PETALING JAYA: With veteran doubles pair of Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah not among the qualifiers for the Proton National Grand Prix Finals, the spotlight will be on Doha Asian Games gold medallists Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong in the tournament in Kuala Terengganu from Feb 8-11.
With the third leg of the Super Series, the All-England only taking place next month, the top national shuttlers will focus their attention on the Finals before taking a break for the Chinese New Year.
Kien Keat-Boon Heong have produced sensational results on the international stage since they forged a partnership for the Japan Open late last year. They emerged as the runners-up and went on to end a 36-year gold drought for Malaysia in the Asiad badminton in Doha last December.
And in the opening round of the inaugural Super Series, the Malaysian Open, they went all the way from the qualifying tournament to lift the title. In last week's Korean Open, they reached the semi-finals.
Being the best performing pair in the national team over the last three months, Kien Keat-Boon Heong will start as the favourites to become the new national champions and secure an early ang pow for the Chinese New Year.
For Kien Keat, he will be bidding to win the national title for the third time. He won it, partnering Chan Chong Ming, in 2004 and 2005.
However, Kien Keat-Boon Heong can expect stiff challenges from their teammates in the battle for the RM11,000 winners' purse.
They have been drawn in Group A with defending champions Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari-Lin Woon Fui, Khoo Chung Chiat-Mohd Razif Latif and Ong Jian Guo-Goh Wei Shem.
Group B will also see close fights for semi-final spots. It comprises Kuala Lumpur Open champions Chan Chong Ming-Hoon Thien How, Gan Teik Chai-Mohd Zakry Latif and Tan Bin Shen-Ong Soon Hock and Bukit Jalil Sports School's Lim Khim Wah-Mak Hee Chun.
National chief coach Yap Kim Hock said: “The standards are close among the national pairs. Kien Keat-Boon Heong may be the favourites but it will not be easy for them. It is going to be interesting to see who emerge as the winners this time.”
At the Kuala Lumpur Open, Kien Keat-Boon Heong were beaten by Fairuzizuan-Woon Fui in the semi-finals.
Lee Chong Wei will also be in the spotlight in Kuala Terengganu. He will be bidding to win the men's singles crown for the fifth consecutive time.
Chong Wei should have no problem advancing to the semi-finals from Group A and he is expected to play against Group C top seed Yeoh Kay Bin for a place in the final.
An interesting fight is in store in Group B between Kuan Beng Hong and Wong Choong Hann for a place in the semi-finals. The winner is likely to play against Mohd Hafiz Hashim.
MEN'S SINGLES
Group A: Lee Chong Wei, Chong Li Qun, Azrihanif Azahar, Kuan Kam Chung.
Group B: Yeoh Kay Bin, James Chua, Chong Wei Feng, Teo Kok Siang.
Group C: Kuan Beng Hong, Wong Choong Hann, Liew Darren, Lim Fang Yang.
Group D: Mohd Hafiz Hashim, K. Yogendran, Lim Kenn, Zairul Hafiz Zainuddin.
WOMEN' SINGLES
Group A: Wong Mew Choo, Vivian Hoo, Ooi Swee Wenn, Sanatasah Saniru.
Group B: Julia Wong, Lydia Cheah, Stephanie Shalini, Tiffany Chase Currier.
MEN'S DOUBLES
Group A: Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari-Lin Woon Fui, Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong, Khoo Chung Chiat-Mohd Razif Latif, Ong Jian Guo-Goh Wei Shem.
Group A: Gan Teik Chai-Mohd Zakry Latif, Chan Chong Ming-Hoon Thien How, Tan Bin Shen-Ong Soon Hock, Lim Khim Wah-Mak Hee Chun.
WOMEN'S DOUBLES
Group A: Chin Eei Hui-Wong Pei Tty, Lydia Cheah-Woon Khe Wei, Ooi Sock Ai-Ooi Yu Hang, Goh Liu Ying-Ho Bee Ling.
Group B: Fong Chew Yen-See Phui Leng, Julia Wong-Haw Chiou Hwee, Tee Jing Yi-Vivian Hoo, Lim Yee Theng-Ng Paou Ling.
MIXED DOUBLES
Group A: Koo Kien Keat-Wong Pei Tty, Mohd Zakry Latif-Ooi Sock Ai, Chan Peng Soon-Lim Yin Loo, Mak Hee Chun-Sanatasah Saniru.
Group B: Gan Teik Chai-Fong Chew Yen, Tan Bin Shen-Ooi Yu Hang, Khoo Chung Chiat-Haw Chiou Hwee, Lim Khim Wah-Goh Liu Ying.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Monday, January 08, 2007
Beng Hong has no fear of the juniors
Sunday January 7, 2007
PETALING JAYA: National men's singles shuttler Kuan Beng Hong is in no rush to be among the world's best. In fact, he's not even thinking about being the country's best.
He knows that none of the back-up players are even close to his standard.
National singles coach Li Mao has targeted Beng Hong to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games but the 24-year-old player is not too worried about missing out. He knows his place in the national team will not be jeopardised.
“My coach (Li Mao) has high hopes. But it is a tall order for me, especially now that I am not very confident about my game,” said Beng Hong.
“But I’m working hard in training. Hopefully, I will be able to achieve a breakthrough in one of three tournaments – the Malaysian Open (Jan 16-21), Korean Open (Jan 23-28) and the All-England (March 6-11). That would help me enter the Olympic qualifying period with more confidence.”
The Olympic qualifying season begins in May.
While Beng Hong is hard-pressed to psyche himself up, the absence of juniors and peers to keep him on his toes is fast becoming another problem.
“I will be back to training even if I do not make the cut for the Olympics. I will be concentrating on other tournaments,” he said.
“It is just unfortunate that there is no pressure from the juniors right now. For the time being, my place in the national team is safe.”
Beng Hong, who is ranked 31st in the world, said there was a big gap in standards between the seniors and the second team.
“It was different when I was in the back-up team. We trained with the seniors and had match practice every week.
“Our back-up players now train on their own. They only get a chance to rub shoulders with the seniors during the local circuit. And last year, we had only two legs of the circuit!
“I’m not looking down on them but their standard is low now,” added Beng Hong.
The back-up singles players under the Project 2010-12 are Chong Wei Feng, Tan Chun Seang, Azrihanif Azahar, Lim Kenn, Mohd Syafiq Jamaluddin, Liew Daren, Chong Li Qun and Beryno Wong.
The seniors train in Bukit Jalil while the back-up players are based at the Stadium Juara in Bukit Kiara.
PETALING JAYA: National men's singles shuttler Kuan Beng Hong is in no rush to be among the world's best. In fact, he's not even thinking about being the country's best.
He knows that none of the back-up players are even close to his standard.
National singles coach Li Mao has targeted Beng Hong to qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games but the 24-year-old player is not too worried about missing out. He knows his place in the national team will not be jeopardised.
“My coach (Li Mao) has high hopes. But it is a tall order for me, especially now that I am not very confident about my game,” said Beng Hong.
“But I’m working hard in training. Hopefully, I will be able to achieve a breakthrough in one of three tournaments – the Malaysian Open (Jan 16-21), Korean Open (Jan 23-28) and the All-England (March 6-11). That would help me enter the Olympic qualifying period with more confidence.”
The Olympic qualifying season begins in May.
While Beng Hong is hard-pressed to psyche himself up, the absence of juniors and peers to keep him on his toes is fast becoming another problem.
“I will be back to training even if I do not make the cut for the Olympics. I will be concentrating on other tournaments,” he said.
“It is just unfortunate that there is no pressure from the juniors right now. For the time being, my place in the national team is safe.”
Beng Hong, who is ranked 31st in the world, said there was a big gap in standards between the seniors and the second team.
“It was different when I was in the back-up team. We trained with the seniors and had match practice every week.
“Our back-up players now train on their own. They only get a chance to rub shoulders with the seniors during the local circuit. And last year, we had only two legs of the circuit!
“I’m not looking down on them but their standard is low now,” added Beng Hong.
The back-up singles players under the Project 2010-12 are Chong Wei Feng, Tan Chun Seang, Azrihanif Azahar, Lim Kenn, Mohd Syafiq Jamaluddin, Liew Daren, Chong Li Qun and Beryno Wong.
The seniors train in Bukit Jalil while the back-up players are based at the Stadium Juara in Bukit Kiara.
Four back-up shuttlers get nod for Malaysian Open
Monday January 8, 2007, PETALING JAYA: Four national back-up singles players will get the chance to prove their worth in the Malaysian Open Badminton Championships.
The four players who will begin their campaign in the qualifying tournament next Tuesday are Lim Kenn, Tan Chun Seang, Beryno Wong and Liew Daren of the Project 2010-12 squad.
And Lim Kenn is determined to make a breakthrough.
“It is great that I have the chance to compete in the qualifying tournament. I am 21-years-old now but it is not considered young in the world of badminton anymore,” said Lim Kenn, who is ranked 131st in the world.
“It is time to step up and prove my worth in the team. I will give my best shot to make it to the main draw.”
