RM39,000. Ini kerana FAM mendapati Shahidan bersalah melanggar Statut FAM Artikel 88 kerana mengkritik badan induk itu secara terbuka. “Mana-mana calon yang mahu bertanding pada Kongres FAM itu nanti harus bebas daripada sebarang hukuman penggantungan. “Jika beliau masih berminat untuk bertanding, maka beliau haruslah tunggu sehingga tempoh penggantungan itu tamat. “Yang pasti, calon yang masih menjalani hukuman penggantungan tidak dibenarkan untuk bertanding pada pemilihan it...

Kuala Lumpur: Walaupun masih menjalani hukuman penggantungan, bekas Presiden Persatuan Bolasepak Perlis (PFA) Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim tetap berminat bertanding pada Mesyuarat Kongres Pemilihan Persatuan Bola Sepak Malaysia (FAM) pada 25 Mei ini sekiranya mendapat pencalonan ahli gabungan. Baginya, beliau tetap menganggap dirinya tidak bersalah apabila dikenakan hukuman penggantungan dua tahun enam bulan pada Februari tahun lalu dan bersedia menyahut cabaran jika ada ruang untuknya bertanding merebut jawatan tertinggi FAM. “Bila saya digantung? Mana ada peraturan dalam dunia ini yang membenarkan tindakan ke atas mereka yang minta duit daripada persatuan (FAM) untuk bayar gaji pemain. Saya tidak tahu sama ada boleh bertanding atau tidak, tapi kalau ada pihak yang mencalonkan saya, saya bersedia mempertimbangkan,” katanya ketika dihubungi Arena Metro semalam. Dalam kancah bola sepak Perlis, Shahidan dianggap individu cukup berpengaruh ketika skuad Singa Utara i...

Oleh SHANIKA ABDULLATIB shanika.latib@kosmo.com.my AHMAD KHAWARI (dua dari kanan) menerima replika penajaan daripada Pengurus Hal Ehwal Korporat F&N Beverages Marketing Sdn. Bhd., Carissa Goh di Petaling Jaya semalam. SKUAD hoki remaja kebangsaan menjadi pilihan untuk menerima Anugerah Khas pada majlis Anugerah Persatuan Penulis-penulis Sukan Malaysia (SAM)-100Plus 2013, 3 April depan. Skuad kebangsaan diiktiraf selepas mendapat tempat keempat pada Kejohanan Piala Dunia Remaja 2013 di New Delhi, India, Disember lalu, sekali gus melepasi sasaran dalam kelompok keenam terbaik yang diletakkan oleh Konfederasi Hoki Malaysia (MHC). Sementara itu, tiada elemen kejutan dalam senarai pencalonan apabila pemain badminton No. 1 dunia, Datuk Lee Chong Wei sekali lagi akan berentap dengan ratu skuasy, Datuk Nicol David. Ratu terjun, Pandelela Rinong turut disenaraikan bersama penerjun berpengalaman, Leong Mun Yee dalam saingan merebut anugerah berprestij tersebut pada ...

Kuala Lumpur: Skuad hoki remaja kebangsaan menjadi pilihan menerima Anugerah Khas di majlis Anugerah Persatuan Penulis-penulis Sukan Malaysia (SAM)-100Plus 2013, pada 3 April. Skuad kebangsaan itu diiktiraf selepas mendapat tempat keempat Kejohanan Piala Dunia Remaja 2013 di New Delhi, India, Disember lalu, sekali gus melepasi sasaran tempat keenam oleh Konfederasi Hoki Malaysia (MHC). Presiden SAM Ahmad Khawari Isa berkata, pemain badminton negara Datuk Lee Chong Wei dan ratu skuasy negara Datuk Nicol Ann David antara calon disenarai pendek untuk Anugerah Atlet Terbaik SAM-100Plus. Selain itu calon lain ialah jaguh bina badan negara Sazali Samad, pasangan penerjun wanita negara Pandelela Rinong dan Leong Mun Yee serta atlet wushu kebangsaan Diana Bong dan Hon Mun Hua. “Pencalonan dilakukan dengan kerjasama Exco SAM dan Majlis Sukan Negara (MSN) dan kesemua calon disenarai pendek berdasarkan pencapaian cemerlang mereka pada 2013,” katanya pada sidang media semalam....

AZLAN SHAH CUP: Malaysia turn on the style to keep final hopes alive MALAYSIA whipped the daylights out of China when seven different players scored in the 7-3 win in the 23rd Edition of the Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh yesterday.     Goal difference could come into the picture as Malaysia, who confirmed a berth in the third-fourth placing match, make a dash for the final with only the  match against Australia on Saturday remaining where they need to keep the score low.     China were the early aggressors, but cheered on by a capacity crowd, Malaysia took an early lead after they started with an attack oriented lineup instead of a defensive side.    And in the sixth minute, Marhan Jalil's cracking shot from the top of the semi-circle went crashing into the roof of the net for the much needed lead.    The opening goal was just the tonic for another push, and the first penalty corner was won in the eighth mi...

