KUALA Lumpur were made to sweat before they beat Negri Sembilan 2-1 in Division One of the Razak Cup in Kuantan yesterday.
Shahrun Nabil gave KL the lead in the 15th minute, only to see S. Kuhan equalise for Negri in the 36th minute.
The score remained until the 63rd minute, but Amin Rahim delivered the three points for 19-times champions KL off a penalty corner attempt to take them to the top of the standings.
Meanwhile, in another Division One match Penang shocked Johor 4-2 with hat-trick hero Izwan Firdaus scoring in the 25th, 59th and 65th minutes. The other goal was scored by Ahmad Termizi in the 58th minute.
Baljit Singh Sarjab scored both Johor’s goals in the 40th and 43rd minutes.
Penang coach Bob Rajendran feels his charges have placed themselves for a place in the final, again, after their initial defeat to KL.
“My players made a concerted effort in the second half which paid off and now we will be looking forward to winning our match against Negri tomorrow (today) and then Perak the next day to keep the fire burning,” said Bob.
RESULTS: Division One -- Armed Forces 0 Malacca 2, Penang 4 Johor 2, Negri 1 Kuala Lumpur 2; Division Two: Group A: Police 2 Kedah 0, Sabah 1 Singapore 7.
TODAY: Division One: Penang v Negri (3pm), Johor v Malacca (5pm), Perak v Armed Forces (7pm); division Two: Perlis v Brunei (3pm), Terengganu v Selangor (5pm).
All matches at Pitch I and II of the Kuantan Stadium.
STANDINGS
DIVISION ONE
P W D L F A Pt
K LUMPUR 4 3 1 0 11 3 10
PERAK 3 3 0 0 7 1 9
PENANG 3 2 0 1 8 10 6
MALACCA 4 1 1 2 2 4 4
JOHOR 4 1 1 2 6 9 4
NEGRI 3 0 1 2 2 5 1
FORCES 3 0 0 3 4 8 0
DIVISION TWO
GROUP A
P W D L F A Pt
SINGAPORE 3 3 0 0 14 2 9
KELANTAN 2 2 0 0 6 3 6
POLICE 2 1 0 1 3 4 3
SABAH 2 0 0 2 1 10 0
KEDAH 3 0 0 3 1 8 0
GROUP B
P W D L F A Pt
PAHANG 2 2 0 0 14 3 6
SELANGOR 2 2 0 0 10 1 6
PERLIS 1 0 0 1 1 3 0
TERENGGANU 1 0 0 1 3 5 0
BRUNEI 2 0 0 2 0 16 0
Monday, March 29, 2010
19 teams for Junior League
EIGHTEEN boys and one ladies team will be competing in the Junior Hockey League (JHL) starting on April 9.
The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) have accom modated a request from the national women’s hockey squad for the first time since the inception of the JHL.
Nine teams, including the women. are in Division One while 10 teams are in Division Two.
The women are preparing for the World Cup Qualifier in Santiago, Chile where they will be up against the hosts, Australia, Ireland and Scotland for the single ticket to the World Cup in Rosario, Argentina on Aug 29-Sept 11.
DIVISION ONE: Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS), Bukit Jalil Sports School Juniors (BJSS JR), Petaling Jaya Municipal Council (PJMC), Kelantan, Bandar Penawar Juniors, An derson, Bandar Penawar Thunderbolt, UniKL, Malaysian Women’s Hockey Association (MWHA).
DIVISION TWO: MATRI, Datuk Taha Juniors, Tunku Besar Juniors, Kuala Selangor, Penang Free School, Sabah, Teknik Klang, Pahang, Johor, Ipoh City Council.
The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) have accom modated a request from the national women’s hockey squad for the first time since the inception of the JHL.
Nine teams, including the women. are in Division One while 10 teams are in Division Two.
The women are preparing for the World Cup Qualifier in Santiago, Chile where they will be up against the hosts, Australia, Ireland and Scotland for the single ticket to the World Cup in Rosario, Argentina on Aug 29-Sept 11.
DIVISION ONE: Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS), Bukit Jalil Sports School Juniors (BJSS JR), Petaling Jaya Municipal Council (PJMC), Kelantan, Bandar Penawar Juniors, An derson, Bandar Penawar Thunderbolt, UniKL, Malaysian Women’s Hockey Association (MWHA).
DIVISION TWO: MATRI, Datuk Taha Juniors, Tunku Besar Juniors, Kuala Selangor, Penang Free School, Sabah, Teknik Klang, Pahang, Johor, Ipoh City Council.
Perak hunting for gold
DIVISION One leaders Perak want to improve on the fifth placing achieved last season, as coach Manjit Singh believe they are better prepared for the 48th Edition of the Razak Cup in Kuantan.
And with nine points after three matches, Perak are the team to beat for the title this year.
"I am looking at another six points which should take us into the final, and then take it from there. My team is better prepared this season, and should be able to achieve their target before the last match," said Manjit Singh.
Perak next play Armed Forces on Tuesday, and then Penang on Wednesday. Six points from the two matches should see them through to the final, with one match against Kuala Lumpur, on Friday, in hand.
"Most of the teams are well prepared this year, and we must win the next two matchs so that the pressure will be leas when we play our last match against Kuala Lumpur."
Manjit left Kuantan for KL yesterday because the national under-16 team checked into camp, and he is one of their coaches.
"I will travel up and down, training the under-16 and also the Perak players, but if my team plays in the final, I will not be available as I have to be with the under-16 players in KL," said Manjit.
The seasoned coach believes the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) did the right thing when they mad eit mandatory for each team to have four under-21 players, while two must be on the pitch at any given time.
"My young players are from the Project 2013 squad and all four have been carrying their weight well so far.
"In fact, against Johor, I had all four palyers on the pitch for long periods, and they delivered. But some of the team are struggling because their young players are slow to adapt.
"However, this rule should be maintained in the Razak Cup, as it will expose a big numer of youth at a young age," said Manjit.
Kuala Lumpur are one step behind Perak, after they dropped points in the 1-1 draw against Johor but they have the depth to pull through in their remaining matches.
MONDAY: Division One -- Armed Forces v Malacca (3pm), Penang v Johor (5pm), Negri v Kuala Lumpur (7pm); Division Two: Police v Kedah (3pm), Sabah v Singapore (5pm).
All matches at Pitch I and II of the Kuantan Stadium.
And with nine points after three matches, Perak are the team to beat for the title this year.
"I am looking at another six points which should take us into the final, and then take it from there. My team is better prepared this season, and should be able to achieve their target before the last match," said Manjit Singh.
Perak next play Armed Forces on Tuesday, and then Penang on Wednesday. Six points from the two matches should see them through to the final, with one match against Kuala Lumpur, on Friday, in hand.
"Most of the teams are well prepared this year, and we must win the next two matchs so that the pressure will be leas when we play our last match against Kuala Lumpur."
Manjit left Kuantan for KL yesterday because the national under-16 team checked into camp, and he is one of their coaches.
"I will travel up and down, training the under-16 and also the Perak players, but if my team plays in the final, I will not be available as I have to be with the under-16 players in KL," said Manjit.
The seasoned coach believes the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) did the right thing when they mad eit mandatory for each team to have four under-21 players, while two must be on the pitch at any given time.
"My young players are from the Project 2013 squad and all four have been carrying their weight well so far.
"In fact, against Johor, I had all four palyers on the pitch for long periods, and they delivered. But some of the team are struggling because their young players are slow to adapt.
"However, this rule should be maintained in the Razak Cup, as it will expose a big numer of youth at a young age," said Manjit.
Kuala Lumpur are one step behind Perak, after they dropped points in the 1-1 draw against Johor but they have the depth to pull through in their remaining matches.
MONDAY: Division One -- Armed Forces v Malacca (3pm), Penang v Johor (5pm), Negri v Kuala Lumpur (7pm); Division Two: Police v Kedah (3pm), Sabah v Singapore (5pm).
All matches at Pitch I and II of the Kuantan Stadium.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Johor hold KL 1-1
JOHOR made a strong second half comeback to hold Kuala Lumpur to a 1-1 draw in Division One of the Razak Cup in Kuantan yesterday.
KL took the lead off Tajol Rosli in the 15th minute, but a penalty corner attempt from Baljit Singh Sarjab in the 68th minute gave Johor half the spoils.
KL coach Nor Saiful Zaini sees this hiccup as a wake-up call for his players.
"The players were made to understand today (yesterday) that they are not the champions in this tournament, and unlike the past, it is not going to be a walk in the park into the final," said Nor Saiful, as KL have 19 Razak Cup titles under their belt.
"We had plenty of chances in the first half, and a total of six penalty corners, but failed to score the second goal which we went looking for in the second half.
"Instead, we had to share points because Johor dug deep and relied on counter attacks, while our forwards were blunt," said Nor Saiful.
Johor coach Gurmit Singh lamented the fact that they could have walked away with full points,
"There was total commitment from my players and we had the match in hand in the secon half as KL players looked tired after pressing hard in the first half.
"However, I am still happy that we stole the thunder from KL, and I am looking forward to a better fnish than last year (Johor were fourth)," said Gurmit.
RESULTS: Division One -- Kuala Lumpur 1 Johor 1, Armed Forces 2 Penang 3, Malacca 0 Perak 2; Division Two: Group B: Terengganu 3 Pahang 5, Selangor 7 Brunei 0.
TODAY: Rest Day
TOMORROW: Division One -- Armed Forces v Malacca (3pm), Penang v Johor (5pm), Negri v Kuala Lumpur (7pm); Division Two: Police v Kedah (3pm), Sabah v Singapore (5pm).
All matches at Pitch I and II of the Kuantan Stadium.
KL took the lead off Tajol Rosli in the 15th minute, but a penalty corner attempt from Baljit Singh Sarjab in the 68th minute gave Johor half the spoils.
KL coach Nor Saiful Zaini sees this hiccup as a wake-up call for his players.
"The players were made to understand today (yesterday) that they are not the champions in this tournament, and unlike the past, it is not going to be a walk in the park into the final," said Nor Saiful, as KL have 19 Razak Cup titles under their belt.
"We had plenty of chances in the first half, and a total of six penalty corners, but failed to score the second goal which we went looking for in the second half.
"Instead, we had to share points because Johor dug deep and relied on counter attacks, while our forwards were blunt," said Nor Saiful.
Johor coach Gurmit Singh lamented the fact that they could have walked away with full points,
"There was total commitment from my players and we had the match in hand in the secon half as KL players looked tired after pressing hard in the first half.
"However, I am still happy that we stole the thunder from KL, and I am looking forward to a better fnish than last year (Johor were fourth)," said Gurmit.
RESULTS: Division One -- Kuala Lumpur 1 Johor 1, Armed Forces 2 Penang 3, Malacca 0 Perak 2; Division Two: Group B: Terengganu 3 Pahang 5, Selangor 7 Brunei 0.
TODAY: Rest Day
TOMORROW: Division One -- Armed Forces v Malacca (3pm), Penang v Johor (5pm), Negri v Kuala Lumpur (7pm); Division Two: Police v Kedah (3pm), Sabah v Singapore (5pm).
All matches at Pitch I and II of the Kuantan Stadium.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Johor lack fitness to challenge KL
JOHOR were frank enough to admit that they do not have the players to stop Kuala Lumpur’s advance in Division One of the Razak Cup at the Kuantan Stadium today.
Both the teams clashed for the bronze medal last year, with Johor coming our battered and bruised when they lost 6-3.
“We have some good players in our team, but fitness is not on our side as we did not have enough time to train for this tournament,” said Johor team manager Sarjit Singh.
Johor have two penalty corner flickers in their outfit, but both of them, according to Sarjit, are a little rusty.
“Baljit (Singh) and Nor Hafiq (Gaffar) have yet to get their act together after two matches, while KL’s Amin Rahim is in top form.
“I believe KL would go the distance this year, as they have a good penalty corner flicker in Amin,” said Sarjit.
Johor, even though with a hastily assembled a team, feel they are good enough to play for the bronze again.
“So far, the beat teams are KL and Perak, who I predict will play in the final. As for Johor, we aim to play in the bronze play-off,” said Sarjit.
