43rd FIH Congress rides into town...

MALAYSIA will host the 43rd International Hockey Fed eration (FIH) Congress in Kuala Lumpur from Friday.
   And Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president  Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah will make a bid to  become an Executive Board member.
    Tengku Abdullah had sent in his nominations earlier, and  reiterated his wish to stand as a candidate during the recent  Razak Cup in Kuantan.
   Right now, there are only two representatives from Asia on  the Executive Board and they are Asian Hockey Federation  president Sultan Azlan  Shah and  Pakistan’s Qasim Zia.
   There will also be a seminar where participants will  discuss about the recently launched World League and its  impact to the global growth of the sport.
   Participants will also get a chance to understand:
    • What stakeholders look for in hosting sports events and  how they can benefit.
• How to use partners to leverage and influence local  stakeholders.
• Case study of tangible benefits from recent FIH events.

Fans will remember him more than Tiger Woods..

THIS is the face of Tiger Woods special security who kept the fans at bay from the famous golfer. Those hunting for autographs at the Mines Resort and Golf Club will remember him for the rest of their lives...

American Watney Nicks it..

AMERICAN Nick Watney missed a chance for a 59, but walked away with the Cimb Classic title even though he closed in with a bogey for a course-record 10-under 61 at The Mines Resort and Golf Club yesterday.
  He needed a birdie on the par-4 18th for a 59, but drove into the left rough, failed to reach the green with his approach and left his long birdie pitch just short of the putting surface.
  But it did not matter a bit, as the third American to win the title, he pocketed US$1.3 million with his 22-under 262.
  Defending champion Bo Van Pelt and Robert Garrigus, both from the US, tied for second one stroke behind. Van Pelt needed a birdie on 18 to force a playoff, but saved par for a 66.
   Garrigus also finished with a 66.
  "I really wanted to finish strong ... but winning the tournament was more important than a 59 for me," Watney said.
  He needed his wife, Amber, to carry his bag for the last hole of the first round when his caddie Chad Reynolds needed treatment for heat-stroke in the first round. After that, he used a local caddie for the second round, and Reynolds came back for the weekend.
  Watney, 31, started the final round tied for seventh and said he didn't even think about winning until he walked to the 13th tee with a share of the lead.
  He started with two birdies, adding at the sixth, eighth and ninth to turn in 30. He birdied three straight from the 11th to take the outright lead at 20-under from Van Pelt.
  The American then stretched the margin with another three consecutive birdies from the 15th, including a 25-foot putt from the edge of the green at the 16th.
  He settled for a birdie on the par-5 17th after missing an eagle putt, then ran into trouble on 18 when he found the rough off the tee and appeared to mis-hit his second shot.
   "So the 59 went out the window right there," he said. "I was more concerned with just winning the tournament. "
  Japan's Ryo Ishikawa holds the lowest round on a major Tour, when he shot a 12-under 58 to win the 2010 Crowns on the Japan Tour.
  Tiger Woods finished tied-fourth, and will now face-off with top-ranked Rory McIlroy, in the BMW Masters in Shanghai.
  "We'll both probably be a little bit tired. But we're going to try and put on a good show, shoot a low round and have a little bit of fun."
   Next year, the Cimb Clasic will become a full-fledged PGA Tour event.

Tiger Woods: I'll be back...

TIGER Woods shot his lowest score of the tournament, but his eight-under 63 was only good enough for a tied-fourth spot in his maiden appearance in the Cimb Classic.
  Zimbabwe's Brendon de Jonge and Chris Kirk of the United States shared the fourth with Woods, after they returned with five-under 66 and four-under 67 respectively.
  His bogey-free final round took his total to 19-under 265, but right after the press conference ended he was whisked to his car and sped out of the Club House even though the leaders were still playing their rounds.
  He knew then itself, that his 19-under would not take him to a play-off as Nick Watney of the United States was at 22-under at that stage and still with holes to play.
  The 14-time Major winner, trailing by five shots overnight, started with three straight birdies and added two more on six and seven in an astonishing half-round.
  He then had birdies on the 10th, 16th and 17th, to earn him a purse of USDxxx...
  And the question on everybody's mind was is he going to come back to the Classic?
  "I would love to come back as this has been a fantastic event. It certainly has grown over the years, and now it's going to be part of the Tour. That would be a major growth for this event, sort of what HSBC went through in China, and now it's one of the marquee events," said Woods.
  It was not the final outing Woods was looking for, as his goal was 20 plus.
  "The golf course was really soft today (yesterday) and we played ball in hand again, and I needed to get to 20 plus, and that was the goal starting out. It looks like I didn't quite do it."
   He would have been the champion, if not for the bogies in the third round.
   "I am, I'm very pleased with the way I came back, as I just had one little bad stretch yesterday (third round). Other than that, I really played well this week." 

CIMB Final Round Scores

262 Nick Watney (US) 71-65-65-61.
263 Robert Garrigus (US) 64-64-69-66, Bo van Pelt (US) 70-65-62-66.
265 Tiger Woods (US) 66-67-69-63, Brendon de Jonge (ZIM) 68-65-66-66, Chris Kirk (US) 69-66-63-67.
266 Carl Pettersson (Swe) 69-67-68-62.
267 Jbe' Kruger (SA) 66-64-69-68.
268 Pat Perez (US) 67-68-68-65.
269 Scott Piercy (US) 75-68-64-62, Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind) 65-72-65-67, Kevin Na (US) 67-66-69-67, Brian Harman (US) 64-70-66-69.
270 Noh Seung-Yul (S Kor) 71-66-67-66, Ben Crane (US) 68-66-68-68.
271 Thaworn Wiratchant (Thai) 72-65-68-66, John Sended (Aus) 72-66-66-67, Jason Dufner (US) 68-72-64-67, Bill Haas (US) 70-65-68-68, Jeff OVERTON (US) 64-70-68-69, Greg Chalmers (Aus) 66-66-69-70.
272 JB Holmes (US) 66-70-68-68, Ricky Barnes (US) 66-71-66-69.
273 Charlie Wi (S Kor) 69-66-71-67, Marcus Fraser (Aus) 70-70-65-68.
274 Masanori Kobayashi (Jpn) 69-71-66-68, John Huh (US) 70-68-68-68, Anirban Lahiri (Ind) 71-66-68-69, Martin Laird (Scot) 68-67-69-70, Tom Gillis (US) 65-70-66-73.
275 Kevin Stadler (US) 67-68-76-64, Trevor Immelman (SA) 72-63-68-72.
276 Cameron Tringale (US) 71-69-70-66, Bob Estes (US) 69-68-70-69, Johnson Wagner (US) 70-69-67-70, Troy Matteson (US) 63-69-73-71.
277 Prom Meesawat (Thai) 70-69-68-70, Sean O'Hair (US) 69-72-65-71, Ryan Palmer (US) 69-68-70-70.
278 Marc Leishman (Aus) 75-67-66-70.
279 Kyle Stanley (US) 69-70-74-66, Jimmy Walker (US) 69-68-71-71.
281 Danny Chia (Mas) 66-75-73-67.
282 William McGrit (US) 70-70-73-69, David Lipsky (US) 68-73-71-70.
284 Siddikur Rahman (Bang) 73-74-69-68.
285 Shaaban Hussin (Mas) 74-73-70-68.
287 Scott Hend (Aus) 70-77-70-70.

Nick Watney new CIMB Classic Champ..

Nick Watney cards course record final round 61 to win CIMB Classic title on four-day total of 22-under 262

CIMB Classis Third Round Scores

197 Bo van Pelt (US) 70-65-62, Robert Garrigus (US) 64-64-69.
198 Chris Kirk (US) 69-66-63.
199 Brendon de Jonge (Zim) 68-65-66, Jbe' Kruger (SA) 66-64-69.
200 Brian Harman (US) 64-70-66.
201 Tom Gillis (US 65-70-66, Nick Watney (US) 71-65-65, Greg Chalmers (Aus) 66-66-69.
202 Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind) 65-72-65, Jeff Overton (US) 64-70-68, Tiger Woods (US) 66-67-69, Ben Crane (US) 68-66-68, Kevin Na (US) 67-66-69.
203 Ricky Barnes (US) 66-71-66, Pat Perez (US) 67-68-68, Bill Haas (US) 70-65-68, Trevor Immelman (SA) 72-63-68.
204 Jason Dufner (US) 68-72-64, John Senden (Aus) 72-66-66, Noh Seung-Yul (S Kor) 71-66-67, Carl Pettersson (Swe) 69-67-68, J.B. Holmes (US) 66-70-68, Martin Laird (Scot) 68-67-69.
205 Marcus Fraser (Aus) 70-70-65, Thaworn Wiratchant (Thai) 72-65-68, Anirban Lahiri (Ind) 71-66-68, Troy Matterson (US) 63-69-73.
206 Sean O'Hair (US) 69-72-65, Masanori Kobayashi (Jpn) 69-71-66, Johnson Wagner (US) 70-69-67, John Huh (US) 70-68-68, Charlie Wi (S Kor) 69-66-71.
207 Scott Piercy (US) 75-68-64, Prom Meesawat (Thai) 70-69-68, Bob Estes (US) 69-68-70, Ryan Palmer (US) 69-68-70.
208 Marc Leishman (Aus) 75-67-66, Jimmy Walker (US) 69-68-71.
210 Cameron Triangale (US) 71-69-70.
211 Kevin Stadler (US) 67-68-76.
212 David Lipsky (USA) 68-73-71.
213 William McGrit (US) 70-70-73, Kyle Stanley (US) 69-70-74.
214 Danny Chia (Mas) 66-75-73.
216 Siddikur Raahman (Bang) 73-74-69.
217 Shaaban Hussin (Mas) 74-73-70, Scott Hend (Aus) 70-77-70.

