Monday, February 20, 2012

Thomas-Uber Cup: Malaysia's girls go down to Singapore

Badminton / Uber Cup
Tee Jing Yi returns a shot to Singapore’s Gu Juan yesterday. Jing Yi won 21-13, 10-21, 21-15. Pic by Owee Ah Chun
MALAYSIA completed their Uber Cup campaign in eighth place after losing to Singapore 3-2 in Macau yesterday.
Tee Jing Yi decided to produce her best in the meaningless tie by beating Gu Juan 21-13, 10-21, 21-15 in the first singles.
Singapore drew level in the first doubles when Yao Lei-Shinta Mulia Sari defeated Goh Liu Ying-Lim Yin Loo 21-13, 21-16 while Sea Games champion Fu Mingtian outplayed Sannatasah Saniru 21-12, 21-15 in the second singles.

Malaysia drew level by winning the second doubles when Vivian Hoo-Wong Pei Tty beat Chen Jiayuan-Thng Ting Ting 21-14, 21-17 but Liang Xiaoyu denied Malaysia their second victory in the qualifiers when she beat Yang Li Lian 21-14, 21-17.

Malaysia's only victory in the qualifying rounds was against India who they beat 3-2.

Women's doubles coach Rexy Mainaky said the players had already lost hope after going down to Hong Kong in the round robin playoff on Friday which ended their chances of qualifying for the final rounds.

"They have lost hope and the continuous defeats also affected their confidence. We have to look forward and try prepare a stronger team," said Rexy.

"The doubles have shown improvement but we still have a lot to do and must bring the younger pairs to the next level."

Indonesia defeated Hong Kong 4-1 to top the round robin playoff and their place in the Uber Cup will be determined by their overall world ranking compared to the fourth-placed team from Europe.

Japan, Taiwan and Thailand have qualified for the Uber Cup Finals.
Courtesy of New Straits Times

Thomas Cup shuttlers set semi-final target in Wuhan

The national men shuttlers have accomplished their mission in Macau. Now, they must defy the odds again to reach at least the semi-finals of the Thomas Cup Finals in Wuhan from May 20-27.
In Macau, the team, rated one of the weakest assembled in recent times, outdid themselves when they defeated the fancied South Koreans 3-2 in the Group D tie and then outclassed India in the quarter-finals to seal a berth in the Finals.
South Korea, despite the setback against the Malaysians, survived the playoffs for the final ticket by beating India, Taiwan and Thailand to confirm their place in the elite group.
Other top teams set to make their presence felt in Wuhan are of course defending champions and hosts China, Japan, Indonesia and European giants Denmark, who emerged as the European Zone champions yesterday.
Looking secure: Malaysia’s Lim Khim Wah (right) and Goh V Shem are expected to be in the Thomas Cup squad for Wuhan.
For Malaysia, the bulk of the successful team, comprising Lee Chong Wei, Mohd Hafiz Hashim, Liew Daren, Mohd Arif Abdul Latif, Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong, Lim Khim Wah-Goh V Shem, Hoon Thien How and Teo Kok Siang, are expected to be retained for the Wuhan challenge.
It is good to note that most of the back-up shuttlers have come through the rite of passage all the wiser for the experience.
Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM)’s High Performance Team member Wong Ah Jit was proud of the team’s achievement and believes that the goal of reaching the semi-finals in Wuhan was within reach, depending on a favourable draw and fitness of the players.
“They were not expected to go far but the team did well to qualify. They showed hunger and determination to win and that is what we wanted to see. Now, we have to get the second part of the job done,” said Ah Jit.
“We have about two and half months to go before the Finals. For Chong Wei and Kien Keat-Boon Heong, we will increase the intensity of training so that they can peak at both the Finals and London Olympics. The others in the team will devote their time to sparring with the Olympic-bound shuttlers. At the same time, we will also push them through strength and conditioning programmes so that they will be able to rise to the challenge in Wuhan.
“The key is in the physical condition of the players. Hafiz will be a fearsome player again if we increase his fitness level another notch. If the players push themselves wholeheartedly and give full commitment to training in the next six to eight weeks, I bet they will go far in the Finals.
“Except for China, the other teams are beatable. Look at Indonesia, they are about the same standard as Malaysia. It all depends on whether our players can push themselves to the limit. Of course, it will help if we get a favourable draw too,” added Ah Jit.
The 12 teams will be divided into four groups with the top two advancing to the quarter-finals, where, except for the top two seeded teams, the others will be subjected to a draw.
The Malaysian shuttlers have three back-to-back tournaments coming up next — the German Open from Feb 28-March 4, the All England (March 6-11) and Swiss Open (March 13-18).
Courtesy of The Star

Friday, February 17, 2012

Thomas-Uber Cup: World No 1 wants to give pretenders a chance

LEE Chong Wei intends to sit out the remaining matches in the Thomas Cup qualifiers to give back-up players Liew Daren and Arif Latif a chance to gain more exposure in team competitions.
Chong Wei said Daren and Arif are the players who will be shouldering the responsibilities in future major events and they should be given the chance to gain experience by playing in the semi-finals against Japan today and either in the third placing playoff tomorrow or the final on Sunday.

This will also allow Chong Wei to get some rest before continuing with his preparations for the All England on March 6-11.

Malaysia will not gain anything even if they win the qualifying rounds as the results here will have no bearing when the seedings for the Thomas Cup Finals are conducted, most likely in April.

"We have to give our young players a chance to play and gain experience. They are the ones who are going to lead the team when I retire and this is a good time to hand them that responsibility," said Chong Wei.

"I have asked the coaches to exclude me from the remaining matches so that Daren and Arif can gain experience.

"I can use the remaining days to continue with my preparations for the All England. Maybe Koo (Kien Keat) and Tan (Boon Heong) also can get a break and let the youngsters get some good experience."

National singles chief coach Rashid Sidek had  spoken about resting Chong Wei once Malaysia achieved their target of qualification even before coming to Macau and has already agreed to Chong Wei's request.

National doubles head coach Tan Kim Her also hinted that Kien Keat-Boon Heong could be given a break today so that his new combinations can be tried out.