Meanwhile, the Fifth Datuk Dr S.S Cheema veterans hockey tournament will be held at the Kelab Aman grounds today.
Eight teams have confirmed for the tournament, which is for those who are 40 and above.
Kelab Aman are the defending champions while the others who will be gunning for the title are Ipoh Lads, Mugs, Talisman, Thirty-Fifty Ipoh, Penang Sports Club, Air Force Veterans, Negri Sembilan Sikh Union.
RESULTS: Division Two: Selangor 3 Perlis 1, Sabah 2 Kelantan 3, Singapore x Kedah x.
TODAY: Division One -- Kuala Lumpur v Johor (3pm), Armed Forces v Penang (5pm), Malacca v Perak (7pm); Division Two: Terengganu v Pahang (3pm), Selangor v Brunei (5pm).
SUNDAY: Rest Day
MONDAY: Division One -- Armed Forces v Malacca (3pm), Penang v Johor (5pm), Negri v Kuala Lumpur (7pm); Division Two: Police v Kedah (3pm), Sabah v Singapore (5pm).
All matches at Pitch I and II of the Kuantan Stadium.
STANDINGS
DIVISION ONE
P W D L F A Pts
K LUMPUR 2 2 0 0 8 1 6
PERAK 2 2 0 0 5 1 6
JOHOR 2 1 0 1 3 4 3
N SEMBILAN 2 0 1 1 2 3 1
MALACCA 2 0 1 1 0 2 1
FORCES 1 0 0 1 2 3 0
PENANG 1 0 0 1 1 6 0
DIVISION TWO
GROUP A
P W D L F A Pts
KELANTAN 2 2 0 0 6 3 6
SINGAPORE 1 1 0 0 4 1 3
SABAH 1 0 0 1 2 3 0
KEDAH 1 0 0 1 1 3 0
POLICE 1 0 0 1 1 4 0
GROUP B
P W D L F A Pts
PAHANG 1 1 0 0 9 0 3
SELANGOR 1 1 0 0 3 1 3
PERLIS 1 0 0 1 1 3 0
BRUNEI 1 0 0 1 0 9 0
TERENGGANU 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Both the teams clashed for the bronze medal last year, with Johor coming our battered and bruised when they lost 6-3.
“We have some good players in our team, but fitness is not on our side as we did not have enough time to train for this tournament,” said Johor team manager Sarjit Singh.
Johor have two penalty corner flickers in their outfit, but both of them, according to Sarjit, are a little rusty.
“Baljit (Singh) and Nor Hafiq (Gaffar) have yet to get their act together after two matches, while KL’s Amin Rahim is in top form.
“I believe KL would go the distance this year, as they have a good penalty corner flicker in Amin,” said Sarjit.
Johor, even though with a hastily assembled a team, feel they are good enough to play for the bronze again.
“So far, the beat teams are KL and Perak, who I predict will play in the final. As for Johor, we aim to play in the bronze play-off,” said Sarjit.
Meanwhile, the Fifth Datuk Dr S.S Cheema veterans hockey tournament will be held at the Kelab Aman grounds today.
Eight teams have confirmed for the tournament, which is for those who are 40 and above.
Kelab Aman are the defending champions while the others who will be gunning for the title are Ipoh Lads, Mugs, Talisman, Thirty-Fifty Ipoh, Penang Sports Club, Air Force Veterans, Negri Sembilan Sikh Union.
RESULTS: Division Two: Selangor 3 Perlis 1, Sabah 2 Kelantan 3, Singapore x Kedah x.
TODAY: Division One -- Kuala Lumpur v Johor (3pm), Armed Forces v Penang (5pm), Malacca v Perak (7pm); Division Two: Terengganu v Pahang (3pm), Selangor v Brunei (5pm).
SUNDAY: Rest Day
MONDAY: Division One -- Armed Forces v Malacca (3pm), Penang v Johor (5pm), Negri v Kuala Lumpur (7pm); Division Two: Police v Kedah (3pm), Sabah v Singapore (5pm).
All matches at Pitch I and II of the Kuantan Stadium.
STANDINGS
DIVISION ONE
P W D L F A Pts
K LUMPUR 2 2 0 0 8 1 6
PERAK 2 2 0 0 5 1 6
JOHOR 2 1 0 1 3 4 3
N SEMBILAN 2 0 1 1 2 3 1
MALACCA 2 0 1 1 0 2 1
FORCES 1 0 0 1 2 3 0
PENANG 1 0 0 1 1 6 0
DIVISION TWO
GROUP A
P W D L F A Pts
KELANTAN 2 2 0 0 6 3 6
SINGAPORE 1 1 0 0 4 1 3
SABAH 1 0 0 1 2 3 0
KEDAH 1 0 0 1 1 3 0
POLICE 1 0 0 1 1 4 0
GROUP B
P W D L F A Pts
PAHANG 1 1 0 0 9 0 3
SELANGOR 1 1 0 0 3 1 3
PERLIS 1 0 0 1 1 3 0
BRUNEI 1 0 0 1 0 9 0
TERENGGANU 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Johor Baru District HA calling for entries
THE Johor Baru District HA are calling for entries for their Close League tournament which is scheduled to start in the first week of April.
The league matches will be played during weekends at the MBJB Hockey Stadiums in Jalan Tebrau and in Taman Daya.
So far nine teams have confirmed their entries and they are JB Harimau, Johor Police, Johor Sikhs Sports Club, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar, Combined Banks, JB Teachers, Sekolah Kebangsaan Taman Perling and Sekolah Kebangsaan Pasir Gudang.
Entries close on March 31 and teams interested to compete in the league can contact secretary Harbhajan Singh at 07- 2211377/07-2219377 or e-mail sssssb66@yahoo.com
The league matches will be played during weekends at the MBJB Hockey Stadiums in Jalan Tebrau and in Taman Daya.
So far nine teams have confirmed their entries and they are JB Harimau, Johor Police, Johor Sikhs Sports Club, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar, Combined Banks, JB Teachers, Sekolah Kebangsaan Taman Perling and Sekolah Kebangsaan Pasir Gudang.
Entries close on March 31 and teams interested to compete in the league can contact secretary Harbhajan Singh at 07- 2211377/07-2219377 or e-mail sssssb66@yahoo.com
Datuk Dr S.S. Cheema veterans tournament
THE FIFTH Datuk Dr S.S Cheema veterans hockey tour nament will be held at the Kelab Aman grounds today (27-03-10).Eight teams have confirmed for the tournament, which is for those who are 40 and above.
Kelab Aman are the defending champions while the others who will be gunning for the title are Ipoh Lads, Mugs, Talisman, Thirty-Fifty Ipoh, Penang Sports Club, Air Force Veterans, Negri Sembilan Sikh Union.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
KL hammer Penang 6-1
PERAK beat Johor 2-0 in Division One of the 48th Razak Cup and are now among the early contenders to play in the final, with Kuala Lumpur likely to be their main hurdle.
The Silver State, who had beaten Negri Sembilan 3-1 in their opening encounter on Thursday, had control of the match but muffed many chances which could have taken their tally higher.
In the end, penalty corner goals from Hairul Nizam (48th) and Sabri Mohamed (55th) gave them the full points.
“We had the match in control, but muffed many chances but still, I am happy with the three points which keeps us afloat in this tournament,” said Perak coach Manjit Singh.
Manjit felt that the next match on Saturday against Malac ca could decide if his men will go the distance.
“We have a day’s rest after which we will play Malacca who have assembled a good team this year.
“And if we play like the first two matches, I am confident we will be in the running to play in the final,” said Manjit Singh.
Negri Sembilan and Malacca, however, played to a goal- less draw yesterday, indicating that Perak have a good chance to achieving their dream against Malacca today.
RESULTS -- Division One: Johor 0 Perak 2, Malacca 0 Negri Sembilan 0, Kuala Lumpur 6 Penang 1.
Division Two: Singapore 4 Police 1, Kedah 1 Kelantan 3.
TODAY: Division Two: Selangor v Perlis (3pm), Sabah v Kelantan (5pm), Singapore v Kedah (7pm).
TOMORROW: Division One -- Kuala Lumpur v Johor (3pm), Armed Forces v Penang (5pm), Malacca v Perak (7pm).
Division Two: Terengganu v Pahang (3pm), Selangor v Brunei (5pm).
STANDINGS
DIVISION ONE
P W D L F A Pts
K LUMPUR 2 2 0 0 8 1 6
PERAK 2 2 0 0 5 1 6
JOHOR 2 1 0 1 3 4 3
N SEMBILAN 2 0 1 1 2 3 1
MALACCA 2 0 1 1 0 2 1
PENANG 1 0 0 1 1 6 0
FORCES 1 0 0 1 2 3 0
DIVISION TWO
GROUP A
P W D L F A Pts
SINGAPORE 1 1 0 0 4 1 3
KELANTAN 1 1 0 0 3 1 3
KEDAH 1 0 0 1 1 3 0
POLICE 1 0 0 1 1 4 0
SABAH 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
GROUP B
P W D L F A Pts
PAHANG 1 1 0 0 9 0 3
BRUNEI 1 0 0 1 0 9 0
SELANGOR 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
PERLIS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
TERENGGANU 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
The Silver State, who had beaten Negri Sembilan 3-1 in their opening encounter on Thursday, had control of the match but muffed many chances which could have taken their tally higher.
In the end, penalty corner goals from Hairul Nizam (48th) and Sabri Mohamed (55th) gave them the full points.
“We had the match in control, but muffed many chances but still, I am happy with the three points which keeps us afloat in this tournament,” said Perak coach Manjit Singh.
Manjit felt that the next match on Saturday against Malac ca could decide if his men will go the distance.
“We have a day’s rest after which we will play Malacca who have assembled a good team this year.
“And if we play like the first two matches, I am confident we will be in the running to play in the final,” said Manjit Singh.
Negri Sembilan and Malacca, however, played to a goal- less draw yesterday, indicating that Perak have a good chance to achieving their dream against Malacca today.
RESULTS -- Division One: Johor 0 Perak 2, Malacca 0 Negri Sembilan 0, Kuala Lumpur 6 Penang 1.
Division Two: Singapore 4 Police 1, Kedah 1 Kelantan 3.
TODAY: Division Two: Selangor v Perlis (3pm), Sabah v Kelantan (5pm), Singapore v Kedah (7pm).
TOMORROW: Division One -- Kuala Lumpur v Johor (3pm), Armed Forces v Penang (5pm), Malacca v Perak (7pm).
Division Two: Terengganu v Pahang (3pm), Selangor v Brunei (5pm).
STANDINGS
DIVISION ONE
P W D L F A Pts
K LUMPUR 2 2 0 0 8 1 6
PERAK 2 2 0 0 5 1 6
JOHOR 2 1 0 1 3 4 3
N SEMBILAN 2 0 1 1 2 3 1
MALACCA 2 0 1 1 0 2 1
PENANG 1 0 0 1 1 6 0
FORCES 1 0 0 1 2 3 0
DIVISION TWO
GROUP A
P W D L F A Pts
SINGAPORE 1 1 0 0 4 1 3
KELANTAN 1 1 0 0 3 1 3
KEDAH 1 0 0 1 1 3 0
POLICE 1 0 0 1 1 4 0
SABAH 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
GROUP B
P W D L F A Pts
PAHANG 1 1 0 0 9 0 3
BRUNEI 1 0 0 1 0 9 0
SELANGOR 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
PERLIS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
TERENGGANU 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Women have boys on their mind
THE Malaysian women’s hockey team returned from their seven-match Tour of New Zealand on a high, and now they are confident enough to challenge the boys in the Junior Hockey League (JHL).
The women are preparing for the World Cup Qualifier in Santiago, Chile where they will be up against the hosts, Australia, Ireland, Scotland and Ukraine for the single ticket to the World Cup in Rosario, Argentina on Aug 29-Sept 11.
The women just returned from New Zealand where they played four matches against the NZ national team and lost 2- 0, 2-1, 2-0 and 4-0.
And in the three matches against the NZ development team, the ladies won 3-0, 3-0 and 4-3.
