PJCC hold BJSS 2-2

DOUBLE champions Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) were held 2-2 by
Petaling Jaya City Council (PJCC) in Division One of the MHF-Milo-NSC
Junior Hockey League at the Tun Razak Stadium yesterday..
BJSS' title hopes virtually ended with the draw, and if they play like they
did against PJCC, will be in big trouble when they square off against title
contenders UniKL tomorrow at the same venue.
BJSS struggled to find their footing in the first half and were in the
receiving end most of the time, but capatalised on their counter-attacks to
score both the goals.
PJCC had eight penalty corners but could not tuck the ball in as their set
-pieces were too complicated.
BJSS took the lead off Faridzul Afiq in the eight minute and Faridzul
increased the lead in the 31st minute off a freak goal.
He took a tame shot at goal from the fringes of the semi-circle, and PJCC
goalkeeper Ahmad Syahir opened his legs to let the ball in because he felt
the shot was taken from outside the scoring circle.
The umpire awarded a goal, but a minute before the half-time hooter
PJCC won a penalty stroke and Ismat Imadi tucked in to narrow the score.
The second half also saw PJCC dominating attack and winning penalty
corners, and Izat Hakimi deflected in a penalty corner attempt in the 65th
minute to draw level and salvage a point.
In Division Two, Ipoh City Council burst Sabah’s bubble with a 3-1 win after Harris Fadila (14th), Mohamed Saifuddin (31st) and Azrul Fazrin (67th) were on target.
The Sabah goal was scored by Herik Ahmad in the 63rd minute.
Also in Division Two, Pahang had a close call before they edged Penang Free School 5-4 to strengthen their title quest.
Fahmi Abdullah delivered a hat-trick for Pahang in the 25th, 27th and 40th minutes while the other goals were scored by Hafiz Zainol in the 58th and Zulhannan Mazlan in the 61st.
The Penang goals were scored by Hafify Rodzi (fourth, 68th), Ammar Adly (37th) and Uzair Ahmad (49th).
RESULTS: Division One --Petaling Jaya City Council 2 Bukit Jalil Sports School 2.
Division Two: Pahang 5 Penang Frees 4; Johor 1 Matri 1; Ipoh City Council 3 Sabah 1.
TOMORROW: Division One -- Bukit Jalil Sports School v UniKL (Tun Razak Stadium, 5pm); Kelantan v PJCC (Kuala Tereng ganu, 5pm); Anderson vs BPSS Juniors (Azlan Shah Stadium, 5pm).
Division Two: Datuk Taha v Ipoh City Council (Tampin 5pm); Kuala Selangor v Pahang (Pandamaran, 3pm); Sabah v Tunku Besar Secondary School (Pandamaran, 5pm); Johor v Penang Frees (Johor Baru, 5pm)

DIVISION ONE

P W D L F A Pts

UniKL 5 5 0 0 28 5 15
BJSS 5 4 1 0 16 2 13
Thunderbolt 4 4 0 0 25 3 12
Anderson 7 3 1 3 14 23 10
PJCC 6 2 1 3 12 13 7
BPSS Juniors 4 1 0 3 4 12 3
Kelantan 5 0 2 3 6 27 2
BJSS Juniors 5 0 1 4 2 17 1
MWHA 3 0 0 3 4 9 0

DIVISION TWO


P W D L F A Pts
Ipoh CC 6 4 2 0 17 4 14
Pahang 4 4 0 0 14 8 12
Sabah 4 3 0 1 19 3 9
TBSS 5 2 2 1 15 7 8
Matri 5 1 1 3 7 8 4
Selangor 4 1 0 3 3 24 3
Frees 3 0 2 1 8 9 2
Johor 5 0 2 3 7 14 2
Datuk Taha 4 0 1 3 3 16 1

Malaysia v Australia in pictures

BDO World Cup Qualifier, Santiago Photos (c) FIH Lorne Cowley

BJSS in do-or-die

TWO title contenders will lock-horns this weekend, with the victor having a clearer path to the Division One title in the MHF-Milo-NSC Junior Hockey League.
Leaders UniKL and defending champions Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) will square off on Sunday and it could mean the end of the title dream for one.
But if the match ends in a draw, the advantage will move to to Bandar Penawar Sports School Thunderbolt.
Thus both teams have a lot at stake this weekend and will have to dish out something special.
The above three teams are also in the running for a quarter-finals slot, with one more win to cement their spot.
BJSS coach S. Prakash said that this would be do-or-die weekend: “First we must beat PJCC (Petaling Jaya City Council) tomorrow (today) and I don’t think it will be an easy match as they have picked up momentum since their first three defeats.
“It will be a match where we will have to control from start to end as PJCC will also be looking for points to play in the quarter-finals,” said Prakash.
“And if we beat PJCC, then UniKL will be the big test as our title defense will be on the line.”
BPSS-Thunderbolt also has one match this weekend against BJSS Juniors but they should win the match and it would prepare them for the match against UniKL the fol lowing weekend.
In Division Two the title race is turning to a toss among Ipoh City Council, Sabah and Pahang.
All three are unbeaten, with Ipoh CC and Sabah clashing first today with ground advantage going to the Council side.
Sabah is a surprise item, and it looks like their recent outing in the Razak Cup has cemented team spirit.
TODAY: Division One --Petaling Jaya City Council v Bukit Jalil Sports School (Tun Razak Stadium, 9pm).
Division Two: Pahang v Penang Frees (Kuantan Stadium, 5pm); Johor v Matri (Johor Baru, 5pm); Ipoh City Council v Sabah (Azlan Shah Stadium, 5pm).
SUNDAY: Division One -- Bukit Jalil Sports School v UniKL (Tun Razak Stadium, 5pm); Kelantan v PJCC (Kuala Tereng ganu, 5pm); Anderson vs BPSS Juniors (Azlan Shah Stadium, 5pm).
Division Two: Datuk Taha v Ipoh City Council (Tampin 5pm); Kuala Selangor v Pahang (Pandamaran, 3pm); Sabah v Tunku Besar Secondary School (Pandamaran, 5pm); Johor v Penang Frees (Johor Baru, 5pm)

DIVISION ONE

P W D L F A Pts

UniKL 5 5 0 0 28 5 15
Thunderbolt 4 4 0 0 25 3 12
BJSS 4 4 0 0 15 1 12
Anderson 7 3 1 3 14 23 10
PJCC 5 2 0 3 11 12 6
BPSS Juniors 4 1 0 3 4 12 3
Kelantan 5 0 2 3 6 27 2
BJSS Juniors 5 0 1 4 2 17 1
MWHA 3 0 0 3 4 9 0

DIVISION TWO

P W D L F A Pts
Ipoh CC 5 3 2 0 14 3 11
Sabah 3 3 0 0 18 0 9
Pahang 3 3 0 0 9 4 9
TBSS 5 2 2 1 15 7 8
Matri 4 1 0 3 6 7 3
Selangor 4 1 0 3 3 24 3
Frees 2 0 2 0 4 4 2
Johor 4 0 1 3 6 13 1
Datuk Taha 4 0 1 3 3 16 1