"I said before coming here that everyone will be given a chance to play and now that we have qualified, we can do that," said Kim Her.
Courtesy of New Straits Times

Thomas-Uber Cup: Thomas Cup team silence critics by booking Finals ticket

The Malaysian men shuttlers had all the reasons to celebrate yesterday. They finally silenced their critics by qualifying for the Thomas Cup Finals, which will be held in Wuhan, China from May 20-27.
And KLRC’s Mohd Hafiz Hashim could also afford to smile as he finally ended his winless run by beating P. Kashyap 21-17, 18-21, 21-11 to hand Malaysia the winning point in the 3-0 victory over India in the quarter-finals of the Thomas Cup Asian Zone qualifying tournament in Macau.
Earlier, seasoned campaigners Lee Chong Wei and Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong had got Malaysia off to a 2-0 lead despite showing some sign of strain in the first singles and doubles events respectively.
World No. 1 Chong Wei dropped the second game but stormed back to deliver a 21-12, 17-21, 21-8 win over Ajay Jayaram while Kien Keat-Boon Heong had to fend off a late charge from Rupesh Kumar-Sanave Thomas before prevailing 21-14, 23-21.
Today, Malaysia will take on Japan in the semi-finals. Japan have also confirmed their trip to Wuhan by virtue of making the top four yesterday with a convincing 3-0 win over Taiwan in another quarter-final match.
Finally victorious: Hafiz Hashim ended his winless run in the Thomas Cup qualifiers.
Hafiz, who showed more urgency in his win over Ajay yesterday, was over the moon with Malaysia’s qualification for the Finals.
“I am glad that I finally won a point for Malaysia after all the disappointments,” said Hafiz, who lost to Chan Yan Kit and Shon Wan-ho in group ties against Hong Kong and South Korea respectively.
“I went on the offensive from the start and kept my opponent on tight and long rallies. My attacking game was solid and I am thrilled that I could contribute a point and take Malaysia into the Finals in Wuhan.
“There will be no pressure against Japan tomorrow. The team will be out to enjoy a good game,” he added.
National singles coach Rashid Sidek was happy that the players stood together from the start despite arriving in Macau with one of the weakest teams.
“Malaysians are known for their strength in the team event and today, our men shuttlers proved it once again. Their team spirit was high and they kept on motivating each other,” said Rashid.
“So much was said about the team prior to the qualifiers. Some quarters even undermined our team’s chances. I am glad that our players did not let all the negative talk affect their rhythm as they pulled through together to make the Finals. Our success here is all about great team work.”
On the semi-final tie against Japan today, Rashid said they were toying with the idea of resting their top players.
“They may give Chong Wei and Kien Keat-Boon Heong a break and move up the others – especially the back-up players.
“We have achieved our target. It does not matter if we do not win the tournament.
“We may give the back-up players a chance to play but it will be subject to our coaches’ discussion later.”
Malaysia may field Hafiz as the first singles, followed by Liew Daren and Mohd Arif Abdul Latif. In the men’s doubles, Lim Khim Wah-Goh V Shem may be joined by Hoon Thien How-Teo Kok Siang in the doubles matches.
In the other semi-final, top seeds China will take on Indonesia.
Courtesy of The Star

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Badminton Asia 2012 Thomas & Uber Cup preliminaries

Korea - Malaysia

Time:Wed 2/15/2012 6:30 PM
Draw:Thomas Cup - Group D
Score:2-3


Korea Thomas Cup-Malaysia Thomas CupScore





Hyun Il Lee
-
Chong Wei Lee
13-21 15-21





Yeon Seong Yoo
Sung Hyun Ko
-
Kien Keat Koo
Boon Heong Tan
14-21 19-21





Wan Ho Shon
-
Muhammad Hafiz Hashim
24-22 21-16





Yong Dae Lee
Baek Choel Shin
-
Khim Wah Lim
V Shem Goh
21-18 19-21 11-21





Ji Hoon Hong
-
Mohamad Arif Abdul Latif
21-17 21-15



Thomas-Uber Cup: It's do or die today

Hafiz the big concern in crucial match against Koreans
Liew Daren lost 17-21, 21-16, 21-19 to Hong Kong’s Chan Yan Kit yesterday. Pic by Owee Ah Chun
Liew Daren lost 17-21, 21-16, 21-19 to Hong Kong’s Chan Yan Kit yesterday. Pic by Owee Ah Chun
THE shaky performance of Hafiz Hashim is a major concern but national singles chief coach Rashid Sidek doesn't have much choice but to play him in the crunch match against South Korea today.
The only other option is to promote Liew Daren to second singles and name Arif Latif as the third singles but Daren's defeat to Chan Yan Kit in the match against Hong Kong yesterday also raises doubts about his mental toughness.

Victory in Group D will give Malaysia an easy quarter-final against India but a defeat will see them facing Indonesia and this is a situation Rashid wants to avoid at all costs.

South Korea's second singles Shon Wan Ho has been playing well and Rashid believes Hafiz's experience will prove handy. He also has to decide between Daren and Arif for the third slot.

"Hafiz is frustrated following his defeat (to Hu Yun yesterday) but his experience is still needed against South Korea. We will discuss every possibility before deciding on the second and third singles," said Rashid.

"We have to take two points from the singles as it will be hard for the doubles to win both their matches. It will be a boost if the doubles can deliver one point.

"If Hafiz is fired-up and willing to fight till the end, he has the chance to beat Wan Ho while Daren or Arif has an equal chance of beating Hong Ji Hoon in the third singles."

Rashid added: "Lee Chong Wei should give us the first point but we need one more and I hope the players will forget about the Hong Kong match and rise to the occasion."

Hafiz gets a second chance to redeem himself and it is also widely believed that Arif, who plays well in a team event, will take the third singles slot.

National doubles head coach Tan Kim Her is happy with the performance of his regular pairs Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong and Goh V Shem-Lim Khim Wah but is likely to field at least a scratch pair today.

This is because Kien Keat-Boon Heong haven't beaten South Korea's current first doubles Ko Sung Hyun-Yoo Yeon Seong in six previous meetings and the focus will shift towards trying to win the second doubles against Lee Yong Dae-Shin Baek Cheol.

However, Kim Her is not keeping his tactics a secret.

