Picture perfect

Lidewij Welten scores Netherlands' second goal against Australia (Photo: FIH / Frank Uijlenbroek)

The Netherlands showed that despite missing Naomi van As they have more than enough talent at their disposal by comprehensively defeating Australia’s Hockeyroos 3-0 in the final match of the day here at the Rabo FIH Champions Trophy in Amstelveen.

Koreans lift AHF crown

MALAYSIA lost 3-1 to South Korea in the final of the Asian Hockey Federation Under-18 Cup in Singapore last night.
The Koreans took a 2-0 lead before Malaysia narrowed the gap off a Mohamed Nor Aqmal penalty corner attempt in the 35th minute, but could not find the equaliser in the second half.
The Korean goals were scored by Kim Ji Woon, You Min Young , Jeong Young Seok.
In the bronze battle, Pakistan hit a second sixer against hosts Singapore when they won 6-0 with ease. The score in their pool encounter was also the same.
Pakistan got their goals off Waseem Abbas (16th, 53rd), Qadir Muhammad Bilal (26th, 48th), Irfan Muhammad (31st) and Qadir Muhammad Arslan (47th).

Azmi: I'm not a quitter..

MALAYSIAN Hockey Federation (MHF) deputy president Datuk Nur Azmi Ahmad yesterday clarified that he has not put in a quit letter as he is a fighter, not a quitter.
“I am not the kind that runs away from problems as I like to face them head-on.
“And even if I had wanted to quit, I would not have done it quietly but called for a press conference and announced it to everybody and give my reason for it,” said Nur Azmi.
Azmi also said his track record speaks for itself: “I have done my share in MHF, and still have much more work to do in the Federation.”
However, MHF assistant secretary Hashim Yusof has ap proached president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah and said that he wants to quit the post, but has been told to re- consider his decision.
Meanwhile, the MHF Competitions Committee met yes terday and decided that the Malaysia Hockey League will be held even though there are many teething problems with a tight international hockey schedule.
It was decided that a meeting be held on July 16 with coaches, team managers and other MHL stakeholders to iron out the issue of national players playing or not playing in the league, and its format and date.
This is because the sponsors would also not be happy if national players, who are preparing for the Olympic Qual ifiers early next year, are not allowed to play in the MHL.

Azmi and Hashim call it a day

THE Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) boat was rocked by a tsunami yesterday when it was learnt that deputy president Datuk Nur Azmi Ahmad and assistant secretary Hashim Yusof tendered their resignations yesterday.
It was reliably learnt that both of them have tendered their resignation letters to the MHF president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, but a decision has yet to be taken on the matter.
Hashim and Azmi are said to be unhappy with a certain official in the MHF, who they feel has taken over the running of the MHF into his own hands, and council members are being kept in the dark on certain matters and meetings.
A text sent to Tengku Abdullah inquiring about the matter was replied with: “This is news to me.”
However, it was learnt that Tengku Abdullah was shocked with the double resignation and wants to have a chat with both of them before deciding on the next course of action.
The MHF will merge with the Women’s Hockey Federation by November this year, and this could be one of the reasons for Hashim to resign as he feels that his services will no longer be needed.
Azmi beat Tengku Majid Sultan Iskandar, Datuk Dr SS Cheema and Mohamad Abd Hadi in the Nov 1 elections last year.
Hashim, the former HMF secretary was offered the as sistant’s post when the MHF changed their constitution to hire, instead of vote in their sectary.
Calls and text messages to Hashim and Azmi were not answered.

Malaysia-Singapore Under-18 semis

MALAYSIA whipped Sri Lanka 14-0 to top Group B and qualify for the semi-finals of the Asian Hockey Federation Under-18 Cup in Singapore yesterday.
The national players will now meet Singapore in the semis, while South Korea will play Pakistan in the other last four match,
Malaysia, who drew 2-2 with South Korea, ended tied on seven points but topped the table on a better goals average after the Sri Lanka show.
Under-18 coach K. Gobinathan is not worried about the opposition, as much as his own players.
“I am not worried with who I will be playing in the semi- finals, but worried about my own players performance.
“I did not get much time to train this team, as I picked and snatched the players right after the semi-finals of the National Under-21 and took them to Singapore to play,” said Gobinathan, a former international.
Gobi is worried that his charges had too much of hockey and could feel the effects in the semis.
“Pakistan and Korea are a class above the rest here, but I am afraid that my players might hit a bad patch at the wrong time. That is why we can’t even take Singapore lightly in the semis.”
Malaysia lost to Pakistan 4-3 in the last AHF Cup in Myanmar and are highly touted to reach the final, and so are Pakistan. The semi-finals are tomorrow.
Meanwhile, The International Hockey Federation (FIH) released the groupings for the Champions Challenge 1 in South Africa on Nov 26 to Dec 4.
Malaysia are in Group B with Canada, Argentina and Japan.
In Group A are New Zealand, South Africa, Belgium and Poland.

Argentina trouble

CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE 1

Nov 26 to Dec 4 -- Kaspersky Randburg

Hockey Stadium.

TEAMS

Provisional pools as arranged by the FIH are as follows:

GROUP A: New Zealand, South Africa, Belgium, Poland.

GROUP B: Canada, Argentina, Malaysia, Japan.