A 9-0 drubbing for Malaysian women

By FIH

It only took Australia minutes of the first half to earn their first couple Penalty Corner and with a fantastic option off the top of the circle to Ashleigh NELSON allowed Australia to open the score.
The Australian attacking wave continued without slowing down. However Malaysia challenged them in defense following the lead of Malaysia’s Siti Noor Amarina RUHANI
An excellent effort by Teneal ATTARD allowed Australia to create a new scoring opportunity that Madonna BLYTH utilized to score Australia’s second goal.
The wave continued, and Madonna BLYTH scores again after a great build up attack from the left side of the field. The last goal of Australia in the first half was of a Penalty Corner option with Kate HOLLYWOOD.
Australia pressured Malaysia’s defense zone with great passes and generating greater numerical advantage on the ball at all times. Malaysia, in their third game of this tournament started to show signs of their challenges arriving late to the tournament and perhaps fatigue was becoming a factor trying to keep up with the fast and determinant Australian team.
The five goals scored in the second half were result of a disciplined team that continue to work together, moving the ball very effectively along with efficient movement by all players.
Ashleigh NELSON scored their fifth goal, then a Penalty Stroke,
second for Malaysia in this tournament, was called by umpired Amy HASSICK from USA. Malaysia’s goalkeeper Farah Ayuni YAHYA had not chance against Australian’s striker Nicole ARROLD who scored with a fast high flick to the right corner of the net.
In the second last Penalty Corner of this game, Ashleigh NELSON scores in a rebound and then again her fourth goal of this game. Only seconds left in the game and Australia was looking for more, they score their last and ninth goal of this match with an impressive attack that Madonna BLYTH utilized to score her third goal in this game
Game final score 9-0 for Australia

Malaysia v Ireland in pictures

FIH Pictures: Santiago, Women's hockey world cup qualifier.

Malaysia beat Ireland 3-0

By FIH

IN A a very hot afternoon in Santiago, Malaysia defeated Ireland to earn their first win in this BDO World Qualifier.
From the very beginning of the match, Malaysia imposed a fast pace attack with long passes to their forwards who kept the Irish defense on their toes.
Ireland, in their quest to compete with Malaysia transitioned fast from defense trying to create attacks specially with their and most experienced player, Eimear CREGAN.
In the first half, both teams battled hard to control the game. However, Malaysia was more successful at circle penetrations and creating Penalty Corners.
In the second half of the game Malaysia become stronger, an excellent left side approach by Juliani MOHAMAD DIN created their fifth Penalty Corner of the game where Norbaini HASHIM opened the score board for Malaysia. Malaysia continues to dominate with hard long passes to forwards Norazlin SUMANTRI, Fazilla; SYLVESTER SILIN and Siti Noor Amarina RUHANI as target.
It was only four minutes later, that Rabiatul Adawiyah MOHAMED score Malaysia´s second goal.
Umpires Stella BARTLEMA from Nederland’s and Michelle JOUBERT from South Africa were full of activity in this back to back game that finished with a 3:0 to Malaysia with Norazlin SUMANTRI’s last goal.
Ireland tried to recover. However, their passes were not as effective and their receptions were ill-timed, putting them into constant pressure by the Malaysia’s Team. Even the Irish Goalkeeper, Mary GOODE made good saves today, it was not enough to manage against Malaysia’s forceful attitude.

Malaysia v Chile in pictures

Women's Hockey BDO World Cup Qualifier, Santiago

Photos (c) FIH Lorne Cowley

Malaysian coach Yahya Atan (second from left).
Malaysian coach Yahya Atan.

Malaysia lose out to Chile

By FIH

Malaysia 0 Chile 1

THE match was played in a much colder weather, Malaysia who is just recovering from jet lag displayed great determination right from the start of the game. However, the local team Chile supported by many school age children and Hockey enthusiasts responded well to the task.
In the first half Malaysia was stronger than Chile, beating Chilean players to the ball and covering the field more efficiently. They earned the only Penalty Corner of the first half and had more circle entries and shots on goals than Chile. Malaysia had two clear opportunities to score in the first half, one after an excellent pass by Siti Noor Amarina RUHANI who from the right side of the field gave a long pass into the circle to Nor Hidayah AHMAD, who deflected the ball to her teammate Norazlin SUMANTRI who just missed the pass.
The Chilean National Head Coach Diego AMOROSO was losing his temper and his players displayed similar behavior, Malaysia tried to used this to their advantage by imposing stronger attacking pace that did not capitalized in any success.
In the 2nd half, a much better organized Chilean team enter the field of play. It seems that Chilean National Head Coach Diego AMOROSO modified the team's strategy to counter the Malaysians long drive attacks.
The “Diablitas” (Chileans) started pressuring high forcing Malaysia to hurry their passes creating turn overs. The 17 years old, Manuela URROZ, found herself alone with goalkeeper Farah Ayuni YAHYA after Catherine LAMBOR had lost possession of the ball when pressured by Chilean forwards, but her shot brushed off the left post.
The Chilean kept the Malaysian on their heels with long drives of their own. Fifteen minutes into the second half, Chile had 3 penalty corners in a row all 3 were well defended by Malaysia's defense unit, it was only last one that Chile had a direct shot on net with Fernanda RODRIGUEZ trying a reverse shot from the left side of the circle.
With 13 minutes to go, from a side-in deep in her zone, Chilean Andrea SANCHEZ went for a long drive into the offensive zone where Carolina VARAS awaited, she moved pass to Malaysia's last defender Norfaraha HASHIM, and when aggressively challenged by goalkeeper Farah Ayuni YAHYA, umpire Wendy STEWART called a Penalty Stroke in favor to Chile. Javiera VILLAGRA captain of Chilean Team was responsible to give Chile their first goal of the tournament and the lead in this match.
Malaysia perhaps feeling the impact of the long 30 hours traveling and not much time to familiarize themselves to Santiago, showed great willingness to counter attack. The game could have being for any team as a strong play by right wing Norbaini HASHIM just missed an excellent opportunity to score only minutes to the end of the game.
With 7 minutes left in the game, Javiera VILLAGRA went for a back tackle on Siti Noor Amarina RUHANI and was sent off leaving her team short-handed for 5 minutes. With less than 2 minutes on the clock, Siti Rahmah OTHMAN went one on one against Claudia SCHULER, Chilean goalkeeper, only to hit the left post with a drive from inside the area.
Chile marches away with 3 important points after losing to Australia 5-0 on Saturday. The Chilean Team will have 4 day off before heading to the pitch on Saturday at 12pm to face Ireland.

On the road with Azlan Shah Cup

Dewan Bandaraya Ipoh staff, Rashidah and Nurul, with the buses advert.
Pic: Organising Chairman Datuk Rahim Ariff (left) with Sri Maju Director Dato Yeoh Kian Teik unveiling the advert.