Van Pelt in the lead

CIMB Classic defending champion Bo Van Pelt of the Unites States flirted with a magical 59 before double-bogeying the last hole at the Mines Resort and Golf Country yesterday.
   He was 11 under par 71 through 17 and was going for his 12th birdie of the day on the final hole to claim the 59, but landed in the bunker in front of a packed gallery on the 18th.
  He then three-putted to finish his round on 62 for a 16-under 197 to be tied with countryman Robert Garrigus who had a 69 yesterday.
 Garrigus overcame a sluggish start by finishing with three closing birdies.
  South African Jbe Kruger, third on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit, kept himself in the title hunt with a 69 putting him two strokes back while India’s rising star Gaganjeet Bhullar fired a fine 65 for tied 10th place.
  "Obviously, 59 was on the mind for a little bit but probably the biggest shot of the day was the first hole. I hit driver the first two days and played the hole one over so I decided to lay up, and I was still behind the tree.  Hit a really good pitching wedge, got it up over the tree, had a 15 footer and made it.
  "That just kind of got the day started off on the right foot," said the leader.
  He didn't miss a fairway in the front nine yesterday, and only the 18th was troublesome for him.
 "I drove the ball in play and I don't think I missed a fairway on the front nine. My irons were pretty sharp, and the putter, I had been close all week, and today (yesterday) they were going in. They weren't burning the edge. I told myself that everybody else was out there making birdies so don't be complacent.
  "Obviously, going into 18, I had a chance to shoot 59. I played the 18th hole well yesterday as I made a tap in birdie there.
  "I was just trying to really focus on my tee ball. It's a tough tee shot and I was really proud of the tee shot that I hit.  It's probably one of the best ones that I hit all day, and unfortunately I just went a little too far."
  He seems to really like the Mines course: "A lot of holes just fit my eye.  You can hit driver a lot here.  I feel like the driver is a strength of my game.  I like to be able to hit it a lot.  It's obviously hot and the heat gets to everybody, but I've lived in Oklahoma for almost 20 years, and it gets very hot and very humid there.  So I'm not immune to the heat, but I think I'm maybe more used to it than where some of the other American golfers live."

CIMB Classis Second Round Scores

128 Robert Garrigus (US) 64-64.
130 Jbe' Kruger (SA) 66-64.
132 Greg Chalmers (Aus) 66-66, Troy Matterson (USA) 63-69.
133 Brendon de Jonge (Zim) 68-65, Kevin Na (US) 67-66, Tiger Woods (US) 66-67.
134 Ben Crane (US) 68-66, Jeff Ooverton (US) 64-70, Brian Harman (US) 64-70.
135 Trevor Immelman (SA) 72-63, Bo van Pelt (US) 70-65, Bill Haas (US) 70-65, Charlie Wi (S Kor) 69-66, Chris Kirk (US) 69-66, Martin LAIRD (Scot) 68-67, Kevin Stadler (US) 67-68, Pat Perez (US) 67-68, Tom Gillis (US) 65-70.
136 Nick Watney (US) 71-65, Carl Pettersson (Swe) 69-67, JB Holmes (US) 66-70.
137 Thaworn Wiratchant (Thai) 72-65, Anirban Lahiri (Ind) 71-66, Noh Seung-Yul (S Kor) 71-66, Jimmy Walker (US) 69-68, Bob Estes (US) 69-68, Ryan Palmer (US) 69-68, Ricky Barnes (US) 66-71, Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind) 65-72.
138 John Senden (Aus) 72-66, John Huh (US) 70-68.
139 Prom Meesawat (Thai) 70-69, Johnson Wagner (US) 70-69, Kyle Stanley (US) 69-70.
140 Cameron Triangle (US) 71-69, Marcus Fraser (Aus) 70-70, Masanori Kobayashi (Jpn) 69-71, William McGrit (US) 70-70, Jason Dufner (US) 68-72.
141 Sean O'Hair (US) 69-72, David Lipsky (US) 68-73, Danny Chia (Mas) 66-75.
142 Marc Leishman (Aus) 75-67.
143 Scott Piercy (US) 75-68.
147 Siddikur Rahman  (Bang) 73-74, Shaaban Hussin (Mas) 74-73, Scott Hend (Aus) 70-77.

Tiger hunting Kruger..

ELDRICK Tont Woods is nine-under and tied fifth with two other players, but it would be foolish to discount the prowling Tiger in the remaining two rounds at the Mines.
  Tiger, who given middle name Tont is distinctively Thai, had a second round of four-under 68 and is tied with Zimbabwean Brendon de Jonge and American Kevin Na.
  Tiger, his nickname, wore a dark blue T-shirt in the second round, and did not let the heat, or the screeming fans, to disrupt his game.
  "The heat is one of the hard things which you have to somewhat overcome if you want to make birdies out there.
  "You can't just be passive and play to the center of the greens and stuff. You have to be aggressive no matter what the weather is throwing at you," said Woods.
  Yesterday, the former World No 1 had more downhill putts: "You know what. They're (greens) grainy and they're hard. Yesterday (Thursday) I had some good leads on the back nine. Today it was downhill, cross-grain."
  The 14-time Major winner is sitting pretty going into the last two rounds, as he slowly paces his game.
  "As I said, it's going to be 20-plus to win the tournament. Right now 14 is the leading score with Robert (Garrigus). So we'll see, as we've got two rounds to go. Today (yesterday) we had ball in hand (winter rule), tomorrow (third round) we may have ball in hand again, so if that's the case, we have a chance to make some more birdies."
  It was not a normal day for Woods in office, as he not only had to battle the heat, but also some good play from his American compatriots.
  "It was just one of those days that I didn't make enough birdies. The weather was bothering everybody, as its really hot out there.
  "We just don't have the humidity like this in Miami and Tampa. We have the heat like this, but we don't have the humidity. This year in DC (Washington) it was over a 100°, but we didn't have humidity like this. This is different.
  "In Florida, every day's going to blow. You know it's going to blow, but it doesn't blow here. There is no wind. On some of these tee boxes, it's just so still and heavy.
  And how much did he know about South African Jbe' Kruger before today?
  "I knew a little bit about him, but I hadn't seen him play. Today (yesterday) was the first time I've seen him. He was playing right in front of us yesterday (Thursday), and he had a seven-under with one to go and made a big mistake at 18. But he's playing well."

CIMB Classic first round scores

FIRST rd Scores (US unless stated):
  63 Troy Matteson 63.
  64 Brian Harman, Jeff Overton, Robert Garrigus.
  65 Tom Gillis, Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind).
  66 Tiger Woods, Jbe' Kruger (S Af), Danny Chia (Mas), Greg Chalmers, Ricky Barnes, JB Holmes.
  67 Pat Perez, Kevin Stadler, Kevin Na.
  68 Martin Laird (Scot), Jason Dufner, Ben Crane, Brendon de Jonge (Zim), David Lipsky.
  69 Carl Pettersson (Swe), Chris Kirk, Bob Estes, Sean O'Hair, Kyle Stanley, Masanori Kobayashi (Jpn), Jimmy Walker, Charlie Wi (S Kor), Ryan Palmer.
  70 Johnson Wagner, Prom Meesawat (Thai), Marcus Fraser, William McGirt, Bo Van Pelt, Scott Hend (Aus), John Huh, Bill Haas.
  71  Anirban Lahiri (Ind), Nick Watney, Noh Seung-Yul (S Kor), Cameron Tringale.
  72 John Senden, Trevor Immelman (SA), Thaworn Wiratchant (Thai).
  73 Siddikur Rahman (Bang).
  74 Shaaban Hussin (Mas).
  75 Scott Piercy, Marc Leishman (Aus).

Troy leads CIMB Classic

TROY Matteson of the United States produced a magical eight-under-par 63, after hitting four closing birdies as he put the shade on Tiger Woods in the first round of the US$6.1 CIMB Classic yesterday.
  Matteson looked like he enjoyed the steamy conditions at the Mines Resort and Golf Club to lead by one stroke from countrymen Brian Harman, Robert Garrigus and Jeff Overton, who finished runner-up here last year.
  Indian Gaganjeet Bhullar, who has won twice on the Asian Tour in the past two months, was a further stroke back with American Tom Gillis while 14-time Major champion Woods, Malaysia’s Danny Chia and Jbe Kruger of South Africa were amongst those in tied seventh place on 66.
  Two-time PGA Tour winner Matteson, making his debut at the CIMB Classic, was flawless and closed out his round in style with a birdie from the greenside bunker, calling it a 'slam dunk'.
  “The pin is really tricky on 18.  I thought I hit a pretty good shot in there, and it just barely landed over the bunker and trickled back in the bunker, left me on the upslope.  I knew I'd be doing good if I could leave myself seven or eight feet for par, and it bounced and slam dunked in the hole,” he said.
  “The course is great. The grass is a lot like what I play back home. You've got to play your way around here.  You can't just hit driver on every hole, you've got to make some decisions, you've got to hit some irons, you've got to hit some 3 woods,” added Matteson.
  Overton, who shot a course record 62 at the Mines Resort last year, was four-under through 14 holes before holing a 20-foot eagle on 15. “I got to play with Danny Chia and he was making birdies and we were just both kind of going back and forth. And then all of a sudden I made the eagle, basically drove the green on the short par four, and when that sucker went in, it was really exciting.  It was just an all-around fun day,” said Overton.
   Garrigus, a winner on the PGA Tour, turned in 30 and hit a splendid eagle three on the 11th hole when his four iron approach from 258 yards landed three feet from the hole. “Gosh, that was probably one of the prettiest four irons I've ever hit in my life,” he said.
   “I just smoked the four iron, hit it to three feet, made eagle, then made a great par save on the next hole. I think those three holes really kept the round going, then birdied a couple coming in.”
  Defending champion Bo Van Pelt shot a 70 to lie in tied 30th place.

Tiger in the shades..

TIGER Woods was cool on the front-nine, and then unleashed a string of birdies on his return to be five-under 66 with five other players at the Mines Resort and Golf Club yesterday.
  Wearing a blue T-shirt, Woods was constantly seen wiping his sweat before making a putt. And the large crowd never stopped shouting encouragement after every hole.
  “I would love to hop into an ice tub right now,” said a sweaty Woods, who is returning to Malaysia for the first time since his triumph in the World Cup of Golf in 1999.
  “I felt in control on the back nine. Towards the end of the front nine, I was hitting it really well. Just missed a couple of short putts on eight and nine but I was hitting it really well. Just continued it and it felt really good on the back nine.  I hit some really good shots.
  “Turning at even par, I felt like I just got run over there.  It felt like I had to shoot something at least three , four under par on that back nine, and I happened to get one more, which is nice.  It's going to take something like 20-plus to win the tournament, so got to be aggressive and go get it.”
   Woods, the tournament’s top draw, lit up his back nine with five birdies to end the day three behind the leader. He struggled with a cold putter on his outward nine, missing two short putts on eight and nine to turn in level par before lighting up his inward stretch with five birdies.