AHF Cup: Malaysia 2 Korea 2

MALAYSIA held South Korea to a 2-2 draw in Group B of the Asian Hockey Federation Under-18 Cup in Singapore yesterday.
Malaysia took the lead but let Korea equalise, and then allowed them to stanch the lead before fighting tooth-and- nail for the equaliser.
Malaysia had beaten China 3-0 on Sunday, and play Sri Lanka on Thursday where they are assured of full points.
Sri Lanka lost 8-0 to South Korea on Saturday.
In Group B, Pakistan has gone on a rampage in both their matches when they whitewashed Brunei 18-0 and Taiwan 17-0.
Singapore, also in Group B, have also won two matches comfortably, as they hammered Brunei 12-0 and pummeled Kazakhstan 18-0.
RESULTS: Group A -- Pakistan 17 Taiwan 0; Group B: Malaysia 2 South Korea 2.
TODAY: Group A: Kazakhstan v Brunei (5pm); Group B: Sri Lanka v China (7pm) -- All matches in Singapore.

GROUP A

P W D L F A Pts
Pakistan 2 2 0 0 35 0 6
Singapore 2 2 0 0 30 0 6
Taiwan 2 1 0 1 12 17 3
Kazakhstan 2 0 0 2 0 30 0
Brunei 2 0 0 2 0 30 0

GROUP B

P W D L F A Pts
Korea 2 1 1 0 10 2 4
Malaysia 2 1 1 0 5 2 4
China 1 0 0 1 0 3 0
Sri Lanka 1 0 0 1 0 8 0

Malacca beat KL for Under-21 title

MALACCA emerged champions of the National Under 21 Tournament when they defeated Kuala Lumpur 2-1 in the final played at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Baru.
Although six regulars in total missing from both teams from the final, as a result of playing in the AHF Under 18 Tournament in Singapore, the match lived up to the expectations of a final as both Kuala Lumpur and Malacca played fast attacking hockey.
A late goal by Kuala Lumpur ensured a grandstand finish after Malacca had taken a 2-0 lead but the city side have only themselves to blame as they created enough chances to win the match.
KL were without four regulars, in the likes of Mohd Fitri Saari, Mohd Shahril Saabah, Mohd Taufik Abdul Hamid and Mohd Aslam Mohammad. Only Mohd Amirul Aideed Arshad was released to play for KL in the final.
"We sorely missed the players as they were our midfielders. Still I am proud of the performance of the team who did give Malacca a fight right to the final whistle," said KL coach K. Embaraj.
"We need to finish chances in order to win matches and that was not there today. But we lost to a better side."
For Malacca they missed two players, Mohd Hazrul Faiz and penalty corner ace Ganeisha Tamil Chelvam.
"It is indeed a great honour for Malacca hockey as we have always done well in age group tournaments in the past. Winning this tourney shows that we have talented players in the state," said Malacca coach Chua Boon Huat who made his debut as a coach.
"Our game plan was simple, absorb the early pressure and get them on the break. And it paid dividends with the two goals."
Malacca were awarded a penalty corner in the eight minute but failed to get a shot on goal.
Kuala Lumpur were made to work hard by the Malacca and it took them 16 minutes before they had a first look at goal, that too through a penalty corner. But they could not get a decent attempt on goal.
Amirullah Zainol almost gave Malacca the lead in the next minute but muffed the chance with only the KL keeper Shahrul Azaddin Auskarzie to beat.
But he was on target in the 19th minute as his shot beat Shahrul and on hand was Ahrujunan Panir Chelvam at the far post to guide the ball into goal and give Malacca a 1-0 lead.
With KL only having three reserves on the bench, coach K. Embaraj did not have much options left to him in making changes.
Malacca had a dream start in the second half as Amirullah burst in from the right to slip the ball past Shahrul in the 37th minute to put his team 2-0 up, and a firm grip on the final.
The goal boosted the confidence of the Malacca players as they kept harassing the KL players for every ball, not giving them room to display their abundance of skills.
Malacca keeper Mohd Ridzuan Azmi kept Malacca in the game pulling off a double save in the 58th minute to deny Mohd Zulhairi Hashim and Mohd Syamim Mohd Yusof.
KL were on the top of things in the final ten minutes, but they sorely missed the presence of the key players and in the process were a beaten side.
Zulhairi finally scored from a penalty corner in the 65th minute to reduce the deficit to 2-1 but it was too late for KL.


Results: 3/4th Placing: Johor 2 Pahang 2 (Johor won 3-2 in penalty shootout)
Final: Malacca 2 Kuala Lumpur 1.

Roll of Honor:
Champion: Malacca
Runner-Up: Kuala Lumpur
Third: Johor
Fourth: Pahang
Fifth: Perak
Sixth: Selangor
Seventh: Negri Sembilan
Eight: Penang

Man of the Match (Final): Amirullah Zainol (Malacca)
Most Outstanding Player: Mohd Syamim Mohd Yusof (Kuala Lumpur)
Top Scorer: Mohd Nor Hafiq Abdul Ghafar (Johor) – 6 goals
Best Goalkeeper: Mohd Hazrul Faiz (Malacca)
Fairplay: Malacca

Dutch refuse to go Dutch

THE national senior hockey team received back-to-back drubbing in the hands of Netherlands in their Tour of Europe training matches.
After losing 5-1, even though Malaysia leveled the score to 1-1 off an Amin Rahim penalty corner in the first match on Friday, the seniors were humiliated 9-1 yesterday.
The script was almost the same in the second match, as the Dutch took a first minute lead but Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin leveled the score with a third minute field goal, but Malaysia suffered a torrid second half where the hosts scored six goals with ease.
The team is in Europe to play friendlies in the run-up towards preparing for the Olympic Qualifier next year.

Not too bad in Mannheim..

