Razak Cup; Negri aim for semis...

NEGRI Sembilan will be banking on a combination of youth and seniors to make an impression in Division One of the Razak Cup which begins Monday at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

  Negri finished sixth last year, and are looking for a top-four finish in the 53rd Edition.

  In goal, they have national No 1 goalkeeper S. Kumar who hails from Tampin, and two-time (2009 and 2013) Junior World Cup player Kavin Kartik.

  "We have assembled an balanced team for this edition, and even though we did not train much as a team, but I believe we will be able to better our sixth placing by playing in the semi-finals," said Negri coach S. Chandran.

   Negri, in Group B, will open their campaign against Pahang today, while their other teams in the group are Kuala Lumpur and Johor.

  In Group A are defending champions Perak, Penang, Terengganu and Malacca.

  Meanwhile, registration of players for Division One ended at noon yesterday, and Terengganu will have the services of 11th hour inclusion of Faizal Shaari.

  Faizal almost single handedley handed Terengganu Hockey team the Malaysia Hockey League double by scoring 18 goals.

  RESULTS -- Division Two: Selangor 4 Kedah 1, Perlis 6 Sarawak 1, Police 2 Armed Forces 2.

  MONDAY -- Division One: Group A: Perak v Penang (Pitch I, 8pm), Terengganu v Malacca (Pitch II, 8pm).

  Group B: Negri Sembilan v Pahang (6pm, Pitch I), Kuala Lumpur v Johor (Pitch II, 6pm).

   TUESDAY: Division Two:  Kelantan v Perlis (Pitch I, 4pm), Selangor v Police (Pitch I, 6pm), Sarawak v Armed Forces (6pm, pitch II).

  Note: All matches at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

1Mas champions in Perth FHE Cup

1MAS Under-16 beat Western Australia Heat 1-0 to lift the FHE Cup in Perth Sunday.
  The hero was Idris Samad, who scored off a penalty corner attempt.
  1Mas Under-16 girls also competed in the tournament for the first time, and ended fourth among seven teams.
  Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) took the bronze when they beat Sabah Sports School 7-4.
  The Boys 1Mas team started by beating New South Wales BushRangers 7-0, followed by hammering Western Australia Tap 1 8-1, Sabah 5-2 and BJSS 3-0.

Sarjit still waiting for Faizal...

TERENGGANU are still waiting for their start performer Faizal Shaari to give them a concrete answer whether he will be playing in the Razak Cup or not.
  The Division Two matches have started, but Division One only begins Monday, and team lists must be submitted to the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) by noon Sunday.
  Terenggnau coach Sarjit Singh trained with eight players yesterday, as he is still waiting for some players to report for duty.
  "I have been in contact with Faizal and he told me he needs more time to decide if he will be able to play for Terengganu or not. We will know for sure on Sunday," said Sarjit.
  In the Malaysia Hockey League, Faizal top-scored with 18 goals to help Terengganu Hockey Team lift the double.
  However, the troubled player has not been attending national training after ending his marriage leave, and the MHC have reffered him to the disciplinary board, and he could face a total domestic and international ban up to two years for indiscipline.
  RESULTS -- Division Two: Sarawak 0 Kelantan 6, Armed Forces 4 Kedah 2, Police 6 Perlis 2.
  SUNDAY -- Division Two: Selangor v Kedah (Pitch I, 6pm), Perlis v Sarawak (Pitch II, 6pm), Police v Armed Forces (Pitch I, 8pm).
  MONDAY -- Division One: Group A: Perak v Penang (Pitch I, 8pm), Terengganu v Malacca (Pitch II, 8pm).
  Group B: Negri Sembilan v Pahang (6pm, Pitch I), Kuala Lumpur v Johor (Pitch II, 6pm).
  Note: All matches at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