Mohd Izad Hakimi Jamaluddin (left) pushing the ball past China's goalkeeper Yan Rong Yao, to score Malaysia's third goal in their Sultan Azlan Shah Cup match in Ipoh. – SAIFUL BAHRI/The Star IPOH: Malaysia were without top scorer Faizal Saari in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup match against China but it didn’t really matter. The national team put on a splendid first-half show of free-flowing hockey to trounce China 7-3 and take a step closer to reaching the final. Goals by Mohd Marhan Mohd Jalil (sixth minute), Azlan Misron (eighth), Mohd Izad Hakimi Jamaluddin (23rd), Tengku Ahmad Tajudin (26th) and Mohd Shahril Saabah (30th) gave Malaysia a commanding 5-0 half-time lead. Malaysia then added two more goals through Mohd Fitri Saari (45th) and Mohd Firhan Ashaari (62nd) for their biggest win in this tournament. China, who were totally outplayed in the first 35 minutes, fought back after the breather to score through E Liguang off a penalty ...

IPOH, March 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysia put on a commanding display to whip China 7-3 in their Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey match at the Azlan Shah Stadium, here Wednesday night. Despite winning by a big margin, Malaysian coach Muhammad Dhaarmaraj Abdullah said was not on cloud nine but rather claimed it was not a fantastic display by his boys. "I don't think we had a fantastic game. It was just that we took our chances well in the first half," he said after the match. The Malaysian gave the home fans reason to cheer when the Malaysian boys blasted five goals in the first half with Muhammad Marhan Mohd Jalil opening the floodgate in the sixth minute before captain Azlan Misron added the second in the 9th minute while Mohamad Izad Hakimi Jamaluddin (24th), Tengku Ahmad Tajudin Abdul Jalil (26th) and Shahril Saabah (30th) made it 5-0. After the break, China came out strongly and were awarded a penalty corner in the 43rd minute which E Liguang tu...

BAM akan guna 'pelan B' jika gagal dapat maklum balas Kuala Lumpur: Susulan tiada sebarang maklum balas daripada Datuk Misbun Sidek berhubung tawaran untuk dilantik menjadi Pengarah Keupayaan dan Kemahiran, Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM) akan menggunakan 'pelan B' iaitu 'misi memujuk' bekas jurulatih perseorangan negara itu. Timbalan Presiden BAM, Datuk Mohamad Norza Zakaria, berkata cadangan sudah dikemukakan kepada presiden, Tan Sri Tengku Mahaleel Tengku Ariff dan akan mencari masa terbaik bagi mengadakan perbincangan dengan Misbun.

PERTEMUAN Presiden Persatuan Bola Sepak Negeri Pahang (PBNP), Tengku Abdul Rahman dengan bekas pemain kebangsaan Itali, Marco Materazzi baru-baru ini mencetuskan tanda tanya dalam kalangan peminat dan penyokong setia Tok Gajah. TENGKU ABDUL RAHMAN (barisan depan, lima dari kanan) bergambar bersama Materazzi (tiga dari kiri) dan beberapa pegawai PBNP di pejabat PBNP di Kuantan baru-baru ini. Khabar angin kini bertiup kencang mengatakan Materazzi berkemungkinan akan mengisi kekosongan jawatan ketua jurulatih Pahang yang ditinggalkan oleh Ronald Smith. Terdahulu, kontrak Smith bersama PBNP ditamatkan atas persetujuan bersama kedua-dua belah pihak awal bulan ini. Menurut sumber, Materazzi dikatakan akan bergandingan dengan Zainal Abidin Hassan untuk mengendali skuad Tok Gajah bagi mengharungi baki saingan Liga Malaysia musim ini. Difahamkan, PBNP terpaksa mencari jurulatih yang benar-benar berkelayakan membimbing skuad Tok Gajah bagi meneruskan kejayaan yang d...

ORGANISERS of the EurAsia Cup presented by DRB-HICOM have assured golfing fans that the adverse weather conditions that have affected the country the past few months will not take the shine off the inaugural Europe versus Asia showdown on March 27-29 in Shah Alam.     EurAsia Golf senior director Charlie Tingey said the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club (GGCC) course remains in pristine condition despite the drought that subsequently led the country being covered in haze.     "Preparations have gone well. The captains arrive later this week while the players on Monday and the course is fantastic condition," said Tingey, when met at the tournament trophy launch in Shah Alam yesterday.    "Credit must be given to GGCC (for keeping the course in shape) as it has not been the ideal climate over the past four or five weeks with water shortages and the smog.    "With the wet weather over the past few days and more rai...