"I am happy with the way our two pairs played and this gives us a lot of options. I have not finalised whether we will play a scratch pair. We will have a meeting before coming to a conclusion," said Kim Her.

"V Shem-Khim Wah also play well in team events and we have to consider them against South Korea," added Kim Her.

"There could be a scratch pair. I haven't finalised the line-up as we have until tomorrow (today) to do so. We only play in the evening (6.30pm).

"It is a must-win game and I have to make sure that our best line-up take on South Korea."

There is a strong possibility Boon Heong will partner Hon Thien How while another combination could be V Shem-Teo Kok Siang but Kim Her may have other ideas.

Malaysia must gamble and play at least one scratch pair to unseat South Korea as it will be suicidal to hope for their regular combinations to produce a miracle.
Courtesy of New Straits Times

Thomas/Uber Cup: Li Lian turns hero

YANG Li Lian, making her debut in the Uber Cup, staged a miraculous fightback as Malaysia edged India 3-2 to keep their hopes alive in the Uber Cup qualifying rounds in Macau yesterday.
Yang Li Lian celebrates after beating India’s Sayali Gokhale yesterday. Pic  by Owee Ah Chun
Yang Li Lian celebrates after beating India’s Sayali Gokhale yesterday. Pic by Owee Ah Chun

Li Lian, only a reserve, was on the backfoot throughout the match and trailed 2-11 in the deciding game before brilliantly snatching a 11-21, 21-15, 22-20 win over Sayali Gokhale in the third singles to virtually earn Malaysia a quarter-final berth from Group W.
It didn't start promisingly for Malaysia as Tee Jing Yi suffered a 21-17, 21-16 loss to Saina Nehwal who played despite having viral fever.

However, Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui brought Malaysia back into the match when they beat Jwala Gutta-Ashwini Ponnappa 21-12, 21-16.

Lydia Cheah performed poorly against P.V. Sindhu and suffered a 16-21, 21-13, 21-9 defeat but second doubles Goh Liu Ying-Vivian Hoo kept Malaysia in the hunt.

Liu Ying-Vivian defeated Prajakta Sawant-Pradnya Gadre 21-17, 21-17 to draw level at 2-2.

Li Lian, 19, said she didn't even expect to play in the match and couldn't believe that she became the unlikely hero for Malaysia.

"I didn't think too much when I was trailing 2-11 and just wanted to take as many points as I could. I am delighted that I became the hero of the team," said Li Lian.

"I just focused on reducing my mistakes and I started closing the gap, I guess my opponent became nervous.

"It was a really a wonderful moment for me as I didn't even expect to win as I was only a reserve.

"However, I told myself I will win a point for Malaysia and I am happy to achieve that."

National doubles coach Rexy Mainaky was a relieved man as the effort of his charges didn't go to waste due to Li Lian's heroics.

"The doubles players did well to save the match and we always had faith in Li Lian. She is very talented and it was great to see her fighting without fear although she is inexperienced," said Rexy.

"Li Lian always had the potential but has limited opportunities but she proved her pedigree here.

"We have been saved by our spirited players and we must go all out to qualify for the final."

Malaysia's place in the last eight looks assured as India are not expected to beat China in their last group match today.
Courtesy of New Straits Times

Thursday, February 9, 2012

BAM 'Gelap Mata' Dengan RM3 juta

KUALA LUMPUR: Timbalan Presiden Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM), Datuk Dr Mohamed Al-Amin Abd Majid yakin pasukan Malaysia akan menghantar pemain-pemainnya pada kejohanan sulung badminton Piala Axiata yang bermula bermula pada 23 Mac ini.
Presiden dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif (CEO) Axiata, Datuk Seri Jamaludin Ibrahim (kiri) bersama Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Celcom Axiata Berhad, Datuk Seri Mohammed Shazalli Ramly (kanan) dan Presiden Pengarah PT XL Axiata Berhad, Hasnul Suhaimi (tengah), selepas merasmikan pertandingan badminton Piala Axiata, Rabu. Foto: BERNAMA
Kejohanan yang pertama kali diadakan ini menawarkan hadiah lumayan keseluruhan bernilai USD 1,000000 (RM3 juta) sekali gus menjadi nilai hadiah kejohanan tertinggi di dunia.
Dr Mohamed Al-Amin berkata, pihak BAM menyokong sepenuhnya kejohanan terbuka ini kerana ia merupakan satu perkembangan baik kepada pemain-pemain badminton seluruh ASEAN.
“Selain mempamerkan format baru pada kejohanan ini, salah satu faktor yang lebih menarik adalah ganjaran hadiah yang ditawarkan adalah cukup lumayan.
“Kita akan menghantar dua pasukan untuk menyertai kejohanan ini dan senarai pemain adalah terpulang kepada jurulatih masing-masing.
"Untuk lebih jelas lagi mengenai pemain, kami akan mengadakan Mensyuarat Exco tidak lama lagi, sebelum kejohanan berlangsung pada Mac ini,” katanya kepada media selepas pelancaran Piala Axiata, Rabu.
Menurut Dr Mohamed Al-Amin, sebelum membuat keputusan pihaknya juga akan melihat pelbagai sudut positif dalam menyertai kejohanan ini.
“Kita boleh mengambil kejohanan ini sebagai pendekatan mahupun persiapan pada kejohanan lain. Lebih penting lagi, ia mampu memberi peluang kepada semua barisan pemain kita sama ada pemain utama, pelapis ataupun pemain kelab.
“Selain itu, salah satu format pertandingan ini ialah setiap negara dibenarkan mengambil pemain luar dari ASEAN untuk mewakili pasukan kita.
"Bagi saya ia satu perkembangan bagus dan mampu menjadikan mereka sebagai rakan sparring pemain-pemain kita. Namun itu semua akan diputuskan pada mensyuarat nanti,” tambahnya.
Kejohanan berpasukan Piala Axiata ini dianjurkan oleh Kumpulan Axiata Berhad (Axiata) bersama Konfederasi Badminton Asia (BAC) dan juga Total Sports Asia (TSA).
Sebanyak enam negara ASEAN akan beraksi termasuk Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapura, Filipina dan Vietnam. Malaysia dan Indonesia dijangkan akan menghantar dua pasukan.
Perlawanan peringkat kumpulan akan berlangsung di Malaysia dan Jakarta dalam tempoh empat hingga lapan minggu, manakala pusingan separuh akhir akan bermain dua kali, di tempat sendiri (home) dan lawan (away) pada 30 Mac dan 1 April.
Pusingan akhir juga akan berlangsung di tempat lawan dan tempat sendiri pada 13 dan 15 April.
Setiap pasukan dibenarkan menghantar enam hingga lapan orang pemain berdasarkan format tiga perlawanan termasuk dua pemain untuk perseorangan dan satu untuk kategori beregu.
Setiap negara juga diberi kebebasan untuk memilih dua pemain luar negara ASEAN.
Hadiah pasukan;
Juara: USD 400,000 (RM 1.2 juta)
Naib juara: USD 200,000 (RM600,000)
Separuh akhir (dua pasukan) :USD 100,000 (RM300,000)
Kalah pusingan awal (empat pasukan