Tiger returns to hunt at the Mines..

By Jugjet Singh

TIGER Woods made a return to the Mines Resort and Golf Club after 13 years, and the euphoria was not only evident among the fans, but also the other top golfers who are eager walk the same fairways with him.
  It was 1999 when the young Tiger first came to Malaysia and partnered Mark O'Meara to hand the United States the World title by five strokes at the Mines.
  "It is wonderful to be back at the Mines after 13 years, and after playing in the pro-am, I can say that the course looks just the same. Back then, to be able to hold off the Spaniards and win the World Cup just brought back some good old memories," said the CIMB Classic tournament favourite.
  Tiger played with Prime Minister Datuk Sri Najib Tun Razak in the morning pr-am.
  The Third Edition of the tournament, which offers a total of US6.1 million purse with the winner taking home a cool US1.3 million, will also see the last year's winner Bo Van Pelt and inaugural champion Ben Crane battling the Tiger.
  Tiger also loved the weather yesterday, as well as the golf course: "It is not cold outside! So it will be a nice test this week as the golf course is in great shape, even though its got a lot of rain on it.
  "Its soft, and has a few mud balls out there but overall, its in pretty good shape," said Tiger.
  The once World No 1 is just as eager to meet his fans in Asia, as they are of meeting him.
  "Some people probably sometimes forget that my mom was born here in Asia and it does feel like home because I'm very used to the culture. It's how I was raised at home and I've enjoyed my time throughout the years that I've spent here in Asia.
  "So I always appreciate the fans coming out and supporting the events and supporting me, as I'm finishing my 17th year on the Tour and so its nice to have that kind of support all those years," said Tiger.
  Tiger also touched on the Lance Armstrong doping scandal that has hit cycling badly: "Golf has implemented testing about three years ago but we do not do some blood work like some of the other sports do as tests are on urine sample right now.
  "But its certainly a positive step in the right direction to try and validate our sport.
  "I mean its a sport where we turn ourselves in on mistakes as when the ball moves in the trees and the guy calls a penalty on himself so golf is a different sport.
  "I think its one of the neat things about our great game and the testing has only enhanced that respectability," said Tiger.
  All eyes will be on the 'Asian' when he starts his first day in office at the Mines with Australian Marcus Fraser at 11.40am from the first tee.

Tiger, tiger, burning bright..

Tiger Woods signs an autograph for Madam Chan Fong Khun at the end of his Pro-Am at the Mines Resort and Golf Club.

   Madam Chan, 59 is a cancer survivor. She was diagnosed with cancer in 1999, and one day after watching Woods in action in November 1999, she went for her first chemotherapy session.

   Chan had asked for Woods’ autograph for her son, Chien Sing, who turns 21 in December – as a symbol of her love for her son. Tiger Woods is her son’s favourite golfer.

 

Van Pelt raring to go

DEFENDING champion Bo van Pelt of the United States flew in after winning his first tournament of the year Down Under looking fresh to stamp his mark again in this weekend's CIMB Classic at the Mines Resort and Golf Club.
  The American claimed his third career win in the Perth International at Lake Karrinyup after an an all-American duel with Jason Dufner by two strokes in a tense final round to claim the event.
  "It is great to be back in Malaysia to defend my title as I have some great memories from last year. This is the first chance I have ever had to defend my title as I have only won three tournaments.
  "I never had the chance to defend the Nationwide and Milwaukee tournaments so it is really great that I finally get a chance at the CIMB Classic," said van Pelt.
  However, the World No 24 does not feel that acclimatisation in Perth would give him an advantage over the other USPGA Tour players who just arrived in Malaysia.
  "It was great in Perth but I arrived on the Tuesday, just like I did in Malaysia last year and went on to win both the titles.
  "I must arrive more often on the eve of a tournament as I seem to play better," quipped van Pelt.
  In Perth, he had rounds of 70-67-67-68 to finish 16-under 272 and pocket a cheque for US$333,330.
  On the pressure of being the champion, and having players like Tiger Woods on his back, van Pelt said he does not feel any different from the other tournaments.
  "I don't think so (there is pressure), as there are so many great players in every tournament we get to play nowadays, so to win, you simply have to play great.
  "Last year at the Mines does not count for anything as we will all start on par Thursday (tomorrow) morning and the golf course is not going to remember me as a champion.
  "I have great memories from last year and I'm looking forward to getting back out there and and playing again," said van Pelt.
  The American posted a stunning 23-under total in the CIMB Classic last year, while his nearest challenger Jeff Overton was a distant 17-under.
  "As for the winning score this year, I think since every year the field is getting better and better, and so it's going to push the guys to shoot much lower.
  "So I would definitely say, if the weather holds, you will be looking at something in the 20s to win at the Mines, for sure," said van Pelt.

Terengganu lift Razak Cup

TERENGGANU made history as they took home the Razak Cup title for the first time after defeating Pahang 3-0 in the Division One final yesterday.
  The final was dominated by the Saari brothers as Terengganu became the first east coast side to win the prestigious trophy.
  Terengganu got off to a flying start as they took the lead in the first minute through Muhammad Firhan Ashari.
  Firhan had a tap in which was gifted to him after some brilliant work from Faizal Saari, who beat two players before squaring the ball back to Firhan to score.
  Terengganu continued to press forward and in the 15th minute hitman Faizal  once again worked his way into the circle and unleashed a fierce shot which went inches wide.
  It was Pahang's wake-up call as five minutes later they earned their first short corner of the game but a brilliant save from Muhammad Hafizuddin kept Terengganu in the lead.
  In the 23rd minute Ismail Abu slotted the ball home off a penalty corner rebound for Pahang but his effort was   disallowed by the umpire.
   Terengganu came back from the break more confident and in the 41st minute the Saari brothers Fitri and Faizal combined to give the east coast team a comfortable lead.
  Fitri, who was pulling the strings in midfield, found his elder brother unmarked in the circle and Faizal beat Kahirul Nizam Ibrahim from a tight angle.
  Nine minutes later Terengganu made it 3-0 through Muhammad Shafiq Nordin.
   RESULTS -- Div 1 Final: Pahang 0 Terengganu 3; 3rd-4th: Kuala Lumpur 8 Negri Sembilan 4; 5th-6th: Perak 1 Johor 3; 7th-8th: Penang 4 Armed Forces 3.
  Div 2: Final: Selangor 4 Malacca 5.

Kuala Lumpur claim Razak Cup bronze...

RAZAK CUP: 

Division 1 playoff for third place -- Kuala Lumpur 8 Negri Sembilan 4

Kuala Lumpur 8 (Chua Boon Huat 3rd, 8th, 20th), Razie Rahim (34th, 40th, 44th, 56th), Shamim Yusoff (57th) .Negri Sembilan 4 (Dangerous Lee (35th, 49th, 52nd), Ikhwan Ishak 70th).

DIVISION TWO FINAL: 

Malacca 5 (Hafizuddin Desa 13th 43rd, Amirullah Zainol 22nd, 54th, 63rd)

Selangor 4 (Muhammad Noor Faeez Ibrahim 3rd, 60th, Amirrullah Aziz 11th, Redza Maadun 30th)

NOTE: Malacca in Division One next year.

Tiger hunt at the Mines this week...

FAST FACTS: Tiger Woods returns to Malaysia for the first time since winning the World Cup of Golf team and individual titles in 1999 at the Mines Resort and Golf Club.
   The first two champions of the CIMB Classic event are in the field, Bo Van Pelt and Ben Crane.
   Asian stars Thaworn Wiratchant and Gaganjeet Bhullar are the men in form - Thaworn has won two of his last seven tournaments and Bhullar has won two of his last six.
    Danny Chia and Shaaban Hussin are the Malaysian representatives.
  The CIMB Classic is the richest golf event in Malaysia.
    Noh Seung-yul, Kevin Na and Charlie Wi return to Malaysia where they have all won Asian Tour titles previously.

New champion for 50th Razak Cup..

 Pahang players celebrate after beating Negri in the semi-final.

Terengganu's Fitri Saari (right) celebrate the goal which took them to the final. His brother Faizal (middle) scored the other.

THERE will be a new Razak Cup Division One champion in the 50th Edition, after Pahang and Terengganu upset the form-book at the Kuantan Stadium yesterday.
   Both the finalists have never lifted the Razak Cup trophy before, and their encounter today is expected to be an explosive affair.
    Terengganu beat Kuala Lumpur 2-1, while Pahang beat Negri Sembilan 3-2 in the semi-finals yesterday.
   And Terengganu badly want to win the silverware, and make a point to state that not only soccer deserve the attention, and funding.
   “We are very excited to play for our first Razak Cup title, as the wait has been simply too long. My players are all eager to lay their hands on the silverware, as we want to prove to the state government that not only soccer deserves a huge funding and attention, but hockey needs it to produce more results in the future” said Terengganu coach Nik Rozemi Nik Mohamed.
    It was sweet revenge for Terengganu, as they lost to Kuala Lumpur 2-1 in the semi-finals last year.
    As for Pahang coach, Izwan Suhardi, he feels Terengganu hold the upper-hand as he has a long list of injured players.
   “My defender (Radzi Ismail) fractured his hand and is out of the final. Also, five other players are carrying one injury or another and it would be a difficult final for us,” said Izwan.
    Both finalists are from Group B, and Pahang won the tensed group encounter 5-3. The match was stopped for several minutes after Terengganu staged a walkout in protest of a decision by the umpire.
   Terengganu took the lead of the country’s top striker faizal Saari in the 30th minute off a a penalty corner attempt but KL equalised in the 50th minute off Mohamed Yazid.
    Then came the turn of Faizal younger brother Fitri to score in the 60th minute to shut the door on defending champions KL.
    As for Pahang, their goals came from hairul Nizam (25th, 65th) and Mohamed Sybrie (52nd). The Negri goals were scored by S. Kuhan in the 11th, and 70th minutes.
   RESULTS: Division One -- Semi-finals: Kuala Lumpur 1  Terengganu 2 (5pm), Pahang 3 Negri Sembilan 2 (5pm).
  TODAY: Division One Final: Pahang v Terengganu (8.30pm); Third-Fourth: Kuala Lumpur v Negri Sembilan (4pm).
   Division Two Final: Selangor v Malacca (6pm).