Razak Cup: KL game for 20th title

KUALA Lumpur will be gunning to reclaim their glory days in the Razak Cup when the Division One starts on Monday.
  The 19-time champions last laid their hands on the Cup in 2012, as Perak powered away with back-to-back titles in the last two editions.
  And their trump card could well be national juniors player Shahril Saabah who scored a total of eighth goals for Malaysia in the Junior Asia Cup in Kuantan.
  The other national juniors in the KL squad are Ahmad Ashraf, Norsyafiq Sumantri, Zulpidaus Mizun and Nor Azrul Rahman.
  Kuala Lumpur coach K. Dharmaraj said: "Most of KL players are young, especially from the Project squad. We have the potential and I am looking towards a good performance from them. The Razak Cup is also an opportunity for them to be noticed and a platform for them to break into the senior team.”
  Defending champions Perak are eyeing their ninth title, in 53 editions.
  Perak team manager Hakimi Hamid said: "All the teams playing in Division One are equally strong since many of them would be fielding a number of national juniors and seniors.
  "We also have a mix of juniors and seniors, and players like Azlan Misron, Shukri Mutalib and national juniors skipper Najib Hassan and Haziq Samsul would be the mainstay in our bid to win our eighth title."
  For the record, Singapore won the inaugural title in 1963, and retained it the next year.
  Division One champion will receive RM10,000, runners-up RM7,000 and RM5,000 to the third-placed team. Prize money for Division Two is RM5,000 for gold, RM3,000 for silver and RM2,000 for bronze.
  RESULTS: Division Two: Armed Forces 3 Selangor 6, Police 5 Kelantan 3, Perlis 4 Kedah 1.
  SATURDAY -- Division Two: Sarawak v Kelantan (6pm, Pitch I), Armed Forces v Kedah (6pm, Pitch II), Police v Perlis (8pm, Pitch I).
  MONDAY -- Division One: Group A: Perak v Penang (Pitch I, 8pm), Terengganu v Malacca (Pitch II, 8pm).
  Group B: Negri Sembilan v Pahang (6pm, Pitch I), Kuala Lumpur v Johor (Pitch II, 6pm).
  Note: All matches at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

MHC: Faizal can play in Razak Cup

THE Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) yesterday relented and allowed 'troubled' Terengganu player Faizal Saari to represent his state in the 53rd Razak Cup which begins Friday.
  Faizal had skipped national training without reason after finishing his marriage leave, and MHC president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal had said during the Junior Asia Cup in Kuantan that he will be referred to the Disciplinary Board and faces a possible total ban from local and international tournaments.
  However, at a press conference yesterday, Subahan said Faizal can represent his state in the Razak Cup.
  The tournament will start with seven Division Two teams today, while 
the big boys in Division One, with defending champions Perak leading the cast, will play from Monday.
  Back-to-back champions Perak will again be the team to watch in Division One. Parak have eight titles under their belts which were won in 1966, 1973, 1985, 1987, 1990 (joint champions with Armed Forces), 1992, 2013 and 2014.
  Last year, Perak beat hosts Pahang 4-3 in the final.
  Division One Group A: Malacca, Penang, Terenggnu, Perak; Group B: Kuala Lumpur, Pahang, Johor, Negri.
  Division Two: Perlis, Armed Forces, Kelantan, Sarawak, Selangor, Kedah, Police.
  FRIDAY: Division Two: Armed Forces v Selangor (Pitch I, 6pm), Police v Kelantan (Pitch II, 6pm), Perlis v Kedah (Pitch I, 8pm).
  MONDAY -- Division One: Group A: Perak v Penang (Pitch I, 8pm), Terengganu v Malacca (Pitch II, 8pm).
  Group B: Negri Sembilan v Pahang (6p, Pitch I), Kuala Lumpur v Johor (Pitch II, 6pm).
 

Mirnawan quits as well...

.In the wake of a disastrous outing, in the Junior Asia Cup, national juniors team manager Mirnawan Nawawi has quit the outfit. More changes can be expected when the MHC meet to discuss the teams future inside one week.

Hashim throws in surprise resignation...

MALAYSIAN Hockey Confederation (MHC) Competitions Committee secretary Hashim Yusoff has abruptly put in his resignation letter.
  His last day is today. Hashim confirmed his resignation from MHC, but declined to elaborate.
  The former Armed Forces player was brought into Malaysian hockey administration by the late MHF secretary S. Satgunam after the 1998 Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games.