The Malaysian back-up shuttlers are lucky to get to compete in the Malaysian Open because of the absence of many foreign players in the top 100 bracket.
Meanwhile, after being delayed due to problems with downloading information last week, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) will release the draw for the Open today.
The four players who will begin their campaign in the qualifying tournament next Tuesday are Lim Kenn, Tan Chun Seang, Beryno Wong and Liew Daren of the Project 2010-12 squad.
And Lim Kenn is determined to make a breakthrough.
“It is great that I have the chance to compete in the qualifying tournament. I am 21-years-old now but it is not considered young in the world of badminton anymore,” said Lim Kenn, who is ranked 131st in the world.
“It is time to step up and prove my worth in the team. I will give my best shot to make it to the main draw.”
The Malaysian back-up shuttlers are lucky to get to compete in the Malaysian Open because of the absence of many foreign players in the top 100 bracket.
Meanwhile, after being delayed due to problems with downloading information last week, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) will release the draw for the Open today.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Blast From The Past-Saturday, December 31, 2005
Sabah discovers new talentsSTORY AND PHOTOS BY NORMIMIE DIUN
The inaugural Borneo Games was a resounding success for Sabah as the host state emerged overall champions, and the events helped unearth many new talents.
SHUTTLE SUPREMACY: Sabah's Stanley Savio (front) and Tan Chew Kiet in action during the badminton Men's Doubles against Brunei.
As some of the competitors were youngsters from the various Sabah sports teams, the Games gave valuable exposure for them in preparation for next years Sukan Malaysia in Kedah.
Kedah, which is Sukma 2006 host, made a guest appearance at the five-day event held mostly at Kota Kinabalu Sports Complex recently.
Sabah chef-de-mission Datuk Herman Tiongsoh received the Borneo Games trophy from Brunei Darussalam Youth and Sport Minister Major Jeneral (B) Datuk Seri Pahlawan Awang Mohammad Daud.
Sabah collected 28 gold, 24 silver and 15 bronze medals for a total of 312 points, while Sarawak was second with 208 points from 18 gold, 16 silver and 18 bronze medals.
Brunei was in third place with 154 points with their tally of seven gold, 11 silver and 17 bronze medals while Labuan came in last, pocketing two silver and two bronze medals to muster 38points.
Kedah won three gold, four silver and five bronze but were not counted in the standings as they were an invitational team to the Games that involved 10 sports and one traditional game.
Sabahs gold medals came through a haul of 11 in athletics, two from the men and women football, mens hockey, sepak takraw, seven from badminton and two from boxing.
Though they grabbed a total of eight gold medals in the ring, only two were counted for the overall standings.
The hosts ruled the track and field competitions, winning 11 gold medals of the 21 at stake, along with eight silver and nine bronze medals.
Fourteen-year old Feldeniah Lok Kassim from Kudat claimed the gold medal in the womens 200m with a time of 26.7 secs and was among the bright sparks that Tiongsoh spoke off. Asrenny Asik won Sabah two gold medals in the discus and shot putt.
Sarawaks gold haul came from womens hockey, seven from bowling and the rest from track and field.
The five-day Games came to an end with cultural songs and dances and the next Borneo Games will be held in Kuching in 2007.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Kenny Goh gets BAM nod as new manager
JOHOR BARU: The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) have appointed Kenny Goh as their new general manager, taking over from incumbent P. Ganga Rao who has joined Badminton World Federation (BWF) in the same capacity.
The Pahang-born Kenny, who has a degree in physical education and a Masters in sports science from the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) was the vice-president (operations) of ELS Language Centre for Malaysia.
He starts work tomorrow, the day Ganga officially takes over as general manager of BWF, which is currently based in Malaysia.
The BAM decided on Kenny's appointment after a council meeting chaired by president Datuk Nadzmi Salleh here yesterday.
“Next year will be a very busy one for BAM. We will host five international tournaments, including the World Championships. Kenny has vast experience in management and administration and will also look into the technical aspects of the organisation.
“His sports science degree will also stand in good stead for the association. It is going to be a very hectic calendar and we need someone who is qualified to run the show,” Nadzmi told a press conference after the meeting.
Kenny, who represented Pahang in athletics and softball at national schools level, said: “I have always been interested in BAM ... it is one of the best organised national sports body in the country and I am happy to serve the association.”
Ganga, the “strongman” of BAM, however, will not sever all ties with the association. He will remain as the BAM secretary, at least until the end of his current term which expires at the end of 2008.
“But I will give up my post if it is difficult to cope with both duties or if there is conflict of interest,” said Ganga, who admitted that he may suffer from “withdrawal symptoms” after having been the general manager for the last four years.
“I can't tell now but I may suffer from withdrawal symptoms. However, as the secretary, I am still very much in the BAM fraternity.”
The Pahang-born Kenny, who has a degree in physical education and a Masters in sports science from the Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) was the vice-president (operations) of ELS Language Centre for Malaysia.
He starts work tomorrow, the day Ganga officially takes over as general manager of BWF, which is currently based in Malaysia.
The BAM decided on Kenny's appointment after a council meeting chaired by president Datuk Nadzmi Salleh here yesterday.
“Next year will be a very busy one for BAM. We will host five international tournaments, including the World Championships. Kenny has vast experience in management and administration and will also look into the technical aspects of the organisation.
“His sports science degree will also stand in good stead for the association. It is going to be a very hectic calendar and we need someone who is qualified to run the show,” Nadzmi told a press conference after the meeting.
Kenny, who represented Pahang in athletics and softball at national schools level, said: “I have always been interested in BAM ... it is one of the best organised national sports body in the country and I am happy to serve the association.”
Ganga, the “strongman” of BAM, however, will not sever all ties with the association. He will remain as the BAM secretary, at least until the end of his current term which expires at the end of 2008.
“But I will give up my post if it is difficult to cope with both duties or if there is conflict of interest,” said Ganga, who admitted that he may suffer from “withdrawal symptoms” after having been the general manager for the last four years.
“I can't tell now but I may suffer from withdrawal symptoms. However, as the secretary, I am still very much in the BAM fraternity.”
Friday, December 29, 2006
Sportcheck: Massive changes on the way
30 Dec 2006
IT is not only just about the revamp of sports schools. The entire face of sports development in the country is about to be transformed into a more effective national machinery that will produce world beaters from Malaysian children.Or at least, that is how an optimistic National Sports Council (NSC) director general Datuk Dr Ramlan Abdul Aziz sees the setting up of the joint committee for the management of sports schools.The idea, said Dr Ramlan, is to formulate a system, not just in infrastructure, that would fuel the expansion of all areas significant to elite programmes and make it available to athletes in development programmes."This means the quality of services such as sports science and sports medicine must be the same at Federal and State level. The dimension has to change," said Dr Ramlan.Dr Ramlan was elaborating on the proposed joint committee to manage sports schools which brings together the Sports and Education Ministries, the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) and the NSC.A proposal to have a sports school in each State has been approved by the Cabinet Committee for Sports, and the Government will begin by setting up three sports schools in Perlis, Kuantan and Kota Kinabalu next year."It should no longer be just schools where students are involved in sports. If we want them to be world class athletes, we should be treating them like world class athletes from the beginning," said Dr Ramlan.The National Sports Institute (NSI), said Dr Ramlan, has already begun spreading its wings in view of future requirements, having started the first phase in the setting up of satellite centres in each State.The Education Ministry has also agreed for a NSI satellite centre to be set up at the Bandar Penawar Sports School, which will be the centre for south Johor."We’re also starting to talk to universities to see whether, apart from their expertise in research, can they provide services for athletes," said Dr Ramlan."Currently, only those in the Bukit Jalil Sports School have the opportunity to receive sports science services because of their proximity to the NSI."There are shortcomings in the current system and they are being addressed in the new plan. One of the ideas behind having the sports schools is to have the young athletes close to those who will influence good character, like parents."By having sports schools and facilities in each State, we don’t have to take the young children away from their parents for long periods of time, but still be able to provide them with the necessary development."
IT is not only just about the revamp of sports schools. The entire face of sports development in the country is about to be transformed into a more effective national machinery that will produce world beaters from Malaysian children.Or at least, that is how an optimistic National Sports Council (NSC) director general Datuk Dr Ramlan Abdul Aziz sees the setting up of the joint committee for the management of sports schools.The idea, said Dr Ramlan, is to formulate a system, not just in infrastructure, that would fuel the expansion of all areas significant to elite programmes and make it available to athletes in development programmes."This means the quality of services such as sports science and sports medicine must be the same at Federal and State level. The dimension has to change," said Dr Ramlan.Dr Ramlan was elaborating on the proposed joint committee to manage sports schools which brings together the Sports and Education Ministries, the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) and the NSC.A proposal to have a sports school in each State has been approved by the Cabinet Committee for Sports, and the Government will begin by setting up three sports schools in Perlis, Kuantan and Kota Kinabalu next year."It should no longer be just schools where students are involved in sports. If we want them to be world class athletes, we should be treating them like world class athletes from the beginning," said Dr Ramlan.The National Sports Institute (NSI), said Dr Ramlan, has already begun spreading its wings in view of future requirements, having started the first phase in the setting up of satellite centres in each State.The Education Ministry has also agreed for a NSI satellite centre to be set up at the Bandar Penawar Sports School, which will be the centre for south Johor."We’re also starting to talk to universities to see whether, apart from their expertise in research, can they provide services for athletes," said Dr Ramlan."Currently, only those in the Bukit Jalil Sports School have the opportunity to receive sports science services because of their proximity to the NSI."There are shortcomings in the current system and they are being addressed in the new plan. One of the ideas behind having the sports schools is to have the young athletes close to those who will influence good character, like parents."By having sports schools and facilities in each State, we don’t have to take the young children away from their parents for long periods of time, but still be able to provide them with the necessary development."