Zulfahmi ordered to slow down...

Having fun: Mohd Zulfahmi Khairuddin sharing a light moment with AirAsia ladies days before the big race..

GERMAN KTM rider Sandro Cortese won the  Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Sepang on Sunday to be crowned the inaugural  Moto3 world champion.
   Cortese started from the front row and raced to the chequered flag in 40  minutes 54.123 seconds over the 18-lap race.
   He beat Zulfahmi Khairuddin, who started on pole, on a KTM bike by only  0.028 seconds with the Malaysian rider finishing second.
   Cortese who started from the front row for the ninth successive race,  remained calm in third spot for 17 laps and moved ahead of Zulfahmi in the  final lap following team orders for the Malaysian to slow down.
   Zulfahmi, 21, became the first Malaysian to secure a podium finish in any  class of grand prix racing.
   Zulfahmi led in the last seven laps and said he followed team orders to  drop to second spot to avoid a possible crash.

Tengku Abdullah warns states to buck-up..

THE MALAYSIAN Hockey Confederation (MHC) held their  AGM in Kuantan yesterday, with their president issuing a  stern warning to state chairmen to buck up.
   MHC president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah also  said that newly appointed coach Paul Revington should be  given some space to prove his selection.
    “It was a short meeting and the president (Tengku Abdullah) told the state chairmen to buck up and be more  active and innovative.
   “He wanted to see more action and implementations at the  state levels as well as formulate new ideas on how to make  the Malaysia Hockey League as well as the Razak Cup more  interesting,” said MHC secretary Johari Aziz.
   As for Revington, who included many former internationals into his training squad: “The president wants to give  him the benefit of doubt in his selection and asked that the  coach be given some space to implement his programmes.”
      Malaysia will next play in the Champions Challenge I in  Argentina where Revington’s players will be put to test after  failing to qualify for the Olympics.
     It was also decided that the Kuantan would again host the  Razak Cup next year, and Tengku Abdullah reiterated his  stand to stand as a candidate for the International Hockey  Confederation (FIH) Executive Board.
   The FIH board meeting will be held in Kuala Lumpur on  Nov 2-3 and Tengku Abdullah has sent in his nomination to  stand for election.

Malaysian amateur Kelly Tan third...

Malaysian amateur Kelly Tan finished third in the Enjoy Jakarta Ladies Open.
DIMINUTIVE Thai golfer Patcharachuta Kongkapan  showed she has a big future by cruising to a three-shot  victory in the US$200,000 Enjoy Jakarta Ladies Indonesia  Open yesterday.
   And Malaysian amateur Kelly Tan also caused a ripple  when she finished third with a three-round total of two-over  214.
    Kelly had rounds of 71-69-74. Her amateur mate Michelle  Koh was also a proud finisher, alone at No 4, with an even 216  after rounds of 75-68-73.
   Kelly led by one stroke at the start of the third and final  rounds from Patcharachuta and veteran Indian Smriti  Mehra.
   As for the champion, an imperious four-under-par 68 saw  her dominate the final round at Palm Hill Golf Club with no  one able to get close.
    Taiwan’s Hsieh Yu-ling claimed second place after shooting  a 68.
     “My concentration was very good and I was able to stay  calm. I have been playing well recently and it keeps getting  better. I am so happy to win,” said Patcharachuta, who  received a cheque for US$30,000.
     Her previous best finish was fourth place in this year’s  Ladies Thailand Open.
    It is Patcharachuta’s first victory on the Ladies Asian Golf  Tour and the third win of the season by a Thai player.
   Leading final round scores:
  209 Patcharachuta Kongkapan (Thai) 71-70-68.
 212 Hsieh Yu-ling (Tai) 71-73-68.
 214 Kelly Tan (Mas) (a) 71-69-74.
215 Kusuma Meechai (Thai) 73-73-69, Connie Chen (SA)  74-69-72, Dottie Ardina (Phil) (a) 72-72-71.
216 Michelle Koh (Mas) (a) 75-68-73.
217 Walailak Satarak (US) 71-74-72, Numa Gulyanamitta  (Thai) 74-71-72, Smriti Mehra (Ind) 69-72-76.
219 Thidapa Suwannapura (Thai) 71-78-70, Rebecca Hud son (Eng) 76-73-70, Jaruporn Palakawong (Thai) 72-75-72.
220 Stacey Keating (Aus) 76-75-69, Neha Tripathi (Aus)  75-73-72, Sahra Hassan (Wal) 73-74-73, Tiffany Tavee (US)  75-72-73, Anil Johani (Mas) 75-72-73, Titiya Plucksataporn  (Thai) 74-71-75.

Fung Ends Drought For Third Title

NICHOLAS Fung, who has been runner-up in at least six  golf tournaments, fired a 10-under 278 total and then won  the play-off in the RM125,000 PGM Negeri Sembilan Classic  at the Seremban International Golf Club yesterday.
    But to earn this third title on the PGM Tour, and a purse of  RM21,000, Fung had to beat Iylia Jamil in playoff after he also  ended with a 10-under.
   Yesterday, Fung fired a final round of three-under 69, but  Illya caught up with him with a five-under 67.
     “I was quite nervous there, the whole week I have not been  putting well,” said Fung.
    “Anyway I am glad I have got over this winless period adfter  coming in second at least six times.”
   Final Round Leading Scores: 278 Nicholas Fung 72-67-70- 69, Iylia Jamil 73-68-70-67 (Fung wins playoff).
      282 Airil Rizman 70-68-73-71; S. Sivachandhran 66-74- 69-73, Azman Basharuddin 70-73-68-71.
   284 Rashid Ismail 65-71-76-72, Akhmal Tarmizee 71-66- 74-73, S. Murthy 76-69-67-72, M. Ramayah 67-76-69-72
   285 Daniel Ng 72-69-70-74.
   286 M. Sasidaran 75-72-72-67; Wilson Choo 69-74-71-72
   287 Zurie Harun 72-69-74-74; R. Nachimuthu 71-71-73- 72.
   288 Al-Malik Faisal 73-73-71-71.

KL-Pahang heading for another showdown...

Pic: Terengganu's Fitri Saari in action against Penang. Terengganu won 8-2.

HOSTS Pahang are thinking beyond the semi-finals, as they  eye the 50th Edition Razak Cup Division One title itself.
   Today, Pahang will meet Negri Sembilan in the semi-finals,  while Kuala Lumpur square off against Terengganu in the  other semis.
   The form-book favours a Pahang-Kuala Lumpur repeat  final on Monday.
    “We needed a draw against Johor to top Group B and we  achieved our target (1-1). But even before the match, I told  my players that the aim is to reach the finals once again.
    “We narrowly missed out in last years final (lost to Kuala  Lumpur 1-0 sudden death goal) and I have a good feeling that  we will have a better outing this time around.
   “After a day’s break today (yesterday) we will fight till the  end against Negri Sembilan to claim our final ticket,” said a  confident Pahang coach Mohamed Yazid.
  Terengganu manager Mohamed Saberi said: “We will be  gunning for revenge in the semi-finals, as we lost 2-1 to Kuala  Lumpur at the same stage last year.
    “We were leading 1-0 (through a Faizal Saari goal), but  caved in. This time we intend to get the better of them and  qualify for our first Division One final.”
     Kuala Lumpur coach I. Vickneswaran said he will have to  come out with a plan to stop the Saari brothers.
    “Faizal and Fitri have been scoring consistently in al the  matches and with youth on Terengganu’s side, KL can’t  afford to give them too much of space.
   “For sure, it would not be a walk in the park and we will  give due respect to Terengganu, but at the same time, our aim  is to play in the final on Monday,” said Vickneswaran.
  
FINAL STANDINGS

DIVISION 1

GROUP A
                  P W D L F A Pts

K LUMPUR  3 2 0 1 13 7 6
NEGRI         3 1 1 1 5 5 4
PERAK        3 1 1 1 7 10 4
ATM            3 0 2 1 14 12 2


GROUP B
                         P W D L F A Pts

PAHANG            3 2 1 0 10 5 7
TERENGGANU   3 2 0 1 14 7 6
JOHOR               3 1 1 1 5 4 4
PENANG            3 0 0 3 3 15 0

DIVISION 2
                      P W D L F A Pts
SELANGOR      6 5 1 0 34 7 16
MALACCA       6 4 0 2 33 10 12
SABAH            6 3 1 2 20 20 10
POLICE            6 2 3 1 30 17 8
PERLIS            6 2 1 3 23 24 7
KEDAH            6 2 0 4 12 29 6
KELANTAN      5 0 0 5 7 48 0

RESULTS: Division Two: Malacca 7 Perlis 2, Selangor 8  Kedah 1, Sabah 5 Police 5.
TODAY: Division One -- Semi-finals: Kuala Lumpur v  Terengganu (5pm), Pahang v Negri Sembilan (5pm).

Dilbagh Singh Kler dies..

KOTA KINABALU, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- Former renowned Sabah sportsman Datuk Dilbagh Singh Kler died here early this morning following a short illness.
   He was 76 and is survived by his wife, Datin Amrit Kler, three children and a grandson.
   He breathed his last just before 5am at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital 2 after being warded for a week, his eldest daughter, Jaswinder told Bernama.
"It was totally unexpected. But he hadn't been well because he was already old," said Jaswinder, a former   New Straits Times journalist and wife to Bernama Sandakan Chief Haslin Gaffor.
   The Kota Kinabalu-born Dilbagh was a renowned athlete who represented Malaysia in several international tournaments in the 1960s such as the Olympics and Commonwealth Games (then known as British Empire & Commonwealth Games).
    But his greatest achievements were the gold medals he won for the 3,000-metre steeplechase event in the South-East Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur (1965), Bangkok (1967) and Rangoon (1969).
    Dilbagh also served as a coach for athletes under the State Youth and Sports Ministry and retired in 1991.
I    n 2006, he was among 36 people awarded the Panglima Gemilang Darjah Kinabalu (PGDK) which carries the title "Datuk" in conjunction with the 60th birthday celebration of Sabah's then Head of State Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah.
     His remains will be placed at the Fook Lu Siew Funeral Parlour here until Saturday when it will be cremated.