Malaysia vent anger on Bagladesh

MALAYSIA beat Bangladesh 8-0 to finish fifth in the Junior Asia Cup in Kuantan yesterday.
  It was a lopsided match from the start, as Malaysia took a 3-0 lead at half-time and never let Bangladesh back into the match.
  Even though Malaysia failed to qualify for the Junior World Cup next year, they still showed some determination to beat China 5-1 in the seventh-eighth classification, and then Bangladesh by a big margin.
  Sufi Ismat scored a brace in the second and sixth minutes, while Haziq Samsul also nailed a hat-trick in the 30th, 44th and 66th minutes.
  The other goals were scored by Najmi Jazlan (56th, 58th) and Azwar Rahman (56th).
  "Even though we failed to qualify for the World Cup, these players still deserve praise because its not east to wake up from such a disaster to beat China and Bangladesh by big margins in the lower classification," said coach Arul Selvaraj.
  Seniors coach Stephen van Huizen, who is in Kuantan to watch the matches, will select seven players from the juniors squad to train with him.
  Three players who have played with the seniors before in many international tournaments Shahril Saabah, Meor Hassan and Haziq Samsul are among the seven.
  "I will select seven, including the three that have played with the seniors before because there are many talented players in the juniors side, and its unfortunate that they did not qualify for the Junior World Cup," said Van Huizen.
  The seniors are in training for the Azlan Shah Cup next April, where teams like Germany and Netherlands have been invites. Defending champions New Zealand, silver medallists Australia, India, England and Japan are the other teams that have been invited for the Silver Jubilee of the Cup.
  RESULTS: Seventh-Eighth: China 7 Oman 2; Fifth-Sixth: Malaysia 8 Bangladesh 0; Third-Fourth: Japan x South Korea x; Final: India x South Korea x.

Germany, Netherlands invited for Azlan Shah Cup

THE Malaysian Hockey Condeferation (MHC) have invited Germany and Netherlands for the 25th Azlan Shah Cup on April 7-17 next year.
  The Silver Jubilee of the Cup, which started as a biennial event in 1983 and then became a yearly tournament in 1998, will be an eight-team event and follow the quarter-finals format for all teams.
  Malaysia will be up against the best teams in the world like Australia, England, India, New Zealand and Japan -- provided the teams accept the invitations sent on Oct 29.
  To date, India is the only team which has replied in the positive.
  Australia are the most successful Azlan Shah Cup team with eight titles (1983, 1996, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2011, 2013, 2014), followed by India who won five golds including the 2010 joint champions with South Korea (1985, 1991, 1995, 2009, 2010*)
  Germany and Netherlands rarely take up the invitations due to clash with domestic tournaments. Germany won in 1987 and 2001 while Netharlands won in 2006.
  Malaysia have never won gold in the tournament but have five silvers to show (1985, 2007, 2009, 2013, 2014), while New Zealand are the defending champions as they beat Australia 3-1 in a penalty shoot-out after a 2-2 draw in regulation time last year.
  Malaysia are in training under coach Stephen van Huizen and Technival Director Tery Walsh but it would be too much to as for a gold in the 25th Edition.