Eight core sports: Programme slammed
29 Dec 2006K. Kandiah
THE Eight Core Sports Programme steering committee headed by Tan Sri Noordin Hassan has lost direction. This damning accusation comes from Penang State Hockey Association (PSHA) secretary Ranjit Singh who feels the programme, originally meant to provide funds and monitor development programmes, is more keen on assuming completely the role of the State associations. Ranjit said the steering committee is planning and implementing programmes throughout Penang with its development officials, leaving the national and State bodies redundant."It started off with programmes being drawn and endorsed by the State association's secretary but now the column for the secretary's signature is completely missing from the forms."This is a clear indication that those managing the eight core sports programme are taking matters into their own hands, leaving us in the dark. "When we conducted training for the Under-14 and Under-16 age-groups at the Bertam Hockey Turf, they refused to pay us for the turf charges but instead advised us to train on grass," an upset Ranjit told Timesport in Bukit Gelugor yesterday.He alleged that the committee owes PSHA about RM40,000 for implementing various development programmes. Ranjit also alleged that PSHA was only reimbursed last Wednesday for hosting the national Under-14 hockey tournament in September, 2005.He also alleged that the committee is by-passing the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) in funding and implementing programmes for coaching, umpiring and technical officials in some States.MHF treasurer S. Sanjilatheeban, when contacted, said the total funding for the development of hockey under the programme is RM3.6 million. However, only RM1.6 million has been channeled through MHF to the States. Ranjit said the programme, initiated by the Sports Ministry, had succeeded in creating interest at the grassroots. "However, the implementation is questionable."I hope the Cabinet Committee for Sports will take a serious look at the problems and the implementation methods."Nordin could not be contacted for comment.
THE Eight Core Sports Programme steering committee headed by Tan Sri Noordin Hassan has lost direction. This damning accusation comes from Penang State Hockey Association (PSHA) secretary Ranjit Singh who feels the programme, originally meant to provide funds and monitor development programmes, is more keen on assuming completely the role of the State associations. Ranjit said the steering committee is planning and implementing programmes throughout Penang with its development officials, leaving the national and State bodies redundant."It started off with programmes being drawn and endorsed by the State association's secretary but now the column for the secretary's signature is completely missing from the forms."This is a clear indication that those managing the eight core sports programme are taking matters into their own hands, leaving us in the dark. "When we conducted training for the Under-14 and Under-16 age-groups at the Bertam Hockey Turf, they refused to pay us for the turf charges but instead advised us to train on grass," an upset Ranjit told Timesport in Bukit Gelugor yesterday.He alleged that the committee owes PSHA about RM40,000 for implementing various development programmes. Ranjit also alleged that PSHA was only reimbursed last Wednesday for hosting the national Under-14 hockey tournament in September, 2005.He also alleged that the committee is by-passing the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) in funding and implementing programmes for coaching, umpiring and technical officials in some States.MHF treasurer S. Sanjilatheeban, when contacted, said the total funding for the development of hockey under the programme is RM3.6 million. However, only RM1.6 million has been channeled through MHF to the States. Ranjit said the programme, initiated by the Sports Ministry, had succeeded in creating interest at the grassroots. "However, the implementation is questionable."I hope the Cabinet Committee for Sports will take a serious look at the problems and the implementation methods."Nordin could not be contacted for comment.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Marylen Ng Paou Ling wins first National Division 2 Doubles Title At KL Open 2006
By LIM TEIK HUAT
KUALA LUMPUR: The new men's doubles pairing of Chan Chong Ming-Hoon Thien How ensured themselves a merry Christmas yesterday when they capped a smashing run with an upset win over more illustrious teammates Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari-Lin Woon Fui to win the Kuala Lumpur Open title at the Kuala Lumpur Badminton Stadium yesterday.
Chong Ming-Thien How came from behind to beat Fairuzizuan-Woon Fui 22-20 in the first game.
Although Fairuzizuan-Woon Fui came back strongly in the late stages of the second game, Chong Ming-Thien How hung on to win 22-20 for their first victory in the local circuit.
In the men's singles final, Mohd Hafiz Hashim failed in his bid to end Lee Chong Wei's three-year unbeaten streak.
Chong Wei, who has not been beaten in the local circuit since 2003, took just 35 minutes to beat Hafiz 21-15, 21-18 to win his first local title of the year.
Chong Wei did not compete in the first leg in Malacca earlier in the year because he had to take part in international tournaments to maintain his world rankings before the World Championships in Madrid in September.
While Chong Wei lived up to his top billing, it was Chong Ming-Thien How who stole the show.
They edged top seeds and veterans Lee Wan Wah-Choong Tan Fook in three games in the quarter-finals before yesterday's win over their rivals, who had just returned from the Asian Games.
At the semi-finals stage, Fairuzizuan-Woon Fui had beaten Asian Games champions Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong.
The maiden win yesterday was doubly joyful for Thien How, who turns 20 today. Chong Ming and Thien How each pocketed RM3,000 for their efforts.
Chong Ming said they had been hugely motivated for the final.
“We had more desire to win as Fairuzizuan-Woon Fui are the national champions.
“This is our first victory since we were paired off with each other last month. Our hope now is to continue improving and qualify for the World Championships to be held in Kuala Lumpur next year,” said Chong Ming.
Thien How had been Boon Heong's partner when the pair won the world junior title in 2004.
Chong Ming's two-year partnership with Kien Keat ended when he was left out of the squad to the Asian Games in Doha. Kien Keat and Boon Heong went on to end a 36-year Asian Games drought for Malaysia when they took the men's doubles gold in Doha.
For Chong Wei, it was a hard earned win.
“Hafiz and I are not in the best of conditions because we have just come back from the Asian Games.
“But I was determined not to lose this match. I wanted to keep my unbeaten record in the local circuit,” said Chong Wei, who received a winner's cheque of RM4,000.
Results
Division 1
Men's singles: Lee Chong Wei bt Mohd Hafiz Hashim 21-15, 21-18.
Women's singles: Wong Mew Choo bt Julia Wong 21-18, 21-16.
Men's doubles: Chan Chong Ming-Hoon Thien How bt Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari-Lin Woon Fui 22-20, 22-20.
Women's doubles: Chin Eei Hui-Wong Pei Tty bt See Phui Leng-Fong Chew Yen 21-19, 21-16.
Mixed doubles: Koo Kien Keat-Wong Pei Tty bt Gan Teik Chai-Fong Chew Yen 21-13, 18-21, 21-15.
Division 2
Men's singles: Kuan Kam Chung bt Lim Fang Yang 21-19, 21-18.
Women's singles: Tiffany Chase Currier bt Sanatasah Saniru 22-20, 22-24, 21-19.
Men's doubles: Ong Jian Goo-Goh Wei Shem bt Lim Khim Wah-Mak Hee Chun 21-19, 17-21, 21-18
Women's doubles: Lim Yee Theng-Ng Paou Ling bt Goh Liu Ying-Hoo Bee Ling 21-16, 21-17.
Mixed doubles: Mak Hee Chun-Sanatasah Saniru-Esther Ratna Devi 21-19, 21-16.
KUALA LUMPUR: The new men's doubles pairing of Chan Chong Ming-Hoon Thien How ensured themselves a merry Christmas yesterday when they capped a smashing run with an upset win over more illustrious teammates Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari-Lin Woon Fui to win the Kuala Lumpur Open title at the Kuala Lumpur Badminton Stadium yesterday.
Chong Ming-Thien How came from behind to beat Fairuzizuan-Woon Fui 22-20 in the first game.
Although Fairuzizuan-Woon Fui came back strongly in the late stages of the second game, Chong Ming-Thien How hung on to win 22-20 for their first victory in the local circuit.
In the men's singles final, Mohd Hafiz Hashim failed in his bid to end Lee Chong Wei's three-year unbeaten streak.
Chong Wei, who has not been beaten in the local circuit since 2003, took just 35 minutes to beat Hafiz 21-15, 21-18 to win his first local title of the year.
Chong Wei did not compete in the first leg in Malacca earlier in the year because he had to take part in international tournaments to maintain his world rankings before the World Championships in Madrid in September.
While Chong Wei lived up to his top billing, it was Chong Ming-Thien How who stole the show.
They edged top seeds and veterans Lee Wan Wah-Choong Tan Fook in three games in the quarter-finals before yesterday's win over their rivals, who had just returned from the Asian Games.