“We received confirmation from the FIH (International Hockey Federation) that the tournament will be held in Chile, even though the country was recently hit by a massive earthquake,” Said MWHF secretary S. Shamala.
“And during the New Zealand Tour, which was the first time NZ agreed to host the Malaysian women, the girls learnt much from the team which had beaten Australia for direct entry into the World Cup.
“The matches were of high intensity with a lot of body contact and robust play which gave us the opportunity to evaluate our attacking and defending strategies.
“And among the lessons learnt from the Tour were on penalty corner set-pieces and circle penetrations, which improved vastly,” said Shamala.
And now, the ladies are ready to challenge the boys in the JHL.
“We are grateful to the MHF (Malaysian Hockey Fed eration), for allowing the women to compete in the JHL. We have forwarded our training program and the MHF will prepare a schedule to accommodate us.
“We are certain the experience and competitive envi ronment will be of great benefit to us,” said Shamala.
To date, 16 teams have conformed for the JHL which will start on April 9.
The women are preparing for the World Cup Qualifier in Santiago, Chile where they will be up against the hosts, Australia, Ireland, Scotland and Ukraine for the single ticket to the World Cup in Rosario, Argentina on Aug 29-Sept 11.
The women just returned from New Zealand where they played four matches against the NZ national team and lost 2- 0, 2-1, 2-0 and 4-0.
And in the three matches against the NZ development team, the ladies won 3-0, 3-0 and 4-3.
“We received confirmation from the FIH (International Hockey Federation) that the tournament will be held in Chile, even though the country was recently hit by a massive earthquake,” Said MWHF secretary S. Shamala.
“And during the New Zealand Tour, which was the first time NZ agreed to host the Malaysian women, the girls learnt much from the team which had beaten Australia for direct entry into the World Cup.
“The matches were of high intensity with a lot of body contact and robust play which gave us the opportunity to evaluate our attacking and defending strategies.
“And among the lessons learnt from the Tour were on penalty corner set-pieces and circle penetrations, which improved vastly,” said Shamala.
And now, the ladies are ready to challenge the boys in the JHL.
“We are grateful to the MHF (Malaysian Hockey Fed eration), for allowing the women to compete in the JHL. We have forwarded our training program and the MHF will prepare a schedule to accommodate us.
“We are certain the experience and competitive envi ronment will be of great benefit to us,” said Shamala.
To date, 16 teams have conformed for the JHL which will start on April 9.
KL start title hunt with confidence
Flying start: Kuala Lumpur’s Harvinder Singh (right) vies with Malacca’s Amirullah Zainul during their Razak Cup match in Kuantan yesterday. KL won 2-0.By AFTAR SINGH
KUANTAN: Kuala Lumpur got off to a good start in the Razak Cup hockey tournament when they defeated defending champions Malacca 2-0 in a Division One match at the Wisma Belia Hockey Stadium here yesterday.
KL, who are gunning to win the title for a record 19th time in the 48th edition of the tournament, went on the offensive from the start and took the lead in the 12th minute through national forward Nabil Fiqri Mohd Noor.
The team with six internationals in their ranks created many more chances to score in the first half but drew blanks.
The second goal for KL came off the penalty corner with national midfielder Mohd Shahrun Nabil scoring in the 40th minute.
Malacca, who had the services of former national forward Chua Boon Huat and current national forward B. Namasivayam, failed to impress and they were lucky to lose by a small margin.
KL coach Nor Saiful Zaini said that he was satisfied with his team’s performance even though they missed a number of sitters.
“We are playing in a round-robin format and we need to score as many goals as possible in every match to qualify for the final,” he said.
“I am also happy with the performance of three Under-21 players – Harvinder (Singh), Mohd Syamin (Mohd Yusuf) and Fahed (Saifullah). They played well. However, we need to tighten the defence. We allowed Malacca to create a few scoring chances.”
KL will be seeking to claim full points against Penang today.
“My players are highly motivated after the win over Malacca and we should get the better of Penang, who only have the services of one national player (M. Jivan),” said Nor Saiful.
Perak also got off to a winning start, beating Negri Sembilan 3-1 in another Division One match.
National forward Azlan Misron (10th), Mohd Noor Khairul Azrain (33rd) and Mohd Hafifihafiz Hanafi (64th) scored for Perak. Negri’s goal came from M. Ragesh Waran in the 61st minute.
Hosts Pahang started in Division Two with a thumping 9-0 win over Brunei in Group B.
Mohd Aminuddin Abu scored a hat-trick (2nd, 43rd and 64th) and the other goals came from Ahmad Kazamirul Nasruddin (14th, 52nd), Ismail Abu (47th, 66th), Mohd Hafiz Zainul (34th) and Mohd Al-Fadhir Kasim (45th).
KL, who are gunning to win the title for a record 19th time in the 48th edition of the tournament, went on the offensive from the start and took the lead in the 12th minute through national forward Nabil Fiqri Mohd Noor.
The team with six internationals in their ranks created many more chances to score in the first half but drew blanks.
The second goal for KL came off the penalty corner with national midfielder Mohd Shahrun Nabil scoring in the 40th minute.
Malacca, who had the services of former national forward Chua Boon Huat and current national forward B. Namasivayam, failed to impress and they were lucky to lose by a small margin.
KL coach Nor Saiful Zaini said that he was satisfied with his team’s performance even though they missed a number of sitters.
“We are playing in a round-robin format and we need to score as many goals as possible in every match to qualify for the final,” he said.
“I am also happy with the performance of three Under-21 players – Harvinder (Singh), Mohd Syamin (Mohd Yusuf) and Fahed (Saifullah). They played well. However, we need to tighten the defence. We allowed Malacca to create a few scoring chances.”
KL will be seeking to claim full points against Penang today.
“My players are highly motivated after the win over Malacca and we should get the better of Penang, who only have the services of one national player (M. Jivan),” said Nor Saiful.
Perak also got off to a winning start, beating Negri Sembilan 3-1 in another Division One match.
National forward Azlan Misron (10th), Mohd Noor Khairul Azrain (33rd) and Mohd Hafifihafiz Hanafi (64th) scored for Perak. Negri’s goal came from M. Ragesh Waran in the 61st minute.
Hosts Pahang started in Division Two with a thumping 9-0 win over Brunei in Group B.
Mohd Aminuddin Abu scored a hat-trick (2nd, 43rd and 64th) and the other goals came from Ahmad Kazamirul Nasruddin (14th, 52nd), Ismail Abu (47th, 66th), Mohd Hafiz Zainul (34th) and Mohd Al-Fadhir Kasim (45th).
Monday, March 22, 2010
KL eye razak Cup final
KUALA Lumpur have set their sights on playing in the final of the 48th Razak Cup starting in Kuantan tomorrow (24/03/10).
KL, who beat Johor 6-3 for the bronze last season, have secured five national players, including the best penalty corner flicker in the country, Amin Rahim.
“We did not do well last year, but I am confident that we have a well balanced side and should be able to reach the final of Division One and take matters from there,” said KL coach Nor Saiful Zaini.
Division One will be led by defending champions Malacca, who beat Project 2013 2-1 last year. This year, the Project boys as well as national players have been released to play for their respective states.
“The national players only broke camp last week so I will only have them for training tonight (last night) but it should not be a problem as most of the are experienced and should adapt well,” said Nor Saiful, a former Malaysian skipper.
The Malaysian Hockey federation (MHF) made the Razak Cup more interesting this year when they made it mandatory for each team to have at least four Under-21 players.
All four must wear special armbands, and two of them must be on the pitch at any given time.
“I will include two under-16 players (KL won the national under-16 title in Sabah on Sunday) and another two school boys to meet the MHF quota. This is a good ruling, as players will be exposed in the Razak Cup at a young age,” said Nor Saiful.
MHF will provide a grant of RM5,000 for each team while the Division One purse is RM10,000 for gold, RM7,000 for silver and RM5,000 for bronze.
In Division Two, the pay-out is RM5,000 for gold, RM3,000 for silver and RM2,000 for bronze.
DIVISION ONE: Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Perak, Penang, Negri Sembilan, Armed Forces.
Division Two: Group A -- Singapore, Kedah, Kelantan, Police, Sabah; Group B: Selangor, Brunei, Pahang, Perlis, Terengganu.
FIXTURES -- Tomorrow: Division One: Kuala Lumpur v Malacca (6.30pm), Armed Forces v Johor (8.30pm), Negri Sembilan v Perak (5pm).
Division Two: Brunei v Pahang (4.30pm).
Thursday: Division One -- Johor v Perak (3pm), Malacca v Negri Sembilan (5pm), Kuala Lumpur v Penang (7pm).
Division Two: Singapore v Police (3pm), Kedah v Kelantan (5pm).
All Matches at Pitch I and II of the Kuantan Stadium.
KL, who beat Johor 6-3 for the bronze last season, have secured five national players, including the best penalty corner flicker in the country, Amin Rahim.
“We did not do well last year, but I am confident that we have a well balanced side and should be able to reach the final of Division One and take matters from there,” said KL coach Nor Saiful Zaini.
Division One will be led by defending champions Malacca, who beat Project 2013 2-1 last year. This year, the Project boys as well as national players have been released to play for their respective states.
“The national players only broke camp last week so I will only have them for training tonight (last night) but it should not be a problem as most of the are experienced and should adapt well,” said Nor Saiful, a former Malaysian skipper.
The Malaysian Hockey federation (MHF) made the Razak Cup more interesting this year when they made it mandatory for each team to have at least four Under-21 players.
All four must wear special armbands, and two of them must be on the pitch at any given time.
“I will include two under-16 players (KL won the national under-16 title in Sabah on Sunday) and another two school boys to meet the MHF quota. This is a good ruling, as players will be exposed in the Razak Cup at a young age,” said Nor Saiful.
MHF will provide a grant of RM5,000 for each team while the Division One purse is RM10,000 for gold, RM7,000 for silver and RM5,000 for bronze.
In Division Two, the pay-out is RM5,000 for gold, RM3,000 for silver and RM2,000 for bronze.
DIVISION ONE: Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Perak, Penang, Negri Sembilan, Armed Forces.
Division Two: Group A -- Singapore, Kedah, Kelantan, Police, Sabah; Group B: Selangor, Brunei, Pahang, Perlis, Terengganu.
FIXTURES -- Tomorrow: Division One: Kuala Lumpur v Malacca (6.30pm), Armed Forces v Johor (8.30pm), Negri Sembilan v Perak (5pm).
Division Two: Brunei v Pahang (4.30pm).
Thursday: Division One -- Johor v Perak (3pm), Malacca v Negri Sembilan (5pm), Kuala Lumpur v Penang (7pm).
Division Two: Singapore v Police (3pm), Kedah v Kelantan (5pm).
All Matches at Pitch I and II of the Kuantan Stadium.
AHF taken for a ride
PAKISTAN AND INDIA STILL CHASING A DREAMPAKISTAN and South Korea gave a sucker punch to the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) when they withdrew from the First Asian Champions Trophy, which was scheduled to be held in Ipoh on April 13-18.
The AHF, left with only China and Malaysia, decided to hide their tail between the legs and postpone the inaugural event which was supposedly being organised to elevate the stan dard of Asian teams.
Pakistan, who have four World Cup titles under their belt, finished last in the New Delhi World Cup and the entire team as well as the management resigned in shame.
South Korea finished sixth, and then decided that they had had enough of hockey and withdrew from the Asia Cup.
Both the teams know for a fact that the tournament does not carry any ranking points, and is also not a qualifier, so they did not think twice before pulling out.
They also know that the AHF will not punish them, as the Asian body need the two giants when elections come a calling.
However, the withdrawals have left the Malaysian team high and dry, and now they will have to keep on training for another month and wait for the Azlan Shah Cup, also in Ipoh, from May 6-16.
Interestingly, Pakistan and South Korea are also among the seven confirmed teams for the Azlan Shah Cup. The others are World No 1 and World Cup holders Australia, India, Malaysia, Egypt and China.
And a check with the MHF revealed that Pakistan and South Korea have not backed out of the Azlan Shah Cup, as of yesterday.