JAC 2015: Malaysia 5 China 1

MALAYSIA beat China 5-1 in the seventh-eighth classification match in the Junior Asia Cup in Kuantan Saturday, where only pride was at stake.
  Coach Arul Selvaj's boys will now meet Bangladesh in the fifth-sixth classification today after they beat Oman 3-2 in shoot-out. The full time score was 2-2.
  Shahril Saabah scored a hat-trick (41st, 52nd, 64th) while the other goals were scored by Nik Aiman Rozemi (56th) and Syed Shafiq Cholan (67th). The China goal was scored by E Wenlong in the 53rd minute.
  At half-time the score was 0-0: "During the break I lost my head a little and 'punished' some boys who were not putting in any effort, because this was a match to show the stake holders MHC (Malaysian Hockey Confederation) and NSC (National Sports Council) that these boys should not be disbanded just because they lost concentration for the last two minutes against South Korea.
  "Yes, we missed the Junior World Cup boat by two minutes, but we have some very talented players in this squad and they should have a continuous programme to make them better players," said Arul.
   Arul used his second goalkeeper Fazri Rahim for the full duration of the match and he played a big role in stopping China.
  "Fazri has never played a full match before and he proved that he can be relied upon and this is good for the future. As for Shahil, he showed the way for his team-mates on how to make a come-back from disaster and pick up the pieces no matter what.
  "We only have the fifth spot to aim for now, and we need to win by big margins to show that this team is not a bunch of losers, only that they fumbled for two minutes," said Arul.
  Malaysia lost out on the Junior World Cup when they allowed South Korea to come back into the match in the last two minutes, by scoring two goals to hold Malaysia 3-3, and then beat them 4-1 in the shoot-out.
  RESULTS: Fifth-eighth: Oman 2 Bangladesh 2 (Bangladesh win shoot-out 3-2), Malaysia 5 China 1.
  Semi-finals: Japan 6 India 1, South Korea 2 Pakistan 2 (Pakistan beat Japan 8-7 in shoot out).
  TODAY: Seventh-Eighth: China v Oman (3.45pm, Pitch II); Fifth-Sixth: Malaysia v Bangladesh (6pm, Pitch I); Third-Fourth: Japan v Korea (6.15pm, Pitch I); Final: India v Pakistan (8.30pm, Pitch I).
  Note: All matches at the Kuantan Stadium.

Two minutes of dreaming, for two years of nightmare...

THE Junior Asia Cup is officially over for Malaysia, and the process of picking up the bits and pieces will need at least another two years.
  Two minutes of madness was all it took to send defending champions Malaysia to the abyss of the tournament, and from fourth placed in the last Junior World Cup, to non-participants.
  Many officials, coaches, fans and even the cook at the team hotel still can't come to grips on how Malaysia blew a two-goal lead twice and then collapsed in the penalty shoot-out to hand South Korea the World Cup ticket on a golden platter.
  Leading 2-0 at half-time, and then 3-1 with two minutes to go, and eventually losing the shoot-out 4-1 has equaled the worse performance ever from a Malaysian side.
  The senior side were in the same situation when playing for the Olympics ticket in the Belgium World League. Malaysia lead India 2-1 in the quarter-finals, but a total collapse saw them lose 3-2.
 Then the seniors went on to lose the fifth spot 4-1 to Ireland, a team which they beat 4-2 in the pool match. Fifth placed Ireland qualified for the Olympics as well.
  And with the senior team failing to qualify for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics on a same script, Malaysia can look forward to a two-year rest from international tournaments.
  A team official said they did everything for the last 18 months, except touch the players feet to prepare them for this tournament.
  "Right now I do not want to discuss the future of Project 2016, as we still have two more matches to play and finish fifth to ease some pain. Not qualifying for the world cup is a disaster, but we have to pick ourselves up to make sure we finish the best (among the rest)," said juniors coach Arul Selvaraj.
  Japan, South Korea, India and Pakistan will be playing in New Delhi in December 2016, and the other teams will be from Europe (six), Oceania (two), Africa (two) and Pan-American (two).
  Postmortems are ongoing at every turn, and the social media has been unkind and even abusive towards the coaching staff and players.
  The reality is that Malaysia lack thinking players, and the team became dreamers in the last two minutes.
  "I had a chat with the players, and the conclusion is that they did not use their head to defend in the last two minutes, but started dreaming about winning (and the celebrations that come with it) when the (huge and colourful) scoreboard showed two minutes to end and Malaysia 3 Korea 1," said Arul.
  The dream turned into a nightmare, as South Korea celebrated wildly and the Malaysian players were rudely shaken out of their slumber.
  It will be another two years of nightmare for for Malaysian hockey, a price they paid for a two-minute dream.
  A parting shot came from the team hotel cook during breakfast: "They should have thrown the ball forward and kept it there for two minutes, and the match would have been well-cooked, and ready to serve."
  As easy as cooking two-minute instant noodles, but they burned their future to ashes.
  SATURDAY: Fifth-eighth: Oman v Bangladesh (3.45pm, Pitch II), Malaysia v China (4pm, Pitch I).
  Semi-finals: Japan v India (6.15pm, Pitch I), South Korea v Pakistan (8.30pm, Pitch I).