Faizal Saari (left) could be suspended for one match after venting his anger by breaking the plastic chair with his hockey stick during the match against Canada on Monday. IPOH: Forward Faizal Saari faces a possible one-match suspension for losing his temper in the match against Canada on Monday. The forward, who has scored four goals in three matches, will probably not play in the match against China on Wednesday after he broke a chair at the technical table during the match against Canada. Faizal was flashed the yellow card by umpire Javed Shaikh of India in the 24th minute for hitting Canada’s Jagdish Gill on the knee. The 23-year-old Faizal, instead of sitting on the chair, vented his anger by breaking the plastic chair with his hockey stick. A report was lodged by the technical officials and his case will be heard on Wednesday morning. Now remorseful, Faizal admits to regretting the way he reacted. “I went for the ball in the 50-50 si...

Kuala Lumpur: Presiden Persatuan Bolasepak Negeri Johor (PBNJ) Tengku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim (gambar kecil) menutup segala persoalan mengenai kesediaannya bertanding pada Mesyuarat Kongres Pemilihan FAM, 25 Mei ini apabila menyatakan minat untuk merebut jawatan presiden badan induk tanah air itu. Perkara itu didedahkan Penasihat Persatuan Bolasepak Kelantan (KAFA) Tan Sri Annuar Musa menerusi akaun laman sosial Facebook miliknya semalam yang menyatakan Tunku Ismail bersedia menawarkan diri untuk bertanding mengisi jawatan tertinggi FAM itu yang kini disandang Sultan Ahmad Shah. “Bila saya tanya kawan-kawan Presiden PB (Persatuan Bola Sepak) Negeri, ramai yang tidak pasti sama ada mereka bersedia untuk menawarkan diri (bertanding) untuk jawatan Presiden FAM. “Namun apabila saya sembah persoalan itu kepada DYTM Tuanku Presiden PBNJ (Tunku Ismail), ini titah baginda kepada saya... “I'll run for it (saya bersedia untuk bertanding). Saya sedia. ...

GEORGE TOWN, March 18 (Bernama) -- As expected, women's world number one Datuk Nicol Ann David moved into the second round of the 29th Penang-CIMB Women's World Championship by thrashing unseeded Emma Beddoes of England at the Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre (SPICE) here. Nicol, 31, took just 36 minutes to beat her opponent 11-9, 11-5, 11-8. "The crowd was amazing, thanks for coming and supporting me. I'm pleased to win. Emma has been training well and she really gave me a strong match and made some good shots. "Next, I'll meet another young player (Heba El Torky). I'm just focusing on the next match and will bring my best," she told reporters here Tuesday night. On Thursday, Nicol is scheduled to meet unseeded Heba El Torky of Egypt who defeated 11th seeded Annie Au of Hong Kong. Nicol was seven-time champing - 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. Meanwhile, Nicolette Fern...

GEORGE TOWN, 18 Mac (Bernama) -- Ratu skuasy negara Datuk Nicol Ann David memulakan misi memburu kejuaraaan kelapan Kejohanan Wanita Dunia CIMB ke-29 apabila melangkah ke pusingan kedua di sini malam ini. Pemain nombor satu dunia itu menepati ramalan apabila hanya memerlukan masa 36 minit untuk menyingkirkan pemain bukan pilihan dari England, Emma Beddoes 11-9, 11-5 dan 11-8. "Penonton memang hebat...terima kasih atas sokongan anda," kata Nicol, 30, yang teruja untuk menghadiahkan kejuaraan dunia untuk peminat di tempat kelahirannya di sini. Nicol merupakan juara dunia sebanyak tujuh kali iaitu pada 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 dan 2012. Pada pusingan kedua, Nicol akan berdepan dengan pemain berusia 23 tahun, Heba El Torky, Khamis ini selepas pemain Mesir bukan pilihan itu mengejutkan pemain pilihan ke-11 Annie Au. Heba mengalahkan pemain veteran Hong Kong itu dengan keputusan 13-11, 4-11, 11-7, 11-8. Dalam satu lagi saingan pusingan pert...

Kuala Terengganu: Jika kelmarin bekas Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Tatatertib Persatuan Bolasepak Malaysia (FAM) Kamaruddin Abdullah meminta isu Terowong Larkin disegerakan, penyokong Terengganu semalam turut menaruh harapan tinggi badan induk negara itu mampu menyelesaikan isu berkenaan supaya pemain T-Team dapat menumpukan kembali perhatian terhadap perlawanan. Setiausaha Kelab Penyokong Bola Sepak Negeri Terengganu (PETEH) Wan Mohd Azmi Wan Ngah berkata, mereka sudah lama menunggu kesudahan isu berkenaan walaupun pertuduhan sudah dikeluarkan kepada Johor Darul Ta'zim (Johor DT) dan T-Team pula dihukum tewas 3-0. “Kelewatan FAM menyelesaikan isu ini bakal memberi impak terhadap kredibiliti FAM, malah tempiasnya turut terkena kepada pemain Liga Super T-Team. “Kenapa proses ini terlalu lama, sejak 1 Februari lalu hingga hari ini, sudah sebulan lebih kes ini diperincikan, tapi FAM masih belum menjatuhkan hukuman terhadap mereka yang bersalah. “Persoalannya kenapa...