The reason? Both the teams will be punished by the International Hockey Federation (FIH) if they pull out of the Azlan Shah Cup, which is a sanctioned and recognised tournament.
Therein lies the fault which has seen Asia take a free fall in the recent World Cup, and only had two teams which qualified on merit, while India played as hosts.
The top five in the world saw one Oceania and four European teams in Germany, England, Netherlands and Spain.
Australia are in a class of their own, and even with little help Down Under, they seem to flourish by sending their players to compete in the European League.
And the European teams, with borders touching each other, enjoy a good time competing among each other and are consistently improving with England the team to watch in the London 2012 Olympics.
The AHF planned and then tried to execute a noble idea when they came up with the Asian Champions Trophy so that their members can have another tournament to improve themselves.
But it looks like some members are not interested in helping struggling countries like Malaysia and China, and that is why they took the easy way out, knowing well that the AHF do not have the clout to punish them.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
KL champions for third consecutive year
KUALA Lumpur stamped their supremacy for the third consecutive year when they beat Perak 4-3 for the National Under-16 hockey title in Sandakan, Sabah yesterday.
In the bronze play-off, Negri Sembilan beat Selangor 2-1.
KL were the champions in Alor Star in 2008, then cham pions in Seremban in 2009, and won it again in Sabah.
The KL goals were scored by Shahril Saabah (23rd), Mohamed Nor (32nd, 59th) and Zizi Azwan (36th).
Shahrusahadan Basri (30th), Ashran Hamsani (46th), Fitri Ismail (36th) scored for Perak.
In the third-fourth playoff, Negri got their goals off
Rusdi Roslan (41st) and Shahir Arif (69th), while Amir Zulkarnain (15th) scored for Selangor.
“The boys played their hearts out to defend KL’s title for the third consecutive year, and I am very proud of their un derstanding and determination.
“Perak players piled the pressure and had many attempts at goal, but my defenders stood their ground and we won the title with a bit of luck in attack,” said KL coach Lokman Yahaya.
According to Lokman, the overall quality of teams in Sabah was much better than the previous edition.
“The MHF (Malaysian Hockey Federation) selectors had a tough time picking the best, because there were many to choose from. Also, I notice that the average height of the players has also improved and this augurs well for the future of hockey in Malaysia,” said Lokman.
The selected players will undergo training for an Under-16 tournament in Germany in the middle of the year.
RESULTS: Final: Kuala Lumpur 4 Perak 3; Third-Fourth: Negri Sembilan 2 Selangor 1.
Roll-of-Honour: Best Goalkeeper: Fitri Razali (Sel); Player- of-the-Tournament: Shahiram Zali (KL); Player-of-the-Final: Shahril Saabah (KL); Top-Scorer: Shahrusahadan Basri (Pk, 10 goals); Fair-play: Singapore.
In the bronze play-off, Negri Sembilan beat Selangor 2-1.
KL were the champions in Alor Star in 2008, then cham pions in Seremban in 2009, and won it again in Sabah.
The KL goals were scored by Shahril Saabah (23rd), Mohamed Nor (32nd, 59th) and Zizi Azwan (36th).
Shahrusahadan Basri (30th), Ashran Hamsani (46th), Fitri Ismail (36th) scored for Perak.
In the third-fourth playoff, Negri got their goals off
Rusdi Roslan (41st) and Shahir Arif (69th), while Amir Zulkarnain (15th) scored for Selangor.
“The boys played their hearts out to defend KL’s title for the third consecutive year, and I am very proud of their un derstanding and determination.
“Perak players piled the pressure and had many attempts at goal, but my defenders stood their ground and we won the title with a bit of luck in attack,” said KL coach Lokman Yahaya.
According to Lokman, the overall quality of teams in Sabah was much better than the previous edition.
“The MHF (Malaysian Hockey Federation) selectors had a tough time picking the best, because there were many to choose from. Also, I notice that the average height of the players has also improved and this augurs well for the future of hockey in Malaysia,” said Lokman.
The selected players will undergo training for an Under-16 tournament in Germany in the middle of the year.
RESULTS: Final: Kuala Lumpur 4 Perak 3; Third-Fourth: Negri Sembilan 2 Selangor 1.
Roll-of-Honour: Best Goalkeeper: Fitri Razali (Sel); Player- of-the-Tournament: Shahiram Zali (KL); Player-of-the-Final: Shahril Saabah (KL); Top-Scorer: Shahrusahadan Basri (Pk, 10 goals); Fair-play: Singapore.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Its KL-Perak final again
RESULTS: Semi-finals: Kuala Lumpur 4 Negri Sembilan 0; Perak 1 Selangor 0.
TODAY: Final -- Perak v Kuala Lumpur (4.30pm); Third-Fourth: Negri Sembilan v Selangor (2.30pm).
KUALA Lumpur and Perak will square off in a repeat final of the National Under-16 hockey tournament in Sandakan today.
However, the telling sign favours defending champions Kuala Lumpur who beat Negri Sembiln 4-0, while Perak had to struggle into the extra-time before scoring the golden goal against Selangor in the other semi-finals.
The KL toast was hat-trick hero Shahril Saabah who scored off penalty corners in the eigtht, 25th and 39th minutes to douse the Negri fire early. The other scorer was Ahmed Iqwan in the 51st minute.
The Perak winner which took then into the final was scored by Haziq Samsul in the 71st minute.
Kuala Lumpur coach Lokman Yahaya said they have the upper edge, as penalty corner flicker Shahril's flick peaked at the right moment.
"I am confident my boys will not dissapoint in the final, as all they have to do is win penalty corners and our flicker will do the rest.
"Shahril has been steadily improving in the tournamnent, and I dare say that he is the best flicker in the country among his age-group players," said Lokman.
Perak team manager M. Kulaisingam, however, felt the trophy will travel to Perak this year.
"We did struggle in the semi-finals, but that is histroy. And now, my boys are looking foward to avenge their defeat at this same stage to KL last season," said Kulasingam.
For the record, Kuala Lumpur beat Perak 3-1 at the Seremban II Stadium in Negri Sembilan last season.
TODAY: Final -- Perak v Kuala Lumpur (4.30pm); Third-Fourth: Negri Sembilan v Selangor (2.30pm).
KUALA Lumpur and Perak will square off in a repeat final of the National Under-16 hockey tournament in Sandakan today.
However, the telling sign favours defending champions Kuala Lumpur who beat Negri Sembiln 4-0, while Perak had to struggle into the extra-time before scoring the golden goal against Selangor in the other semi-finals.
The KL toast was hat-trick hero Shahril Saabah who scored off penalty corners in the eigtht, 25th and 39th minutes to douse the Negri fire early. The other scorer was Ahmed Iqwan in the 51st minute.
The Perak winner which took then into the final was scored by Haziq Samsul in the 71st minute.
Kuala Lumpur coach Lokman Yahaya said they have the upper edge, as penalty corner flicker Shahril's flick peaked at the right moment.
"I am confident my boys will not dissapoint in the final, as all they have to do is win penalty corners and our flicker will do the rest.
"Shahril has been steadily improving in the tournamnent, and I dare say that he is the best flicker in the country among his age-group players," said Lokman.
Perak team manager M. Kulaisingam, however, felt the trophy will travel to Perak this year.
"We did struggle in the semi-finals, but that is histroy. And now, my boys are looking foward to avenge their defeat at this same stage to KL last season," said Kulasingam.
For the record, Kuala Lumpur beat Perak 3-1 at the Seremban II Stadium in Negri Sembilan last season.
KL too strong for Pahang
KUALA Lumpur fielded their reserves, but still beat Pahang 4-0 to top Group A in the National Under-16 tournament in Sandakan yesterday.
KL, who finished unbeaten after six matches, will square off against Negri Sembilan in the semi-finals today and coach Lokman Yahaya said he is confident the outcome will favour them.
And if KL keep their word, they are likely to square off against Perak in a repeat of last year's final. Perak demolished Penang 7-3 in their final group match and will meet Selangor in the other semi-final.
"Negri Sembilan seem to have overly relied on their skipper (Asraf Zulzali) to control the midfield and win matches in Group B.
"I have drawn up a plan to stop him (Asraf) from making those piercing passes, and I believe if my players follow instructions, half the battle against Negri would be won and we will get a chance to defend our title on Sunday," said Lokman.
Lokman said he fielded his reserves against Pahang to give them exposure: "We had already sealed top spot in Group A with the Pahang match in hand, so I decided to rest many regulars and field my reserves because we will be playing in the semis without a break," said Lokman.
Perak, who have not dropped a single point in five matches, have been the most impressive side in the tournament as they have scored a total of 38 goals and let in only six.
RESULTS: Group A: Kuala Lumpur 4 Pahang 0, Perlis 0 Singapore 2, Johor 1 Kelantan 1.
Group B: Penang 3 Perak 7, Sabah 0 Malacca 4.
TODAY -- Semi-finals: Kuala Lumpur v Negri Sembilan (2.30pm); Perak v Selangor (4.30pm).
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Olak out of JHL after 15 straight years
OLD La Sallians Association of Klang (OLAK), a permanent fixture in the Junior Hockey League since 1995, have been bundled out after 15 years due to financial constrains.
The Klang-based side has a colourful history, and its manager Joseph de Silva has seen them through thick-and- then, but the coffers finally dried up.
“It is a sad day for our club, as we have never missed a single JHL season since its debut in 1995.
“And we did face many problems over the years, but our sponsors kept us afloat. However, the coast of fielding a team in the JHL keeps going higher and higher over the years, and the club can no longer carry the burden, financially,” said Joseph.
Olak were the League champions in 1997, and the fol lowing year, they won the double. The feat was repeated in 1999, while their last Overall title was won in 2000.
And some of the national players he club nurtured are still in active duty like Madzli Ikmar and Amain Rahim, the best penalty corner flicker in the country today.
Madzli wore the skipper’s armband during the New Zealand World Cup Qualifiers last November.
Meanwhile, The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) have received 16 entries for the JHL which will start on April 9.
Last year 23 teams competed, with 13 in Division One and 10 in Division Two.
UniKL, Sabah Hockey Association, SMK Teknik Klang and SMK Pengkalan Permatang of Selangor will be making their debut this season.
The other confirmed teams are double champions Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS), BJSS Juniors, Bandar Penawar Sports School (BPSS), BPSS Juniors, Anderson, Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), Matri Perlis, SMK Datuk Taha, Kuantan Sports Council, Johor Sports Council, Tunku Besar School and Ipoh City Council.
Entries close today, and the MHF expect more teams to register.
The Klang-based side has a colourful history, and its manager Joseph de Silva has seen them through thick-and- then, but the coffers finally dried up.
“It is a sad day for our club, as we have never missed a single JHL season since its debut in 1995.
“And we did face many problems over the years, but our sponsors kept us afloat. However, the coast of fielding a team in the JHL keeps going higher and higher over the years, and the club can no longer carry the burden, financially,” said Joseph.
Olak were the League champions in 1997, and the fol lowing year, they won the double. The feat was repeated in 1999, while their last Overall title was won in 2000.
And some of the national players he club nurtured are still in active duty like Madzli Ikmar and Amain Rahim, the best penalty corner flicker in the country today.
Madzli wore the skipper’s armband during the New Zealand World Cup Qualifiers last November.
Meanwhile, The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) have received 16 entries for the JHL which will start on April 9.
Last year 23 teams competed, with 13 in Division One and 10 in Division Two.
UniKL, Sabah Hockey Association, SMK Teknik Klang and SMK Pengkalan Permatang of Selangor will be making their debut this season.
The other confirmed teams are double champions Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS), BJSS Juniors, Bandar Penawar Sports School (BPSS), BPSS Juniors, Anderson, Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), Matri Perlis, SMK Datuk Taha, Kuantan Sports Council, Johor Sports Council, Tunku Besar School and Ipoh City Council.
Entries close today, and the MHF expect more teams to register.
Negri Sembilan in waiting game
NEGRI Sembilan beat Sarawak 5-0 in Group B of the National Under-16 tournament in Sandakan yesterday, but will have to wait for the Perak-Penang match today to know their fate.