At the semi-finals stage, Fairuzizuan-Woon Fui had beaten Asian Games champions Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong.
The maiden win yesterday was doubly joyful for Thien How, who turns 20 today. Chong Ming and Thien How each pocketed RM3,000 for their efforts.
Chong Ming said they had been hugely motivated for the final.
“We had more desire to win as Fairuzizuan-Woon Fui are the national champions.
“This is our first victory since we were paired off with each other last month. Our hope now is to continue improving and qualify for the World Championships to be held in Kuala Lumpur next year,” said Chong Ming.
Thien How had been Boon Heong's partner when the pair won the world junior title in 2004.
Chong Ming's two-year partnership with Kien Keat ended when he was left out of the squad to the Asian Games in Doha. Kien Keat and Boon Heong went on to end a 36-year Asian Games drought for Malaysia when they took the men's doubles gold in Doha.
For Chong Wei, it was a hard earned win.
“Hafiz and I are not in the best of conditions because we have just come back from the Asian Games.
“But I was determined not to lose this match. I wanted to keep my unbeaten record in the local circuit,” said Chong Wei, who received a winner's cheque of RM4,000.
Results
Division 1
Men's singles: Lee Chong Wei bt Mohd Hafiz Hashim 21-15, 21-18.
Women's singles: Wong Mew Choo bt Julia Wong 21-18, 21-16.
Men's doubles: Chan Chong Ming-Hoon Thien How bt Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari-Lin Woon Fui 22-20, 22-20.
Women's doubles: Chin Eei Hui-Wong Pei Tty bt See Phui Leng-Fong Chew Yen 21-19, 21-16.
Mixed doubles: Koo Kien Keat-Wong Pei Tty bt Gan Teik Chai-Fong Chew Yen 21-13, 18-21, 21-15.
Division 2
Men's singles: Kuan Kam Chung bt Lim Fang Yang 21-19, 21-18.
Women's singles: Tiffany Chase Currier bt Sanatasah Saniru 22-20, 22-24, 21-19.
Men's doubles: Ong Jian Goo-Goh Wei Shem bt Lim Khim Wah-Mak Hee Chun 21-19, 17-21, 21-18
Women's doubles: Lim Yee Theng-Ng Paou Ling bt Goh Liu Ying-Hoo Bee Ling 21-16, 21-17.
Mixed doubles: Mak Hee Chun-Sanatasah Saniru-Esther Ratna Devi 21-19, 21-16.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Thursday December 21, 2006
Lim Kenn provides the only cheer for Project 2010-12 camp
KUALA LUMPUR: Youngster Lim Kenn was the only bright spark for the Project 2010-12 camp in the Kuala Lumpur Open when he reached the men’s singles quarter-finals at the Kuala Lumpur Badminton Stadium (KLBA) here yesterday.
The 19-year-old Lim Kenn went the distance to beat teammate Tan Chun Seang 21-10, 13-21, 21-17 in the second round to set up a match against second seed Mohd Hafiz Hashim.
Hafiz chalked up a hard-fought 21-14, 21-18 win over Lim Kenn’s teammate Beryno Wong.
Credit must also be given to Chong Wei Feng and Liew Daren for making it difficult for two national players – K. Yogendran and James Chua.
After a great start, Wei Feng ran out of steam, losing to Yogendran 21-23, 21-12, 8-21 while Daren kept pace with James throughout the match before going down 16-21, 19-21.
In the quarter-finals today, Yogendran will take on top seed Lee Chong Wei while James will play against Kuan Beng Hong.
Bukit Jalil Sports School’s (BJSS) Mohd Arif Abdul Latif and Chan Kwong Beng showed their potential, giving the senior players a run for their money.
Arif, who won the boys’ Under-18 title in the 100 Plus National Junior Circuit in Ipoh on Saturday, kept Wong Choong Hann longer on the court before losing 21-18, 10-21, 7-21 while Kwong Beng gave Beng Hong a scare before going down 16-21, 21-14, 14-21.
Choong Hann will take on Yeoh Kay Bin in the quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, Lydia Cheah stayed on track in her bid to win her first senior Open title when she knocked out Pahang’s Tan Sin Lan to set up a match against Stephanie Shalini. The winner will take on second seed Julia Wong.
KUALA LUMPUR: Youngster Lim Kenn was the only bright spark for the Project 2010-12 camp in the Kuala Lumpur Open when he reached the men’s singles quarter-finals at the Kuala Lumpur Badminton Stadium (KLBA) here yesterday.
The 19-year-old Lim Kenn went the distance to beat teammate Tan Chun Seang 21-10, 13-21, 21-17 in the second round to set up a match against second seed Mohd Hafiz Hashim.
Hafiz chalked up a hard-fought 21-14, 21-18 win over Lim Kenn’s teammate Beryno Wong.
Credit must also be given to Chong Wei Feng and Liew Daren for making it difficult for two national players – K. Yogendran and James Chua.
After a great start, Wei Feng ran out of steam, losing to Yogendran 21-23, 21-12, 8-21 while Daren kept pace with James throughout the match before going down 16-21, 19-21.
In the quarter-finals today, Yogendran will take on top seed Lee Chong Wei while James will play against Kuan Beng Hong.
Bukit Jalil Sports School’s (BJSS) Mohd Arif Abdul Latif and Chan Kwong Beng showed their potential, giving the senior players a run for their money.
Arif, who won the boys’ Under-18 title in the 100 Plus National Junior Circuit in Ipoh on Saturday, kept Wong Choong Hann longer on the court before losing 21-18, 10-21, 7-21 while Kwong Beng gave Beng Hong a scare before going down 16-21, 21-14, 14-21.
Choong Hann will take on Yeoh Kay Bin in the quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, Lydia Cheah stayed on track in her bid to win her first senior Open title when she knocked out Pahang’s Tan Sin Lan to set up a match against Stephanie Shalini. The winner will take on second seed Julia Wong.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Indon may join the KL Racket Club
Saturday December 16, 2006By RAJES PAUL
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s KL Racket Club (KLRC) are going international and could soon have a line-up to match the BA of Malaysia.
Already, they have recruited two foreign players – John Moody of New Zealand and Andrew Smith of England – to play under the banner of the professional outfit owned by Datuk Andrew Kam Tai Yeow.
And the icing on the cake looks set to be: Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia.
Andrew, currently the Badminton World Federation’s (BWF) legal adviser and council member, would not deny or confirm speculation that Taufik was poised to join their set-up.
“There is a possibility Taufik will play for the club. That’s all I can say for now,” said Andrew when met at his office at Empire Tower yesterday.
The good relationship between former world champion Taufik and Andrew is an open secret.
Taufik, who recently defended his men’s singles title in the Doha Asian Games, knocking out Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei (semi-finals) and China’s Lin Dan (final) along the way, has frequented the club several times this year for friendly matches.
In fact, Malaysia could be an ideal base for Taufik as he prepares to re-claim the world title when the championship is hosted in Malaysia from Aug 12-19.
“We have several international players knocking on the doors of the club. It will do a world of good for our club to have reputable players as our members,” said Andrew.
Although KLRC are opening theirs door for foreign players, Andrew says the priority remains in providing opportunities for local players.
The KLRC, who were only formed last year June, have become a platform for dropouts from the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to revive their badminton careers.
Some of their top players are former internationals Sairul Amar Ayob, Lee Tsuen Seng, Ismail Saman, Joanne Quay, Lim Pek Siah, Chor Hooi Yee, Ang Li Peng and M. Sutheaswari.
The club received a major boost on Tuesday when they signed a sponsorship deal with Amer Sports (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, who own the Wilson brand.
To make it more memorable, Sairul and Tsuen Seng, who were this year’s Dutch and New Zealand Open champions, received RM20,000 each as incentives.
Andrew believes that the club system could be the answer for Malaysian badminton and quashed notions that the club were competing with BAM.
“We are here to complement the national body. We want to give a fair chance to players to prove themselves at international level. We have the same goal as the BAM – to make champions out of our players,” he said. “We do not entertain mediocrity. I have promised my players RM100,000 if they win the All-England title. We are serious in developing the sport. It will be good to revive the club systems as that will increase the pool of players for the country.”
There are 15 players under KLRC, including some promising juniors aged between 18-19 years old.
Two prominent coaches in the set-up are Indonesian adviser Indra Gunawan and Ong Beng Teong.
(Note - KLRC’s Lim Pek Siah-Joanne Quay were selected to represent Malaysia in the Doha Asian Games)
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s KL Racket Club (KLRC) are going international and could soon have a line-up to match the BA of Malaysia.
Already, they have recruited two foreign players – John Moody of New Zealand and Andrew Smith of England – to play under the banner of the professional outfit owned by Datuk Andrew Kam Tai Yeow.
And the icing on the cake looks set to be: Olympic champion Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia.
Andrew, currently the Badminton World Federation’s (BWF) legal adviser and council member, would not deny or confirm speculation that Taufik was poised to join their set-up.