Champs Malaysia to name squad late..

MALAYSIA will name their final 18 for the Sultan of Johor  Cup on Nov 9, as training would only start after the Razak Cup  ends on Monday.
    As defending champions, Malaysia will face silver medal lists Australia, New Zealand, India, Germany and Pakistan on  Nov 11-18 at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru.
   “Our players are all competing in the Razak Cup now, so we  will only name the final squad latest by Nov 9 after clocking in  some training,” said team manager Mirnawan Nawawi.
   Pakistan withdrew last week, but are back in the fold for  reasons only known to them.
   “We had re-draw the fixtures to a five-team tournament  after Pakistan withdrew but after a few days, the called and  said that they want to play in the Cup again.
   “We have included them, again, and it would be a six-team  tournament,” said Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC)  senior vice-president Manjit Majid Abdullah.
    Malaysia beat Australia 3-2 on golden goal in the final of  the First Edition.
   But they will be hard-pressed to defend their title this year,  as four former Junior World Cup champions are in the fold.  For the record, only five countries have won the Junior World  Cup to date.
    The four former World junior champions are Germany,  Pakistan, Australia, India and Argentina.
    Meanwhile, New Zealand have finalised their squad of 18.  after a selection camp in Counties Manukau.
    Coach Grant Edwards said the young team is impressive  and shows real potential.
    “This was a difficult team to select as everyone put in a  sound performance at the selection camp, which was pleas ing. It’s important to note also, that these athletes selected  are all available and eligible for the 2013 Junior World Cup,”  said Edwards.
    The 2013 Junior World Cup will be held in India in  December.

Inbee shows how its done

PARK Inbee, only 24, showed true grit and determination to win the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia title at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club on Sunday.
   The portly South Korean, who was in the shadows for the first two rounds with a 69 and 68, surged into the picture with a 65 and won the title on a 67.
   Her 15-under 266 was phenomenal, considering the many stoppages and the soggy greens at the KLGCC.
    He four-round statistics showed that consistency won her the title, something which the four Malaysians in the LPGA field did not possess.
   Inbee hit 14 fairways consistently in all four rounds, and she also hit 18 greens in each round.
    Amazingly, she did not enter a single bunker in the 72 holes, and her driving distance was a consistent 237.
    The former US Open champion came into the tournament with nine consecutive top-10s, including finishing in the top-three in her last five Tour events including a victory at the Evian Masters in July, her first Tour win in four years.
     She carried that blistering form into the weekend, shooting rounds of 65-67 which featured 12 birdies and was the only golfer in a world-class field to post four rounds in the 60s throughout the week.
     The World No 6 earned US$285,000 (RM872,000) for her second victory of the year and strengthened her lead at the top of the Tour’s money list.
     She said: “I’m very happy to win. This is the first time I’ve won two tournaments in a year so I’m really proud of myself for that. I think everything about my golf has improved —  hitting the ball, chipping, putting. I worked really hard on my swing and I’ve been hitting it very solid all year.”
     The same can’t be said about the two Malaysian pros, who were consistently in the rough, bunker or in trouble for a chip off the greens.
   Ainil Johani’s four-found scorecard was colourful, as it had a total of six double bogeys, 15 bogeys, and only 11 birdies.
    Jean Chua also had a dismal outing, with her scorecard littered with triple and double bogeys and she took eight shots on the par-four ninth, and five shots on the par-three 17th in the final round.
    Jean was so ashamed of her final total of 19-over 303, that she wished she was invisible after handing in her card.
   “I am so ashamed of my score, it’s really terrible, This is my worst score for a very long time, and it had to happen at home,” said Jean.
    She attributed her bad scores to mental pressure: “Gosh, the pressure of playing back home is too much for me to handle. I have played for the last three years on sponsor’s exemption, but I want to qualify on merit next year to ease some of the pressure of carrying the sponsor’s card,” said the US-based pro.
    Amateur Aretha Pan, improved from last year’s  67th place finish to 61 this year to be the best Malaysian.
“This year I played with better players and I watched how they played. They are really good with the iron and their putting is really good. I want to be like them.”

Choi happy for a friend..

IT Was a sad ending for the defending champion, as Choi Na Yeon was heading for the top of the podium before she was toppled by compatriot Inbee Park in the final round of the Sime Darby LPGA.
  But the ever-smiling Koreas was also happy, for her friend.
  "I'm very happy for Inbee, my friend, as she won this week. I could see that she was really nervous, and she is usually not nervous at all. I'm very happy my friend won this week," said Choi.
  Choi led for three rounds with an opening 65, followed by a 67 and a 68. But her final round of par golf did not help her cause.
  Yesterday, she started on 13-under and had birdies on the third, fifth and eighth, but a bogey on the ninth and a double bogey on the 17th marred her chances.
  "Inbee played well even though she was nervous on the last couple of holes (Inbeen bogied the 17th and 18th). She was six-under at a time and that was a good charge in the final.
  "I Just couldn't play my normal game. But I like to look forward and that's another tournament (LPGA KEB-HanaBank Championship, Oct 19-21).
  "Im flying off to Korea tonight to have a good rest because I have a good feeling about my game still.
  "I want to play well in Korea," said the dethroned champion.
  She had trouble in the back nine, and attributed it to luck.
  "I think I had bad luck as on the 17th, I just couldn't make my ball work for me."

Aretha the best Malaysian

AMATEUR Aretha Pan finished as the best Malaysian, when she returned a four-over 75 for a four-day total of 12-over 296 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club yesterday.
  The total saw her end tied 61, much better than the two Malaysian professionals Ainil Johani and Jean Chua.
  Ainil ended joint-64th on a total of 17-over 301. Her final round score was three-over 74 and she took home $4,773.
  US-based pro Jean Chua was alone at 66th after a five-over 76 which brought her total to 19-over 303. She earned $4,625.
  At the bottom of the Sime Darby LPGA pool was amateur Sarafina Vinota who had another disastrous round of 13-over 84, for a whopping total of 46-over 330.
   "My score does not reflect my actual game, as I was playing pretty good but was bogged down by some bad holes in every round. My aim was to finish as the best amateur and also the best Malaysian here, and I achieved one and so its not too bad an outing," said Aretha who completed her third Sime Darby tournament yesterday.
  Next for Aretha is the Enjoy Jakarta Open next weekend: "Its another opportunity for me to learn and enjoy my golf with the best women players in the world."
   As for Jean, also in her third straight tournament at the KLGCC, she wants to earn her card next year, and not rely on sponsors exemption.
  "Its good to play under the sponsors exemption for the last three years, but my plan for next year is to go to Q-school and make the grade on my own instead of getting a free ride.
  "That way, I will not be under so much of pressure and might just be among the top and not struggle at the bottom," said Jean.
  Ainil and Jean would also head for the Jakarta Open next weekend.

SIME DARBY LPGA THIRD ROUND RESULTS

FINAL RD SCORES

269 Inbee Park (S Kor) 69-68-65-67.
271 Choi Na Yeon 65-67-68-71.
272 Karrie Webb (Aus) 65-71-68-68.
273 Catriona Matthew (Scot) 68-68-70-67.
274 Rye So Yeon (S Kor) 68-73-67-66.
275 Lindsay Wright (Aus) 70-66-72-67, Paula Creamer (US) 69-67-70-69.
276 Jessica Korda (US) 68-71-73-64.
277 Candie Kung (Tai) 70-71-71-65, Lizette Salas (US) 68-67-76-66, Ariya Jutanugran (Thai, am) 69-72-67-69, Mika Miyazato (Jpn) 66-69-71-71, Ai Miyazato (Jpn) 68-69-68-72.
  278 Azahara Munoz (Sp) 71-71-67-69, Sun Young Yoo (S Kor) 66-70-72-70.
  279 Ilhee Lee (S Kor) 69-71-70-69, Karine Icher (Fra)70-69-71-69, Eun-Hee Ji (S Kor) 70-67-72-70.
280 Feng Shanshan (Ch) 70-72-71-67, Stacy Lewis (US) 70-69-73-68, Beatriz Recari (Sp) 72-66-73-69, Kim I.K. (S Kor) 70-67-72-71, Sydnee Michaels (US) 69-65-75-71, Brittany Lang (US) 69-68-70-73, Suzann Pettersen (Nor) 71-64-70-75.
   281 Cristie Kerr (US) 68-77-69-67, Amy Yang (S Kor) 70-69-71-71, Park Hee Young (S Kor) 67-72-70-72.
282 Ueda Momoko (Jpn) 68-67-74-73.
283 Lexi Thompson (US) 69-71-76-67, Mina Hariage (US) 70-71-74-68, Gerina Piller (US) 70-74-71-68, Sandra Gal (DEU) 72-71-70    70, Chella Choi (S Kor) 71-74-65-73.
284 Cindy Lacrosse (US) 70-72-71-71, Mo Martin (US) 70-70-73-71, Karin Sjordin (Swe) 70-71-68-75.
285 Michelle Wie (US) 75-72-70-68, Pornanong Phatlum (Thai) 74-70-72-69, Anna Nordqvist (Swe) 72-70-71-72, Caroline Hedwall (Swe) 70-67-75-73, Jiyai Shin (S Kor) 71-70-69-75.
286 Nicole Castrale (US) 78- 67-71-70
287 Jennifer Johnson (US) 74-72-71-70, Meena Lee (S Kor),  73- 68-73-73.
     288 Brittany Lincicome (US) 71-73-73-71, Danielle Kang (US) 72-73-72-71, Katherine Hull (Aus) 70-71-74-73.
289 Alison Walshe (US) 71-72-78-68, Yani Tseng (Tai) 78-72-68-71, Han Hee-Won (S Kor) 67-75-74-73, Julieta Granada (Pra) 72-72-70-75.
290 Jodi Ewart (Eng) 73-75-70-72.
291 Ssu-Chia Cheng (Tai) 75-72-73-71.
292 Mariajo Uribe (Col) 81-73-70-68, Haeji Kang (S Kor) 69-76-76-71, Jenny Shin (S Kor) 72-74-67-79.
293 Sophie Gustafson (Swe) 71-74-72-76.
294 Giulia Sergas (Ita) 76-72-76-70, Vickey Hurst (US)69-81-72-72.
296 Amanda Blumenherst (US) 72-76-80-68. Angela Stanford (US) 73-79-71-73, Aretha Pan (Mas, am) 73-73-75-75.
301 Carly Booth (Scot) 80-75-76-70, Ainil Johani (Mas) 73-80-74-74.
303 Jean Chua (Mas) 75-73-79-76.
318 Morgan Pressel (US) 79-83-81-75.
330 Sarafina Vinota (Mas, am) 81-84-81-84.

