Here's a very happy new year wishes to all.
AST Badminton Club
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)
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