“There is a possibility Taufik will play for the club. That’s all I can say for now,” said Andrew when met at his office at Empire Tower yesterday.
The good relationship between former world champion Taufik and Andrew is an open secret.
Taufik, who recently defended his men’s singles title in the Doha Asian Games, knocking out Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei (semi-finals) and China’s Lin Dan (final) along the way, has frequented the club several times this year for friendly matches.
In fact, Malaysia could be an ideal base for Taufik as he prepares to re-claim the world title when the championship is hosted in Malaysia from Aug 12-19.
“We have several international players knocking on the doors of the club. It will do a world of good for our club to have reputable players as our members,” said Andrew.
Although KLRC are opening theirs door for foreign players, Andrew says the priority remains in providing opportunities for local players.
The KLRC, who were only formed last year June, have become a platform for dropouts from the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to revive their badminton careers.
Some of their top players are former internationals Sairul Amar Ayob, Lee Tsuen Seng, Ismail Saman, Joanne Quay, Lim Pek Siah, Chor Hooi Yee, Ang Li Peng and M. Sutheaswari.
The club received a major boost on Tuesday when they signed a sponsorship deal with Amer Sports (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, who own the Wilson brand.
To make it more memorable, Sairul and Tsuen Seng, who were this year’s Dutch and New Zealand Open champions, received RM20,000 each as incentives.
Andrew believes that the club system could be the answer for Malaysian badminton and quashed notions that the club were competing with BAM.
“We are here to complement the national body. We want to give a fair chance to players to prove themselves at international level. We have the same goal as the BAM – to make champions out of our players,” he said. “We do not entertain mediocrity. I have promised my players RM100,000 if they win the All-England title. We are serious in developing the sport. It will be good to revive the club systems as that will increase the pool of players for the country.”
There are 15 players under KLRC, including some promising juniors aged between 18-19 years old.
Two prominent coaches in the set-up are Indonesian adviser Indra Gunawan and Ong Beng Teong.
(Note - KLRC’s Lim Pek Siah-Joanne Quay were selected to represent Malaysia in the Doha Asian Games)
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
What’s Up and Coming in Malaysia
Tuesday, 21 November 2006
Malaysia is about to send a young team to the Asian Games, instead of elder players with experience, banking on their results shown recently. A hint that Malaysia’s future is in the right path, with a bunch of players knowing at the door. Our reporter Noorul Azrin takes a look at the Malaysian Junior squad just before they are about to start an important Satelitte tournament at home.
Photo : Noorul Azrin. From left to right :Shafiq Jamaluddin, Chong Li Qun, Daren Liew, Lim Kenn, Chong Wei Feng, Beryno Wong, Tan Chun Seang.
The first thing that catches your attention to these young players is their friendly nature. They smile warmly despite looking tired after finishing their gym training a few minutes ago. “It’s okay. This is just normal training”, smiles Tan Chun Seang when asked if they needed a few minutes rest before the interview on Friday afternoon. The lad is soon joined by his fellow teammates.
The Project 2010-2012 Squad of BA of Malaysia was established in March 2005 to prepare for Asian Games 2010, London Olympic 2012 and Commonwealth Games 2010. The players were selected through state-level selection by Malaysia’s national coach, Misbun Sidek. Initially, thirteen men singles players were selected but last August five members were dropped due to lack of performance. The players left are Lim Kenn (20), Chong Wei Feng (19), Liew Daren (19), Tan Chun Seang (20), Chong Li Qun (19) and Beryno Wong (20). Another player, Azrihanif Azahar switched to doubles. One thing is sure : don’t mess with the rules as one player has already put his stay in jeopardy for skipping training sessions !
Rashid Sidek, Malaysia’s former number one is the Chief Coach and is in charge of the Project’s performance. Rosman Razak and Tey Siu Bock currently assist the three-time Malaysia Open Champion. Hard training but joyful spirit
Their days begin at 8.30am for court training in Bukit Kiara and will finish at 11.30am. By 3pm, they will start gym training in National Sports Council at Bukit Jalil and finish at 5pm. Training takes place everyday except on Sundays. They have half-day training sessions on Thursdays and Saturdays. Their favourite routine is sprinting sessions, which that take place every Thursday.
The squad members have to compete with each other in the team; but they are very much united and give full support to each other during tournaments. During this interview, they teased each other and everyone got the opportunity to be their butt of joke. They all laughed when Chong Wei Feng mentioned about Tan Chun Seang’s defeat during Asian Junior Championship 2004, “He was leading 14-3 but eventually lost to his opponent”. Tan Cun Seang just shook his head, showing that he was still frustrated with that particular match. Lim Kenn, Chong Wei Feng and Tan Chun Seang were part of the Malaysia’s team for World Junior Championship 2004 together with Tan Boon Heong and Hoon Thien How who won Boys Doubles title that year.
When asked about their hopes - apart from having future "pretty pretty wives", all said they wish any of them would win tournament titles to show their gratitude to their coaches. Liew Daren won Taiwan Satellite in August 2005. Nevertheless, they wish they could win more titles.Soon in the big world
Citing Peter Gade, Taufik Hidayat, Lin Dan and Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei as their idols, they yearn for more opportunities to compete in major Open tournaments to expose themselves to these world-class players and hopefully, one day will become one of the world’s best player. Currently, they only compete in Satellite tournaments and selected grand prix events.
Even though they are under pressure of being Malaysia’s next hope in badminton, they all act their age. When we touched the subject of their free time, the young lads began talking excitedly about computer games. They also spend their free time chatting, surfing the internet, shopping and catching up their sleep. Other than badminton, the boys spend their times on other sports too such as football, snooker and bowling.
But hobbies shall wait, as some challenges lie ahead, with head Coach of the Senior team Li Mao who has recently hinted that he could pick some of them to join the elite fairly soon….
Malaysia is about to send a young team to the Asian Games, instead of elder players with experience, banking on their results shown recently. A hint that Malaysia’s future is in the right path, with a bunch of players knowing at the door. Our reporter Noorul Azrin takes a look at the Malaysian Junior squad just before they are about to start an important Satelitte tournament at home.
Photo : Noorul Azrin. From left to right :Shafiq Jamaluddin, Chong Li Qun, Daren Liew, Lim Kenn, Chong Wei Feng, Beryno Wong, Tan Chun Seang.
The first thing that catches your attention to these young players is their friendly nature. They smile warmly despite looking tired after finishing their gym training a few minutes ago. “It’s okay. This is just normal training”, smiles Tan Chun Seang when asked if they needed a few minutes rest before the interview on Friday afternoon. The lad is soon joined by his fellow teammates.
The Project 2010-2012 Squad of BA of Malaysia was established in March 2005 to prepare for Asian Games 2010, London Olympic 2012 and Commonwealth Games 2010. The players were selected through state-level selection by Malaysia’s national coach, Misbun Sidek. Initially, thirteen men singles players were selected but last August five members were dropped due to lack of performance. The players left are Lim Kenn (20), Chong Wei Feng (19), Liew Daren (19), Tan Chun Seang (20), Chong Li Qun (19) and Beryno Wong (20). Another player, Azrihanif Azahar switched to doubles. One thing is sure : don’t mess with the rules as one player has already put his stay in jeopardy for skipping training sessions !
Rashid Sidek, Malaysia’s former number one is the Chief Coach and is in charge of the Project’s performance. Rosman Razak and Tey Siu Bock currently assist the three-time Malaysia Open Champion. Hard training but joyful spirit
Their days begin at 8.30am for court training in Bukit Kiara and will finish at 11.30am. By 3pm, they will start gym training in National Sports Council at Bukit Jalil and finish at 5pm. Training takes place everyday except on Sundays. They have half-day training sessions on Thursdays and Saturdays. Their favourite routine is sprinting sessions, which that take place every Thursday.
The squad members have to compete with each other in the team; but they are very much united and give full support to each other during tournaments. During this interview, they teased each other and everyone got the opportunity to be their butt of joke. They all laughed when Chong Wei Feng mentioned about Tan Chun Seang’s defeat during Asian Junior Championship 2004, “He was leading 14-3 but eventually lost to his opponent”. Tan Cun Seang just shook his head, showing that he was still frustrated with that particular match. Lim Kenn, Chong Wei Feng and Tan Chun Seang were part of the Malaysia’s team for World Junior Championship 2004 together with Tan Boon Heong and Hoon Thien How who won Boys Doubles title that year.
When asked about their hopes - apart from having future "pretty pretty wives", all said they wish any of them would win tournament titles to show their gratitude to their coaches. Liew Daren won Taiwan Satellite in August 2005. Nevertheless, they wish they could win more titles.Soon in the big world
Citing Peter Gade, Taufik Hidayat, Lin Dan and Malaysia’s Lee Chong Wei as their idols, they yearn for more opportunities to compete in major Open tournaments to expose themselves to these world-class players and hopefully, one day will become one of the world’s best player. Currently, they only compete in Satellite tournaments and selected grand prix events.