THE 19th Edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup will be held in Ipoh from 6th to 16th May. A total of 7 teams, Australia, South Korea, India, Pakistan, China, Egypt and Malaysia will be competing in the tournament that will be held at the Azlan Shah Stadium.
To promote the tournament, 22 Sri Maju buses will carry an advert on the event and a simple yet meaningful ceremony was held at Dewan Bandaraya Ipoh this morning. The event was officiated by Organising Chairman Datuk Abdul Rahim Mohamed Ariff, who is also the Vice President of the Malaysian Hockey Federation and President of the Perak Hockey Association.

FIH get a lesson in fix-tures

About 2,000 fans watched Australia beat Chile 5-0 at the World Cup Qualifier, in Santiago.

COMMENT
By Jugjet Singh

THE International Hockey Federation (FIH) are supposed to be the guardians of hockey around the globe, and their officials blind to colour and creed.
FIH officials are also expected to be the experts when it comes to drawing up fixtures in major tournaments, to make sure that no team is in a fix due to lack of rest or there is no fixing of matches to allow a favourite to sail away with gold.
The key word in both the above paragraphs is ‘supposed’ and FIH officials shot themselves on the foot when they drew up the second fixtures in the Women’s World Cup Qualifier in Chile, where Malaysia are also involved.
The first fixtures went up in smoke together with the volcano in Iceland which grounded air-travel and Malaysia, Scotland and Ireland could not make it in time for the tournament.
FIH then drew-up a second schedule, as only Chile and Australia were at the tournament grounds, while three other teams were stranded back home.
The FIH experts fixed Australia to play Chile first, and the Aussies drubbed the hosts 5-0. Then the experts gave the tournament a two-day rest, after which Malaysia were drawn to play three matches in a row with no rest.
In the same breath, FIH gave Australia a four-day rest before they meet a tired and exhausted Malaysia in their third match.
It is a norm, in any tournament, to allow any team, a days’ rest after playing two matches in a row and the FIH officials know it like the back of their hands.
But the supposedly brilliant minds in the parent body favoured Australia and Malaysia received the short end of the stick. Probably because Australia are ranked No 5 in the World while the Malaysian women No 22.
The Australians were forced to play in the Qualifier when they lost to World No 9 New Zealand in the Oceania tour nament.
Which means they are not unbeatable, and Malaysia, like any of the other teams in the Qualifier, have a shot at the glory of playing in the Argentina World Cup.
The Malaysian officials protested the second fixtures when they arrived in Chile, and interestingly, FIH agreed to draw- up a third fixture for the tournament.
And now, Malaysia will play two matches, take a day off and then play against Australia in the round-bobbin tournament which sees the most consistent team playing in the World Cup.
The Malaysian women went to New Zealand to play a few friendlies last month, and in the four matches against the NZ national team they lost 2- 0, 2-1, 2-0 and 4-0.
Considering NZ had beaten Australia, it can be concluded that the Malaysian women will give the Aussies a fight of their lives.
The national women meet Chile today, and if they can score five goals against the hosts, they will be on par with the Australians.
Japan qualified for the Argentina World Cup when they beat Azerbaijan in the Kazan Qualifier on Sunday. Japan are ranked No 8, while Azerbaijan No 14 in the World but the winning margin was only 1-0.
Hopefully, the Malaysian women take a leaf from their Asian sisters as well as Azerbaijan to return from Chile with at least a silver medal, if not the gold itself.

Reckoning weekend for double champs

NEXT weekend will be reckoning week for double cham pions Bukit Jalil Sports School in Division One of the MHF- Milo- NSC Junior Hockey League.
They play an erratic Petaling Jaya City Council on Friday as a warm-up to their crucial encounter against high-riding newcomers UniKL on Sunday.
In their five matches, UniKL has scored 28 goals and let in only five. The double champions, meanwhile have scored 15 and let in one in four matches.
The other contenders for the title this season, Bandar Penawar Sports School Thunderbolt have also been im pressive in their four matches by scoring 25 goals and letting in only three.
Thunderbolt have an easy encounter against Bukit Jalil Sports School Juniors on Friday, where they can be expected to score more than a handful and consolidate their position on the standings.
“The tournament has reached its crucial stage for us as we need to beat PJCC by a good margin, before playing the favourites this season, UniKL,” said BJSS coach S. Prakash.
BJSS have been improving with every match, while UniKL seems to wake up only in the second half in their last three matches.
“We need to play consistent hockey for 70 minutes to beat a team like UniKL and my boys, after a slow start, have regained their scoring touch.
“It will be a close battle, but I expect my players to come out tops so that we still have a fighting chance of winning the title when we play BPSS Thunderbolt on May 14,” said Prakash.
The good news for BJSS, if they beat UniKL, is that Thunderbolt will most likely lose their prolific 19-year-old striker Faizal Saari to the Azlan Shah Cup for the May 14 encounter and it would make their quest to lift the title that much easier, provided they do not stumble against new kids on the block UniKL.
FRIDAY: Division One -- Bukit Jalil Sports School Juniors v Bandar Penawar Sports School Thunderbolt (Kuala Lumpur HA, 5pm), Petaling Jaya City Council v Bukit Jalil Sports School (Tun Razak, 9pm).
Division Two: Pahang v Penang Frees (Kuantan, 5pm), Johor v Matri (Johor Baru, 5pm), Ipoh City Council v Sabah (Azlan Shah, 5pm).
SUNDAY: Division One -- Bukit Jalil Sports School v UniKL (Tun Razak, 8pm), Kelantan v Petaling Jaya City Council (Terengganu), Anderson v Bandar Penawar Sports School Juniors (Azlan Shah, 5pm).
Division Two: Datuk Taha v Ipoh City Council (Tampin, 5pm), Kuala Selangor v Pahang (Pandamaran, 3pm), Sabah v Tunku Besar Secondary School (Pandamaran, 5pm), Johor v Penang Frees (Johor Baru, 5pm).