Negri, with 12 points, have completed their fixtures while Perak have 12 points and a match in hand with 28 goals, and have sealed their semi-finals slot.
However, if Penang beat Perak in the final pool match today, they will squeeze Negri our of the last four.
In Group A, Kuala Lumpur kept a clean slate with their fifth consecutive win against Kelantan, albeit a narrow 3-2, and will complete their fixtures against Pahang today.
The other semis ticket will be a toss between Selangorm and Johor.
RESULTS: Group A: Perlis 1 Selangor 3, Kuala Lumpur 3 Kelantan 2, Pahang 0 Singapore 1; Group B: Negri Sembilan 5 Sarawak 0.
TODAY: Group A: Kuala Lumpur v Pahang (9.30am), Perlis v Singapore (3pm), Johor v Kelantan (4.30pm).
Group B: Penang v Perak (6.30am), Sabah v Malacca (8.30am).
STANDINGS
GROUP A
P W D L F A Pts
K Lumpur 5 5 0 0 15 5 15
Selangor 6 4 1 1 17 6 13
Johor 5 3 1 1 10 4 10
Kelantan 5 2 1 2 16 11 7
Pahang 5 1 0 4 5 19 3
Singapore 5 1 1 3 3 7 4
Perlis 5 0 0 5 2 16 0
GROUP B
P W D L F A Pts
Perak 4 4 0 0 31 3 12
Negri 5 4 0 1 14 6 12
Penang 4 3 0 1 16 3 9
Malacca 4 1 0 3 11 16 3
Sabah 4 1 0 3 5 14 3
Sarawak 5 0 0 5 1 38 0
Negri, with 12 points, have completed their fixtures while Perak have 12 points and a match in hand with 28 goals, and have sealed their semi-finals slot.
However, if Penang beat Perak in the final pool match today, they will squeeze Negri our of the last four.
In Group A, Kuala Lumpur kept a clean slate with their fifth consecutive win against Kelantan, albeit a narrow 3-2, and will complete their fixtures against Pahang today.
The other semis ticket will be a toss between Selangorm and Johor.
RESULTS: Group A: Perlis 1 Selangor 3, Kuala Lumpur 3 Kelantan 2, Pahang 0 Singapore 1; Group B: Negri Sembilan 5 Sarawak 0.
TODAY: Group A: Kuala Lumpur v Pahang (9.30am), Perlis v Singapore (3pm), Johor v Kelantan (4.30pm).
Group B: Penang v Perak (6.30am), Sabah v Malacca (8.30am).
STANDINGS
GROUP A
P W D L F A Pts
K Lumpur 5 5 0 0 15 5 15
Selangor 6 4 1 1 17 6 13
Johor 5 3 1 1 10 4 10
Kelantan 5 2 1 2 16 11 7
Pahang 5 1 0 4 5 19 3
Singapore 5 1 1 3 3 7 4
Perlis 5 0 0 5 2 16 0
GROUP B
P W D L F A Pts
Perak 4 4 0 0 31 3 12
Negri 5 4 0 1 14 6 12
Penang 4 3 0 1 16 3 9
Malacca 4 1 0 3 11 16 3
Sabah 4 1 0 3 5 14 3
Sarawak 5 0 0 5 1 38 0
Kuala Lumpur in semis
By Ajitpal Singh
DEFENDING champions Kuala Lumpur have qualified for the semi-finals of the National Under-15 Championship in Sandakan yesterday.
KL collected their fourth straight win in the competition by edging Johor 3-2 in a Group A match. They will face Kelantan in their final group match today.
In Group B, last year’s runners-up Perak are virtually in the last four after they thrashed Malacca 6-1 yesterday.
Negri Sembilan and Penang are the others teams in contention for a place in the semi-finals.
RESULTS: Group A: Pahang 0 Selangor 7, Kelantan 2 Singapore 2, Johor 2 Kuala Lumpur 3;
Group B: Sarawak 0 Penang 6, Negri Sembilan 3 Sabah 2, Malacca 1 Perak 6.
TODAY: Group A: Perlis v Selangor (6.30am), Kuala Lumpur v Kelantan (8am), Pahang v Singapore (9.30am).
STANDINGS
GROUP A
P W D L F A Pts
K Lumpur 4 4 0 0 12 3 12
Selangor 5 3 1 1 14 5 10
Johor 5 3 1 1 10 4 10
Kelantan 4 2 1 1 14 8 7
Pahang 4 1 0 3 5 18 3
Singapore 4 0 1 3 2 7 1
Perlis 4 0 0 4 1 13 0
GROUP B
P W D L F A Pts
Perak 4 4 0 0 31 3 12
Penang 4 3 0 1 16 3 9
Negri 4 3 0 1 9 6 9
Malacca 4 1 0 3 11 16 3
Sabah 4 1 0 3 5 14 3
Sarawak 4 0 0 4 1 33 0
DEFENDING champions Kuala Lumpur have qualified for the semi-finals of the National Under-15 Championship in Sandakan yesterday.
KL collected their fourth straight win in the competition by edging Johor 3-2 in a Group A match. They will face Kelantan in their final group match today.
In Group B, last year’s runners-up Perak are virtually in the last four after they thrashed Malacca 6-1 yesterday.
Negri Sembilan and Penang are the others teams in contention for a place in the semi-finals.
RESULTS: Group A: Pahang 0 Selangor 7, Kelantan 2 Singapore 2, Johor 2 Kuala Lumpur 3;
Group B: Sarawak 0 Penang 6, Negri Sembilan 3 Sabah 2, Malacca 1 Perak 6.
TODAY: Group A: Perlis v Selangor (6.30am), Kuala Lumpur v Kelantan (8am), Pahang v Singapore (9.30am).
STANDINGS
GROUP A
P W D L F A Pts
K Lumpur 4 4 0 0 12 3 12
Selangor 5 3 1 1 14 5 10
Johor 5 3 1 1 10 4 10
Kelantan 4 2 1 1 14 8 7
Pahang 4 1 0 3 5 18 3
Singapore 4 0 1 3 2 7 1
Perlis 4 0 0 4 1 13 0
GROUP B
P W D L F A Pts
Perak 4 4 0 0 31 3 12
Penang 4 3 0 1 16 3 9
Negri 4 3 0 1 9 6 9
Malacca 4 1 0 3 11 16 3
Sabah 4 1 0 3 5 14 3
Sarawak 4 0 0 4 1 33 0
Kuala Lumpur make it count
DEFENDING champions Kuala Lumpur notched their third successive victory in the National Under-16 tournament by blanking Perlis 5-0 in a Group A match in Sandakan yes terday.
KL scored their goals through Muhd Nor in the 43rd minute, Mohd Shahiram Zali (50th), Athitsha Tamil Chelvam (58th), Zizi Azwan Hassan Basri (62nd) and Nor Syafiq Sumantri (64th).
KL, who have a match in hand, are second in the standings by a point behind Johor, who defeated Pahang 4-0 yes terday.
RESULTS — Group A: Perlis 0 K. Lumpur 5, Johor 4 Pahang 0, Selangor 1 Singapore 0; Group B: Sarawak 0 Malacca 8, Penang 0 Negri Sembilan 1, Perak 6 Sabah 1.
TODAY: Group A: Pahang v Selangor (11am), Ke lantan v Singapore (3pm), Johor v Kuala Lumpur (4.30pm).
Group B: Sarawak v Penang (6.30am), Negri Sembilan v Sabah (8am), Malacca v Perak (9.30am).
STANDINGS
GROUP A
P W D L F A Pts
Johor 4 3 1 0 8 1 10
K Lumpur 3 3 0 0 9 1 9
Selangor 4 2 1 1 7 5 7
Kelantan 3 2 0 1 12 6 6
Pahang 3 1 0 2 5 11 3
Singapore 3 0 0 3 0 5 0
Perlis 4 0 0 4 1 13 0
GROUP B
P W D L F A Pts
Perak 3 3 0 0 25 2 9
Penang 3 2 0 1 10 3 6
Negri 3 2 0 1 6 4 6
Malacca 3 1 0 2 10 10 3
Sabah 3 1 0 2 3 11 3
Sarawak 3 0 0 3 1 27 0
KL scored their goals through Muhd Nor in the 43rd minute, Mohd Shahiram Zali (50th), Athitsha Tamil Chelvam (58th), Zizi Azwan Hassan Basri (62nd) and Nor Syafiq Sumantri (64th).
KL, who have a match in hand, are second in the standings by a point behind Johor, who defeated Pahang 4-0 yes terday.
RESULTS — Group A: Perlis 0 K. Lumpur 5, Johor 4 Pahang 0, Selangor 1 Singapore 0; Group B: Sarawak 0 Malacca 8, Penang 0 Negri Sembilan 1, Perak 6 Sabah 1.
TODAY: Group A: Pahang v Selangor (11am), Ke lantan v Singapore (3pm), Johor v Kuala Lumpur (4.30pm).
Group B: Sarawak v Penang (6.30am), Negri Sembilan v Sabah (8am), Malacca v Perak (9.30am).
STANDINGS
GROUP A
P W D L F A Pts
Johor 4 3 1 0 8 1 10
K Lumpur 3 3 0 0 9 1 9
Selangor 4 2 1 1 7 5 7
Kelantan 3 2 0 1 12 6 6
Pahang 3 1 0 2 5 11 3
Singapore 3 0 0 3 0 5 0
Perlis 4 0 0 4 1 13 0
GROUP B
P W D L F A Pts
Perak 3 3 0 0 25 2 9
Penang 3 2 0 1 10 3 6
Negri 3 2 0 1 6 4 6
Malacca 3 1 0 2 10 10 3
Sabah 3 1 0 2 3 11 3
Sarawak 3 0 0 3 1 27 0
Pakistan players make about turn
ISLAMABAD: Less than a week after they resigned owning moral responsibility for their flop show in the World Cup in Delhi, Pakistani hockey players have taken their resignations back.
Pakistan finished 12th in the World Cup, but the players agreed to take back their resignations after a meeting with Federal Sports Minister Ijaz Jakhrani.
According to sources, Jakhrani asked the players to withdraw their resignations, saying they were still 'good enough' to serve the nation. Jakhrani said he has also asked the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Qasim Zia not to accept the players' resignation.
Asked whether PHF secretary and team manager Asif Bajwa would be sacked or not, Jakhrani said a final decision would be taken by the PHF. "I will consult with the higher authorities and if we feel that by sacking Bajwa Pakistan hockey can improve, we will remove him," The Daily Times quoted Jakhrani, as saying.
The Times of India
Pakistan finished 12th in the World Cup, but the players agreed to take back their resignations after a meeting with Federal Sports Minister Ijaz Jakhrani.
According to sources, Jakhrani asked the players to withdraw their resignations, saying they were still 'good enough' to serve the nation. Jakhrani said he has also asked the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) President Qasim Zia not to accept the players' resignation.
Asked whether PHF secretary and team manager Asif Bajwa would be sacked or not, Jakhrani said a final decision would be taken by the PHF. "I will consult with the higher authorities and if we feel that by sacking Bajwa Pakistan hockey can improve, we will remove him," The Daily Times quoted Jakhrani, as saying.
The Times of India
Australia tops FIH ranking
Australia has taken over the first position of the ABN AMRO World Rankings after winning the Hero Honda FIH World Cup. The Kookaburras took over the lead from Olympic Champion Germany, who is now ranked second.
The result of the Hero Honda FIH World Cup provided more changes in the ABN AMRO World Ranking. Netherlands is back in the top three, while India entered the top 10, moving from the 12th to the 9th position. Argentina advanced four places and is now ranked 10th.
Malaysia improved one notch to 14th, probably because they made the final of the World Cup Qualifier in Invercargill, New Zealand.
The result of the Hero Honda FIH World Cup provided more changes in the ABN AMRO World Ranking. Netherlands is back in the top three, while India entered the top 10, moving from the 12th to the 9th position. Argentina advanced four places and is now ranked 10th.
Malaysia improved one notch to 14th, probably because they made the final of the World Cup Qualifier in Invercargill, New Zealand.