In comes Inbee Park...

INBEE Park of South Korea upstaged compatriot Choi Na Yeon at the final hurdle to claim the Third Edition of the Sime Darby LPGA at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club yesterday.
  Park was in stunning form, as she played a final round of four-under 67 for a 15-under 269 to win the title by a clear two strokes.
  Choi, who led for three days, played an even-par game in the final to finish 13-under 271 and pocketed US$179,747.
  Karrie Webb of Australia was one stroke behind for third placing on a final round of three-under 68 for a 12-under 272. Her four days earnings were US$130,394.
  Scotland's Catriona Matthew was alone on fourth with a four-under 67 for an 11-under 273 and her earnings were US$100,870.
  Park's birdie binge caught up with the Na Yeon, who led for three days, at the 11th hole and then overtook her at the 13th and her two bogies at the 17th and 18th did not come into play as the defending champion's game fizzled out at the tail-end.
  And for her come-from-behind win, she earned US$285,000.
  "It a fantastic week, as this is only my third career victory and even though I ended with an embarrassing bogey-bogey, it does not matter now," said the portly Korean.
  She loved the food in Malaysia, and also the hospitality, but not the weather -- not until yesterday.
  "I really like to eat, and the food here (Asian food) is really good and so I enjoyed my stay very much. The people are also very friendly, but I didn't like the heat in my earlier rounds.
  "But now that I won here, I am even starting to like this hot country!," said Inbee.
  The 5’6” Korean started playing golf at the age of 10 and her hobbies include skiing and playing the piano, She qualified for the Tour by finishing third on the 2006 Futures Tour season-ending money list.
   Even though she has only won three times, her career top-10 finishes were an impressive 34.
   World No 1 Yani Tseng of Taiwan ended joint-49th with a par final round which took her total to five-over 289 and she took home US$7,061.

Tengku Abdullah's 2016 challenge...

MALAYSIAN Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah will quit his position if his players fail to qualify for the 2016 Rio de Janerio Olympics.
  He took this stand after launching a seminar titles 'Five Year Strategic Plan for Pahang Hockey' in Kuantan yesterday.
  “Compared to football, hockey has a far better chance of making it to the Olympics, hence my optimism that my charges would not fail me,” said Tengku Abdullah.
  “Therefore I have given myself until the 2016 Olympics as my Key Performance Index to gauge my contribution to the sport. I have faith that hockey will make it to the Olympics, but if they do not, I will vacate my post.
  However, Tengku Abdullah was not too happy with newly appointed coach Paul Revington's decision to recall several ex-internationals into the national team.
   “Personally as President, I would have preferred younger players to be included into the national team, but its his call.
   “But the coach has his own KPI and may be looking at both the short and long term targets, as we have the Asia Cup next year which offers a ticket to the 2014 World Cup.
   “I hope that the players who have been given a second chance will work hard towards helping achieve the targets set.”
   The one-day seminar is to ensure that the state will be a force to be reckoned with in years to come. A total of 70 participants attended the seminar from the nine districts.

Aretha the best Malaysian...

AMATEUR Aretha Pan finished as the best Malaysian, when she returned a four-over 75 for a four-day total of 12-over 296 in the Sime Darby LPGA at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club yesterday.
  The total saw her end tied 61, much better than the two Malaysian professionals Ainil Johani and Jean Chua.
  Ainil ended joint-64th on a total of 17-over 301. Her final round score was three-over 74.
  US-based pro Jean Chua was joint-66th after a five-over 76 which brought her total to 19-over 303.
  At the bottom of the Sime Darby LPGA pool was amateur Sarafina Vinota who had another disastrous round of 13-over 84, for a whopping total of 46-over 330.
   "My score does not reflect my actual game, as I was playing pretty good but was bogged down by some bad holes in every round. My aim was to finish as the best amateur and also the best Malaysian here, and I achieved one and so its not too bad an outing," said Aretha who completed her third Sime Darby tournament yesterday.
  Next for Aretha is the Enjoy Jakarta Open next weekend: "Its another opportunity for me to learn and enjoy my golf with the best women players in the world."
   As for Jean, also in her third straigh tournament at the KLGCC, she wants to earn her card next year, and not rely on sponsors exemption.
  "Its good to play under the sponsors exemption for the last three years, but my plan for next year is to go to Q-school and make the grade on my own instead of getting a free ride.
  "That way, I will not be under so much of pressure and might just be among the top and not struggle at the bottom," said Jean.
  Ainil and Jean would also head for the Jakarta Open next weekend.

SIME DARBY LPGA THIRD ROUND SCORES

 200 Choi Na Yeon (S Kor) 65-67-68.
202 Park Inbee (S Kor) 69-68-65.
204 Karrie Webb (Aus) 65-71-68.
205 Ai Miyazato (Jpn) 68-69-68, Suzann Pettersen (Nor) 71-64-70; 206 Paula Creamer (US) 69-67-70, Catriona Matthew (Scot) 68-68-70, Mika Miyazato (Jpn) 66-69-71; 207 Brittany Lang (US) 69-68-70.
  208 Kyu So Yeon (S Kor) 68-73-67, Ariya Jutanugarn (Thai) (a) 69-72-67, Yoo Sun Young (S Kor) 66-70-72, Lindsey Wright (Aus) 70-66-72;
209 Azahara Munoz (Sp) 71-71-67, Karin Sjodin (Swe) 70-71-68, Park Hee Young (S Kor) 67-72-70, Kim I.K. (S Kor) 70-67-72, Ji Eun Hee (S Kor) 70-67-72, Momoko Ueda (Jpn) 68-67-74,Sydnee Michaels (US) 69-65-75;
210 Shin Jiyai (S Kor) 71-70-69, Lee Ilhee (S Kor) 69-71-70, Chella Choi (KOR) 71-74-65, Amy Yang (S Kor) 70-69-71, Karine Icher (Fra) 70-69-71.
  211 Beatriz Recari (Sp) 72-66-73, Lizette Salas (US) 68-67-76; 212 Candie Kung (Tai) 70-71-71, Jessica Korda (US) 68-71-73, Stacy Lewis (US) 70-69-73, Caroline Hedwall (Swe) 70-67-75; 213 Anna Nordqvist (Swe) 72-70-71, Cindy Lacrosse (US) 70-72-71, Feng Shanshan (Cn) 70-72-71, Sandra Gal (Ger) 72-71-70, Mo Martin (US) 70-70-73, Jenny Shin (S Kor) 72-74-67.
  214 Julieta Granada (Par) 72-72-70, Meena Lee (S Kor) 73-68-73, Cristie Kerr (US) 68-77-69; 215 Katherine Hull (AU) 70-71-74, Mina Harigae (US) 70-71-74, Gerina Piller (US) 70-74-71; 216 Han Hee-Won (S Kor) 67-75-74, Pornanong Phatlum (Thai) 74-70-72, Lexi Thompson (US) 78-67-71, Nicole Castrale (US) 78-67-71; 217 Brittany Lincicome (US) 71-73-73, Danielle Kang (US) 72-73-72, Sophie Gustafson (Swe) 71-74-72, Jennifer Johnson (US) 75-72-70, Michelle Wie (US) 75-72-70.
  218 Jodi Ewart (Eng) 73-75-70, Yani Tseng (Tai) 78-72-68; 220 Cheng Ssu-Chia (ai) (a) 75-72-73; 221 Alison Walshe (US) 71-72-78, Kang Haeji (S Kor) 69-76-76, Aretha Pan (Mas) (a) 73-73-75; 222 Vicky Hurst (US) 69-81-72; 223 Angela Stanford (US) 73-79-71; 224 Giulia Sergas (Ita) 76-72-76, Mariajo Uribe (Col) 81-73-70; 227 Jean Chua (Mas) 75-73-79, Ainil Johani (Mas) 73-80-74; 228 Amanda Blumenherst (US) 72-76-80.
  231 Carly Booth (Scot) 80-75-75; 243 Morgan Pressel (US) 79-83-81;
246 Sarafina Vinota (Mas) (a) 81-84-81.
 Natalie Gulbis (US) - Withdrew

Note: (a) denotes amateur

Choi Na Yeon within gasp of title..

CHOI Na Yeon overcame a chasing pack, as well as a four hours 40 minutes rain-delay to consolidate her lead in the Sime Darby LPGA at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club yesterday.
  Torrential rain stopped play at 10am, and only resumed at 2pm, but still, the defending champion managed a smile after a three-under 68 for a two shot lead.
  Hot on her back is fellow Korean Inbee Park, just adrift after a six-under 65 saw her move up the ranks from tied-12th overnight, on 11-under 202.
  And the lone wolf on third is Karrie Webb of Australia, who had a three-under 68 for a nine-under 204 today.
  Ai Miyazato of Japan and Suzann Pettersen of Switzerland are tied-fourth on eight-under 205.
  With 13-under 200, she did not like the idea of leading all the time.
  "Last year I had a one-shot lead going into the final, and I have also been leading for the last three days here. I don't like being chased as I prefer to chase.
  "But then, I can't control how others play, and it is a little tiring watching the leader-board all the time and the pressure it getting worse," said the Korean.
  She had four birdies and her blemish was only on the par-four 10th, where she three-putted for bogey.
  "I had a 20-footer on that hole, and came up short, tried again and missed. That was the only bogey even though I have been here for the last 12 hours (the round started at 7am and ended at 7pm due to rain).
   And how did she kill her time?
  "I actually took a short nap and it did help me become more focussed. It is really difficult to play under a steady drizzle, and luckily I manage to finish my round today and start fresh in the final.
  "I am not going to think about the two-shot lead when I start the final journey, as I will erase all the scores from my mind and start a fresh game. That will make things much easier," said the champion in standing.
  She promised to be more aggresive today, and that could just see her sail away with the title again.