THE Project 2017 under-16 boys showed grit to finish third in a Four-Nation tournament in Mannheim, Germany.
The team, which returned yesterday, lost 2-1 to Nether lands, lost 3-1 to eventual champions Germany and beat Belgium 2-1.
Coach Lim Chiow Chuan was impressed with his charges, as initially, he was worried that they were going to ex perience an overdose of hockey.
“Germany, were a class above the rest, while Malaysia were in the verge of holding Netherlands to a 1-1 draw, but conceded a last minute penalty stroke and lost 2-1.
“Overall, I am happy with the team’s progress as I was afraid after playing non stop hockey this year (national Under-16, Junior Hockey League, MSSM and three Razak Cup matches) they would be burned out, but they proved to be made of better stuff,” said Chiow Chuan.
Malaysia finished second last year in the tournament, and even scored the first goal in the third minute against Germany, but let in three goals after that.
“Germany have a solid penalty corner battery, and they basically fielded the same side which won last year. However, I was a little surprised that Netherlands, at this age-group, is not impressive,” said Chiow Chuan.
The Project 2017 will play three more Razak Cup Qualifier matches, and after that, Chiow Chuan will inject new legs for the Razak Cup proper in Malacca.
“I will change half the team, and inject more under-16 players to give my pool of trainees a chance of playing competitive hockey. This is a team for the future, and still at an experimental stage,” said Chiow Chuan.
The other results in the Four Nation are Germany beat Belgium 8-1, Germany beat Netherlands 6-2 and Nether lands drew 2-2 with Belgium.

MHF: We called Police to probe

By JJ Shah

THE police have been called in by the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) to investigate allegations of match-fixing by national players to settle gambling debts as the federation wants no stone unturned to get to the bottom of this ugly disease.

MHF president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah said: "Let the police do their investigations first" before MHF takes the next step.

"That is why I have called in the police. Let the police do their investigations. They are free to call in the players and officials.

" I am serious about the allegations and don't want Malaysia's hockey image to be tarnished by alleged match fixing," Tengku Abdullah said during a press conference on the sidelines of the Asian-Australasian-African Polo Championships in Pekan yesterday.

"No stone will be left unturned in this matter. I have heard of such allegations before but I have no evidence to bring the culprits to book. It has all been hearsay so far.

"So, let the police take over and probe the allegations further.

"Here, we are seriously preparing for the London Olympics (Qualifier) and now you have allegations of match-fixing.

"No doubt we have lost international matches in the dying minutes of a match, but there could be other reasons like lack of match fitness and so on.

"Those guilty will pay the price. We want a clean squad to prepare for the Olympic Qualifier," he warned.

Tengku Abdullah was referring to Timesport's report yesterday that Malaysian hockey has been rocked by allegations of corruption after it emerged that four, and possibly more, national players have allegedly been fixing matches to settle gambling debts.

The players are apparently heavy punters of the much-followed English Premier League (EPL). Some have reported to have lost as much as RM30,000 each and have allegedly fixed international hockey matches by laying heavy bets.

The matter was also discussed during its management committee meeting last week.

The report, quoting a source, said match-fixing has reached an alarming level and national hockey players are reportedly placing bets on certain gambling websites.

It is also said that matches were allegedly fixed during the recent Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh where Malaysia were beaten in four consecutive matches - 3-1 to Britain, 2-1 to Australia, India (5-2) and 3-2 to New Zealand. Malaysia's only win was a 3-1 victory against South Korea.

NST reporter Jugjet Singh, who broke the match-fixing story, received a call from an "ASP Loy" of the police's Gaming and Vice division, to help in the probe.

Match-fixing shocker

Jugjet Singh

HOCKEY has been rocked by allegations of corruption after it emerged that four, and possiblymore, national players have been fixing matches to settle gambling debts.

The players are apparently heavy punters of English Premier League (EPL) matches and after losing as much as RM30,000 each, have allegedly fixed Malaysian international matches and made killings on them by betting.

The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) suspected something amiss during the recent Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh where the national team, despite dominating play, lost two matches in the last fiveminutes on each occasion.

The MHF has already called in the police and it is learnt an officer from the Anti- Gambling and Vice unit recently met officials from the federation for further information.

The MHF also discussed the matter during its management committee meeting last week.

A source said it was a well-known fact that certain players bet heavily on the EPL and other sports.

“It has, however, reached disturbing levels as the players are getting deeper into debt and when forced to pay, have opted to fix matches involving them and then betting on Malaysia to lose,” said the source.

Odds on international hockey matches are also offered on certain gambling websites and this could be where the players are placing their bets.

An even more alarming situation could be that these players are “forced” to play below par by the syndicates to whom they owe money to.

Thiswon’t only help settle the players’gambling debts but the bookies could make a bigger killing by taking bets from other punters.

The source added that team officials had received information thatmatches were fixed in theAzlan Shah Cup.

Malaysia fell to four consecutive defeats — 3-1 to Britain, 2-1 to Australia, 5-2 to India and 3-2 to New Zealand.

The information was that certain players were playing below par on purpose and team officials issued a warning in the stadium’s changing room just before the match against South Korea.The players responded by beating Korea 3-1.

It is learnt the players have not been dropped yet as MHF is still investigating but it has been made known to all that action will be swift and harsh as MHF is determined to ensure that Malaysia is represented by a clean squad for the 2012 London Olympics Qualifier.

New Straits Times

National Under-21 action starts..