Japan qualify for World Cup in Argentina

JAPAN beat Azerbaijan 1-0 in the final of BDO Women’s World Cup Qualifier in Kazan due to a last minute goal. Russia took the Bronze medal after a Golden Goal victory over Belarus. Italy finish 5th.
Japan v Azerbaijan 1-0 (0-0)
Both teams were very nervous at the beginning. Japan gradually gained control of the game but Azerbaijan had some dangerous counter-attacks through their defenders who were flicking the ball towards their strikers awaiting the ball in midfield. In the first half nobody had a great opportunity to score because both teams defended well. Marina Aliyeva turned up once in the Japanese circle but missed the ball. Japan gained one penalty corner which failed. Before halftime Japan attacked well but Mazuki Arai’s pass did not reach a team-mate.
Japan created two opportunities at the beginning of the second half. A penalty corner shot from Ai Murakami was saved by Azerbaijan goalie Viktoriya Shahbazova and soon after Kaori Chiba was close to scoring but missed the goal. Natsumi Tameto kept the Azerbaijan defenders busy by her dangerous moves in the circle. Meanwhile two short corners of Azerbaijan failed. In the 68th minute Kaori Chiba scored the game winning goal for Japan. She received a pass in the circle and smashed the ball into the goal with a backhand stroke.
1-0 68’ Kaori CHIBA (FG)

Final Standings
1. JAPAN
2. Azerbaijan
3. Russia
4. Belarus
5. Italy
6. Wales

Tournament Awards Top Scorer Volha SHYNTAR (BLR) Player of the Tournament Kaori CHIBA (JPN) Best Goalkeeper V. SHAHBAZOVA (AZE) Fair Play Trophy JAPAN

Australia women hammer Chile 5-0

The Hockeyroos appear on target to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, winning their first game of the World Cup Qualifier event against host nation Chile in Santiago, Chile this morning.
The 5-0 victory will be a huge confidence boost to the Hockeyroos, with Australia controlling the match from the opening whistle.
After generating two penalty corners for no result in the first ten minutes of play, Amy Korner eventually began the proceedings for the Hockeyroos, converting the first goal via their third penalty corner attempt at the 15 minute mark.
The Hockeyroos continued to control the match, scoring their second goal of the match only ten minutes later thanks to Ashleigh Nelson to further extend the Australian lead.
Despite their dominance on the field the Hockeyroos were unable to transfer it to the scoreboard, faced by a determined Chilean team who restricted the Hockeyroos to only two goals in the first half.
It took the Hockeyroos only 8 minutes after half time to add to their goal tally, with Ashleigh Nelson scoring her second goal and ultimately putting the result beyond doubt.
Captain Madonna Blyth scored the Hockeyroos fourth goal only minutes later after an impressive combination from the Australian forwards.
Although they trailed heavily on he scoreboard, Chile remained determined and threw every at Australia in a bid to find their first score. However the Hockeyroos defence lead by Nicole Arrold and goalkeeper Toni Cronk was too strong and ensured the goal sheet remained blank
The Hockeyroos inflicted the final blow with Kate Hollywood scoring their fifth goal at the 55 minute mark.
Despite the determination of the home team the Hockeyroos were never really challenged and will be looking to continue their form throughout the tournament.
Hockeyroos 5 Chile 0 (2-0 half time)
Goals – Aus Korner 15m PC, Nelson 24m FG/ 43m PC, Blyth 51m FG, Hollywood 55m FG.

Hockey Australia media release

Sandeep dropped, new blood for India

NEW DELHI: Drag-flicker Sandeep Singh was on Saturday dropped from the 18-member Indian squad for the Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh, Malaysia as selectors chose to infuse new blood in the side.
Also missing from the squad to be captained by Rajpal Singh is another drag-flick specialist Diwakar Ram, as the selectors decided to give chance to some new players in the wake of India's poor performance in the World Cup last month.
Goalkeeper Adrian D' Souza and striker Gurvinder Singh Chandi, who played in the World Cup, also failed to find a place in the squad for from May 6-16 event.
The players were selected after a two-day trial at Balewadi, Pune, which ended on Friday.
The selection trials were attended by Hockey India selectors BP Govinda, Balbir Singh, Madhu Yadav and Sita Mehta and government observers Ajitpal Singh and Zafar Iqbal.
"The selectors and coaches unanimously decided to give a chance to some new promising players in this tournament," a Hockey India release said.
"It has also been decided to put a core management team for all overseas series and tournaments as well as domestic matches. This committee shall comprise coaches, captain and team manager who will decide on the playing composition of the squad before every match," it added.
India are four time champions in this tournament having won the title in 1985, 1991, 1995 and 2009.
The Squad:
Goalkeepers: Sreejesh PR, Bharat Chetri.
Defenders: Sardar Singh, Dhananjay Mahadik, Amit Prabhakar, Rupinder Pal Singh.
Midfielders: Gurbaj Singh, Ravi Pal Singh, Prabodh Tirkey, Bharat Chikara, Vikas Pillay, Danish Mujtaba.
Forwards: Rajpal Singh (Capt), Tushar Khandker, Shivendra Singh, Mandip Antil, Arjun Halappa, Sarvanjit Singh.
Officials: Jose Brasa (Head Coach); Harendra Singh (National Coach); Clarence Lobo (Coach); Gundeep Kumar (Coach)

The Times of India

Japan-Azerbaijan in gold rush

Japanese Kaori Chiba scores the second goal in their 2-0 win against Azerbaijan in the pool match. Both the teams will play in the final for the single ticket to Argentina World Cup.

Azerbaijan defeated Italy 3-1 due to a great finish and qualified for the final against Japan at BDO Women's World Cup Qualifier in Kazan.
Belarus beat Wales 4-1 and play for the Bronze Medal against Russia who dew 2-2 with Japan. Italy and Wales compete for rank 5.

Sabri powers UniKL with four

UNIKL started shakily in their third consecutive match, but pulled up their socks in the second half to hammer Bukit Jalil Sports School Juniors 6-0 in Division One of the MHF-Milo- NSC Junior Hockey League at the KLHA Stadium yesterday.
The erratic starts has their coach worried, because they will be playing against better teams from now onwards.
“My players need to settle down early, as in the last three matches we were lucky that the opponents did not take advantage of our slow starts and allowed us into the game after the breather,” admitted UniKL coach I. Vick neswaran.
The win took UniKL to the top of the standings, but two of the other favourites Bukit Jalil Sports School and Bandar Penawar Sports School Thunderbolt, both have a match in hand.
Sabri Mohamed (pic) was the toast if the day for UniKL as he scored four penalty corner goals in the 20th, 25th, 37th and 57th minutes.
Aminuddin Abu delivered a brace in the 41st and 45th minutes to give his team a big win against players who were at least two years younger than the UniKL side.
RESULTS: Division One -- Petaling Jaya City Council 3 Bandar Penawar Juniors 0 , Kelantan 3 Anderson 3, UniKL 6 Bukit Jalil Sports School Juniors 0.
Division Two: Matri 0 Sabah 2, Kuala Selangor 0 Ipoh City Council 6, Johor 1 Pahang 4.


DIVISION ONE

P W D L F A Pt
UNIKL 5 5 0 0 28 5 15
BP T’BOLT 4 4 0 0 25 3 12
BJSS 4 4 0 0 15 1 12
ANDERSON 7 3 1 3 14 23 10
PJCC 5 2 0 3 10 12 6
BPSS JUNIORS 4 1 0 3 4 11 3
KELANTAN 5 0 2 3 6 27 2
BJSS JUNIORS 5 0 1 4 2 17 1
MWHA 3 0 0 3 4 9 0


DIVISION TWO

P W D L F A Pt
IPOH CC 4 3 1 0 13 2 10
SABAH 3 3 0 0 18 0 9
PAHANG 3 3 0 0 9 4 9
TBSS 4 2 1 1 14 6 7
MATRI 4 1 0 3 6 7 3
K. SELANGOR 4 1 0 3 3 24 3
PG FREES 2 0 2 0 4 4 2
JOHOR 4 0 1 3 6 12 1
DATUK TAHA 4 0 1 3 3 16 1

UniKL poised to top standings

Pic: Syamim of UniKL puffed out when playing against Petaling Jaya City Council.