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

2012 Laureus World Sports Award

LONDON, February 6, 2012 - The winners of the 2012 Laureus World Sports Awards have been unveiled at a globally televised Awards Ceremony in London. Among the highlights were a record-equalling fourth Laureus Award for US surfer Kelly Slater and a double success for Northern Ireland golf with both Darren Clarke and Rory McIlroy being honoured. FC Barcelona at last won the Laureus Team of the Year Award after their fourth Nomination.
 The Laureus World Sports Awards are the premier honours on the international sporting calendar.   The winners are chosen by the Laureus World Sports Academy, the ultimate sports jury, made up of 47 of the greatest sportsmen and sportswomen of all time.
Serbia's Novak Djokovic was acclaimed Laureus World Sportsman of the Year after his remarkable 2011 when he won three Grand Slam events - the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open - and took away the tennis world No 1 ranking from Rafael Nadal.
The Laureus Sportswoman of the Year Award went to Kenya's extraordinary distance runner Vivian Cheruiyot, who won both 5,000 and 10,000 metres gold medals at the World Championships in Daegu.
Winners of the Champions League and the Spanish League in the 2010/11 season, under coach Pep Guardiola, FC Barcelona won the Laureus World Team of the Year Award.
Northern Ireland golf celebrated two Awards. Brilliant young star Rory McIlroy, 22, was named winner of the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award after winning the US Open, his first Major Championship, while Darren Clarke received the Laureus Comeback Award after his Open Championship victory at Royal St.George's at his 20th attempt and at the age of 42.
American surfing giant Kelly Slater was named Laureus Action Sportsperson of the Year. It was his fourth Laureus Award, equalling the record of Roger Federer, the only other four-time winner.
South Africa's Oscar Pistorius, dubbed the ‘Blade Runner' because he uses carbon fibre blades, was presented with the Laureus Disability Award, after becoming the first amputee to win a track medal in the non-disabled World Championships, a silver in the 4 x 400 metres relay.
England football legend Bobby Charlton was awarded the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his remarkable career.
Former Brazilian international footballer Raí, now a campaigner for social justice, won the Laureus Sport for Good Award.
The Laureus World Sports Awards, which recognise sporting achievement during 2011, were announced at the Awards Ceremony at Central Hall, Westminster, which was hosted by Academy Award nominated and Golden Globe winner Clive Owen and attended by guests from the worlds of sport and entertainment.
The members of the Laureus World Sports Academy present were: Giacomo Agostini, Boris Becker, Sergey Bubka, Nadia Comaneci, Marcel Desailly, Kapil Dev, Mick Doohan, Emerson Fittipaldi, Sean Fitzpatrick, Dawn Fraser, Tanni Grey-Thompson, Tony Hawk, Mike Horn, Miguel Indurain, Kip Keino, Franz Klammer, Edwin Moses, Nawal El Moutawakel, Robby Naish, Ilie Nastase, Martina Navratilova, Alexey Nemov, Gary Player, Morné du Plessis, Hugo Porta, Steve Redgrave, Monica Seles, Mark Spitz, Daley Thompson, Alberto Tomba, Steve Waugh and Katarina Witt. 
Among the other guests present from the world of entertainment and fashion were Bryan Ferry who performed on stage as well as segment host British actress Thandie Newton, Spanish actress Elsa Pataky, American actor Luke Wilson and Israeli actress and model Bar Refaeli.
Other sports guests included:  Schalk Burger Jr, Paul Collingwood, David Coulthard, Johan Cruyff, Lawrence Dallaglio, Daniel Dias, Cadel Evans, Alex Ferguson, Ruud Gullit, Gavin Hastings, Tim Henman, Kelly Holmes, Petra Kvitova, Lennox Lewis, Barry McGuigan, Matthew Pinsent, Oscar Pistorius, Alan Shearer, Edwin van der Sar, Esther Vergeer, Patrick Vieira, Andre Villas-Boas and Arsene Wenger.
Proceeds from the Laureus World Sports Awards directly benefit and underpin the work of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, which supports 91 community sports projects in 34 countries around the world, including five in London. Since its inception, Laureus has raised €40 million for projects which have improved the lives of more than one-and-a-half million young people.
The 2012 Laureus World Sports Awards have had the support of UK Prime Minister David Cameron and Mayor of London Boris Johnson.  Mr Cameron said: "I am delighted that the Laureus World Sports Awards are in London in 2012.  These Awards celebrate the world's top sportsmen and women and highlight the incredible power of sport to make a real difference to individuals and communities around the world.  I can't think of a better way to kick off our Olympic year."
And Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London, said: "The Laureus World Sports Awards coming to London is one of the highlights of an amazing calendar of events taking place in London in the lead up to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Having the Awards here shows that London is not only the greatest capital in the world but also the greatest place for sport at all levels - from top sports stars to grassroots sporting champions. Laureus and I share a commitment to making sport a positive part of everyone's life regardless of age and ability and I am delighted that they have come to London in such an important year."
Laureus combines the Laureus World Sports Awards, the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation and the Laureus World Sports Academy to form a unique international sports organisation that uses the inspirational power of sport as a force for good. The Laureus Foundation is a global leader in research, expertise and best practice in supporting grassroots programmes around the world.
The Awards were announced in seven categories. The winners were:
Laureus World Sportsman of the Year: Novak Djokovic
Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year: Vivian Cheruiyot
Laureus World Team of the Year: FC Barcelona
Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year: Rory McIlroy
Laureus World Comeback of the Year: Darren Clarke
Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability: Oscar Pistorius
Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year: Kelly Slater

There were two additional Awards: The Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to England football legend Bobby Charlton, while Raí Souza Vieira de Oliveira, the former Brazilian footballer, now social justice campaigner, won the Laureus Sport for Good Award.
There is a two-part voting process to find the winners of the Laureus World Sports Awards.  Firstly, a Selection Panel of the world's leading sports editors, writers and broadcasters have been voting to create a shortlist of six nominations in five categories - Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year, Laureus World Team of the Year, Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year and Laureus World Comeback of the Year.  The nominations for two additional categories - the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year and the Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability are produced by Specialist Panels.  The members of the Laureus World Sports Academy then vote by secret ballot to select the Award winners in all seven categories.