Asian Champions Trophy postponed
By Ajitpal Singh
THE Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) confirmed that the 1st Asian Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Ipoh on April 13-18, has been postponed indefinitely after South Korea and Pakistan pulled out.
MHF secretary Hashim Yusoff said he received notification on the matter from the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) on Tuesday.
"Korea did not state their reason while Pakistan lost their entire team and management staff after doing badly in the recent World Cup," said Hashim yesterday.
"AHF has yet to inform us (MHF) on the new dates. We will decide whether to host the tournament after they release the new dates."
China were the other team set to contest the four-nation Champions Trophy. Pakistan Hockey Federation president Qasim Zia sacked the entire team management -- including coach, manager and selectors -- after Pakistan finished last in the 12-team World Cup in Delhi last week.
Hashim said the postponement of the tournament will not affect the national team's preparation for priority tournaments.
"The national team's first international assignment of the year will be the Azlan Shah Cup (Ipoh on May 6-16).
"We may arrange international friendly matches for our team ahead of the event," he added.
The national squad, who have started training, are preparing for the New Delhi Commonwealth Games in October and the Guangzhou Asian Games a month later.
THE Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) confirmed that the 1st Asian Champions Trophy, scheduled to be held in Ipoh on April 13-18, has been postponed indefinitely after South Korea and Pakistan pulled out.
MHF secretary Hashim Yusoff said he received notification on the matter from the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) on Tuesday.
"Korea did not state their reason while Pakistan lost their entire team and management staff after doing badly in the recent World Cup," said Hashim yesterday.
"AHF has yet to inform us (MHF) on the new dates. We will decide whether to host the tournament after they release the new dates."
China were the other team set to contest the four-nation Champions Trophy. Pakistan Hockey Federation president Qasim Zia sacked the entire team management -- including coach, manager and selectors -- after Pakistan finished last in the 12-team World Cup in Delhi last week.
Hashim said the postponement of the tournament will not affect the national team's preparation for priority tournaments.
"The national team's first international assignment of the year will be the Azlan Shah Cup (Ipoh on May 6-16).
"We may arrange international friendly matches for our team ahead of the event," he added.
The national squad, who have started training, are preparing for the New Delhi Commonwealth Games in October and the Guangzhou Asian Games a month later.
Monday, March 15, 2010
KL edge closer to title
KUALA Lumpur took another step to defend their National Under 16 hockey title when they edged Selangor 2-1 in Sandakan yesterday.
Playing in Group A, Kuala Lumpur were made to sweat for the win, as Selangor controlled much of the match but were unlucky not to have collected full points.
Johor lead the midway standings on seven points after they edged Perlis 1-0. However, Kuala Lumpur have played one less match than the current leaders.
RESULTS: Group A: Kelantan 7 Pahang 1, K. Lumpur 2 Selangor 1, Johor 1 Perlis 0.
TODAY: Group A: Perlis v K. Lumpur (6.30am), Johor v Pahang (8am), Selangor v Singapore (9.30am); Group B: Sarawak v Malacca (11am), Penang v Negri (3pm), Perak v Sabah (4.30pm).
TOMORROW: Group A: Pahang v Selangor (11am), Ke lantan v Singapore (3pm), Johor v Kuala Lumpur (4.30pm).
Group B: Sarawak v Penang (6.30am), Negri Sembilan v Sabah (8am), Malacca v Perak (9.30am).
STANDINGS
GROUP A
P W D L F A Pts
Johor 3 2 1 0 4 1 7
Kelantan 3 2 0 1 12 6 6
K Lumpur 2 2 0 0 4 1 6
Selangor 3 1 1 1 6 5 4
Pahang 2 1 0 1 5 7 3
Singapore 2 0 0 2 0 4 0
Perlis 3 0 0 3 1 8 0
GROUP B
P W D L F A Pts
Perak 2 2 0 0 19 1 6
Penang 2 2 0 0 10 2 6
Negri 2 1 0 1 5 4 3
Sabah 2 1 0 1 2 5 3
Malacca 2 0 0 2 2 10 0
Sarawak 2 0 0 2 1 17 0
Playing in Group A, Kuala Lumpur were made to sweat for the win, as Selangor controlled much of the match but were unlucky not to have collected full points.
Johor lead the midway standings on seven points after they edged Perlis 1-0. However, Kuala Lumpur have played one less match than the current leaders.
RESULTS: Group A: Kelantan 7 Pahang 1, K. Lumpur 2 Selangor 1, Johor 1 Perlis 0.
TODAY: Group A: Perlis v K. Lumpur (6.30am), Johor v Pahang (8am), Selangor v Singapore (9.30am); Group B: Sarawak v Malacca (11am), Penang v Negri (3pm), Perak v Sabah (4.30pm).
TOMORROW: Group A: Pahang v Selangor (11am), Ke lantan v Singapore (3pm), Johor v Kuala Lumpur (4.30pm).
Group B: Sarawak v Penang (6.30am), Negri Sembilan v Sabah (8am), Malacca v Perak (9.30am).
STANDINGS
GROUP A
P W D L F A Pts
Johor 3 2 1 0 4 1 7
Kelantan 3 2 0 1 12 6 6
K Lumpur 2 2 0 0 4 1 6
Selangor 3 1 1 1 6 5 4
Pahang 2 1 0 1 5 7 3
Singapore 2 0 0 2 0 4 0
Perlis 3 0 0 3 1 8 0
GROUP B
P W D L F A Pts
Perak 2 2 0 0 19 1 6
Penang 2 2 0 0 10 2 6
Negri 2 1 0 1 5 4 3
Sabah 2 1 0 1 2 5 3
Malacca 2 0 0 2 2 10 0
Sarawak 2 0 0 2 1 17 0
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Perak on 15-goal rampage
PERAK whipped the daylights out of Sarawak when they went on a 15-0 rampage in Group B of the National Under-16 tournament in Sandakan yesterday,
Perak, the reigning silver medallists, top the table on goals, but it looks like Sarawak has not seen the last of a double digit score in this tournament.
Penang kept pace with Perak when they beat Sabah 4-0 for full points after two matches.
In Group A, Defending champions Kuala Lumpur. who played their first match yesterday, beat Singapore 2-0 with penalty corner goals from Shahril Saabah in the third minute, and Shahiram Zali in the 13th minute.
RESULTS: Group A: K. Lumpur 2 Singapore 0, Johor 1 Selangor 1, Kelantan 3 Perlis 1.
Group B: Perak 15 Sarawak 0, Penang 4 Sabah 0, Malacca 0 N. Sembilan 4.
TODAY: Group A: Kelantan v Pahang (6.30am), K. Lumpur v Selangor (8am), Johor v Perlis (9.30am).
TOMORROW: Group A: Perlis v K. Lumpur (6.30am), Johor v Pahang (8am), Selangor v Singapore (9.30am); Group B: Sarawak v Malacca (11am), Penang v Negri (3pm), Perak v Sabah (4.30pm).
STANDINGS
GROUP A
P W D L F A Pts
Selangor 2 1 1 0 5 3 4
Johor 2 1 1 0 3 1 4
Pahang 1 1 0 0 4 0 3
K Lumpur 1 1 0 0 2 0 3
Kelantan 2 1 0 1 5 5 3
Singapore 2 0 0 2 0 4 0
Perlis 2 0 0 2 1 7 0
GROUP B
P W D L F A Pts
Perak 2 2 0 0 19 1 6
Penang 2 2 0 0 10 2 6
Negri 2 1 0 1 5 4 3
Sabah 2 1 0 1 2 5 3
Malacca 2 0 0 2 2 10 0
Sarawak 2 0 0 2 1 17 0
Perak, the reigning silver medallists, top the table on goals, but it looks like Sarawak has not seen the last of a double digit score in this tournament.
Penang kept pace with Perak when they beat Sabah 4-0 for full points after two matches.
In Group A, Defending champions Kuala Lumpur. who played their first match yesterday, beat Singapore 2-0 with penalty corner goals from Shahril Saabah in the third minute, and Shahiram Zali in the 13th minute.
RESULTS: Group A: K. Lumpur 2 Singapore 0, Johor 1 Selangor 1, Kelantan 3 Perlis 1.
Group B: Perak 15 Sarawak 0, Penang 4 Sabah 0, Malacca 0 N. Sembilan 4.
TODAY: Group A: Kelantan v Pahang (6.30am), K. Lumpur v Selangor (8am), Johor v Perlis (9.30am).
TOMORROW: Group A: Perlis v K. Lumpur (6.30am), Johor v Pahang (8am), Selangor v Singapore (9.30am); Group B: Sarawak v Malacca (11am), Penang v Negri (3pm), Perak v Sabah (4.30pm).
STANDINGS
GROUP A
P W D L F A Pts
Selangor 2 1 1 0 5 3 4
Johor 2 1 1 0 3 1 4
Pahang 1 1 0 0 4 0 3
K Lumpur 1 1 0 0 2 0 3
Kelantan 2 1 0 1 5 5 3
Singapore 2 0 0 2 0 4 0
Perlis 2 0 0 2 1 7 0
GROUP B
P W D L F A Pts
Perak 2 2 0 0 19 1 6
Penang 2 2 0 0 10 2 6
Negri 2 1 0 1 5 4 3
Sabah 2 1 0 1 2 5 3
Malacca 2 0 0 2 2 10 0
Sarawak 2 0 0 2 1 17 0
Guus Vogels is the best
Final – Germany v. Australia 1:2 (0:1)
AUS 6mn Edward OCKENDEN (FG) 0:1
GER 48mn Moritz FÜRSTE (PC) 1:1
AUS 67mn Luke DOERNER (PC) 1:2
3rd-4th – England v. Netherlands 3:4 (3:1)
NED 22mn Teun DE NOOIJER (FG) 0:1
ENG 23mn Alastair BROGDON (FG) 1:1
ENG 30mn Ashley JACKSON (PC) 2:1
ENG 34mn Ashley JACKSON (PC) 3:1
NED 48mn Taeke TAEKEMA (PC) 3:2
NED 55mn Klaas VERMEULEN (FG) 3:3
NED 67mn Rogier HOFMAN (FG) 3:4
Final Standings:
1) Australia
2) Germany
3) Netherlands
4) England
5) Spain
6) Korea
7) Argentina
8) India
9) New Zealand
10) South Africa
11) Canada
12) Pakistan
Player of the Tournament: Guus VOGELS (NED)
Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Guus VOGELS (NED)
Defender of the Tournament: Maximilian MÜLLER (GER)
Top Scorer: Luke DOERNER (AUS) and Taeke TAEKEMA (NED), 8 goals
Fair Play: New Zealand.
World Cup goes Down Under
The Gods of hockey were finally on Australia’s side in at the Hero Honda FIH World Cup 2010 in Delhi: the Kookaburras edged a promising German team (2-1) in an exciting Final, the third World Cup Final in a row between the two countries. For the Bronze Medal, The Netherlands overcame a two-goal deficit at half-time to finally beat a valiant English team (4-3).
Game 38 – Final – Germany v. Australia: 1-2 (half-time: 0-1)
The final between Germany and Australia was the 6th World Cup in a row where these 2 teams have played each other in their last match of the tournament, initially in the 3rd-4th matches, then of course in the last two Finals, both won by Germany by one goal (2-1 in 2002 and 4-3 in 2006). Australian Liam de YOUNG and German Matthias WITTHAUS are the only players in the current squads to have played in the last two Word Cup Finals.
Match facts (Germany v. Australia):
> Australia win the world title for the first time in 24 years.
> Australia (2G-2S-2B) and Germany (2G-2S-2B) both collect a record 8th World Cup medal.
> Luke Doerner’s championship winning PC goal was his 8th at Delhi 2010.
> Luke Doerner and Taeke Taekema (NED) share the top goal scorer title this tournament (8 goals).
> Australia have scored a total of 27 goals to become the top scoring team at Delhi 2010.
> Australia’s 27 goals came from 15 FG, 11 PC and 1 PS.
> Australia and Spain have conceded fewest goals at Delhi 2010 (8).
> Germany have scored most PC goals at Delhi 2010 (13).