Inbee, the only one in-form...

IN reality, Korean Inbee Park was the only player who was singing in the rain yesterday, as she fired six birdies and was bogey free to charge up the leader-board from 12th to second.
  Her six-under 65 was the lowest round of the day, as she birdied six out of her last seven holes of the day.
  "The greens were much more slower after the rain, but I think I prefer the rain to the heat here as it makes me more comfortable. I much prefer a rainy day than a hot one," said the portly Korean.
  She did not make any birdies on the front nine: "I think thats how I played in all three rounds. But I had a feeling that the birdies would come, and they did today," said Inbee.
  From out of the wilderness, Inbee in in contention for the title today.
  "This golf course is scoreable and also hard at the same time. I still need a lot of birdies tomorrow (today) to win. So I will just go out and play more aggressive with short-irons and try to make them count.
  "When I came to Malaysia, I expected and also prepared for rain delays. There was a lot of food for us, and I ate to past time. As for my goal this year, I just want to keep my No 1 position on the Money List and winning the Sime Darby LPGA would help me achieve it," said Inbee whose earnings total a whopping US$4,650,252.

Jean cracks under pressure, again...

THE four Malaysian players blew up big time with bogies and double bogies at a rain-soaked Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.
 The best placed Malaysian was still amateur Aretha Pan, on joint-56th, after a four-over 75 brought her total to eight-over 221.
 She had five bogies on the second, third, fifth, 11th and 18th and a double bogey on the 17th.
 Aretha's birdies were on the first, 10th and 16th.
 "Not a bad day, considering that I could not read  the speed of the greens after the long rain-break.
  "That saw me three-putting on the greens and pulling back my score," said the amateur.
  On tied-63rd was US based pro Jean Chua, who had an eight-over 79 for  a 14-over 227 total.
  "I horrible day in the office, really bad and now I believe that if I can play good golf in Malaysia, I can play anywhere in the world," said Jean.
  It was her worst three-day score this year: "I have never played so badly this year, but still, the crowd was very supportive and many of them told me to just let loose in the final round.
  "But that's what I tried to do today (yesterday) and it did not work out. So, I am really unable to play at my home turf, not yet, sorry guys," said the US based player.
  Ainil Johani shared the same boat with Jean, after a three-over 74 in the third round.
  Amateur Sarfarina Vinota, embedded at the bottom since day one, returned another 10-over 81 for a 33-over 246 score.

Selangor's aspirations in the Razak Cup

SELANGOR HA PRESS RELEASE

NOTE: THE MALAYSIAN HOCKEY CONFEDERATION (MHC) HAS NOT PROVIDED JOURNALISTS WITH THE 50TH EDITION FIXTURES UP TILL THOURNAMENT DAY.

The 2012 edition of the 50th Tun Abdul Razak Cup will Selangor, the one
timer powerhouse of hockey, is aiming revive its glory days under the new
leadership of Dato Sri Subahan Kamal.
   Selangor playing in Division 2 will begin its campaign on Sunday featuring
in the opening match against a Police team that has National Trainer Jeevan
Mohan, former National Player Megat Asrifq and new recruit Baljit Singh.
   Selangor too is not short of talent. Spearheading the team will be Captain
Muhammad Amerrulah Abdul Aziz recently part of the victorious KLHC Team and
as Vice Captain Muhammad Noor Faeez Ibrahim who Captained the National
Juniors to victory at the Sultan of Johor Cup and the Asia Junior Cup 2011.
they are joined by former national players Faizal Daud, S.Selvaraju &
S.Bubalan together with Project 2017 Amir Zulkarnain Ahmad Robangi.
  Aside from Selangor and Police also featuring in Division 2 will be
Kelantan, Sabah, Perlis, Kedah and Melaka the 2009 Razak Cup Champions.
   Tun Abdul Razak Fixtures involving the Selangor Team
 

Sun 14th Oct    0800 vs PDRM
Mon 15th Oct     0800 vs Kelantan
Tue 16th Oct     1700 vs Sabah
Wed 17th Oct    1545 vs Perlis
Fri 19th Oct    0800 vs Melaka
Sat 20th Oct     1700 vs Kedah
 
For more information please visit the offical SHA website
www.sha.com.my and also its facebookpage
facebook.com/SelangorHockey
 
FULL Team List
NO     Name
1    MUHAMMAD AMERRULLAH BIN ABDUL AZIZ (C)
2    MUHAMAD ZULFADDLI BIN MUHAMAD ISA
3    AMIR ZULKARNAIN BIN AHMAD ROBANGI
4    MUHAMMAD FARHAN DANIAL BIN ZULZAIRIN
5    SELVARAJU A/L SANDRAKASI
6    LINGKESWEREN A/L SUBRAMANIAM
7    MUHAMMAD NOOR FAEEZ BIN IBRAHIM (VC)
8    MOHD FAIZAL BIN MD DAUD
9    MOHD REDZA BIN MAADUN
10    MUHAMMAD SYAFIQ BIN ZULZAIRIN
11    NOR AZRUL BIN ABD. RAHMAN
12    BUBALAN A/L SANDRAKASI
13    MOHAMAD SYAKIR BIN HAMZAH
14    METDRIYANTO BIN ZAKARIA
15    MUHAMMAD FAISAL BIN KAMARUDDIN
16    SAIFUL AZHAR BIN MOHD AFANDI (GK)
17    FARIDZUL AFIQ BIN MOHD
18    MOHD FAIRUS BIN WANAZIR (C)
 
 
Pengurus        J.ELANGOVAN P. JEYARAMAN
Penolong Pengurus    MOHD MUHAN BIN ISMAIL
Ketua Pasukan        MUHAMMAD AMERRULLAH BIN ABDUL AZIZ
Jurulatih        ZULKIFLEE BIN ZAINAL
Penolong Jurulatih    SRI SAKRUNATHAN SUBRAMANIAM
Penolong Jurulatih (2)    VENGADESA RAO

Na Yeon dances to Gangnam Style..

KOREAN Choi Na Yeon danced to the tune of Gangnam Style when she again dominated at her favourite course with a four-under 67 to keep her lead in the Sime Darby LPGA at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club yesterday.
   The defending champion had a 10-under 132 total, to lead by two strokes under a burning sun, but the heavens opened up moments after she signed in her card.
  "Gangnam Style is the most famous Korean product now, but I am not good at it, and have tried it only in private," said the World No 4.
  Second is Sydnee Michaels from the United States, who is two strokes adrift after a six-under 65 for a eight-under 134 total.
  Bunched third on seven-under 135 are Suzann Pettersen of Norway, Lizette Salas of United States, Momoko Ueda and Mika Miyazato of Japan.
  "I simply love Malaysia and this golf course as I know it well, but still, the back nine is quite difficult to tame and that is why I had bogies on the 11th and 17th.
  "To win the tournament, I need to be more careful on the 17th, which I think is the trickiest for me. There are many players out there who can do six and seven-unders per-day and with two more rounds, nobody knows what is going to happen," said Choi.
  She left her parents back home this time, but has her weight trainer and English tutor for company.
  "My English is not that good, so I watch many American TV series and also have my personal tutor who came with me to Malaysia. I did weight training Monday and Tuesday, and feel simply great now," exclaimed the charming Korean.
  As for joint-third Suzann, the birdies sang more often for her today than in her opening par-round.
  "Seven birdies and a bogey free round as compare to my par on Thursday was simply amazing. I had a lot of easy birdies (first, eighth, 10th, 14th, 15th, 18th, 18th) which pulled me up from tied-39th to tied-third.
  "So I can't complain about this solid round," said Suzann.
  A hole-in-one was hit by Lizette on the par-three 15th, which saved her three straight bogies on the 10th, 11th, and 12th. She moved up from joint-eighth to be in contention going into the third round today.
  "I had a 130 to Number 15, and hit a good swing and it just rolled in. It erased two bogies to move me up," said Lizette.
  World No 1 Yani Tseng played one-over 72, but her disastrous opening 78 has placed her joint 61st on eight-over 150.

Aretha Pan carries Malaysian flag..

AMATEUR Aretha Pan upstaged the Malaysian pros, with an identical two-over 73 for a 146 two-round total at the Sime Darby LPGA yesterday.
  The pint-sized golfer also had a 73 in the first round and is now tied 53rd, and did not look too happy with being the best Malaysian on the leaderboard.
  Professional Jean Chua is the second best Malaysian on joint-58th as she had a second round of two-over 73 for a 148 total.
  Ainil Johani is tied-66th, after she blew up with nine-over 80, for an 11-over 153 total.
  Sixteen-year-old, Sarafina Vinota is at the bottom of the pool after she had a disastrous 13-over 83 for a 165 two-day total.
  "I just kept hitting it into the rough, and that made a lot of bogies. Even though I am the best placed Malaysian, I don't feel happy at all with my game," said Aretha.
  However, it was different with a smiling Jean, who almost crashed the front nine but recovered the return and also her mood.
  "I started from the 10th, and there was a roll-in so I had to wait for more than 10 minutes for the referee, and that disrupted my focus for the next five holes.
  "I was so angry, and had to hurry my game as the others were pulling away, and that is why I hit a bogey on the 11th and a double bogey on the 12th.
  "But the back nine saved my day and I am like, so relieved now," said the ever smiling Jean.
  She placed the pressure on her commitment to Sime Darby and also the local fans.
   "Sime Darby were sponsoring me RM180,000 and then upped another RM120,000 for me to play golf, and I owe them so much. That keeps popping up in my mind and I think I have been trying too hard 'terlalu mencuba' and that is why I could not concentrate on my game.
  "I have a pyschologist, but then, it is not easy for me to blank out the supportive crowd, and also the fact that I am a Sime Darby ambassador.
  "Everything else, my shots, chips and putting is fine, only my mental state is still holding me back from doing well at home," said the US based player who is competing in her third Sime Darby LPGA.