UNIKL will get their chance to top the Division One standings when they play Bukit Jalil Sports School Juniors in the MHF-Milo-NSC Junior Hockey League at the KLHA Stadium.
The newcomers are a much better side than the BJSS Juniors and three points are as good as in the bag, only the margin will be decided after 70 minutes.
“First of all I would like to say that this is turning out to be the most interesting JHL after many years. Unlike previous seasons, it is difficult to predict the winner and there are many talented players spread out among teams and they can turn the tide if given half a chance,” said UniKL coach I. Vickneswaran.
UniKL, Bandar Penawar Sports School Thunderbolt and Bukit Jalil Sports School are in a tight 12-point joint lead and only separated by goals scored.
“I will plan for three points against BJSS Juniors but will not place undue pressure on my strikers to pile up the goals even though it looks like goals scored could decide who lifts the title,” said Vickneswaran.
Thunderbolt and BJSS take a break today, and UniKL will rule the standings for at least until the next weekend.
TODAY: Division One -- Petaling Jaya City Council v Bandar Penawar Juniors (Tun Razak, 8pm), Kelantan v Anderson (Terengganu, 5pm), UniKL v Bukit Jalil Sports School Juniors (KLHA Stadium, 5pm).
Division Two: Matri v Sabah (Alor Star, 5pm), Kuala Selangor v Ipoh City Council (Pandamaran, 5pm), Johor v Pahang (Johor Baru, 5pm).

Pakistan hit by rest syndrome

PICTURE: Akhtar Ali (left)
By Shazad Ali

KARACHI: Pakistan hockey sank further into a deep morass on Thursday when it was revealed that three senior players have been asked by national hockey federation secretary Asif Bajwa to request for “rest” before Azlan Shah Cup.
According to Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) secretary Asif, Pakistan captain Zeeshan Ashraf, Waseem Ahmad and Akhtar Ali have requested him that they want to skip the forthcoming event.
Sources, however, told Dawn.com that the three players along with Rehan Butt and Sohail Abbas were asked by Asif to take rest, suggesting they should make a request to the PHF that they were interested in playing only at major events.
While Waseem, Zeeshan and Akhtar, agreed, Sohail and Rehan have opted to join the Azlan Shah Cup training camp. Initially, even Rehan was reluctant to join the camp on the instructions of Asif, but later changed his mind when Sohail took a firm decision to report for training against the wishes of the PHF secretary.
In the present Pakistan hockey scenario, the claims by the PHF that players have requested for rest are obviously illogical since all the players including the seniors are willing to prove their mettle to be included in important assignments – Commonwealth Games and Asian Games later this year.
Sources say as PHF had apprehensions that some senior players including Waseem, Zeeshan and Akhtar might be dropped when the selection committee announces the squad for Azlan Shah Cup, it decided to ask the seniors to request for “rest.”
The Azlan Shah Cup training camp starts from Friday at Hockey Club of Pakistan, while the selection committee is likely to announce the squad on April 28.

Dawn

Jonathon Charlesworth to skip Azaln Shah Cup

Hockey Australia wishes to announce that Jonathon Charlesworth has withdrawn from the Kookaburras upcoming Azlan Shah Cup squad due to injury.
Charlesworth has a grade two tear of his left hamstring and therefore will not be able to participate in the tournament.
Queenslander and Australian Development Squad member Tim Bates has been named as Charlesworth’s replacement, an d will join Tim Deavin and Trent Mitton as making their international debuts at the tournament.
The Azlan Shah Cup will be held in Ipoh, Malaysia from 6-16 May with the Kookaburras set to take on Korea, Pakistan, China, India, Malaysia and Egypt.

Source: Hockey Australia

BJSS and BPSS go on rampage

BUKIT Jalil and Bandar Penawar sports school senior sides went on an eight-goal rampage against their respective opponents to stamp their mark in Division One of the MHF- Milo-NSC Junior Hockey League.
BJSS clobbered Kelantan 8-0, and not to be outdone, BPSS- Thunderbolt hammered Anderson of Ipoh also by the same margin.
National player Faizal Saari, 19, scored six goals for Thunderbolt in the 11th, 15th, 21st, 37th, 59th and 68th minutes. Firhan Ashaari scored the other two in the 17th and 70th minutes.
As for BJSS Faridzul Afiq Mohamad delivered a hat-trick (41st, 51st, 54th) while Ahmad Termidzi (fifth), Fitri Ismail (21st), Shahriman Zali (25th), Asraf Bahari (60th) and Khairul Naim (70th) scored a goal each.
BJSS coach S. Prakash, however, lamented that eight was not enough.
“We are tied on 12 points with Thunderbolt and UniKL, but both the sides have scored a massive 25 and 22 goals respectively, while we only have 15 after four matches.
“I believe the race to the title will be very close from here onwards, and goals scored will play a crucial role in the crowning of the league champion.
“From now, we not only need to keep winning, but also score as many as we can to keep pace with Thunderbolt and UniKL,” said Prakash.
RESULTS: Division One -- Bukit Jalil Sports School Juniors 0 Petaling Jaya City Council 4, BPSS-Thunderbolt 8 Anderson 0, Kelantan 0 Bukit Jalil Sports School 8.
Division Two: Tunku Besar Secondary School 2 Pahang 3, Kuala Selangor 3 Johor 2, Matri 5 Datuk Taha 1.
TOMORROW: Division One -- Petaling Jaya City Council v Bandar Penawar Juniors (Tun Razak, 8pm), Kelantan v Anderson (Terengganu, 5pm), UniKL v Bukit Jalil Sports School Juniors (KLHA Stadium, 5pm).
Division Two: Matri v Sabah (Alor Star, 5pm), Kuala Selangor v Ipoh City Council (Pandamaran, 5pm), Johor v Pahang (Johor Baru, 5pm).