Malaysian hockey lost in wilderness

MALAYSIA blew away a golden chance to play in the Junior World Cup when they were held to a 3-3 draw, and then beaten 4-1 by South Korea in the quarter-finals of the Junior Asia Cup in Kuantan yesterday.
  Coach Arul Selvaraj's boys held a 3-1 lead until the 68th minute, but lost their head and allowed Korea to score two quick goals to equalise and take the match to penalty shoot-out.
  Only Shahril Saabah scored in the shoot-out while goalkeeper Ridzwan Azmi failed to stop a single attempt.
  "I take full responsibility for this defeat, and the entire set up is devastated. We were not smart enough to hold the ball in the final two minutes even though the boys had been drilled time and again on how to hold onto a good lead," said Arul.
  Korean coach Jang Jung Min revealed what motivated his charges till the last seconds of the match.
  "Before the match I told them that if we lose against Malaysia the shame will be so big, that we can never return to Korean soil again. They played their hearts out, and now we can go home with our heads held high," said Jang.
  On the Malaysian side, everybody from Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal to the ball-boys shed tears, but in vain.
  This team will now be known as the lost generation, as they only have their Singapore Sea Games gold medal to display.
  This is only the second time Malaysia has failed to play in the Junior World Cup incepted in 1979, the first was when former skipper S. Kuhan and his mates failed in the 1996 qualifier for the 1997 Junior World Cup.
   "All is not lost for this generation, as they must now push harder and try to break into the senior squad. I believe we have good players, but they lack the thinking power," said Arul.
  Shahril Saabah scored his fifth goal of the tournament to give Malaysia the lead in the sixth minute, and South Korea knew they were already in trouble even though the match had just started.
  It was a powerful penalty corner drive from Shahril, which was impossible to stop as it went crashing into the netting.
  Malaysia went forward in numbers and were rewarded in the 31st minute when Sufi Ismat scored a field attempt. Sufi's first shot hit goalkeeper Kim Giim Yung but the ball came back to him, and while lying on the turf, Sufi sliced the ball over the goalkeeper for a 2-0 lead.
  Korea's fight-back come off Kim Ho Min in the 61st minute, but a fast goal from Haziq Samsul in the 63rd made it 3-1 and Malaysia were on cruise mode to the World Cup.
  Korea had other plans, and two quick goals from Sim Jae Won (68th) and Yoo HanYoung (70th) took the match to a shoot-out and the rest will be remembered with tears of blood in the hockey history books.
  Junior World Cup hosts India qualified for the semi-finals in sytle when seven players scored in their 9-0 win over Oman.
  Japan qualified for their third Junior World Cup when they beat Bangladesh 3-0 in their other quarter-finals.
  RESULTS: Quarter-finals: India 9 Oman 0; Bangladesh 0 Japan 3; Malaysia 3 South Korea 3 (Korea win 4-1 in shoot-out), Pakistan 4 China 1.
  TODAY: REST DAY
  TOMORROW: Fifth-eighth: Oman v Bangladesh (3.45pm, Pitch II), Malaysia v China (4pm, Pitch I).
  Semi-finals: Japan v India (6.15pm, Pitch I), South Korea v Pakistan (8.30pm, Pitch I).

Check on age cheats, AHF

By Jugjet Singh

jugjet@nst.com.my

THE ASIAN Hockey Federation (AHF) conducts daily urine tests on selected players, but there is no test done to ascertain the age of players in the Under-21 Junior Asia Cup.

  Players, officials and coaches have over the last 20 years urged the AHF and also the International Hockey Federation (FIH) to conduct age-test for junior tournaments, because many of them have noticed that some players seem to remain young forever in a magical manner.

  In Kuantan, yet again, many of those who are close to hockey have noticed many anomalies but checks with passports have shocked them to silence.

  A hockey true-blood claimed that some players have seen action with him in the junior level, but while he is now well over the junior age, they are still actively playing in age-group tournaments.