Even though they are under pressure of being Malaysia’s next hope in badminton, they all act their age. When we touched the subject of their free time, the young lads began talking excitedly about computer games. They also spend their free time chatting, surfing the internet, shopping and catching up their sleep. Other than badminton, the boys spend their times on other sports too such as football, snooker and bowling.
But hobbies shall wait, as some challenges lie ahead, with head Coach of the Senior team Li Mao who has recently hinted that he could pick some of them to join the elite fairly soon….
Friday, November 17, 2006
Badminton China Open: Chinese rookies shine at home
Source: CCTV.com
10-18-2006 09:19
Chinese shuttlers have all but one cruised into the second round of the men's singles at the China Open, a six-star event of the International Badminton Federation being held in Guangzhou.
18-year-old Chinese rookie Lu Qicheng met Simon Santoso, a rising star of Indonesia, in the first round.
Lu Qicheng made a slow start and lost the first game.
Down 16-19 in the second, Lu Qicheng's offensive game came alive and he notched five points in a row to level the match one all.
Lu's quick rhythm gave him a 21-18 win in the decider, taking the match.
In another match of the day,following a comfortable win in the first game, Chinese Li Yu made too many errors in the second, allowing Wong Beryno of Malaysia to come back from behind.
In the decider Li Yu looked unstoppable. He took the lead after breaking a six-all deadlock and ultimately won the game by a nine-point margin.
In other matches, China's Chen Yu eased past Wong Wai Hong of Chinese Hong Kong. All other Chinese shuttlers made it through to the second round except Gong Weijie.
10-18-2006 09:19
Chinese shuttlers have all but one cruised into the second round of the men's singles at the China Open, a six-star event of the International Badminton Federation being held in Guangzhou.
18-year-old Chinese rookie Lu Qicheng met Simon Santoso, a rising star of Indonesia, in the first round.
Lu Qicheng made a slow start and lost the first game.
Down 16-19 in the second, Lu Qicheng's offensive game came alive and he notched five points in a row to level the match one all.
Lu's quick rhythm gave him a 21-18 win in the decider, taking the match.
In another match of the day,following a comfortable win in the first game, Chinese Li Yu made too many errors in the second, allowing Wong Beryno of Malaysia to come back from behind.
In the decider Li Yu looked unstoppable. He took the lead after breaking a six-all deadlock and ultimately won the game by a nine-point margin.
In other matches, China's Chen Yu eased past Wong Wai Hong of Chinese Hong Kong. All other Chinese shuttlers made it through to the second round except Gong Weijie.
Vietnamese players win at Vietnam Open Badminton C’ship
http://www.saigontimes.com.vn/daily/detail.asp?muc=3&Sobao=2821&SoTT=19
Vietnam's No.1 player Nguyen Tien Minh makes a backhand in his match against Wong Wai Hong in HCMC yesterday.
By HUY NGUYEN
(SGT-HCMC) The top seeds won all their matches at the Yonex-Sunrise Vietnam Open 2006 yesterday, including both the remaining Vietnamese players who overpowered their opponents during the HCMC tournament.
The third seed Nguyen Tien Minh, who is Vietnam’s No. 1 ranked player but 60th in the world rankings, overcame 128th-ranked Wong Wai Hong of Hong Kong 21-15 in the first set, and then cruised into the next round with an easy 21-9 score in the second deciding set.
However, perhaps more noteworthy and surprising was Vietnam’s Nguyen Quang Minh’s victory over the 5th seed Hsein Yu-Hsing of Taiwan 15-21, 21-14 and 21-13 in the later game, since he is unseeded.
Meanwhile, top seed Andrew Smith (ranked 15th in the world), survived a scare against Djohan Erwin of Singapore, who is ranked 153rd in the world, to eventually win 2-0. The British player beat the Singaporean 21-17 in the first set and 21-16 in the second set, though it was a close contest.
Then Hong Kong’s Chan Yan Kit, who is ranked 26th in the world, had a fight on his hands before reached to the next round after eventually beating Malaysia’s Wong Beryno 18-21, 21-13 and 26-24.
Elsewhere, in men’s doubles event Hong Chieng Hun and Chew Choon Eng of Malaysia beat Duong Bao Duc and Nguyen Quoc Thai of Vietnam 2-0; Dremin Evgenij and Vasiljev Alexej of Russia knocked out Khoo Kian Teck and Koh Yan Sen of Singapore 2-0; and Chien Yu Hsun and Lin Yu Lang of Taiwan overpowered Lo Lok Ki and Lueng Chun Yiu of Hong Kong at the same score.
In the women’s doubles Chong Sook Chin and Kaur Anita Raj of Malaysia defeated the host nation’s doubles pairing of Pham Thi Trang and Vu Thi Trang 2-0, whilst another Vietnamese doubles team comprising Nguyen Thi Be Tram and Tran Huynh Nga also lost 0-2 to Bae Seung Hee and Kang Joo Young of Korea, and South Korea’s Kwon Hee Sook and Kim Mi Joo also beat Wong Sin Yee and Mong Kwan Yi of Hong Kong 2-0.
Today the tournament will begin at 9 a.m. with the men’s singles and doubles followed by the women’s singles and doubles, then the mixed doubles.
About 81 men and 41 women from England, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the USA and Vietnam registered to fight out the men’s singles and doubles, the women’s singles and doubles, and the mixed doubles.
The US$30,000 tournament has attracted 53 entries for the men’s singles; 30 for the women’s singles; 24 for the men’s doubles; 13 for the women’s doubles; and 19 for the mixed doubles.
The top international tournament is taking place in HCMC until this Sunday at Phan Dinh Phung Indoor Sports Stadium in District 3
Vietnam's No.1 player Nguyen Tien Minh makes a backhand in his match against Wong Wai Hong in HCMC yesterday.
By HUY NGUYEN
(SGT-HCMC) The top seeds won all their matches at the Yonex-Sunrise Vietnam Open 2006 yesterday, including both the remaining Vietnamese players who overpowered their opponents during the HCMC tournament.
The third seed Nguyen Tien Minh, who is Vietnam’s No. 1 ranked player but 60th in the world rankings, overcame 128th-ranked Wong Wai Hong of Hong Kong 21-15 in the first set, and then cruised into the next round with an easy 21-9 score in the second deciding set.
However, perhaps more noteworthy and surprising was Vietnam’s Nguyen Quang Minh’s victory over the 5th seed Hsein Yu-Hsing of Taiwan 15-21, 21-14 and 21-13 in the later game, since he is unseeded.
Meanwhile, top seed Andrew Smith (ranked 15th in the world), survived a scare against Djohan Erwin of Singapore, who is ranked 153rd in the world, to eventually win 2-0. The British player beat the Singaporean 21-17 in the first set and 21-16 in the second set, though it was a close contest.
Then Hong Kong’s Chan Yan Kit, who is ranked 26th in the world, had a fight on his hands before reached to the next round after eventually beating Malaysia’s Wong Beryno 18-21, 21-13 and 26-24.
Elsewhere, in men’s doubles event Hong Chieng Hun and Chew Choon Eng of Malaysia beat Duong Bao Duc and Nguyen Quoc Thai of Vietnam 2-0; Dremin Evgenij and Vasiljev Alexej of Russia knocked out Khoo Kian Teck and Koh Yan Sen of Singapore 2-0; and Chien Yu Hsun and Lin Yu Lang of Taiwan overpowered Lo Lok Ki and Lueng Chun Yiu of Hong Kong at the same score.
In the women’s doubles Chong Sook Chin and Kaur Anita Raj of Malaysia defeated the host nation’s doubles pairing of Pham Thi Trang and Vu Thi Trang 2-0, whilst another Vietnamese doubles team comprising Nguyen Thi Be Tram and Tran Huynh Nga also lost 0-2 to Bae Seung Hee and Kang Joo Young of Korea, and South Korea’s Kwon Hee Sook and Kim Mi Joo also beat Wong Sin Yee and Mong Kwan Yi of Hong Kong 2-0.
Today the tournament will begin at 9 a.m. with the men’s singles and doubles followed by the women’s singles and doubles, then the mixed doubles.
About 81 men and 41 women from England, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the USA and Vietnam registered to fight out the men’s singles and doubles, the women’s singles and doubles, and the mixed doubles.
The US$30,000 tournament has attracted 53 entries for the men’s singles; 30 for the women’s singles; 24 for the men’s doubles; 13 for the women’s doubles; and 19 for the mixed doubles.
The top international tournament is taking place in HCMC until this Sunday at Phan Dinh Phung Indoor Sports Stadium in District 3
Monday, October 16, 2006
Tuesday October 17, 2006
By RAJES PAUL
PETALING JAYA: National doubles shuttler Chan Chong Ming will be out to make his presence felt when he resumes his partnership with Koo Kien Keat in the US$250,000 China Open, which begins today in Guangzhou.
In a redraw made by the World Badminton Federation (WBF) yesterday, the third-fourth seeded Chong Ming-Kien Keat are in the same quarter as Indonesians Markis Kido-Hendra Setiawan. They also have second seeds Jens Eriksen-Martin Lundgaard Hansen of Denmark in the same half.