Lin Dan takes to red carpet at Laureus World Sports Awards

Though Lin Dan was not one of the six finalists shortlisted for the prestigious 2012 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award, the Chinese reigning Olympic and World Champion was invited to grace the event in London yesterday.
The 28-year-old was the only badminton player to take the red carpet along with big names in sports such as Lionel Messi, Usain Bolt and Novak Djokovic, who were amongst the final shortlist for the 2012 Sportsman of the Year award.
"Chinese athletes tend to see their participation in sports as a platform to bring glory to the country", said Lin. "I feel that this may not always be positive if our athletes are not able to manage this self-imposed expectation, then it can become an unnecessary burden to them, and they fail to bring out their usual level of performance during a competition."
"So for me, I've learnt not to focus on the outcome of the competition - be it the best or the worst case scenario I've learnt to manage either of it", Lin added, "but what is of most importance to me is to be highly discipline in my daily trainings so that I'll be able to peak and play the best badminton in July, August at the 2012 Olympic Games should I qualify."
"This is the fundamental expectation I have on myself right now", concluded the four-time World Champion.
Lin Dan also remarked that he was torn between choosing Lionel Messi and Novak Djokovic to lift the award but went with the tennis ace, who did eventually take home the crown in London.

Banking on Hafiz

NATIONAL singles coach Hendrawan has put his money on  Hafiz Hashim to be the player who could take  Malaysia to the Thomas Cup Finals in May.   

Hendrawan, who has a perfect record of winning all the three Thomas Cups he played in for Indonesia, said his instincts tell him that Hafiz really wants to  prove he will be there (in Macau) to win matches for Malaysia.

His hunger can clearly be seen in the ongoing centralised training at Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara.

Malaysia are in a   tough Group D where they must beat South Korea and Hong Kong and clear the quarter-finals in the qualifying rounds in Macau on Feb 13-19 to earn a ticket to the final rounds in Wuhan, China on May 20-29.

Malaysia's weakest link will the be third singles where Liew Daren or Arif Latif will be hard pressed to gain a point to  secure victory for Malaysia and this, said Hendrawan, is another reason why Hafiz wants to secure a point in the second singles to ease  the pressure on  his inexperienced teammates.

Hafiz, who has gained  a reputation for being inconsistent, left the BA of Malaysia (BAM) last year to become an independent player and it's only because BAM lacks a singles player with depth that the association was  forced  to consider him for the Thomas Cup qualifiers.

"Hafiz has been training with us for the last two weeks and  he is  different now. He has the hunger and wants to win matches for us in the qualifying rounds," said Hendrawan.

"He is very serious in training and wants to  prove a point to everyone that he is in the team on merit.

"My instincts say he will make a big difference in our campaign in Macau and a point from him against South Korea will be very important for us.

"Daren or Arif must win if our matches go to third singles but if Hafiz wins, we could win before that.

"Hafiz has  been talking about taking the pressure off  the younger players and this is a good sign he wants to stand up and be counted.

"I wouldn't want to comment too much on his fitness as he only joined us for two weeks but he has been able to withstand training and should be able to sustain his condition in the qualifiers."

Malaysia must beat South Korea for an easier quarter-final against India where a win will seal a place in the final rounds.

Hafiz has the experience of playing in the Thomas Cup since 2002 and although his contribution is limited except for  his debut outing, he  intends  to depart from the  team competition on a high.

He had stated on several occasions that this will be his last Thomas Cup,   and for once Hendrawan believes  that Hafiz really means it.
Courtesy of New Straits Times

Sunday, February 5, 2012

All eyes on Boon Heong-Thien How

MALAYSIA'S destiny in the Thomas Cup qualifying rounds is not in the hands of Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong but the latter's possible reunion with former partner Hoon Thien How in Macau.
Tan Boon Heong and Hoon Thien How
Former world junior champions Tan Boon Heong and Hoon Thien How (inset) could be the ones who compensate for Malaysia’s lack of a leading first pair for the Thomas Cup campaign.

Kien Keat-Boon Heong are supposed to be Malaysia's first doubles but no coach will take a gamble on playing them against strong teams like South Korea or Indonesia.
Although national doubles head coach Tan Kim Her has tried his best not to reveal some of the scratch pairs he will use due to the poor form of his top pair, it is an open secret Boon Heong-Thien How, the 2004 world junior champions, are the favoured combination and the one that can steal a point from even the strongest of opposition.

Boon Heong-Thien How only partner each other in training these days but whenever they compete on the local circuit, they have gone on to become champions.

Boon Heong is always at ease partnering Thien How, who is capable of playing the role of a setter and is also effective as an attacker, and they could be the ones who  compensate for Malaysia's lack of a leading first pair for the Thomas Cup campaign.

"Thien How is quite versatile and has partnered Boon Heong before and he can also play with other players. He is also quite hardworking and despite his size, can attack from the baseline," said Kim Her.

"He has almost completely recovered from his knee injury and he gives us  several options. I am not going to reveal which combinations I will use as it will depend on our opponents and based on our match strategy."

Thien How is also looking forward to partnering Boon Heong  and contributing a point for Malaysia.

"My condition has improved a lot and I am ready to play. If I am paired off with Boon Heong, we will go all out to win a point for the team," said Thien How.