  The Junior Asia Cup is a World Cup qualifier, and the stakes are very high and age becoming a magical number has seen some impressive results and some disappointing outcomes.

  Teams take great pain in preparing their juniors, and when there are alleges elements of unfair play, sportsmanship is thrown out the window and replaced by result-oriented cheats.

  Malaysia's preparations, among others, is a great example of how much time and effort is placed to groom youth to become matured players.

  Coach Arul Selvaraj and his team of social-science scientists have practically left no stone unturned to nurture the 18 who are in Kuantan to defend their Junior Asia Cup title.

  Arul is not only a coach, but acts and rules the brood like a fatherly figure using scientific methods to check their heart-rate, their food (energy) intake and urine tests are conducted twice a day to check the level of water and other minerals in the body.

  And he waits at the door to hand them the amount of liquid (one or two bottles of mineral water) when they attend briefings and makes sure they finish their quota of drinks before they exit the briefing.

  Arul also pulls the occasional ear, gives the fatherly shelling, and praises players and its a family affair with one objective -- to bring out the best in his boys.

 Many other coaches are doing the same to their junior charges, but some are only interested in results and do not care the method used to achieve it.

  This is what the AHF and the FIH need to weed out of junior tournaments to give more credibility and accountability to their sanctioned tournaments.

  If the parent bodies don't care, don't change, don't give a hoot -- then those who take the right path will always fall victims to scam artists.

  NOTE -- WIKIPEDIA ON AGE TEST: The most commonly used method is based on a single x-ray of the left hand, fingers, and wrist.

Malaysia the better team...

MALAYSIA have a better record than South Korea in the ongoing Junior Asia Cup, and coach Arul Selvaraj and his men are not afraid or taken aback with their opponents in the quarter-finals in Kuantan today.

  After Bangladesh upset South Korea 3-0, Malaysia believe they are made of better stuff and their target of qualifying for the semi-finals and grabbing a ticket to the Junior World Cup in December 2016 is still in sight.

  The tournament offers four places, and with India claiming one as World Cup hosts, the other three semi-finalists are also assured of playing in New Delhi next year.

  India are sure bets to demolish Oman in the first quarter-finals of the day, Bangladesh play Japan in the second quarters and if the Bengali pull off another upset -- they will play in their maiden Junior World Cup.

  Pakistan look the better side against China, while Malaysia only need to polish on their accuracy and South Korea will become history.

  Korea team manager Yoo Moon-Ki believes his charges are better prepared after three matches.

  "We never played any matches before this tournament and so the Group B outings were good practice. We started with a 5-2 win against Oman, but hit a bad patch against Pakistan (3-0) and Bangladesh (2-0).

  "But my players are much more experienced and composed now, and I expect them to give Malaysia a tough time and eventually qualify for the World Cup," said Moon-Ki.

  Malaysian coach Arul Selvaraj and his boys are not afraid of the challenge today.

  "The fourth match is what matters most in this tournament and we are ready for any team. Past records at junior or even senior level invincibility does not come into account in this match.

  "We came with a single objective which is to qualify for the semi-finals and I know we will achieve it regardless our opponents," said Arul.

  Some believe South Korea are a better side than Malaysia and were not their true self in Group B, but lest we forget, Malaysia beat them in the last encounter -- 2-1 in the Junior World Cup quarter-finals and both the goals were scored by Shahril Saabah.

  Shahril is still with the Malaysian team, as he is 21 and eligible for the qualifier but not the next World Cup.

  Skipper Najib Abu Hassan rounded it up by saying: "This is the most important match of our lives as it will determine our future in hockey. So believe me, we will not blow up this chance of a life-time."  

  TODAY: Quarter-finals: India v Oman (3.45, Pitch II); Bangladesh v Japan (4pm, Pitch I); Malaysia v South Korea (6.15pm, Pitch I), Pakistan v China (8.30pm, Pitch I).