DIVISION ONE

P W D L F A Pt
BP T’BOLT 4 4 0 0 25 3 12
UNIKL 4 4 0 0 22 5 12
BJSS 4 4 0 0 15 1 12
ANDERSON 6 3 0 3 11 20 9
BPSS JUNIORS 3 1 0 2 4 8 3
PJCC 4 1 0 3 7 12 3
BJSS JUNIORS 4 0 1 3 2 11 1
KELANTAN 4 0 1 3 3 24 1
MWHA 3 0 0 3 4 9 0


DIVISION TWO

P W D L F A Pt
TBSS 4 2 1 1 14 6 7
IPOH CC 3 2 1 0 7 2 7
SABAH 2 2 0 0 16 0 6
PAHANG 2 2 0 0 5 3 6
MATRI 3 1 0 2 6 5 3
K. SELANGOR 3 1 0 2 3 18 3
PG FREES 2 0 2 0 4 4 2
JOHOR 3 0 1 2 5 8 1
DATUK TAHA 4 0 1 3 3 16 1

FIH fix-tures place Malaysia in a fix

THE Malaysian Women’s hockey team left for Chile last night, with what little hope they had in the World Cup Qualifier shredded to pieces by a lop-sided fixture drawn up by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
The national side will now play three matches back-to- back, and waiting for them in the third match are Australia who have been given a four-day rest to prepare for Malaysia.
The first tournament fixture had a final slotted in it, but the latest fixture from the FIH will see the Malaysian women play three matches in a row, and the tournament has been turned into a round-robbin affair, with the team that tops the standings given the ticket to play in the Argentina World Cup.
“I a surprised that the FIH has changed to fixtures and now there will no longer be a final, but the team with the most points after four matches gets the qualifier ticket.
“This is unfair because the Malaysian team has put in much effort to prepare for this tournament, and out initial target was to play in the final,” said Malaysian Women’s Hockey Association secretary S. Shamala.
And the fact that the Malaysian women will play three matches in a row, with Australia waiting for their tired limbs in the third match, did not go down well with the MWHA.
“We have written to the FIH for a change in fixtures because it is ridiculous to play three matches in a row, while Australia rest for four and a half-days and then play Malaysia,” said Shamala.
FIXTURES -- April 24: Chile v Australia; April 25: REST DAY; April 26: REST DAY.
April 27: Chile v Malaysia; April 28 Malaysia v Ireland; April 29: Ireland v Scotland, Australia v Malaysia.
April 30: Scotland v Australia; May 1 Malaysia v Scotland; May 2: Australia v Ireland, Scotland v Chile.

Vaisaki tournament back in Kenya

www.fihockey.org

The Vaisakhi International Hockey tournament returned on the Kenya Hockey Union calendar of events in 2010 after a five year break with two foreign teams from Pakistan and Ghana participating.
The tournament which is sponsored by the Sikh Community of Kenya has attracted a total of nine men and four women clubs. The tournament runs from 17-25 of April 2010. The men's teams are grouped in two pools. Pool A comprises Kenya's premier league champions Strathmore University, Green Sharks, Karate Axiom and visitors Ghana Customs. Pool B has visiting club Pakistan Customs, Wazalendo, Parklands, Kenya Police and Simba Nairobi.
The women teams include National champions Telkom, Strathmore, Vikings and Sliders. The women will play a round-robin format.

Results:
Saturday 17 April 2010
Telkom 4 Strathmore 1
Sliders 2 Vikings 1
Parklands 1 Wazalendo 1
Green Sharks 6 Karate Axiom 1
Ghana Customs 2 Strathmore 2

Sunday 18 April 2010
Telkom 4 Vikings 0
Simba Nairobi 4 Wazalendo 0
Kenya Police 4 Parklands 0
Ghana Customs 2 Strathmore 1

Monday 19 April 2010
Karate Axiom 1 Strathmore 5
Kenya Police 3 Wazalendo 0

Tuesday 20 April 2010
Pakistan Customs 2 Kenya Police 3
Karate Axiom 1 Ghana Customs 10

UniKL start their Sports School battles

Pic: UniKL v Anderson, a top-net attempt goes bouncing in..

EARLY leaders UniKL will start their battle against four sports schools in Division One of the MHF-Milo-NSC Junior Hockey League from today.
The newcomers, who have played four matches and collected a maximum of 12 points, will start with Bukit Jalil Sports School Juniors this weekend, and then Bukit Jalil Sports School next weekend, Bandar Penawar Sports School- Thunderbolt after that and end their schools battle against Bandar Penawar Sports School Juniors.
However, the standings are not expected to change after this weekend, as the three early contenders have relatively easy matches.
UniKL should have an easy time against BJSS Juniors, while joint-second Thunderbolt and BJSS also have easy matches against Anderson and Petaling Jaya City Council respectively.
BPSS-Thunderbolt coach wan Roslan Wan Rahman said yesterday that even though Anderson lost their last two matches, they will not be easy.
“Anderson are still a dangerous team and we will not take any chances against them. For us the three points are very important to stay in the title race.
“So we will have to play hard and ensure we convert the chances that come our way,” he said.
The Bandar Penawar team has an impressive scoring rate with 17 goals in three matches. They are second only to UniKL who have scored 22 goals in four matches.
BJSS coach S. Prakash lamented on his team’s poor scoring rate: “We are missing too many chances and our play has not been that good either. Against Anderson we made it difficult for ourselves.
:We need to improve fast and score more goals against weaker opponents, as we have only scored seven so far,” he said.
Anderson faces another tough weekend as they chase to remain in the top five in the standings.
Besides the BPSS-Thunderbolt team they will also travel to Kuala Terengganu to play against Kelantan.
The top five teams from Division One and top three from Division Two qualify for the knockout stage.
FRIDAY: Division One -- Bukit Jalil Sports School v Petaling Jaya City Council (Tun Razak, 7pm), BPSS-Thunderbolt v Anderson (Bandar Penawar, 5pm), Kelantan v Bukit Jalil Sports School (Terengganu, 5pm).
Division Two: Tunku Besar Secondary School v Pahang (Tampin, 5pm), Kuala Selangor v Johor (Pandamaran, 5pm), Matri v Datuk Taha (Alor Star, 5pm).
SUNDAY: Division One -- Petaling Jaya City Council v Bandar Penawar Juniors (Tun Razak, 8pm), Kelantan v Anderson (Terengganu, 5pm), UniKL v Bukit Jalil Sports School Juniors (KLHA Stadium, 5pm).
Division Two: Matri v Sabah (Alor Star, 5pm), Kuala Selangor v Ipoh City Council (Pandamaran, 5pm), Johor v Pahang (Johor Baru, 5pm).

DIVISION ONE

P W D L F A Pt
UNIKL 4 4 0 0 22 5 12
BP T’BOLT 3 3 0 0 17 3 9
BJSS 3 3 0 0 7 1 9
ANDERSON 5 3 0 2 11 12 9
BPSS JUNIORS 3 1 0 2 4 8 3
BJSS JUNIORS 3 0 1 2 2 7 1
KELANTAN 3 0 1 2 3 16 1
MWHA 3 0 0 3 4 9 0
PJCC 3 0 0 3 3 12 0


DIVISION TWO

P W D L F A Pt
TBSS 3 2 1 0 12 3 7
IPOH CC 3 2 1 0 7 2 7
SABAH 2 2 0 0 16 0 6
PAHANG 1 1 0 0 2 1 3
PG FREES 2 0 2 0 4 4 2
JOHOR 2 0 1 1 3 6 1
DATUK TAHA 3 0 1 2 2 11 1
MATRI 2 0 0 2 1 4 0
K. SELANGOR 2 0 0 2 0 16 0