FOR Information/report on the National Under-21 hockey tournament which will start 14/06/2011 please go to... http://u21hockey.blogspot.com/

DEFENDING champions Malacca will lead seven other teams in the National Under-21 hockey tournament starting on Tuesday at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru.
The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) decided to hold the Under-21 this year, also known as the Tan Sri Anwar Mohamed Nor Cup, as the sport was not included in the Malaysia Games fixtures.
However, only eight states showed interest, and this has baffled MHF.
“We decided to host the tournament after states made a request for it, as the Malaysia Games this year did not have hockey on its fixture.
“But the response was cold, as only eight teams registered even though we are offering RM5,000 to compete,” said MHF secretary Maninderjit Singh.
In Group A are Johor, Negri Sembilan, Pahang and Se langor; while in Group B are Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Penang, and Perak.
The Project 2013 players, some of whom will head for Moscow for a Four-Nation on June, 20 could be the main fixtures for the states that they represent.
Selangor’s trump card could turn out to be Mohamed Nor Faez, who scored eight goals in eight matches in Project 2013’s recent playing Tour of Australia and New Zealand.
TUESDAY -- Group A: Johor v Pahang (5pm), Negri v Selangor (7pm); Group B: Kuala Lumpur v Penang (5pm), Malacca v Perak (7pm).
WEDNESDAY: Group A: Pahang v Selangor (5pm), Negri v Johor (7pm); Group B: Penang v Perak (5pm), Malacca v Kuala Lumpur (7pm).
NOTE: All matches at Taman Daya Stadium, Johor Baru.

NST Journalist Ajitpal blogs about Tennis..

http://malaysiantennis.blogspot.com/

NEW STRAITS TIMES Sports Journalist Ajitpal Singh writes about his passion, Tennis at his blog.

INFO on AJITPAL ...Sports journo since 2006. Attached with NST. Byline has appeared in The Sun, Harian Metro and NST. Done a bit of politics and general news during my stint in Terengganu between 2003 and 2005. 2005- second place winner for news category in Terengganu (Kawat), 2010 - Sportswriters Association of Malaysia contest column winner, Best Sports article (NST) and ATP Malaysian Open best tennis article (won an all expense paid trip to Hong Kong). I've covered the Sea Games and Asian Games.

Mixed team for Moscow

THE national seniors team has withdrawn from playing in a Moscow Four-Nation, after the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) found out that their targeted opponents have also withdrawn.
Now, a mixed team made up of Project 2013 players and three senior players will head for Moscow on June 20 to play against Russia, Belarus and Uzbekistan.
“I have just been informed that since South Africa and Argentina could not make it to the tournament and have been replaced with Belarus and Uzbekistan, the MHF decided to send a mixed team to the tournament.
“I will be fielding 16 players, some of who played in the recent Australia and New Zealand Tours, and three senior players who will be dropped form the European Tour,” said Project 2013 coach K. Dharmaraj.
Project 2013 played four matches against Australia and lost their first match 9-1, second match 2-1, then drew 5-5 before being whipped again 7-2 in the final friendly.
In New Zealand the Project boys lost 8-0, drew 2-2, lost 4- 2 and won 2-1.
“I am releasing half the Australia-New Zealand Tour side for the Under-18 tournament in Singapore, and the re maining boys as well as other Project Boys in training will travel to Russia for the Four-Nation.
“In the Australia-New Zealand Tours, there were plenty of ups and down because of two main reasons. One was that we had more chances than the opponents in all the matches played, but muffed sitters while the opponents rarely missed their chances when in the semi-circle.
“The second reason is that we do not have good goal keepers, and both of them kept letting in soft goals which placed the team under undue pressure during the Tour,” said Dharmaraj.
And for the Russian tournament, Dharmaraj will work to improve these two areas.
“It is good to get more matches against matured sides, and while Russia should be the favourites, we will play to beat Belarus and Uzbekistan so that we can have another shot at Russia in the final. This time, we will work on the finishing and hopefully the goalkeepers’ will be more confident and not let in easy goals,” said Dharmaraj.

Project 2013 finally beat Kiwis

by Hockey NZ

The Malaysian Juniors were able withstand a second-half fight back from the Junior Black Sticks to win the final game of the four game series 2-1 in Dunedin today.
The Junior Black Sticks had sealed the series before today's match doing enough in the previous three games.
Malaysia started off the better of the two teams but let their guard down in the second half almost losing a two goal lead, after the Junior Black Sticks mounted a come back but were unable to find a goal in the final 10 minutes.
Unlike in the previous games the Malaysia started off the best of the two teams, looking dangerous right from the start.
For the whole of the first half Malaysia dominated possession, with small quick passes, running around the Junior Black Sticks defence.
The first goal came in the 8th minute when Mohammad Fitri scoring, after being given a free run inside the circle.
Malaysia scored their second goal from a penalty corner in the 23rd minute after applying a huge amount of pressure on the Junior Black Sticks defence.
The game was played with aggression by both teams with one player from each team being given a yellow card within two minutes of each other.
Malaysia went in to the half-time break with a 2-0 lead.
The Junior Black Sticks came out of the second half a better side and were unlucky in the first 10 minutes not to score.
They finally got on the score board in the 48th minute when Callum Bailey was able to sneak a shot past the front of the goalie to put the Junior Black sticks back in the game.
A minute later the Junior Black Sticks thought they had tied the game up only to have the goal disallowed.
The Junior Black Sticks had the upper hand for the last quarter of the game having a number of chances to score, including three penalty corners.
Even with one if its players sent from the field the Malaysian defense was able to hold on for the win.
Goals: Mohammad Fitri, Nor Faez, Callum Bailey.

Et Tu, Brother!