> Australia have been awarded most penalty corners (36)
> Ric Charlesworth (AUS) has now won the World Title as a player (1986) and as a coach (2010).
Game 37 – 3rd-4th – England v. Netherlands: 3-4 (half-time: 3-1)
The match for the Bronze Medals was between two teams that started well the competition in Delhi, but fizzled in their last games: England won 4 in a row before losing to Spain (0-2) then Germany in semi-final (1-4), while The Netherlands won their first three matches then drew with Germany (2-2), lost to Korea (1-2) and to Australia in semi-final (1-2), their longest non-winning streak in the World Cup since 1982.
Match Facts (England v. Netherlands):
> Netherland claimed the bronze medal, beating England 4-3 as they did in their pool match at the 2006 World Cup.
> This is Holland’s best World Cup result on 8 years, since winning bronze in 2002.
> Netherlands are now on 7 World Cup medals, Germany and Australia will collect their 8th medal this tournament.
> England finish 4th, their best World Cup ranking since winning silver in 1986.
> Dutch captain Teun de Nooijer (1G-1S-2B) has equalled the record for most World Cup medals collecting his 4th medal in the competition. He joins Pakistan’s Akhtar Rasool (3G-1S-0B) (1971-1982).
> Taeke Taekema (NED) scored once to equal Ties Kruize’s total of 21 World Cup goals. Only all-time WC top scorer Paul Litjens (NED) has scored more WC goals (26 goals).
> Taekema has scored 8 goals at Delhi 2010.
> Ashley Jackson scored two PC goals to lift his Delhi 2010 total to 7 goals.
> England have lost their last three WC matches at Delhi 2010 going down to Spain (2-0), Germany (4-1) and Netherlands (4-3).
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Penang start by hammering Malacca
PENANG started off with a bang when they hammered Malacca 6-2 in Group B of the National Under-16 tournament in Sandakan, Sabah yesterday.
However, their coach Bob Rajendran feels he still has two more tough matches against Negri Sembilan and Perak before they can start planning for the semi-finals.
“We were made to look good by Malacca, who are not as strong as the previous years. I feel that Negri Sembilan, even though they lost to Perak today (yesterday) have an all-round team which could trouble my players,” said Bob.
Perak, last year’s silver medallists, beat Negri Sembilan 4-1.
“Negri were in control of that match until they lost their skipper (Asraf Zulzali ) to a yellow card. He is an influential players, and Perak took advantage of his brief absence to take charge of the match and win it,” said Bob.
In Group A, Selangor beat Kelantan 4-2 with goals from Hafif Elkan (15th), Sufi Ismat (22nd, 26th) and Arif Hakimi (60th).
The Kelantan goals were scored by Azmin Deraman (40th) and Faizol Razab (69th).
RESULTS: Group A: Kelantan 2 Selangor 4, Pahang 4 Perlis 0, Johor 2 Singapore 0.
Group B: Perak 4 Negri Sembilan 1, Malacca 2 Penang 6, Sabah 2 Sarawak 1.
TODAY: Group A: K. Lumpur v Singapore (11am), Johor v Selangor (3pm), Kelantan v Perlis (4.30pm).
Group B:Perak v Sarawak (6.30am), Penang v Sabah (8am), Malacca v N. Sembilan (9.30am)
Tomorrow: Group A: Kelantan v Pahang (6.30am), K. Lumpur v Selangor (8am), Johor v Perlis (9.30am).
STANDINGS
GROUP A
P W D L F A Pts
Pahang 1 1 0 0 4 0 3
Selangor 1 1 0 0 4 2 3
Johor 1 1 0 0 2 0 3
Kelantan 1 0 0 1 2 4 0
Singapore 1 0 0 1 0 2 0
Perlis 1 0 0 1 0 4 0
K Lumpur 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
GROUP B
P W D L F A Pts
Penang 1 1 0 0 6 2 3
Perak 1 1 0 0 4 1 3
Sabah 1 1 0 0 2 1 3
Malacca 1 0 0 1 2 6 0
Negri 1 0 0 1 1 4 0
Sarawak 1 0 0 1 1 2 0
ends/
However, their coach Bob Rajendran feels he still has two more tough matches against Negri Sembilan and Perak before they can start planning for the semi-finals.
“We were made to look good by Malacca, who are not as strong as the previous years. I feel that Negri Sembilan, even though they lost to Perak today (yesterday) have an all-round team which could trouble my players,” said Bob.
Perak, last year’s silver medallists, beat Negri Sembilan 4-1.
“Negri were in control of that match until they lost their skipper (Asraf Zulzali ) to a yellow card. He is an influential players, and Perak took advantage of his brief absence to take charge of the match and win it,” said Bob.
In Group A, Selangor beat Kelantan 4-2 with goals from Hafif Elkan (15th), Sufi Ismat (22nd, 26th) and Arif Hakimi (60th).
The Kelantan goals were scored by Azmin Deraman (40th) and Faizol Razab (69th).
RESULTS: Group A: Kelantan 2 Selangor 4, Pahang 4 Perlis 0, Johor 2 Singapore 0.
Group B: Perak 4 Negri Sembilan 1, Malacca 2 Penang 6, Sabah 2 Sarawak 1.
TODAY: Group A: K. Lumpur v Singapore (11am), Johor v Selangor (3pm), Kelantan v Perlis (4.30pm).
Group B:Perak v Sarawak (6.30am), Penang v Sabah (8am), Malacca v N. Sembilan (9.30am)
Tomorrow: Group A: Kelantan v Pahang (6.30am), K. Lumpur v Selangor (8am), Johor v Perlis (9.30am).
STANDINGS
GROUP A
P W D L F A Pts
Pahang 1 1 0 0 4 0 3
Selangor 1 1 0 0 4 2 3
Johor 1 1 0 0 2 0 3
Kelantan 1 0 0 1 2 4 0
Singapore 1 0 0 1 0 2 0
Perlis 1 0 0 1 0 4 0
K Lumpur 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
GROUP B
P W D L F A Pts
Penang 1 1 0 0 6 2 3
Perak 1 1 0 0 4 1 3
Sabah 1 1 0 0 2 1 3
Malacca 1 0 0 1 2 6 0
Negri 1 0 0 1 1 4 0
Sarawak 1 0 0 1 1 2 0
ends/
KL the team to beat
DEFENDING champions Kuala Lumpur are the team to beat if any state wants to lift the National Under-16 hockey title at the Sandakan stadium from today.
KL have 14 boys from Bandar Penawar and Bukit Jalil Sports Schools, and will open their campaign against Sin gapore tomorrow.
Coach Lokman Yahaya feels his charges are primed for the tournament, but have to get adjusted to the newly-laid pitch fast.
“We are lucky to have trained at the new pitch a few times since we came here because it is a little bumpy and faster than the KLHA pitch which we trained.
“My players hat some difficulty pushing and stopping the ball during penalty corner training, but are slowly getting used to pitch,” said Lokman.
The boys trained for a week at the KLHA stadium in Kuala Lumpur, and should have no problems making an impact in Group A.
In Group B, silver medallists Perak start as the favourites.
GROUP A: Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Kelantan, Pahang, Perlis, Selangor, Singapore.
GROUP B: Perak, Penang, Malacca, Negri Sembilan, Sabah, Sarawak.
TOMORROW: Group A: Kelantan v Selangor (6.30am), Pahang v Perlis (8am), Johor v Singapore (3pm).
Group B: Perak v Negri Sembilan (9.30am), Malacca v Penang (11am), Sabah v Sarawak (4.30pm).
Sunday: Group A: K. Lumpur v Singapore (11am), Johor v Selangor (3pm), Kelantan v Perlis (4.30pm).
Group B:Perak v Sarawak (6.30am), Penang v Sabah (8am), Malacca v N. Sembilan (9.30am)
Monday: Group A: Kelantan v Pahang (6.30am), K. Lumpur v Selangor (8am), Johor v Perlis (9.30am).
KL have 14 boys from Bandar Penawar and Bukit Jalil Sports Schools, and will open their campaign against Sin gapore tomorrow.
Coach Lokman Yahaya feels his charges are primed for the tournament, but have to get adjusted to the newly-laid pitch fast.
“We are lucky to have trained at the new pitch a few times since we came here because it is a little bumpy and faster than the KLHA pitch which we trained.
“My players hat some difficulty pushing and stopping the ball during penalty corner training, but are slowly getting used to pitch,” said Lokman.
The boys trained for a week at the KLHA stadium in Kuala Lumpur, and should have no problems making an impact in Group A.
In Group B, silver medallists Perak start as the favourites.
GROUP A: Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Kelantan, Pahang, Perlis, Selangor, Singapore.
GROUP B: Perak, Penang, Malacca, Negri Sembilan, Sabah, Sarawak.
TOMORROW: Group A: Kelantan v Selangor (6.30am), Pahang v Perlis (8am), Johor v Singapore (3pm).
Group B: Perak v Negri Sembilan (9.30am), Malacca v Penang (11am), Sabah v Sarawak (4.30pm).
Sunday: Group A: K. Lumpur v Singapore (11am), Johor v Selangor (3pm), Kelantan v Perlis (4.30pm).
Group B:Perak v Sarawak (6.30am), Penang v Sabah (8am), Malacca v N. Sembilan (9.30am)
Monday: Group A: Kelantan v Pahang (6.30am), K. Lumpur v Selangor (8am), Johor v Perlis (9.30am).
Friday, March 12, 2010
Its Australia-Germany again...
New Delhi: Demonstrating the dynamics of modern hockey in all its depth and dimension, Germany lined itself up for a hat-trick of World Cup triumphs on Thursday.The 4-1 verdict against England gave the defending champion a fourth visit to the summit where it confronts Australia in the final on Saturday. Australia eliminated the Netherlands by two goals to one.
From the fifth minute, when Jan-Morco Montag drove in a perfect penalty corner, till the final whistle, the Germans unfolded their technical excellence and tactical acumen to pin down the Englishmen. Immaculate trapping and intelligent passing was the feature of every one of the German sallies.
Backed up by a defensive apparatus, held firmly by skipper Max Mueller, and aided by the commanding mid-field, the German domination was absolute. In the frontline, Christoph Menke and Oliver Korn broke through repeatedly to test the efficiency of the English goalkeeper James Fair.
The second goal by Korn, from a penalty corner, exposed the shortcomings in England's back zone, suffering from the absence of Richard Mantell.
When Richard Smith narrowed the lead from a penalty corner midway through, there were signs of England surging back into contention. But that line of thinking proved erroneous.
England's goal survived a tense moment when Fair made a desperate save off a rebound flick by Matthias Witthaus. Close on half-time Marin Haner pumped in the third goal and victory was confirmed when Linus Butt netted the fourth.
The second semifinal was contested with palpable intensity. Australia's early probes were met with stoic resistance by the Dutch defenders, including the veteran goalkeeper Guus Vogels.
Grant Schubert was baulked by Vogels twice. The defenders had to work hard to keep the Aussie attack in check as the tricky runs by Jamie Dwyer, Desmond Abbott and Glenn Turner posed a challenge or two. But the experience of defenders like Geert Derrick denied them much leeway inside the circle.
Teun di Nooijer, who led the Dutch attack well by making deep inroads, was unlucky to see one of his shots fired at the end of a sinuous run hit the post and spin back.
The Aussies broke the Dutch spirit with an impeccable drag-flick late in the first half. Turner helped Australia hoist the second goal with a deceptive flick latching on to a forward pass.
The Dutch had a spell of dominance forcing two penalty corners. When a fierce drive by Taeke Taekema hit a defender at the goalmouth, the video umpire awarded a stroke. Taekema converted for his 20th goal in the World Cup and 200th of his career.
Earlier, Pakistan's prestige plummeted to a new low as it finished 12th and last for the first time since the inauguration of the event in 1971. Its worst show thus far had been the 11th place in 1986 at Willesden.
Leading twice in the contest, the four-time champion tumbled against Canada following the golden goal by Scott Tupper, three minutes from end in the extra-time.
Selection committee fired
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Hockey Federation president Qasim Zia has fired the national side's management and selection committee hours after the team's disastrous show.