A good showing in Guangzhou will put them in good stead for the Doha Asian Games in December.
Chong Ming said that he was looking forward to playing in the China Open after having to withdraw from the recent World Championships in Madrid on the eve of the competition last month following the death of his father.
In his absence, Kien Keat featured in only the mixed doubles with Wong Pei Tty and they emerged as the best Malaysian performers – reaching the semi-finals.
In the just concluded Japan Open, Kien Keat partnered youngster Tan Boon Heong and they did well to finish as the runners-up.
Chong Ming said before leaving for Guangzhou yesterday: “It is time for Kien Keat and me to produce more good results for the doubles department. I will give my best shot to make up for my recent absence.”
Besides Chong Ming-Kien Keat, who won the Swiss Open and Melbourne Commonwealth Games titles this year, chief coach Yap Kim Hock is also looking at the other Asiad-bound pair of Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah to give a strong showing in the China Open.
“We had high hopes on the Asiad-bound singles players at the Japan Open. In the China Open, our focus will be on the doubles players for the Asiad. We hope to see better results from them,” said Kim Hock.
At the Japan Open, the top two Malaysian men's singles players – Lee Chong Wei and Mohd Hafiz Hashim – were beaten by Indonesian Taufik Hidayat and eventual champion Lin Dan of China in the semi-finals and quarter-finals respectively.
Chong Wei and Hafiz are skipping the China Open.
Tan Fook-Wan Wah have been drawn in the same quarter as archrivals Alven Yulianto-Luluk Hadiyanto of Indonesia. They have top seeds and world champions Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng of China in their half.
The other men's doubles pairs in the fray are Boon Heong-Hoon Thien How, Gan Teik Chai-Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif and Chew Choon Eng-Hong Chieng Hun.
In the men's singles, Malaysia have Asiad-bound Kuan Beng Hong in the fray. He is likely to play against second seed Chen Jin of China in the third round. The other Malaysians in the men's singles competition are Yeoh Kay Bin, James Chua, K. Yogendran, Tan Chun Senag, Beryno Wong and Pei Wee Chung.
In the women's competition, Malaysia have Wong Mew Choo and Julia Wong in the singles and Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui in the doubles.
PETALING JAYA: National doubles shuttler Chan Chong Ming will be out to make his presence felt when he resumes his partnership with Koo Kien Keat in the US$250,000 China Open, which begins today in Guangzhou.
In a redraw made by the World Badminton Federation (WBF) yesterday, the third-fourth seeded Chong Ming-Kien Keat are in the same quarter as Indonesians Markis Kido-Hendra Setiawan. They also have second seeds Jens Eriksen-Martin Lundgaard Hansen of Denmark in the same half.
A good showing in Guangzhou will put them in good stead for the Doha Asian Games in December.
Chong Ming said that he was looking forward to playing in the China Open after having to withdraw from the recent World Championships in Madrid on the eve of the competition last month following the death of his father.
In his absence, Kien Keat featured in only the mixed doubles with Wong Pei Tty and they emerged as the best Malaysian performers – reaching the semi-finals.
In the just concluded Japan Open, Kien Keat partnered youngster Tan Boon Heong and they did well to finish as the runners-up.
Chong Ming said before leaving for Guangzhou yesterday: “It is time for Kien Keat and me to produce more good results for the doubles department. I will give my best shot to make up for my recent absence.”
Besides Chong Ming-Kien Keat, who won the Swiss Open and Melbourne Commonwealth Games titles this year, chief coach Yap Kim Hock is also looking at the other Asiad-bound pair of Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah to give a strong showing in the China Open.
“We had high hopes on the Asiad-bound singles players at the Japan Open. In the China Open, our focus will be on the doubles players for the Asiad. We hope to see better results from them,” said Kim Hock.
At the Japan Open, the top two Malaysian men's singles players – Lee Chong Wei and Mohd Hafiz Hashim – were beaten by Indonesian Taufik Hidayat and eventual champion Lin Dan of China in the semi-finals and quarter-finals respectively.
Chong Wei and Hafiz are skipping the China Open.
Tan Fook-Wan Wah have been drawn in the same quarter as archrivals Alven Yulianto-Luluk Hadiyanto of Indonesia. They have top seeds and world champions Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng of China in their half.
The other men's doubles pairs in the fray are Boon Heong-Hoon Thien How, Gan Teik Chai-Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif and Chew Choon Eng-Hong Chieng Hun.
In the men's singles, Malaysia have Asiad-bound Kuan Beng Hong in the fray. He is likely to play against second seed Chen Jin of China in the third round. The other Malaysians in the men's singles competition are Yeoh Kay Bin, James Chua, K. Yogendran, Tan Chun Senag, Beryno Wong and Pei Wee Chung.
In the women's competition, Malaysia have Wong Mew Choo and Julia Wong in the singles and Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui in the doubles.
Monday October 2, 2006
PETALING JAYA: Chief coach Rashid Sidek’s request for his Project 2010-12 players to compete in major Open tournaments has finally been approved after several failed attempts.
For a start, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), who want their juniors to step up to the fore, have named two singles players – Beryno Wong Jiann Tze (pic) and Tan Chun Seang – for the China Open in Guangzhou (Oct 17-22).
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The 20-year-old Beryno was picked for his good showing in the Malaysian Open this year when he went down fighting to Lin Dan of China in the third round while Chun Seang is the highest ranked player among the juniors – 111th in the world.
Chun Seang’s participation, however, depends on how quickly he can recover from a muscle tear in his left hand, an injury he picked up during training last week. Rashid will name a replacement if he cannot make it.
Rashid expects the players to benefit from the exposure of playing in the China Open.
“The BAM have approved only two but it is still a good start for my players,” said Rashid.
“If we do not start now, it will be difficult for us to narrow the gap between the juniors and seniors in the team.
“Previously, the juniors could not go for Open tournaments because of budget constraints and could only play in the satellite tournaments. But this group of players are being geared for the 2012 Olympic Games and they need more challenging competitions.
“This opportunity will help the players to be more daring on court. They will get used to playing against stronger opponents. With more exposure at the highest level, it will turn them into ‘thinking’ players eventually.”
Beryno, who was promoted from the state training centre in Sabah last year, was ecstatic.
“I am glad that BAM are sending us out for big tournaments. Playing in China, where the best players in the world are produced, will indeed be a good experience for me,” said Beryno.
“I will be more than satisfied if I can give my opponents a run for their money,” added the 2003 Under-18 National Grand Prix Final’s runner-up.
The BAM are sending the Asian Games-bound players to both the back-to-back Japan and China Opens.
THE SQUADS
Men’s singles:
Men’s doubles: Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif-Gan Teik Chai, Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong.
Women’s singles: Wong Mew Choo, M. Sutheaswari.
Women’s doubles: Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui, Ooi Sock Ai-Mooi Hing Yau, Lim Pek Siah-Joanne Quay Swee Ling.
Mixed doubles: Kien Keat-Pei Tty.
Men’s singles:
Men’s doubles: Koo Kien Keat-Chan Chong Ming, Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah, Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif-Gan Teik Chai, Hoon Thien How-Tan Boon Heong, Chew Choon Eng-Hong Chieng Hun.
Women’s singles: Wong Mew Choo, Julia Wong.
Women’s doubles: Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui, Ooi Sock Ai-Mooi Hing Yau.
Mixed doubles: Kien Keat-Pei Tty.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Green light for Beryno and Chun Seang to compete in China Open
Monday October 2, 2006
PETALING JAYA: Chief coach Rashid Sidek’s request for his Project 2010-12 players to compete in major Open tournaments has finally been approved after several failed attempts.
For a start, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), who want their juniors to step up to the fore, have named two singles players – Beryno Wong Jiann Tze (pic) and Tan Chun Seang – for the China Open in Guangzhou (Oct 17-22).
Besides competing in the Singapore and Thailand Opens, the China Open is the biggest competitive tournaments for the juniors.
The 20-year-old Beryno was picked for his good showing in the Malaysian Open this year when he went down fighting to Lin Dan of China in the third round while Chun Seang is the highest ranked player among the juniors – 111th in the world.
Chun Seang’s participation, however, depends on how quickly he can recover from a muscle tear in his left hand, an injury he picked up during training last week. Rashid will name a replacement if he cannot make it.
Rashid expects the players to benefit from the exposure of playing in the China Open.
“The BAM have approved only two but it is still a good start for my players,” said Rashid.
“If we do not start now, it will be difficult for us to narrow the gap between the juniors and seniors in the team.
“Previously, the juniors could not go for Open tournaments because of budget constraints and could only play in the satellite tournaments. But this group of players are being geared for the 2012 Olympic Games and they need more challenging competitions.
“This opportunity will help the players to be more daring on court. They will get used to playing against stronger opponents. With more exposure at the highest level, it will turn them into ‘thinking’ players eventually.”
Beryno, who was promoted from the state training centre in Sabah last year, was ecstatic.
“I am glad that BAM are sending us out for big tournaments. Playing in China, where the best players in the world are produced, will indeed be a good experience for me,” said Beryno.