Ryan Giggs' brother Rhodri has split from his wife Natasha following claims of her having an affair with his footballer sibling, it has been reported.
Rhodri, 34, is said to be 'devastated' over the reported eight-year relationship, and has now apparently ended his marriage, telling The Sun: 'I was with her on Saturday but I'm not with her now.'
A source told the newspaper: 'He's devastated and can't believe the extent of his humiliation - by both of them.
'Rhodri said, "I know me and Ryan have had our ups and downs but this is the lowest of the low". He has suspicions that something may have gone on between Ryan and Natasha, but he never thought it was to this extent. His head is in a mess.'
The split comes as it was reported in a Sunday newspaper that Natasha, 28, and Manchester United star Ryan had begun their relationship before she began dating his younger sibling Rhodri.
The News of the World claimed Giggs slept with Natasha the day after his eight-year-old daughter was born, and again the day after the arrival of his four-year-old son. The affair was alleged to have continued until April 9.
To underline 37-year-old Giggs’s folly in taking out his notorious injunction over an alleged fling with former Big Brother housemate Imogen Thomas, his sister-in-law said it was this which spurred her to break her silence.
‘When I found out he was cheating with Imogen too, I was really hurt,’ she told the paper through a ‘friend’.
‘I know that sounds really strange, but he wasn’t just cheating on Stacey, he was cheating on me too. Our relationship was just about sex to him.’
She said she was a single mother when she met Giggs at a Manchester bar in March 2003 while Stacey – then his fiancée – was pregnant with their first child. The pair enjoyed a brief fling but after they broke it off she began seeing Rhodri, who had joined them on a night out, the paper said.
That did not stop Giggs secretly resuming their relationship the following year, it alleged, and even when she became engaged to Rhodri in 2005 and was expecting his child, he continued demanding to see her.
Natasha gave birth in August 2006 and Stacey had her son two months later, but the affair was quickly rekindled, it was claimed. ‘The day after his son was born we met up and had sex,’ the paper quoted Natasha as saying through her friend. ‘Stacey was still in hospital.’
Shortly after his last tryst with Natasha, rumours began to circulate that he was the mystery footballer who had taken out an injunction forbidding discussion of his affair with Miss Thomas.
Natasha texted him to ask if this was true. He reportedly insisted: ‘No way. It’s not me.’
The following month, however, shortly before Twitter users broadcast the truth around the world, she realised he was lying.
In a furious text message she wrote: ‘I know u may not have any loyalties towards me n my feelings, that’s fine… now I no longer have any loyalties to u!
‘Any kind of feelings or respect I may have had for u disappeared when I realized how much u have manipulated me! You’re an idiot!’
However Giggs allegedly responded: ‘What the **** u going on about? This has been the worst 2 weeks of my life!!!’

Dailymail.co.uk

Project 2013 lose Kiwi series

PROJECT 2013 from Malaysia lost their Test series against Junior Black Sticks of New Zealand when they lost their third match 4-2 in Dunedin yesterday.
Malaysia lost the first Test 8-0, drew the second 2-2 and will play their final match today.
The Project squad are in training for the Junior Asia Cup in Malacca next May, which also serves as the World Cup Qualifier.
Malaysia were 2-2 level with the Kiwis, with goals from Mohamed Ramadhan and Amir Farid but Black Sticks scored in the 62nd and 69th minutes to seal the series.
“We received six penalty corners but could only score one off Ramadhan and that placed tremendous pressure on the defence.
“And when the match was tied at 2-2, we had plenty of chances to score but muffed many sitters and paid the price,” said Project 2013 manager Mirnawan Nawawi.
The New Zealand Hockey website wrote: “The Junior Black Sticks looked the better of the two teams early in the game, scoring two goals in the first half, but just as in the two previous games they let Malaysia come back, coming close to giving them the victory in the final minutes.
“And when the match was tied at 2-2, it was Malaysia who looked like they would take the lead, with the Junior Black sticks making simple mistakes and giving the ball away.
“The game looked like it could have gone anyway in the final 10 minutes, with the Junior Black sticks recovering from their lull and putting pressure on the Malaysian goal.
“Malaysia threw everything they had left at the Junior Black sticks goal in the last five minutes, even when after one of their players had been given a yellow card.
“But two late goals with the fourth one coming from a penalty corner awarded in the final minute of the match give the Junior Black sticks a 4-2 win and the series with one match left.”

Johor hammer Negri 6-1

JOHOR hammered Negri Sembilan 6-1 to keep their hopes afloat in the Razak Cup South Zone Qualifier at the Batu Pahat pitch yesterday.
On Friday, Johor lost 1-0 to Malacca, but according to coach Gurmit Singh, his charges lacked team-work in that match.
There are only three teams in the South Zone Qualifier, and the top-two play in Division One, while the third team in Division Two of the Razak Cup in Malacca on July 20-30.
“We did not get a chance to train as a full side before the Malacca match and that is why there was little understanding and we lost 1-0.
“However, against Negri today (yesterday) the players clicked well and we could have scored at least nine goals, but missed many sitters,” said Gurmit Singh.
Negri fielded an under-21 side as their national and former national players were not available this weekend.
“We will wait for the outcome of the Negri-Malacca postponed match now. And then there is the second round for Johor to make amends as we intend to play in Division One,” said Gurmit, a former national player.
Malacca and Negri were supposed to play on Saturday, but the match was called off when Malacca team manager A. Vijasankar as well as assistant manager Mihardy Nawawi did not turn up for the match.
The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) Technical Com mittee will decide the next course of action against Malacca today.
The Johor goals were scored by Mohamed Nor Akmal (2nd, 10th), Chairul Annuar (12th), Robert Alcantara (27th), Ismail Imadi (28th) and Fikri Bassar (50th).
Negri’s consolation was scored by Azraie Azizan in the 32nd minute.
RAZAK CUP SOUTH ZONE -- RESULT: Johor 6 Negri Sembilan 1.