"Although we have not played in an international tournament for years, we do partner each other in training and also on the local circuit. Our combination is so natural as we understand each other's game very well."

Boon Heong said he has no problems partnering Thien How or other back-up players like Teo Kok Siang or Goh V Shem as long as he can win Malaysia matches.
Courtesy of New Straits Times

Eei Hui eyes strong finish at tailend of her career

eteran doubles shuttler Chin Eei Hui is hoping to accomplish two challenging missions as she enters the final stretch of her 10-year journey with the national team.
The 29-year-old is bent on seeing her partnership with best buddie Wong Pei Tty hit greater heights at the Uber Cup qualifying tournament in Macau (Feb 13-19) and the Olympic Games in London (July 27-Aug 12).
Eei Hui-Pei Tty are the top ranked pair in the Malaysian Uber Cup team.
Enduring pair: What a doubles journey it has been for Chin Eei Hui (right) and Wong Pei Tty.
The duo, who are currently ranked 14th, will have to remain in the top 16 in the next three months if they are to see action at the Olympic Games.
Eei Hui, who made her international debut with Pei Tty in 2002, knows that her career is at its tailend and she is praying for a strong finish.
“This is my 10th year with the national team. Pei Tty and I have come a long way ... and what a journey it has been. There have been ups and downs but I don’t think I can go on after the Olympics,” Eei Hui said after a training session at the Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara yesterday.
She was thankful, though, that she and Pei Tty had managed to overcome a long list of injuries.
“I have suffered every possible injury that you can think of all these years. Except for my right hand, I have had treatment for all other parts of my body. That is what badminton has done to me,” said the left-hander.
“I have withstood all the pain and I aim to persevere until the Olympics.
“Pei Tty too underwent knee surgery in 2010 and made a stunning comeback last year. She is pushing herself hard as well. It is unfortunate that we have had to face so many challenges in our last year as a pair but we keep on encouraging each other and this is what motivates us to hang in there until the Olympic Games.”
The duo have certainly done Malaysia proud in the last 10 years – especially in overcoming the much-vaunted Chinese and Korean pairs.
Eei Hui-Pei Tty also bagged the SEA Games gold medals in 2005 and 2009; won the 2008 Denmark Open and World Superseries Finals; and emerged champions at the 2009 Indonesia Open.
Eei Hui has also starred in the mixed doubles event, successfully combining with Koo Kien Keat to clinch the gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in India.
But there is one “nightmare” she can’t forget.
“I just cannot erase one painful memory from my mind ... the one where Pei Tty and I lost 0-15, 6-15 to Taiwan’s Cheng Wen-shing-Chien Yu-chin in the 2004 Korean Open.
“I still can’t believe we were handed a duck in the opening game,” said Eei Hui.
“We got a tongue-lashing from our coach Cheah Soon Kit then. He lectured us for almost an hour and then withdrew us from the Japan Open. We were kept at home. Then, when we were sent to the Asian Badminton Championships, we were filled with steely determination.
“We beat the same Taiwanese pair en route to a semi-final finish. From then on, we grew in strength and confidence. We will always be grateful to Soon Kit.”
On the team’s chances in the Uber Cup qualifiers, Eei Hui acknowledged that it would be difficult “as we are drawn in Group W with top seeds China and India”.
“China are in a different class all together but we have a 50-50 chance against India. Both our doubles pairs have to win at all costs if we are to have any chance of making the quarter-finals. We need to steal a point from the singles as well,” she said.
The other pairs in the Uber Cup team are Woon Khe Wei-Vivian Hoo and Lim Yin Loo-Goh Liu Ying. The singles players are Tee Jing Yi, Lydia Cheah, Sannatasah Saniru and Yang Li Lian.
A good showing at the Uber Cup and several other tournaments – German Open, All-England, Swiss Open, Australia Open, India Open and Asian Badminton Championships – would set Eei Hui-Pei Tty nicely up for a grand finale – at the London Olympics.
And that would be a fitting farewell indeed.
Courtesy of The Star

Saturday, February 4, 2012

HPT assure long-term plan to get Malaysian badminton back on track

  A long term plan to get Malaysian badminton back on track will take precedence after the London Olympic Games in August.
This was the assurance given by Wong Ah Jit, one of the three members of the High Performance Team (HPT) set up by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to oversee the Olympic-bound shuttlers.
Ah Jit said the existing coaching and training structure was fine but was lacking in some procedural matters.
No time to relax: South Korean coach Yoo Yong-sung putting two Malaysian doubles players through their paces during centralised training for the Thomas Cup qualifiers on Monday. — AHMAD IZZRAFIQ ALIAS / The Star
“The next six months will give us time to strengthen the Olympic-bound team’s preparations. Along the way, we will be able to look at the big picture on what is required to improve the current set-up,” said Ah Jit.
“We don’t need a major revamp. What we need is to put right the procedure of doing things. Dealing with the current Olympic-bound team will enable us to re-look the whole process.
“I understand the public’s disappointment over the lack of talent coming through. The current cycle will end with the London Games and, by then, we will have the necessary information to make the required changes to improve things.”
Ah Jit said while one should not change for the sake of changing, measures needed to be taken to ensure that there would be a continuous pool of talented players to win honours for the country.
“We formed a project squad to prepare teams for the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur. It was a great success as Malaysia won 10 gold medals. What happened after that? The project squad were disbanded and new ones were created. Why change when the previous structure had proven to be successful? It will be better to strengthen the existing programme.”
Ah Jit, who is from the National Sports Institute (NSI), hoped badminton would eventually become a role model for other sports in the country.
“Currently, badminton enjoys the most support. It has about 11 personnel from NSI on a full-time basis assisting in various areas while four others have been commissioned to help out. The players are also supported by coaches and administrators. Most teams abroad bank on a similar system like those in AIS (Australia Institute of Sports) and EIS (England Institute of Sports),” he said.
“We are moving in the right direction. For now, we cannot assure anyone of overnight success but we can work out a better plan for the future to raise standards. The next six months will help us identify the areas that need immediate attention.
“For now, our focus is to ensure that nothing deters the Olympic-bound team’s preparations.”
Courtesy of The Star