Shopping spree does the trick for Sydnee

SYDNEE Michaels (pic) of the United States did not have a good first round in the Sime Darby LPGA, so she decided to go on a shopping spree after chucking her golf bag, and it made a huge difference as she returned with a six-under 65 yesterday for a total of 134.
  After a two-under 69 in the first round, she needed a boost and shopping was the perfect tonic.
  "I did not have a good first round, and so I went on a shopping spree at a local store near my hotel. The staff looked shocked as I picked up so many clothes, but it was nice and I had a good time.
  "Being my first trip to South East Asia, I have only met nice people and even though the heat here is really, really hot, I'm enjoying every moment," said the American.
  She placed herself in good stead, as she is only two-shots adrift of the leader Choi Na Yeon of South Korea.
  "I am still not home yet because golf is an unpredictable sport and one hole could spoil everything, and there are still two rounds to go.
  "I can't control what the others are doing, but surely, I will try and play my game and see what happens in the end," said Sydnee.
   It was an amazing feat from the American, as she is ranked 147th, while 49 out of the top-50 are also at the KLGCC.
  She turned pro in 2010, and finished fourth on the Symetra Tour’s J Golf Race for the Card money list to earn Priority List Category nine for the 2012 LPGA season.
  Last year, she notched two victories on the Symetra Tour at the Vidalia Championship and Price Chopper Tour Championship.
  "Looking foward to my first this seson, and hope my putter remains hot," said Sydnee.

SIME DARBY LPGA FIRST ROUND SCORES

65 Karrie Webb (Aus), Na Yeon Choi (S Kor).
66 Min Lee (Tai) (a), Mika Miyazato (Jpn), Yoo Sun Young (S Kor); 67 Park Hee Young (S Kor), Han Hee-Won (S Kor); 68 Lizette Salas (US), Catriona Matthew (Scot), Ryu So Yeon (S Kor), Jessica Korda (US), Momoko Ueda (Jpn),  Cristie Kerr (US), Ai Miyazato (Jpn) 69 Ariya Jutanugarn (Thai) (a), Sydnee Michaels (US), Brittany Lang (US), Vicky Hurst (US), Kang Haeji (S Kor), Lee Ilhee (S Kor), Parl Inbee (S Kor), Paula Creamer (US), Lexi Thompson (US).
  70 Cindy Larcose (US), Caroline Hedwell (Swe), Mo Martin (US), Amy Yang (S Kor), Kim I.K. (S Kor), Lindsey Wright (Aus), Mina Harigae (US), Candie Kung (Tai), Ji Eun-Hee (S Kor),  Gerina Piller (US), Karine Icher (Fra), Feng Shanshan (Chn), Stacy Lewis (US), Karin Sjodin (Swe), Katherine Hull (AUS).
  71 Alison Walshe (US), Bittany Lincicome (US), Sophie Gustafson (Swe), Choi Chella (S Kor), Suzann Pettersen (Nor), Shin Jiyai (S Kor), Azahara Munoz (Sp).
  72 Sandra Gal (Ger), Danielle Kang (US), Natalie Gulbis (US), Julieta Granada (Par), Beatriz Recari (Sp), Amanda Blumenherst (US), Jenny Shin (S Kor) , Anna Nordqvist (Swe).
  73 Ainil Johani (Mas), Jodi Ewart (Eng),  Aretha Pan (Mas) (a), Lee Meena (S Kor), Angela Standford (US).
  74 Pornanong Phatlum (Thai), Pak Se Ri (S Kor), Jennifer Johnson (US); 75 Cheng Ssu-Chia (Tai) (a), Jean Chua (Mas), 76 Giulia Sergas (Ita); 78 Nicole Castrale (US), Yani Tseng (Tai); 79 Morgan Pressel (US); 80 Carly Booth (Scot); 81 Sarafina Vinota (Mas) (a), Mariajo Uribe (Col).

Note: (a) denotes amateur.

Na Yeon, Webb lead with 65s...

VETERAN Karrie Webb of Australia and Sime Darby LPGA defending champion Choi Na Yeon of South Korea shared the first round leaderboard after a six-under 65 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club yesterday.
  However, Taiwanese amateur Min Lee, 17, was the surprise package in the three-hour rain-interrupted round after she returned a five-under 66 and is just a stroke adrift.
  She shared the second spot with Mika Miyazato of Japan, and Sun Young Yoo of South Korea.
  It was an amazing feat for Min, as she played her debut LPGA round yesterday and even the LPGA scoring site did not have a picture of her.
  "This is my first time playing in the LPGA and I was so nervous that I couldn't sleep well last night!," exclaimed the Taiwanese.
  She was shaking all over before the start, but her end score was a steady flow of seven birdies and two bigies.
  Starting from the 10th tee, she parred the first two holes, and never looked back with birdies on the 12th, 16th, 17th, first, third, sixth and seventh. Her bogies were on the fifth and eighth.
   "I was shaking, just very nervous as I could hardly sleep last night. My goal this week was just to enjoy myself and learn from Yani Seng (World No 3 and from Taiwan). I played a practice round with her and learned much. She taught me many things about golf and also the mental aspect.
  "So after I hit a five-under and finally got to grip with the situation, I felt, wow!, cool..." said the teenager.
  Webb, 37, was the least surprised to see a 17-year-old snapping at her heels.
  "I'm not surprised at all because with the coaching and technology available now, which I did not have back then, girls seem to mature into good players very fast.
  "But inside they are still girls, and when among themselves, they probably still talk about cartoons and things like that. It's amazing, and good for the sport," said the World No 19 Webb.
  Choi, world No 4, loved the pressure placed on her as the defending champion: "Coming in as the champion did add more pressure on me but I like it as it makes me more determined to prove myself out there.
  "Six under is a good score at any golf course, but I could have done better if not for some missed putts.
  "But still, I like this course and the feeling is good and I think it would continue in the remaining days," said Choi.
  World No 1 Yani Tseng of Taiwan blew a seven-over 78 to be tied 66th, while World No 2 Stacey Lewis ended tied-24th when she could only manage a one-under 70.

Jean Chua still not used to pressure..

JEAN Chua was expected to be more composed in her hat-trick of appearances in the Sime Darby LPGA, but pressure got the better of her when she blew-up with a four-over 75 yesterday.
  "I went in thinking that I could handle the pressure of playing at home as this is my third LPGA at the KLGCC, but it did not help as I could not play my normal game and the score is the least flattering," said the US based player.
  It did not help her cause of trying to finish among the top-10 at home, and she would have a mammoth task of making ammends even though this tournamwent does not have a half-way cut.
  "Everything went wrong, from my drive to my putting as I was  not my normal self and kept hitting bad shots the whole morning.
  "The birdie on the eigtht almost strengthened my game, but immediately, I double bogies the next and that made a mess of my score," said Jean.
   She is a member on the LPGA’s developmental Symetra Tour and has only missed one cut in  her last 13 events coupled with four top-10 finishes. This is her first time playing in Malaysia this season.
  However, she will have to bring out her best in the second round as her score was even off tangen compared to Malaysian amateur Aretha Pan who scored a two-over 73.

Sarafina hits a happy 81

A GIGGLING 16-year-old Sarafina Vinota could not even remember her good and bad holes yesterday, but she was proud of her 10-over 81 first round score.
  The amateur, who finished second behind Aretha Pan in the Malaysian LPGA qualifier, was just happy to be among the best in the world.
  "Ahhh.. my good and bad holes, lets see...I really can't visualise now but I really enjoyed my game as the other two pros really kept encouraging me along the way," said Sarafina. 
 She played with I.K. Kim of South Korea who returned a one-under 70 and Mika Miyazato whose 66 was phenomenal.
  "Both my flight-mates were very understanding and it was simply great to watch their long play and how they saved par when in trouble.
  "I have played this course before and my lowest was a 73, but I could not save many holes today and hope to do much better after some rest," said the amateur.
  Her coach from the US, Shane Gillespie, caddied for her.
  The other Malaysian amateur, Aretha Pan was not too off her target as she returned a two-over 73.
  "Even though it rained overnight, the course played very well and I am happy with my score as I managed to save par on many holes. My best was the 13th where I two-putted for par, but blew it at the next hole with a double-bogey," said the best amateur in the country.
  The other Malaysian, Ainil Johani, also ended two-over 73.

MHL a big flop...

THE Malaysian Hockey League (MHL) would be remembered for all the wrong reasons this season, as not only the quality of play was bad, but also, not a single new player was spotted among the 13 teams.
  The 30 plus eight standby-players were all internationals of former players from the Premier Division, while not a single new player was spotted in Division One.
  "Actually, not only were there no new players spotted in the Premier Division to be drafted into the senior training squad, even I did not see any budding player in Division One to be included into the juniors training squad," said juniors coach K. Dharmaraj.
  Dharmaraj's revelation was damning, but accurate, as even chief coach Paul Revington had to dig up six former players to complete his training squad.
  As predicted early in the season, Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) romped away with the double, and the only resistance they got was from their own players who bungled chances against Tenaga Nasional and lost 3-4 in the League.
  The TNB Cup final showed their true strength as they brushed aside Tenaga 3-0 with all the goals coming in the first half.
  "The MHL is no longer a challenge for me as I have guided my side to seven League and four Overall titles (including three consecutive doubles).
  "My mission now is to help Malaysia to their best ever finish in the Junior World Cup," said Dharmaraj whose charges sailed away with the Junior Asia Cup gold to qualify for the Junior World Cup.
   The umpiring side was equally bad as tournament director V. Rajamanickam said that only six umpires were up to the mark, and in future, there may be a need to bring in foreign umpires for the MHL.
  And it did not help matters when Nur Insafi wrote in a damning letter alleging that the umpiring, overall, was poor. The MHL technical committee not only accepted Nur Insafi's letter, but also returned their RM300 deposit as it found the team's grouses had grounds.
  The fact that the tournament director had to change an umpire because Maybank stood by the sideline and refused to play if that particular individual blew -- also said volumes about the state of umpiring in the country.
  The MHL Rules Book was a good indicator on how the league was run this season, as only the cover had the year 2012 printed on it, while its content were the same as 2011 and somebody forgot to change the year in all the pages inside.
  Copy and paste, that's how bogus the MHL felt this year, as only vice-presidents S. Shamala and K. Gobinathan watched one match each, while the Malaysian Hockey Confederation president and all his other Lieutenants did not bother to attend their own tournament, not even the TNB Cup and President's Cup finals.