RAZAK CUP STANDINGS

NORTH ZONE

P W D L F A Pts
PENANG 3 2 0 1 9 5 6
FORCES 3 2 0 1 8 4 6
PERLIS 3 2 0 1 8 6 6
KEDAH 3 0 0 3 2 12 0

CENTRAL ZONE

P W D L F A Pts
K LUMPUR 3 3 0 0 14 7 9
PERAK 3 2 0 1 9 4 6
SELANGOR 3 1 0 2 5 11 3
PROJECT 2017 3 0 0 3 7 13 0

SOUTH ZONE

P W D L F A Pts
JOHOR 2 1 0 1 6 2 3
MALACCA 1 1 0 0 1 0 3
NEGRI 1 0 0 1 1 6 0

Petite Marangina packs power

MARANGINA Karani is only 139cm tall and weighs 35kg, but the petite 16-year-old packed enough explosives in her scrawny arms to whip M. Santhiyaa of Kuala Lumpur for Sabah’s second silambam gold medal.
Sabah, fielding the only non-Indian contingent in the Malaysia Games silambam competition, have two gold medals to show after Nizam Jamal won the 38-43kg category on Saturday.
Fighting with a stick more than two times her height, the Sabah lass showed class and her deft attempts took a taller Santhiyaa by surprise in the 30-35kg combat event.
“I am so excited to win the gold medal for Sabah, as in the last Malaysia Games in Malacca (where silambam made its debut) I could only win a bronze medal,” said Marangina who could pose off as a 12-year-old.
The trained hard for the past three months, and it paid off handsomely: “I love this sport, which was introduced to me when I was in primary school and even though the training is tough, I have never regretted taking it up,” said Marangina.
She was hoisted by her team-mates, and there was a wild celebration as Sabah broke the dominance of more il lustrious states Negri Sembilan and Selangor.
Yesterday, Sabah also won a silver from Fevian Dean in the men’s 61-65kg and bronze in the men’s 66-75kg from Zaidi Lintung to bring their total to 2 gold, two silver and three bronze after three days of competition.
In the last Gamers, they only won one silve rand five bronze medals.
The Sabah coach Marcel Micheal, 21-years-old, said his charges are disciplined and dedicated which makes his taks that much easier.
“I picked up the sport when studying at SML Keningau, and now part my knowledge to students who are interested in it.
“Mostly, my exponents are from SMK Tabuan in Tenam,” said Micheal.
Today is the last day of competition, and Thanithiramai (Individual event) will be contested.
RESULTS (All Finals) -- Men: 56-60kg: 1 S. Mohan (Negri), 2 Micheal Nelson (Pg), 3 Denesh Kumar and Logan Kumar.
61-65kg: 1 R. Ravinkumar (Sel), 2 Fevian Dean (Sab), 3 M. Muthukumaran (Negri) and Sharven Raj (Pg).
66-75kg: 1 S. Ravi (joh), 2 R. Harwieenraj (Sel), 3 Zaidi Lintung (Sab) and Bernard Francis (Negri).
Women: 30-35kg: 1 Marangina Karani (Sab), 2 M. San thiyaa (KL), 3 Gurpreet Kaur (Negri) and K. Kausalya (Sel).
36-40kg: 1 M. Silambarasi (Negri), 2 S. Yogarathi (Pah), 3 S. Gayathree (Pk) and S. Anchanah (Pg).

Protest, Police, water bottles ...

By Jugjet Singh
jugjet@nst.com.my

THE hall was full or men and women armed with long sticks, and a judging dispute almost turned into a free-for all in the Malaysia Games Silambam tournament at the National Sports Council Gymnasium yesterday.
Only intervention by the Police cooled down matters.
In a sport dominated by Indians, the fresh breath of air came from Sabah’s Nizam Jamal in the 38-43kg category when he beat Negri Sembilan’s M. Inderjith to the gold medal.
However, Negri were shocked by their athletes defeat, and there was a tensed moment when they filed a protest on the result.
Nizam was unfairly cornered, and Negri officials took him to the judges table without any Sabah official accompanying, but the judges told them to file a written report instead.
Negri filed the report, but the score stood and Sabah kept the gold medal.
But Negri athletes and officials, angry with the decision, boycotted the prize giving ceremony, and their athletes were also seen throwing water bottles at the judges.
Malaysia Games Organising voce-president Datuk Abdul Jalil Abdullah said: “I’m very disappointed by the actions of the Negri Sembilan officials. They are supposed to set good examples for the junior exponents who could be future national athletes.
“It is shameful and unsportsmanlike. How can they do this to their own athletes, but this is not the first time these officials have caused trouble in silambam,” said Jalil.
Malaysian Silambam Association president R.C. Veerasee lan said: “These two officials (Rasu Maniam Negri Silambam chairman and chief coach N. Mooralitharan) are actually suspended from taking part in national events.
“But they turned up this morning at the venue. We didn't want to throw them out as we thought they would behave themselves. Unfortunately, they have once again caused a ruckus and we will make a police report against them.
“We are lucky there were two police personnel present to escort them out of the hall,” said Veeraseelan.
On the tournament side, Deep Joth Singh from Nilai, Negri Sembilan displayed super skills and nimble feet to walk way with the 44-50kg Silambam Combat gold at the
However the Malaysia Games gold was expected, as the 14- year-old had won two gold and three silvers in the First Silambam World Championships in India last year.
“I started training when I was six years old, and follow the regime daily. The Malaysia Games gold is a first for me, but I have won two gold and three silvers (in five different disciplines that he took part) in the inaugural World Cham pionships,” said the scrawny looking lad who transforms into a fighter when he holds the silambam stick.
His motivation to join the sport?
“It was from my own initiative as I loved the sport after watching a demonstration. And I have never regretted taking it up, as it teaches me discipline and keeps me fit at the same time.
“My next target is to make a clean sweep in the World Championships in December this year,” said the confident lad.
RESULTS (all finals): -- Men: 30-37kg: 1 R. Raajesh (Pg), 2 R. Manalan (Ked), 3 B. Thanaraj (Sel) and K. Kaveearassu (Pk).
38-43kg: 1 Nizam Jamal (Sab), 2 M. Inderjith (Negri), 3 R. Kavikumar (pg) and R. Sasitharan (Per).
44-50kg: 1 Deep Joth Singh a/l Piara Singh (Negri), 2 R, Ravi (Pg), 3 A. Kumaresan (Sel) and Yusdi Ranil (Sab).
51-55kg: 1 R. Prakash (Ked), 2 R. Gajenthiran (Per), 3 G. Thinakaswaran (Negri) and R. Uthayakumar (Sel).
Women: 51-55kg -- 1 S. Kaviarasi (Ked), 2 M. Viknehsvary (Negri), 3 K. Priteive (Pk) and R. Mayilselvi (KL).
56-65kg: 1 G. Kmarathe (Negri), 2 Percella Kebing (Sab), 3 B. Nithyah (Perlis) and J. Darshini (Sel).