MWHA: Selfish Australia

By Ajitpal Singh

THE Malaysian Women’s Hockey Association (MWHA) is unhappy with Australian for their unwillingness in agreeing to the rescheduling of the Women’s World Cup Qualifiers in Santiago, Chile.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) had wanted to reschedule the qualifiers from April 24-May 2 to another date as some participating teams, who are arriving late, re quested for it.
This is because flights in Europe were grounded until Tuesday by the volcanic ash from Iceland.
However, the Australian team, who arrived in Santiago last weekend, are unwilling to compromise.
According to Australia, their players will not be insured if FIH decides on rescheduling the qualifiers.
Ireland will arrive on April 27 while Scotland have yet to confirm their flight.
MWHA secretary S.Shamala said Australia’s claim about not being covered by insurance is illogical.
“It is an unacceptable reason by Australia. However, FIH has now agreed not to reschedule the tournament. The fixtures will now be tight as the three rest days, in the initial schedule, will be taken up for matches,” said Shamala.
“FIH, in a statement, stated that the fixtures will be changed in accordance to the arrival of teams. It has never happened before in the history of hockey. This all because of one team (Australia).
The Malaysian team, coached by Yahya Atan, were sup posed to leave last weekend using transit flight via Frankfurt to Chile but flights in Europe were grounded by the volcanic ash.
The team will now transit through Auckland to Chile on Saturday.
“We will arrive in Santiago on Sunday and we have requested to FIH for two days of rest before we start our campaign.
“If it is approved, we will likely face either the hosts or Australia on Tuesday. FIH has confirmed that Australia will face Chile in their opening match on Saturday,” she added.
Malaysia were supposed to face Chile on the tournament’s opening day.
Shamala added the qualifiers could be a four team affair if Scotland decides to withdraw.

Sapura's hand bitten by selfish player

HAPPIER DAYS: ... Sapura team manager Abdullah Yunus (second from left) in a tug-a-war with Tenaga Nasional team manager before the TNB-Cup Final. Sapura took TNB to the penalties before bowing out.

COMMENT
By Jugjet Singh

SAPURA are among the best managed hockey clubs in the country, but unfortunately they have been dragged into a doping controversy because one bad hat tested positive for party drug when a random doping test was conducted.
The club, which finished second in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) TNB Cup final, has done much to develop the sport and give a lifeline to retired as well as budding internationals to compete in the MHL.
The culprit in question is neither a national nor a former national, but just a club player. However, he has not only brought a bad light on his sponsors, but also Malaysian hockey.
Sapura team manager Abdullah Yunus said after the A sample tested positive for a party drug, the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) and the club could not contact the player to come forward to test his B sample.
And finally, the player returned Abdullah’s call yesterday after a report on the matter was published by TimeSport. And after an in-house investigation, Sapura decided to terminate his contract before the B sample is tested and will let the MHF handle matters from here.
Abdullah sounded apologetic when explaining the sit uation, but there was not need to be embarrassed because the club is not the guilty party here, as they signed the player based on his performance and had no control over his personal lifestyle.
Needless to say, Malaysian hockey has received many hard-knocks off the field with allegations of players in heavy debt to illegal moneylenders, match-fixing, gambling and now party drugs have crept into the picture.
The latest allegation is that some players from a particular team in the ongoing Junior Hockey League (JHL) are are also abusing party drugs as they feel it makes them much more alert and stronger when playing.
That is a load of rubbish, but being 19-year-olds, they can be excused for rationalising like teenagers, but need to be identified fast and their habit nipped in the bud before they turn into full-fledged addicts.
The MHF medical committee chairman Datuk Dr S.S. Cheema had said that random testing will be conducted in the JHL soon, and these group of players, if indeed they are involved in abusing drugs, are living on borrowed time.
Another matter that is fast turning out to be a fiasco is the Women’s World Cup Qualifier which was supposed to be held in Chile on April 24-May 5.
Australia flew in safely into Chile but Scotland, Ireland and Malaysian players have been stranded because of cancelled flights.
The Malaysian Women’s Hockey Federation are in contact with the International Hockey Federation (FIH) on the matter and the natural disaster is fast turning disastrously hi larious.
Australia is of the opinion that since there might be a delay in the other teams arriving in Chile, they should be allowed to play a series against the hosts to decide which team plays in the World Cup.
And the Aussies also suggested, in an e-mail to FIH, that another qualifier be held among the stranded teams where a second ticket to the World Cup will be on offer.
And if the FIH can’t accommodate the request, the Aussies feel the tournament should be played on a round-robbin basis with the top team playing in Argentina.
The tournament was in the picture when Chile was hit by an earth-quake but the venue stadium stood still and the FIH adamantly decided not to shift the venue. And now ash from Iceland has grounded flights, leaving the FIH with a messy situation.
What next? All five teams automatically qualify for the World Cup?

JHL turns corner with three sprinters

JOURNALIST CAUGHT WORKING: Aftar Singh from the Star (left), Jugjet Singh from the New Straits Times and UniKL coach I. Vickneswaran at the Kuala Lumpur HA Stadium after UniKL beat Anderson 6-1 in the Junior Hockey League. Photo from UniKL Facebook.

THE MHF-Milo-NSC Junior Hockey League Division One title race is fast turning into a three-horse affair, and very little separates the early sprinters at this early stage.
Debutantes UniKL have been impressive but hot on their heels are Bandar Penawar Sports School-Thunderbolt and double champions Bukit Jalil Sports School.
UniKL beat Anderson and Petaling Jaya City Council by six goals each but there were moments of madness in the team which should be of concern to their coach I. Vikneswaran.
“Winning matches is one thing, but consistency is required to win the title in a close tournament like this,” said Vikneswaran.
The missing link for the new-comers is a bungling strike- force as they should have won by double digit margins instead of scoring only six.
“Against the two sports schools, chances will be few in between, so I will have to polish the strikers finishing before the weekend.”
Among the three, Thunderbolt looks like the team to beat in Division One this year.
Powered by national player, Faisal Saari, Thunderbolt are keeping pace with UniKL by winning all three matches convincingly.
The Thunderbolts have scored a total of 17 goals and conceded only three, and will increase their tally when they square off against Anderson on Friday.
FRIDAY: Division One -- Bukit Jalil Sports School v Petaling Jaya City Council (Tun Razak, 7pm), BPSS-Thunderbolt v Anderson (Bandar Penawar, 5pm), Kelantan v Bukit Jalil Sports School (Terengganu, 5pm).
Division Two: Tunku Besar Secondary School v Pahang (Tampin, 5pm), Kuala Selangor v Johor (Pandamaran, 5pm), Matri v Datuk Taha (Alor Star, 5pm).
SUNDAY: Division One -- Petaling Jaya City Council v Bandar Penawar Juniors (Tun Razak, 8pm), Kelantan v Anderson (Terengganu, 5pm), UniKL v Bukit Jalil Sports School Juniors (KLHA Stadium, 5pm).
Division Two: Matri v Sabah (Alor Star, 5pm), Kuala Selangor v Ipoh City Council (Pandamaran, 5pm), Johor v Pahang (Johor Baru, 5pm).