Koo-Tan want to lift team’s morale ahead of Thomas Cup qualifier

It looks like national doubles shuttlers Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong have done some deep soul searching and emerged enlightened.
Yesterday, a composed and determined Kien Keat and Boon Heong professed their resolve to lift the team’s morale ahead of the Thomas Cup qualifying tournament and also their commitment to revive their own medal hopes at the London Olympic Games.
The Thomas Cup Asian Zone qualifiers will be held in Macau from Feb 13-19 and the London Games from July 28-Aug 12. In between, the world No. 6 pair have several assignments, including two main Super Series events - the All-England and India Open.
The 26-year-old Kien Keat, the older and more experienced of the duo, said he was ready to weave his magic again in the team event to restore the image of the men’s doubles.
Revitalised: Koo Kien Keat (left) and Tan Boon Heong are ready to make amends in the Thomas Cup qualifier after their recent fall from grace.
“There’s something about a team event where I tend to rise to the occasion. These have been difficult times but I am here today with a sincere pledge to give my best for the nation,” he said.
Kien Keat has given spirited displays in each of the four Thomas Cup Finals he has featured in since 2004.
“It’s a heavy responsibilty but I don’t want it to be a burden which weighs me down. What’s important is to take the necessary steps in training to improve my physical condition. Boon Heong and I are the underdogs and must work on the right strategies to overcome our higher-ranked opponents,” said Kien Keat.
On the meeting with South Korea in Group D of the qualifiers, Kien Keat said: “We don’t have any phobia against the Korean pairs. I remember playing in my first Finals without any fear. I’m going with the same attitude.”
Despite the hurtful words hurled at Kien Keat-Boon Heong following their spectacular fall from grace, starting with the demoralising quarter-finals defeat the World Championships last year, Kien Keat said they were revitalised and motivated after the heart-to-heart meeting with coaches and the High Performance Team (HPT).
“We have been down but the support from our coaches and officials has been exhilarating. All we have received has been loads of encouragement and this keeps us going,” said Kien Keat.
“Our ultimate goal is the Olympic Games but this doesn’t mean we won’t take the Thomas Cup seriously. It’s important too but our focus is on striking it right in London.”
Boon Heong, who played with Kien Keat in the last two Thomas Cup editions in 2008 (Tokyo) and 2010 (Kuala Lumpur) , said he would do his part to lift the morale of debutant pair Lim Khim Wah-Goh V Shem and Teo Kok Siang.
The other doubles player in the squad, Hoon Thien How, was also in the team for the last Finals in KL.
“It’s my job to deflect the pressure from the younger players. I will stand by them even if they make mistakes.
“This is a team competition and we need to support one another. I want to do my part to instil confidence in them,” said Boon Heong.
On the possibility of forming scratch partnerships at the qualifier, Boon Heong said: “I’m ready to play with anyone. We try out various partnerships in training so there shouldn’t be any problems.”
Malaysia can harbour hopes of making the cut for the Finals in Wuhan, China, in May if the doubles pairs rise to the occasion together with the singles players led by world No. 1 Lee Chong Wei, Only four tickets are available from the Asian Zone qualifiers.
Courtesy of The Star

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Centralised training begins minus a sick Chong Wei

The first day of a two-week centralised training, aimed at psyching up the players for the Thomas-Uber Cup Asian Zone qualifying tournament, began on a stuttering note at the Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara.
World No. 1 Lee Chong Wei missed the morning session due to illness. Chong Wei is the only player likely to win at least one point in every tie for Malaysia during the qualifiers in Macau, scheduled from Feb 13.
Said national coach Tey Seu Bock: “Chong Wei has called in sick but he has been really focused in training since coming back from the Chinese New Year holidays,” said national coach Tey Seu Bock.
Youngster Mohd Arif Abdul Latif, meanwhile, had to reduce his training time after hurting his knee in a fall but coach Hendrawan brushed aside the incident.
The others, however, seemed completely engrossed with the training session, showing sheer focus and determination.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), however, are showing signs of nervousness, especially with all that talk about the team’s slim chances at the qualifiers.
The BAM issued an official statement yesterday restricting the movement of the media at the training ground.
In another development, the High Performance Team (HPT) will meet today to decide whether to go ahead with their plans to have their second phase of training in Sabah next week.
Some coaches however, felt that the move might disrupt the players’ concentration.
Courtesy of The Star

Rexy believes women’s team can make cut for Uber Cup

The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) may not have much faith in the men’s team making the cut for the Thomas Cup Finals, but national women’s doubles coach Rexy Mainaky believes his charges can qualify for the Uber Cup Finals.
Malaysia have been drawn with powerhouses China and India in Group W for the Uber Cup qualifying rounds, which begin in Macau on Feb 13 and stand a very slim chance of reaching the Finals, which will be held in Wuhan, China, in May. With former national ace Wong Mew Choo already retired, Malaysia are shorn of singles talent as the likes of Tee Jing Yi, Lydia Cheah, Sannatasah Saniru and Yang Li Lian are nowhere near capable of carrying the team past the group stages.
Saina Nehwal: Rexy thinks Tee Jing Yi can give the Indian shuttler a run for her money.
However, Rexy feels that the draw isn’t too bad and that there is a realistic chance of overcoming India to advance from the group stages.
“Our main target is to overcome India ... if (Chin) Eei Hui-(Wong) Pei Tty are injury-free, they have the quality to win a point against the top Indian pair of Jwala Gutta-Ashwini Ponnappa,” said Rexy.
“Our second doubles are also not to be underestimated ... they can rise to the occasion.
“In the singles, Jing Yi could give Saina Nehwal a run for her money and an on-form Lydia can overcome India’s second singles without much difficulty.”
Besides Eei Hui-Pei Tty, the other women’s doubles shuttlers in the squad are Vivian Hoo-Woon Khe Wei and Goh Liu Ying-Lim Yin Loo.
Vivian-Khe Wei reached the quarter-finals of the Malaysian Open last month while Liu Ying-Yin Loo pulled off a stunning win over Jwala-Ashwini in the India Open GP Gold last December.
Rexy also confirmed that Khe Wei, who twisted her ankle during the Malaysian Open, is already doing light training.
“She is not yet 100% fit and her movement is a little restricted, but she is recovering fast and should be fit for the qualifiers,” he said.
Courtesy of The Star

