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.