WORLD OPEN: Nicol to take it one match at a time despite home advantage EVERYTHING seems to point towards an eighth title for Nicol David when the Women's World Championship begins in her own backyard today. After finding no takers last year, the WSA Tour found a saviour for the 2013 edition of the tournament when Penang decided to take on the responsibility of hosting the prestigious event. The drive to hold the tournament at the Spice Arena in Bayan Baru is to provide Nicol a chance to defend the world title in front of her home fans. Factor in Nicol's unbeaten run of 39 matches since last May, winning two tournaments this year without dropping a game and the invincible aura she displays on court, and the outcome might as well be a foregone conclusion. But Nicol is not one to take things for granted, not when expectations weigh heavily on her, to the extent that the World No 1 even skipped a WSA Tour event in Chicago to focus her energies on t...

Kuala Lumpur: Skuad Harimau Muda A menempah aksi lebih mencabar dalam kempen Liga Perdana Kebangsaan (NPL) Queensland, Australia selepas menang besar 5-2 ke atas Redlands United kelmarin. Kejayaan skuad kendalian Datuk Ong Kim Swee itu mencalar rekod bersih dua kemenangan berturut-turut Redlands dalam saingan liga musim ini sekali gus membuka mata pasukan lain mengenai kemampuan pemain muda negara. “Ini kemenangan yang cukup baik kerana lawan bukan calang-calang selepas mereka mencatat dua kemenangan sebelum ini. Tapi dengan kemenangan ini sudah tentu pasukan lain lebih berwaspada apabila menentang Harimau Muda. “Cabaran seperti ini yang kami mahukan, kerana hanya dengan perlawanan kompetitif saja saya boleh menilai sejauh mana kemampuan pemain saya. AKSI pemain Harimau Muda ketika menang ke atas Redlands United. “Apa yang penting kami ke sini bukan untuk menjuarai liga tapi bagi pemain mendapatkan pendedahan,” katanya ketika dihubungi Arena Metro semalam. ...

Loh Ying Ting bagged golds at the changquan and gunshu event at the World Junior Championship in Antalya, Turkey. - filepic PETALING JAYA: Youngster Loh Ying Ting was the toast of the Malaysian team at the World Junior Championships in Antalya, Turkey. The 17-year-old was victorious in two girls’ Group A (16-18) events – the changquan (barehands northern style) and gunshu (cudgel) – on the opening day on Saturday. There was more joy for Malaysia as Calvin Lee Wai Leong also struck gold in the boys’ Group A nandao (broadsword). Malaysia also picked up five silvers and one bronze. The silvers came from Ong Qi Yue (boys’ Group B (13-15) jianshu and qiangshu), Khaw Jun Lim (boys’ Group A gunshu), Si Shin Peng (boys’ Group C (10-12) jianshu) and Pang Pui Yee (girls’ Group B jianshu). Tan Cheong Wan earned the sole bronze in the boys’ Group B changquan. With the three golds, five silver and one bronze in the three-day champions, Malaysia have improved on...

Kuala Lumpur: Pemain perseorangan lelaki negara, Misbun Ramdan Mohmed Misbun (gambar) menjuarai Kejohanan Siri Antarabangsa Romania 2014 apabila menewaskan pencabar dari Poland Adrian Dziolka 15-21, 21-8, 21-16 di Dewan Sukan Constantin Jude, kelmarin. Misbun Ramdan yang juga anak kepada bekas jurulatih perseorangan negara, Misbun Sidek mengambil masa 49 minit bagi melakar kejuaraan sulung buat dirinya tahun ini. Pada aksi akhir itu, Ramdan yang diletak pilihan utama kejohanan terpaksa berhempas pulas menundukkan wakil dari benua Eropah itu dengan permainan tiga set. Namun pemain berusia 23 tahun itu memulakan aksi set pertama dengan hambar apabila tewas 15-21 sebelum bangkit memenangi dua set berikutnya. Ramdan yang dilatih bapanya, mara ke pentas akhir selepas mengecewakan pemain pilihan keenam iaitu Luka Wraber dari Austria di separuh akhir dengan kemenangan 22-20, 21-12. Pemain ranking ke-48 dunia itu sebelum ini terkandas di pusingan awal Seluruh E...