The PHF said in a statement that Zia “has dissolved the team management and national selection committee after the poor performance in the World Cup.”
Former Olympians Hasan Sardar, Rana Mujahid, Khalid Bashir and Farhat Khan were on the selection panel while the team was coached by Shahid Ali Khan.
Manager of the team Asif Bajwa will continue as PHF secretary.
The results:
11-12: Canada 3 (Connor Grimes, Mark Pearson, Scott Tupper-golden goal) bt Pakistan 2 (Rehan Butt, Akhtar Ali). HT 1-1.
Semifinals: Germany 4 (Jan-Marco Montag, Oliver Korn, Martin Haner, Linus Butt) bt England 1 (Richard Smith). HT 3-1.
Australia 2 (Luke Doerner, Glenn Turner) bt Netherlands 1 (Taeke Taekema). HT 1-0.
Friday's matches: 9-10: New Zealand vs. South Africa (3.35 p.m.); 7-8: India vs. Argentina (6.05 p.m.); 5-6: Korea vs. Spain (8-35 p.m.) .
The Hindu
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Referral system not perfect, admits FIH
NEW DELHI: After much criticism from all quarters, the International Hockey Federation, on Wednesday, accepted that the newly-introduced referral system has some grey areas which need to be ironed out before making it a permanent part of the game.
In a media summit organised on the sidelines of the hockey World Cup, FIH Umpires' Manager Clive McMurray said the referral system would be analysed after the ongoing mega event.
"The referral system has come up with some issues but it is very much in trial stage. The system has some grey areas and we (FIH) completely understand that," McMurray said at a city hotel.
"Any rule can be problematic while interpreting. That is happening here. The referral system is not to make the game error free but to eliminate gross errors and decision which can change the result of a match," he said.
The South African umpire, however, came in support of his colleagues and said the field officials are doing their job with utmost sincerity.
"The umpires are here to serve the game and not to be bullies. They are here to promote the game of hockey. They are here to make it more attractive and entertaining spectacle. They are here to ensure that the teams play their part in all decisions," McMurray said.
The referral system, introduced for the first time in a World Cup here after making its debut in the Champions Trophy in Australia last year, has been under the scanner right from the start of the tournament.
Not only India coach Jose Brasa and his Australian counterpart Ric Charlesworth were the strong protesters of the system, it also irked South African captain Austin Smith who termed it "bizarre and imperfect".
The Times of India
In a media summit organised on the sidelines of the hockey World Cup, FIH Umpires' Manager Clive McMurray said the referral system would be analysed after the ongoing mega event.
"The referral system has come up with some issues but it is very much in trial stage. The system has some grey areas and we (FIH) completely understand that," McMurray said at a city hotel.
"Any rule can be problematic while interpreting. That is happening here. The referral system is not to make the game error free but to eliminate gross errors and decision which can change the result of a match," he said.
The South African umpire, however, came in support of his colleagues and said the field officials are doing their job with utmost sincerity.
"The umpires are here to serve the game and not to be bullies. They are here to promote the game of hockey. They are here to make it more attractive and entertaining spectacle. They are here to ensure that the teams play their part in all decisions," McMurray said.
The referral system, introduced for the first time in a World Cup here after making its debut in the Champions Trophy in Australia last year, has been under the scanner right from the start of the tournament.
Not only India coach Jose Brasa and his Australian counterpart Ric Charlesworth were the strong protesters of the system, it also irked South African captain Austin Smith who termed it "bizarre and imperfect".
The Times of India
FIH admits it messed up World Cup
Bad management coupled with an overzealous police force spoilt the hockey World Cup.
The international hockey federation has admitted the World Cup could have organized better.
In an interaction with the media on Wednesday morning, a discussion on the future of the game lost its focus after Press personnel once again complained of mismanagement.
The FIH, which is planning the first world club championship in India from next year, admitted it was at fault and the show could have been better handled.
FIH media manager Arjen Meijer said: "Yes, there were a few things that we could have done better, but you will always face problems when you organise a world event," he said.
Meijer indicated the organisation following up to the event was poor. He said, "Even five days before" the media box was not ready. There have already been complaints about the pitch from many sides, including Indian coach Jose Brasa.
Meijer said the security has left a bad taste in the mouth. In spite of going through a four-tier security, the media has virtually been quarantined and left at the mercy of policemen "following orders" to the T.
The FIH manager said: "After the Pune blast, the police was cautious. When one wants good security, such measures were unavoidable."
However, Meijer said India could be hosting several international tournaments. Happy at the response from the crowd and the sponsors, the FIH obviously knows where the business lies.
Hopefully, the FIH and the local organisers will get their act right.
ESPNStar.com
The international hockey federation has admitted the World Cup could have organized better.
In an interaction with the media on Wednesday morning, a discussion on the future of the game lost its focus after Press personnel once again complained of mismanagement.
The FIH, which is planning the first world club championship in India from next year, admitted it was at fault and the show could have been better handled.
FIH media manager Arjen Meijer said: "Yes, there were a few things that we could have done better, but you will always face problems when you organise a world event," he said.
Meijer indicated the organisation following up to the event was poor. He said, "Even five days before" the media box was not ready. There have already been complaints about the pitch from many sides, including Indian coach Jose Brasa.
Meijer said the security has left a bad taste in the mouth. In spite of going through a four-tier security, the media has virtually been quarantined and left at the mercy of policemen "following orders" to the T.
The FIH manager said: "After the Pune blast, the police was cautious. When one wants good security, such measures were unavoidable."
However, Meijer said India could be hosting several international tournaments. Happy at the response from the crowd and the sponsors, the FIH obviously knows where the business lies.
Hopefully, the FIH and the local organisers will get their act right.
ESPNStar.com
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Dutch fall but advance to last-four
At the Hero Honda FIH World Cup 2010 in Delhi, Germany topped Pool A by beating New Zealand (5-2) while The Netherlands fell to Korea (1-2). The semi-finals will oppose Germany to England, and Australia to the Netherlands.
At the beginning of the last day of pool play, everything could still happen in pool A with four teams (Netherlands, Germany, Korea and New Zealand) still mathematically able to earn a semi-final berth depending on the combination of results!
Game 28 – Germany v. New Zealand: 5-2 (half-time: 2-0)
Germany, reigning World Cup holders, needed to win against New Zealand to automatically qualify without having to rely on the result of the following match between The Netherlands and Korea. They immediately pushed forward and created a number of chances for Moritz FÜRSTE and Philip WITTE before Christoph MENKE opened the scoring, deflecting high in the goal roof a perfect cross from Florian FUCHS.
Match facts (Germany v. New Zealand):
> Germany qualified for the semi-finals for a record 11th time.
> Germany only failed to reach the semi-finals at Barcelona 1971.
> New Zealand now play in the Final 7-8 against India, unless Argentina beat Canada. In that case New Zealand play in the Final 9-10 against South Africa.
> The Black Sticks have never finished lower than 10th in the World Cup competition.
> New Zealand’s best finish in the competition is seventh place, which they achieved in Amstelveen 1973, Kuala Lumpur 1975 and Bombay 1982.
> Florian Fuchs is Germany’s leading goal scorer this tournament with 4 goals.
> Germany are reigning Olympic champions and two time defending world champions and are making a bid to become the first nation to win the FIH World Cup three times in a row.
Game 29 – Netherlands v. Korea: 1-2 (half-time: 1-1)
With everybody busy trying to figure out what the various possibilities of results in this game would produce in the standings, The Netherlands offered a beginning of answer by scoring within 30 seconds of play by Ronald BROUWER, brilliantly set-up by Teun DE NOOIJER. Korea reacted with their traditional quick passes and speedy runs, but they could not shake or penetrate the steady Dutch defense.
Match Facts (Netherlands v. Korea):
> The Dutch have now reached the WC semi-finals for the 8th time, and for the first time since 2002, when they lost 4-1 to Australia in the semi-finals.
> The Dutch finish second in Pool A to take on Australia in the semi-finals, whereas Germany play England.
> Germany are the only teams still unbeaten after the Pool matches.
> Ronald Brouwer ‘s (NED) opening goal after 25 seconds is the fastest goal scored at Delhi 2010.
> Mark Pearson (CAN 33 seconds vs. NZL) and Phillip Burrows (NZL 39 seconds vs. NED) also scored in the first minute this tournament.
> However, all three teams that scored a first minute goal at Delhi 2010 ended up losing the match.
> Nam Hyun-Woo (KOR) scored his 4th PC goal this tournament. Only Taeke Taekema (NED) and Luke Doerner (AUS) have scored more PC goals at Delhi 2010.
> Korea will take on Spain in the Final 5-6. This is the first time they play in a fifth place play-off.
> In the last two World Cups (2002 and 2006) Korea came fourth.
> In 1994 and 1998 Korea reached the Final 7-8, losing on penalty strokes to Argentina in 1994 and beating Canada in 1998.
Game 30 – Canada v. Argentina: 2-4 (half-time: 0-1)
The final game of pool play pitted the two arch-rivals from the Americas, usually opposed in Pan American competitions (it will be their first encounter in a World Cup). Canada edged Argentina in dramatic fashion in the last two major competitions (2007 Pan American Games and 2009 Pan American Cup) and Argentina, playing well here in Delhi, were no doubt eager to avenge these two defeats.
Match facts (Canada v. Argentina):
> Argentina qualified for the Final 7-8. Their win over Canada made them finish fourth in Pool A, beating New Zealand on goal difference.
> Argentina now play India for 7th place.
> In 1978 and 1994 Argentina also played in the 7th place play-off, losing to England in 1978 to finish 8th and beating Korea on penalty strokes in 1994 to finish 7th.
> Argentina’s best World Cup ranking is 6th in 1986 and 2002. In 2006 Argentina finished 10th.
> New Zealand play South Africa in the Final 9-10 and Canada play Pakistan for 11th place.
> Canada finished the pool standings on zero points. They are the first team since Belgium and Cuba in 2002 to lose all their World Cup pool matches..
Results Day 10 - Tuesday 9 March 2010
Germany v. New Zealand 5:2 (2:0)
GER 15mn Christoph MENKE (FG) 1:0
GER 28mn Florian FUCHS (PC) 2:0
GER 47mn Philip WITTE (FG) 3:0
NZL 51mn Shea MCALEESE (PC) 3:1
NZL 54mn Nicholas WILSON (FG) 3:2
GER 63mn Moritz FÜRSTE (PC) 4:2
GER 64mn Matthias WITTHAUS (PC) 5:2
Netherlands v. Korea 1:2 (1:1)
NED 1mn Ronald BROUWER (FG) 1:0
KOR 31mn Hyun Woo NAM (PC) 1:1
KOR 45mn Jong Ho SEO (FG) 1:2
Canada v. Argentina 2:4 (0:1)
ARG 29mn Lucas Martin VILA (PC) 0:1
ARG 43mn Matias Enrique PAREDES (FG) 0:2
ARG 56mn Mario ALMADA (FG) 0:3
CAN 60mn Scott TUPPER (PC) 1:3
CAN 65mn David JAMESON (FG) 2:3
ARG 70mn Tomas ARGENTO INNOCENTE (FG) 0:4
Pool Standings:
Pool A: 1) Germany 11 pts 2) Netherlands 10 pts (+10) 3) Korea 10pts (+8) 4) Argentina 6 pts (-2) 5) New Zealand 6 pts (-4) 6) Canada 0 pt
Pool B: 1) Australia 12 pts (+17) 2) England 12 pts (+5) 3) Spain 9 pts 4) India 4 pts (-4) 5) South Africa 4 pts (-15) 6) Pakistan 3 pts
Schedule for last three days:
Thursday 12 March
15:35 – 11th-12th – Canada v. Pakistan
18:05 – semi-final – Germany v. England
20:35 – semi-final – Australia v. Netherlands
Friday 12 March
15:35 – 9th-10th – New Zealand v. South Africa
18:05 – 7th-8th – Argentina v. India
20:35 – 5th-6th – Korea v. Spain
Saturday 13 march
15:35 – 3rd-4th
18:05 – Final
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