Another yo-yo show from Project 2013

THE Project 2013 hockey team produced another yo-yo performance when they bounced back from a 8-0 whipping, to hold New Zealand Junior Black Sticks to a 2-2 draw in their second Test in Dunedin yesterday.
And in the Razak Cup South Zone Qualifier in Batu Pahat yesterday Malacca, who had beaten Johor 1-0 on Friday, turned up without their team manager and assistant team manager and the match was called off by Technical Official B. Shaji.
The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) will now refer the case to the Technical Committee to decide on the next course of action on Monday.
A. Vijasankar is the Malacca team manager, while Mihardy Nawawi is the assistant manager.
In Dunedin, the Junior Black sticks took the lead off a Jared Jones field attempt in the sixth minute, but Malaysia per fected their third penalty corner to draw level.
“Malaysia came close to scoring a number of times and had two attempts from penalty corners, however, only Mohamed Zulhairi’s drag flick off the third corner went in, in the 29th minute,” said Project 2013 team manager Mirnawan Nawawi.
The Project boys came out of the dressing room firing on all cylinders and the Junior Black Sticks struggled to contain their pace.
Malaysia were awarded their fifth penalty corner of the match, and Nor Faez scored with a drag flick to take the lead in the 43rd minute.
The Junior Black Sticks were awarded their first penalty corner of the series in the 50th minute, but were unable to trap the ball to give themselves a chance of scoring.
But in the 55th minute, James Coughlan found the back of the net to tie the match.
The Third Test will be played on Monday.
RAZAK CUP SOUTH ZONE -- TODAY: Johor v Negri Sembilan (Batu Pahat, 4.30pm).

RAZAK CUP STANDINGS

NORTH ZONE

P W D L F A Pts
PENANG 3 2 0 1 9 5 6
FORCES 3 2 0 1 8 4 6
PERLIS 3 2 0 1 8 6 6
KEDAH 3 0 0 3 2 12 0

CENTRAL ZONE

P W D L F A Pts
K LUMPUR 3 3 0 0 14 7 9
PERAK 3 2 0 1 9 4 6
SELANGOR 3 1 0 2 5 11 3
PROJECT 2017 3 0 0 3 7 13 0

SOUTH ZONE

P W D L F A Pts
MALACCA 1 1 0 0 1 0 3
JOHOR 1 0 0 1 0 1 0
NEGRI 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Malacca beat fancied Johor 1-0

Kelantan withdrew, so no East Zone Razak Cup Qualifiers...

NEW ZEALAND’S Junior Black Sticks whipped Malaysia’s Project 2013 side 8-0 in the first of four Test series at the McMillan centre in New Zealand yesterday.
Malaysia let in the first goal just two minutes after the start, and the Kiwi Juniors made their attempts count after that with four goals in each half to slaughter the Project side.
“It was a 6pm match played at about Five degrees Celcius and my players just could not get their act together,” said Project 2013 team manager Mirnawan Nawawi.
The Project boys are preparing for the Junior Asia Cup in Malacca next May, which also doubles up as a World Cup Qualifier.
Earlier, Project 2013 played four matches with the Australian Juniors and lost 9-1, 2-1, drew 5-5 and lost 7-2.
Meanwhile, in the South Zone Razak Cup Qualifiers, Malacca beat Johor 1-1 and will play against Negri Sembilan today, where a win will see them play in Division One.
RESULTS -- SOUTH ZONE: Johor 0 Malacca 1.
TOMORROW -- SOUTH ZONE: Negri Sembilan v Malacca (Batu Pahat, 4.30pm); Sunday: Johor v Negri Sembilan (Batu Pahat, 4.30pm).

