KL champions for 19th time

A LETHAL combination from Kelvinder Singh and Nabil Fiqri handed Kuala Lumpur their 19th Razak Cup title when they edged a fighting Pahang 1-0 at the Bukit Serindit Stadium in Malacca yesterday.
KL were lost in the wilderness during regulation play as they failed to break a stout Pahang defense, and the match went into extra-time.
Pahang, who had yet to lift the title after 49 editions, were deadly off Ismail Abu counter-attacks during the first seven minutes of sudden-death play.
However, KL gained control of attack in the next half as Kelvinder Singh came back onto the pitch after taking a breather.
Kelvinder’s first pass to Nabil in the 80th minute went to waste as the latter failed to connect home.
However, a second reverse stick attempt from Kelvinder 82nd minute found Nabil facing an open goal-mouth and he had the easiest task of tapping the ball in end KL’s misery.
“It was our toughest match of the tournament but still, I’m proud of my players who kept their composure and never stopped playing hockey until they nailed the winner,” said KL coach I. Vickneswaran.
Meanwhile, Negri Sembilan were crowned Division Two champions when they edged Selangor 1-0.
The solitary goal by Azraie Azizan, off a penalty corner attempt in the 48th minute, was enough to promote Negri into Division One next year.
“Selangor are a good team and they have speedy forwards. We knew we had to stop them especially down the middle if we are to have a chance.
“And it worked. I am happy for players. We have worked very hard in the entire tournament to emerge champion.
“In doing so we prove that being in the second division doesn’t mean we have to give up hope. We fought all the way through and today's win is ample reward,” said coach Negri coach S. Chandran.
RESULTS -- Div 1, Final: Kuala Lumpur 1 Pahang 0; 3rd- 4th: Armed Forces 3 Terengganu 4.
Div 2, Final: Negri Sembilan 1 Selangor 0; 3rd-4th: Perlis 0 Kedah 3.