Sapura player tests positve for party drug

A SAPURA Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) player tested positive for party drug after he was snared in a random doping dragnet conducted by the National Sports Institute.
The player’s A sample returned positive, and he has been sent a letter to show up so that his B sample can be tested in his presence, but he has yet to turn up.
Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) Medical Committee chairman Datuk Dr S.S. Cheema did not confirm or deny the allegation.
“Yes, there was random testing done during the MHL but I can’t comment on the matter because there are many technicalities involved, and one needs to be sure (test B sample) before any further announcements can be made on the matter,” said Dr Cheema.
However, when some Sapura players were approached on the matter, they at first denied, but then concurred with the allegation.
“It is an open secret among Sapura players that one of our members tested positive for party drug in his A sample, but the issue has been hushed up because the B sample has yet to be tested,” said one player who declined to be named.
However it was learnt that if the player does not respond to the letter and refuses to show up to test his second sample, he will be found guilty.
“Rest assured that any player found guilty of violating doping standards will be dealt with severely. The MHF have been conducting random testing during most of our tour naments and will continue doing so to weed out abusers,” said Dr Cheema.
There are also allegations that players from a certain team in the ongoing under-19 Junior Hockey League (JHL) are also abusing party drugs.
“We have plans to conduct random tests on JHL players, and if any official or player has concrete evidence on the matter, please approach the MHF and we will test the said player(s) and clear the air,” said Cheema.

Malaysian women grounded by European ash

THE Malaysian women’s hockey team, who were supposed to travel to Chile yesterday, were grounded by the volcanic ash from Iceland which has enveloped Europe and grounded air travel.
“We are in contact with the FIH (International Hockey Federation) and they told us that even Ireland and Scotland are unable to travel to Chile.
“We need at least five days to get acclimatised after travelling for more than 44 hours via Frankfurt to Chile and it looks like the FIH will have to reschedule the tournament fixtures,” said Malaysian Women’s Hockey Federation sec retary S. Shamala.
The women’s World Cup Qualifier is supposed to start on April 24-May 5 with Australia being the favourites to snatch the single ticket.
The FIH are expected to make an announcement on Monday.

UniKL on a lucky streak

UNIKL started off on a sloppy note, but made amends in the second half to thrash Petaling Jaya City Council (PJCC) 6-2 in Division One of the MHF-Milo-NSC Junior Hockey League yesterday.
Playing in front of a large following at the Kuala Lumpur HA Stadium, UniKl survived many early scares when they were swamped by PJCC strikers.
Sabri Mohamad (ninth) and Zulhairi Hashim (35th) gave UniKL a 2-0 lead going into the breather but both were opportunistic goals.
PJCC pulled one back two minutes after the restart, when Rifhan Azhar was on target, and the match looked like it was heading for an upset.
However, UniKL surged ahead with more lucky goals Syamim Yusoffrom (50th), Aminuddin Abu(55th, 58th) and Sabri Mohamad (67th).
The second PJCC goal was scored off a penalty stroke by Azuwan Mahiden in the 56th minute.
“We were lucky to take a 2-0 lead after the first half hooter blew, as PJCC were the attacking side while my players scored both the goals off a handful of breaks that we got.
“The 6-2 score does not do justice to the way PJCC played, and sometimes, a team needs a lucky break like this to continue their march,” said UniKL coach I. Vickneswaran.

RESULTS: Division One — Bukit Jalil 3 Anderson 1, Thunderbolt 8 Kelantan 1, UniKL 6 Petaling Jaya CC 2.
Division Two: Datuk Taha 2 Johor 2, Pahang 2 Matri 1.

DIVISION ONE

P W D L F A Pt
UNIKL 4 4 0 0 22 5 12
BP T’BOLT 3 3 0 0 17 3 9
BJSS 3 3 0 0 7 1 9
ANDERSON 5 3 0 2 11 12 9
BPSS JUNIORS 3 1 0 2 4 8 3
BJSS JUNIORS 3 0 1 2 2 7 1
KELANTAN 3 0 1 2 3 16 1
MWHA 3 0 0 3 4 9 0
PJCC 3 0 0 3 3 12 0

DIVISION TWO

P W D L F A Pt
TBSS 3 2 1 0 12 3 7
IPOH CC 3 2 1 0 7 2 7
SABAH 2 2 0 0 16 0 6
PAHANG 1 1 0 0 2 1 3
PG FREES 2 0 2 0 4 4 2
JOHOR 2 0 1 1 3 6 1
DATUK TAHA 3 0 1 2 2 11 1
MATRI 2 0 0 2 1 4 0
K. SELANGOR 2 0 0 2 0 16 0

UniKL the team to beat for title

UNIKL, with 13 budding juniors on their team, are ex pected to continue their romp in Division One of the MHF- Milo-NSC Junior Hockey League when they square off against Petaling Jaya City Council (PJCC) today.
The fact that UniKL hammered Anderson 6-1 on Friday is set so send shivers down the spines of PJCC players, as they lost 2-0 to Anderson.
“Even though we hammered a team which had beaten PJCC, the fact still remains that we will have to play consistent hockey for 70 minutes and only then rate our opponent today,” said UniKL coach I. Vickneswaran.
UniKL share nine points with Anderson on the Division One standings, but they have only played three matches while Anderson four.
And if UniKL continue their winning streak today, they only have Bukit Jalil Sports School and Bandar Penawar Sports School-Thunderbolt to beat before they can unofficially claim the Division One title in their maiden JHL outing.
TODAY: Division One — Bukit Jalil v Anderson (KLHA Stadium, 3pm), Thunderbolt v Kelantan (Bandar Penawar, 5pm), UniKL v Petaling Jaya CC (KLHA Stadium, 5pm).
Division Two: Datuk Taha v Johor (Tampin, 5pm), Pahang v Matri (Kuatan, 5pm).



DIVISION ONE

P W D L F A Pt
UNIKL 3 3 0 0 16 3 9
ANDERSON 4 3 0 1 10 9 9
BP T’BOLT 2 2 0 0 9 2 6
BJSS 2 2 0 0 4 0 6
BPSS JUNIORS 2 1 0 1 4 6 3
MWHA 3 0 0 3 4 9 0
BJSS JUNIORS 3 0 0 3 1 8 0
PJCC 2 0 0 2 1 6 0
KELANTAN 1 0 0 1 1 7 0


DIVISION TWO


P W D L F A Pt
TBSS 3 2 1 0 12 3 7
IPOH CC 3 2 1 0 7 2 7
SABAH 2 2 0 0 16 0 6
PG FREES 2 0 2 0 4 4 2
MATRI 1 0 0 1 0 2 0
DATUK TAHA 2 0 0 2 0 9 0
K. SELANGOR 2 0 0 2 0 16 0
JOHOR 1 0 0 1 1 4 0
PAHANG 0 0 0 0 0 0 0