STANDINGS

NORTH ZONE

P W D L F A Pts
PENANG 3 2 0 1 9 5 6
FORCES 3 2 0 1 8 4 6
PERLIS 3 2 0 1 8 6 6
KEDAH 3 0 0 3 2 12 0

CENTRAL ZONE

P W D L F A Pts
K LUMPUR 3 3 0 0 14 7 9
PERAK 3 2 0 1 9 4 6
SELANGOR 3 1 0 2 5 11 3
PROJECT 2017 3 0 0 3 7 13 0

SOUTH ZONE

P W D L F A Pts
MALACCA 1 1 0 0 1 0 3
JOHOR 1 0 0 1 0 1 0
NEGRI 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

New Zealand juniors serve eight-course dinner..

www.hockeynz.co.nz

Halftime 4-0
Fulltime 8-0
Goal scorers, Callum Bailey (2), Isaac Staples (2), Jacob Smith (2), Abir Mukherjee and James Coughlan.

The Junior Black Sticks men got their series against the Malaysian juniors off to the best possible start with a landslide 8-0 victory at the McMillan centre tonight.
The Junior Black sticks had the edge over their opponent all game, and will have a lot of confidence going into their second game tomorrow.
The first goal came within 2 minutes, after James Coughlan was allowed to weave in and out of the Malaysian defence, and pass into the circle for Callum Bailey to deflect the ball into the goal.
Malaysia looked like it would strike back straight away but Mohammad Fitri's shot was just wide of the goal.
Both teams looked like they could have scored next, as Malaysia looked to use its speed down the middle of the field, while the Junior Black Sticks looked to attack down the wings.
It was not until the 25th minute that the second goal was scored with Bailey scoring his second of the game to give the Junior Black Sticks a 2-0 lead.
The Junior Black Sticks were able to score two more goals with Isaac Staples scoring in the 32nd minute, and then Amir Mukherjee scoring one minute later, to give the Junior Black Sticks a 4-0 lead going into halftime.
Malaysia came out of the second half recharged and looked to take advantage of the lack of urgency the Junior Black Sticks were showing.
At times Malaysia was its own worst enemy trying the barge past the Junior Black Sticks defence instead of using its speed to its advantage.
Once the Junior Black Sticks were able to shake off the half time cobwebs they went about taking apart the Malaysian defence with Coulghan scoring the first goal of the half in the 53rd minute.
A number of times Malaysia looked like it would score but each time it was close a pass would miss its target or would be put out of play.
Towards the end of the game the Malaysian looked like they were tiring, letting lazy defence creep in to its game allowing the Junior Black Sticks to score two more goals from Jacob Smith, and Staples.
Smith scored the final goal of the match in the 70th minute diving vertically half a metre of the ground to deflect a raised ball into the goal, giving the Junior Black Sticks a 8-0 win.

Dundee Girls Down Under

Casey Eastham & Marnie Hudson with crocodile. Epic Moments - www.epicmoments.com.au

Eastham and Hudson are in Darwin to compete in the Australian Hockey League Finals Week and while they two are Hockeyroos teammates, they will become opponents when the NSW Arrows (Eastham) and the OAMPS Queensland Scorchers (Hudson) meet each other on Friday 3 June at the AHL, with the winning team going through to the AHL grand final on Saturday 4 June.
The two will also be looking to impress national coach Adam Commens, with the coach set to announce the new Hockeyroos squad and the 2011 Champions Trophy squad (the Champions Trophy will be played in the Netherlands from June 25) at the conclusion of the AHL on Monday 6 June.
Hockey Australia media release

Malacca gunning for Division One

MALACCA will be gunning for a spot in Division One of the Razak Cup when the South Zone Qualifiers start today at the Batu Pahat pitch.
The South Zone only had three teams in Malacca Negri Sembilan and Johor, and only two will play in Division One while the third-placed side will see action in Division Two.
“As hosts of the Razak Cup, we would definitely be gunning for a top-two finish but it wont be easy.
“Negri and Johor will also be fielding an experienced side for the Qualifier, while we will be banking mostly on youth,” said Malacca coach K. Balakrishnan.
Malacca have 11 under-21 players but will miss five of them who are playing in the Malaysian Schools Sports Sports Council tournament in Johor Baru.
“We finished third in Division One last year, with basically the same players, but will not have the services of five young players this weekend as they are playing in the MSSM tournament in Johor Baru.
“All three teams in the group are almost of the same standard, but I believe Johor have a slight advantage and will be the team to beat,” said Balakrishnan.
Malacca have been training for two weeks and former national player Chua Boon Huat joined them yesterday to give Malacca a bite in attack.
The East Zone will also start this weekend, but after Police and Terengganu pulled out, Pahang and Kelantan will be using the Qualifiers as a warm-up, as both have already qualified to play in Division One.
SOUTH ZONE -- Today: Johor v Malacca (Batu Pahat, 6.30pm); Tomorrow: Negri Sembilan v Johor (Batu Pahat, 6.30pm); Sunday: Malacca v Negri Sembilan (Batu Pahat, 6.30pm).
EAST ZONE: Tomorrow -- Pahang v Kelantan (Kuantan Stadium, 7pm).

STANDINGS

NORTH ZONE

P W D L F A Pts
PENANG 3 2 0 1 9 5 6
FORCES 3 2 0 1 8 4 6
PERLIS 3 2 0 1 8 6 6
KEDAH 3 0 0 3 2 12 0

CENTRAL ZONE

P W D L F A Pts
K LUMPUR 3 3 0 0 14 7 9
PERAK 3 2 0 1 9 4 6
SELANGOR 3 1 0 2 5 11 3
PROJECT 2017 3 0 0 3 7 13 0

SOUTH ZONE

P W D L F A Pts
JOHOR 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
NEGRI 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
MALACCA 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

EAST ZONE
P W D L F A Pts
KELANTAN 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
PAHANG 0 0 0 0 0 0 0