Chong Wei banking on team spirit to help Malaysia qualify

World No. 1 Lee Chong Wei is ready to play his part and help Malaysia make it past the Thomas Cup qualifying rounds, which will be held in Macau from Feb 13-19.
Malaysia have one of the weakest squads ever and have been drawn in the tough Group D with second seeds South Korea and Hong Kong.
They will have their work cut out if they aim to avoid the embarrassment of failing to qualify for the Finals for the third time.
Rising stars: Goh V Shem (right) and Lim Khim Wah will be Malaysia’s second pair in the Thomas Cup qualifiers.
Malaysia have failed to qualify for the Finals only twice – in 1973 and 1979.
But Chong Wei believes that the current team need to unite in order to pull through.
“I am aware that we do not have a strong squad, but we have nothing to lose and I am hoping for some strong team spirit to pull ourselves through,” said Chong Wei.
“We will go out there and try our very best to qualify for the Thomas Cup Finals.
“As for the match against the Koreans, I hope we can pull through with one point from singles and two more from the doubles pairs.
“It will be crucial for me to win the first singles because it will help take the pressure off the doubles pairs ... hopefully our second and third singles will be able to steal a point as well.
“For now, it is important that we focus on the group stages and nothing else.
“We must prepare ourselves as best we can for the qualifiers.”
Besides Chong Wei, the other singles players in the squad are Mohd Hafiz Hashim, Liew Daren and Mohd Arif Abdul Latif.
The doubles shuttlers include Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong, Goh V Shem-Lim Khim Wah, Hoon Thien How and Teo Kok Siang.
It looks like Chong Wei isn’t the only who thinks Malaysia can overcome South Korea.
National men’s singles head coach Rashid Sidek thinks his men can topple South Korea and make the quarter-finals as group winners.
“South Korea are very strong in the doubles and the key to scoring an upset win over them is for one of our doubles pairs to steal a point,” said Rashid.
“Even then, we definitely need two points from the singles, so Hafiz or Daren will have to deliver the goods, just like Chong Wei.
“This is our best chance because their second singles Park Sung-hwan is just recovering from an injury and may not be fully fit.
“Still, we have to be fully prepared because their third singles, Shon Wan-ho is a dangerous player.”
Courtesy of The Star

Paksi BAM tidak pernah berubah



BARISAN pemain yang akan menggalas cabaran negara pada kelayakan Piala Thomas 2012 di Macau.



PERSATUAN Badminton Malaysia (BAM) tetap menganggap temasya Sukan Olimpik 2012 di London adalah lebih penting berbanding kempen Piala Thomas.
Setiausaha Kehormat BAM, Ng Chin Chai berkata, memandangkan 2012 merupakan tahun berlangsungnya Sukan Olimpik, keutamaan sudah pasti perlu diberikan kepada temasya sukan paling berprestij dunia itu.
Jelas Chin Chai, pihaknya tidak mahu memberikan tekanan kepada barisan pemain negara dengan mengatakan Piala Thomas juga penting, sekali gus boleh menjejaskan prestasi mereka.
“Kami (BAM) tidak mahu pemain-pemain berasa tertekan. Jika kita beraksi dengan baik pada kempen kelayakan Piala Thomas dan layak ke pusingan akhir ia adalah suatu berita yang baik.
“Namun, jika gagal, tidak mengapa. Kita tidak mahu pemain-pemain terlalu memikirkan mengenai Piala Thomas sehingga menjejaskan program persiapan bagi menghadapi Sukan Olimpik,” kata Chin Chai pada sidang media selepas mengadakan perbincangan bersama barisan jurulatih di Stadium Juara, Bukit Kiara semalam.
Hadir pada perbincangan tersebut ialah Pasukan Prestasi Tinggi (HPT) BAM yang diketuai Chin Chai, Datuk James Selvaraj dan Leftenan Kolonel (B) Wong Ah Jit bersama-sama ketua jurulatih perseorangan, Rashid Sidek, jurulatih perseorangan, Tey Seu Bock, ketua jurulatih beregu lelaki, Tan Kim Her serta ketua jurulatih beregu wanita, Rexy Mainaky.
Ah Jit turut senada dengan Chin Chai sambil menegaskan bahawa temasya Olimpik yang dijadualkan berlangsung pada Julai depan harus diberi keutamaan.
“Sukan Olimpik dianjurkan setiap empat tahun sekali, manakala Piala Thomas pula setiap dua tahun sekali.
“Dalam tempoh empat tahun itu, pasti Sukan Olimpik dan Piala Thomas akan berlangsung pada tahun yang sama. Jadi kita perlu membuat pemilihan untuk memberi keutamaan kepada yang mana satu.
“Untuk kali ini, kita beri keutamaan kepada Sukan Olimpik. Dua tahun selepas ini, kita akan kembali fokus kepada Piala Thomas pula. Jadi kita tetap ada peluang untuk menang Piala Thomas,” tambah Ah Jit.
Bagaimanapun, Ah Jit menjelaskan, BAM tetap mengambil berat bagi menghadapi saingan Piala Thomas.
“Jika tidak, tidak perlulah BAM membuat latihan pusat sebagai persiapan semua. Kami masih merancang rapi persiapan bagi saingan Piala Thomas,” jelasnya.
Sebelum ini, BAM dikritik hebat oleh pemerhati sukan tanah air yang meluahkan rasa tidak puas hati mereka apabila persiapan skuad negara dilihat lebih menjurus kepada temasya Olimpik.
Antara yang tampil mengkritik ialah bekas pemain beregu negara, Razif Sidek yang meluahkan kekecewaannya apabila melihat persiapan yang dilakukan BAM bagi menghadapi kempen Piala Thomas.
Jelasnya, BAM ternyata lebih mementingkan Sukan Olimpik berbanding Piala Thomas yang sepatutnya perlu ada keseimbangan bagi menghadapi kedua-dua kejohanan tersebut.
Malah, Razif mendesak baik jurulatih, Jawatankuasa Kejurulatihan dan Latihan (C&T) mahupun HPT meletak jawatan sekiranya skuad negara gagal melangkah ke pusingan akhir Piala Thomas di Wuhan, China Mei depan

Kosmo!