“I will be more than satisfied if I can give my opponents a run for their money,” added the 2003 Under-18 National Grand Prix Final’s runner-up.
The BAM are sending the Asian Games-bound players to both the back-to-back Japan and China Opens.
THE SQUADS
JAPAN OPEN (Oct 10-15)
Men’s singles: Lee Chong Wei, Mohd Hafiz Hashim, Mohd Roslin Hashim, Kuan Beng Hong, Yeoh Kay Bin, Pei Wee Chung.
Men’s doubles: Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif-Gan Teik Chai, Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong.
Women’s singles: Wong Mew Choo, M. Sutheaswari.
Women’s doubles: Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui, Ooi Sock Ai-Mooi Hing Yau, Lim Pek Siah-Joanne Quay Swee Ling.
Mixed doubles: Kien Keat-Pei Tty.
CHINA OPEN (Oct 17-22)
Men’s singles: Mohd Hafiz Hashim, Kuan Beng Hong, Yeoh Kay Bin, Pei Wee Chung, Beryno Wong Jiann Tze, Tan Chun Seang.
Men’s doubles: Koo Kien Keat-Chan Chong Ming, Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah, Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif-Gan Teik Chai, Hoon Thien How-Tan Boon Heong, Chew Choon Eng-Hong Chieng Hun.
Women’s singles: Wong Mew Choo, Julia Wong.
Women’s doubles: Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui, Ooi Sock Ai-Mooi Hing Yau.
Mixed doubles: Kien Keat-Pei Tty.
PETALING JAYA: Chief coach Rashid Sidek’s request for his Project 2010-12 players to compete in major Open tournaments has finally been approved after several failed attempts.
For a start, the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), who want their juniors to step up to the fore, have named two singles players – Beryno Wong Jiann Tze (pic) and Tan Chun Seang – for the China Open in Guangzhou (Oct 17-22).
Besides competing in the Singapore and Thailand Opens, the China Open is the biggest competitive tournaments for the juniors.
The 20-year-old Beryno was picked for his good showing in the Malaysian Open this year when he went down fighting to Lin Dan of China in the third round while Chun Seang is the highest ranked player among the juniors – 111th in the world.
Chun Seang’s participation, however, depends on how quickly he can recover from a muscle tear in his left hand, an injury he picked up during training last week. Rashid will name a replacement if he cannot make it.
Rashid expects the players to benefit from the exposure of playing in the China Open.
“The BAM have approved only two but it is still a good start for my players,” said Rashid.
“If we do not start now, it will be difficult for us to narrow the gap between the juniors and seniors in the team.
“Previously, the juniors could not go for Open tournaments because of budget constraints and could only play in the satellite tournaments. But this group of players are being geared for the 2012 Olympic Games and they need more challenging competitions.
“This opportunity will help the players to be more daring on court. They will get used to playing against stronger opponents. With more exposure at the highest level, it will turn them into ‘thinking’ players eventually.”
Beryno, who was promoted from the state training centre in Sabah last year, was ecstatic.
“I am glad that BAM are sending us out for big tournaments. Playing in China, where the best players in the world are produced, will indeed be a good experience for me,” said Beryno.
“I will be more than satisfied if I can give my opponents a run for their money,” added the 2003 Under-18 National Grand Prix Final’s runner-up.
The BAM are sending the Asian Games-bound players to both the back-to-back Japan and China Opens.
THE SQUADS
JAPAN OPEN (Oct 10-15)
Men’s singles: Lee Chong Wei, Mohd Hafiz Hashim, Mohd Roslin Hashim, Kuan Beng Hong, Yeoh Kay Bin, Pei Wee Chung.
Men’s doubles: Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif-Gan Teik Chai, Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong.
Women’s singles: Wong Mew Choo, M. Sutheaswari.
Women’s doubles: Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui, Ooi Sock Ai-Mooi Hing Yau, Lim Pek Siah-Joanne Quay Swee Ling.
Mixed doubles: Kien Keat-Pei Tty.
CHINA OPEN (Oct 17-22)
Men’s singles: Mohd Hafiz Hashim, Kuan Beng Hong, Yeoh Kay Bin, Pei Wee Chung, Beryno Wong Jiann Tze, Tan Chun Seang.
Men’s doubles: Koo Kien Keat-Chan Chong Ming, Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah, Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif-Gan Teik Chai, Hoon Thien How-Tan Boon Heong, Chew Choon Eng-Hong Chieng Hun.
Women’s singles: Wong Mew Choo, Julia Wong.
Women’s doubles: Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui, Ooi Sock Ai-Mooi Hing Yau.
Mixed doubles: Kien Keat-Pei Tty.
Monday, September 05, 2005
Singles shuttlers again fall flat despite Chong Wei’s win
Tuesday June 20, 2006
By RAJES PAUL
KUCHING: Apart from Lee Chong Wei's heroics at the Malaysia Open, the other men's singles shuttlers in the national team failed to live up to expectations in Sarawak.
Chong Wei's strong show was the only high point from the men's singles players when he won his third consecutive title in great fashion on Sunday.
TSUEN SENG: Failed to produce resultsThe second seed Chong Wei dug himself out of trouble to upset world number one Lin Dan of China 21-18, 18-21, 23-21 in the final at the Perpaduan Stadium.
But the performances of the other singles players were a huge letdown.
Kuan Beng Hong's misery in international tournaments continued when he failed to get past Germany's second best player Roman Spitko in the second round.
Lee Tsuen Seng, K. Yogendran and James Chua again showed that they are merely making up the numbers with early round defeats.
Yeoh Kay Bin, a back-up player, has showed a slight improvement since coming under the charge of Chinese coach Li Mao but he too failed to make an impact in Kuching.
Nusa Mahsuri's Roslin Hashim and former international Sairul Amar Ayob however, continued to perform better than these back-up players.
Roslin went down fighting to China's Lin Dan in the semi-finals and it showed that the veteran still has the fire to improve while Sairul posed problems for the higher-ranked opponents.
National chief coach Yap Kim Hock said that he was getting tired of giving some of the players in the national team the chance to prove themselves.
“This is the final straw. We are making changes in the singles set-up end of this year after the World Championships (Sept 18-24 in Madrid) and the Asian Games (Dec 1-15 in Doha). Some players will have to go,” said Kim Hock.
“Tsuen Seng especially has been given countless opportunities to prove himself and yet, he has failed to produce the results.”
Kim Hock said that the plan was to promote two players from Rashid Sidek's Project 2010-12 after the Malaysian Games (Sukma) in Kedah recently to the national team but it did not fall through.
“Li Mao was unable to pick the best two. The standard of the juniors are about the same and he could not decide. He will make his pick at the end of this year,” said Kim Hock.
Rashid's charges also took part in the Malaysian Open. Except for Beryno Wong, who put up a fight against Lin Dan, the others showed that they were still not ready for the big league.
The next assignment for the Malaysians is the Taiwan Open starting tomorrow.
By RAJES PAUL
KUCHING: Apart from Lee Chong Wei's heroics at the Malaysia Open, the other men's singles shuttlers in the national team failed to live up to expectations in Sarawak.
Chong Wei's strong show was the only high point from the men's singles players when he won his third consecutive title in great fashion on Sunday.
TSUEN SENG: Failed to produce resultsThe second seed Chong Wei dug himself out of trouble to upset world number one Lin Dan of China 21-18, 18-21, 23-21 in the final at the Perpaduan Stadium.
But the performances of the other singles players were a huge letdown.
Kuan Beng Hong's misery in international tournaments continued when he failed to get past Germany's second best player Roman Spitko in the second round.
Lee Tsuen Seng, K. Yogendran and James Chua again showed that they are merely making up the numbers with early round defeats.
Yeoh Kay Bin, a back-up player, has showed a slight improvement since coming under the charge of Chinese coach Li Mao but he too failed to make an impact in Kuching.
Nusa Mahsuri's Roslin Hashim and former international Sairul Amar Ayob however, continued to perform better than these back-up players.
Roslin went down fighting to China's Lin Dan in the semi-finals and it showed that the veteran still has the fire to improve while Sairul posed problems for the higher-ranked opponents.
National chief coach Yap Kim Hock said that he was getting tired of giving some of the players in the national team the chance to prove themselves.
“This is the final straw. We are making changes in the singles set-up end of this year after the World Championships (Sept 18-24 in Madrid) and the Asian Games (Dec 1-15 in Doha). Some players will have to go,” said Kim Hock.
“Tsuen Seng especially has been given countless opportunities to prove himself and yet, he has failed to produce the results.”
Kim Hock said that the plan was to promote two players from Rashid Sidek's Project 2010-12 after the Malaysian Games (Sukma) in Kedah recently to the national team but it did not fall through.
“Li Mao was unable to pick the best two. The standard of the juniors are about the same and he could not decide. He will make his pick at the end of this year,” said Kim Hock.
Rashid's charges also took part in the Malaysian Open. Except for Beryno Wong, who put up a fight against Lin Dan, the others showed that they were still not ready for the big league.
The next assignment for the Malaysians is the Taiwan Open starting tomorrow.
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