JAC 2015: Mas v Kor quarters

MALAYSIA drew 2-2 with Japan to finish second in Group A, and will play South Korea in the quarter-finals of the Junior Asia Cup tomorrow.
  Before Malaysia stepped onto the pitch yesterday, Bangladesh had upset South Korea 2-0 in Group B. So, the stats were that if Malaysia beat or hold Japan they will meet South Korea in the quarter-finals, and if they lose, they play Bangladesh.
  The quarter-finals are what matters most in this tournament, as winners advance to the Junior World Cup in India next year.
  "Even though we did not beat Japan, by boys still gave a good account of themselves and after a days rest, we will be ready for the most important match of the tournament which is the only chance to qualify for the Junior World Cup.
  "We did not pick or choose our opponents, and I believe South Korea can be beaten to realise our dream of playing in India next year," said Malaysian coach Arul Selvaraj.
  Malaysia took the match to Japan with zest, and off a concerted ettack an the 15th minute, Azwar Rahman scored a field attempt for his first goal of the tournament.
  Japan were contended with defending, and gave Malaysia too much space to attack, but final touches eluded a higher scoreline in the early minutes.
   After the half-time break, Japan started toying around with the ball while Malaysia kept missing sitters.
  Japan drew level in the 49th minute, when Miyu Tanimitsu scored a penalty corner goal.
  Malaysia replaced No 1 goalkeeper Ridzwan Azmi with Fazri Rahim in the 62nd minute, and it was to give match exposure to the other golakeeper.
  And with four minutes left on the clock, Haziq Samsul gave Malaysia the lead, but Japan drew level at 2-2 with a penalty corner from YAMADA Shota Yamada in the 69th minute and Malaysia will play against South Korea in the quarters. 
  India will meet Oman in the quarters, and even though they have qualified for the World Cup as hosts, they are the early favourites to enter the last four.
  RESULTS: Group A: India 4 China 1, Japan 2 Malaysia 2.
  Group B: Oman 1 Pakistan 7, South Korea 0 Bangladesh 2.
  Nov 18: REST DAY
  Nov 19: Quarter-finals: India v Oman (3.45, Pitch II); Bangladesh v Japan (4pm, Pitch I); Malaysia v South Korea (6.15pm, Pitch I), Pakistan v China (8.30pm, Pitch I).

GROUP A 
            P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts
INDIA       3  3  0  0  11 6  9
MALAYSIA    3  1  1  1  10 7  4
JAPAN       3  1  1  1  5  5  4
CHINA       3  0  0  3  2  10 0

GROUP B
            P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts
PAKISTAN    3  3  0  0  13 2  9
BANGLADESH  3  2  0  1  8  7  6
S KOREA     3  1  0  2  5  7  3
OMAN        3  0  0  3  7  17 0

MHC: Faizal Shaari faces total ban..

FAIZAL .. World League Round Two player-of-the tournament back in murky waters.

INFAMOUS striker Faizal Saari has, yet again, failed to turn up for national training and the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) are ready to throw the book at him.
  Faizal went on marriage leave and was asked to turn up for training last weeek, but went AWOL. This is the second time Faizal has snubbed national training.
  "We do not tolerate indiscipline, and Faizal will be referred to the Disciplinary board (before the Razak Cup on Nov 26) with the proposal to ban him from international as well as domestic tournaments," said MHC president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal in Kuantan yesterday.
  Faizal, a Terengganu Hockey Team player, is no stranger to controversy as a money dispute with MHC saw him dropped from the Asian Games line-up after getting into plenty of controversies before and after the World Cup.

JAC 2015: Beat Japan or take the tough road...

 Skipper Najib Abu Hassan and coach Arul Selvaraj

PC ace Najmi Jazlan (fist in air) after scoring against China.

Malaysia's back against the wall...

MALAYSIA have placed their backs against the wall after losing 5-4 to India, and today, coach Arul Selvaraj and his boys must beat or hold Japan at all cost in the Junior Asia Cup in Kuantan.
  A win or a draw will see Malaysia finish top-two in Group A, and meet either Bangladesh or Oman in the cross-over quarter-finals. A defeat against Japan will pit Malaysia against South Korea in the last eight.
  The tournament offers three tickets to the 2016 Junior World Cup, and Malaysia must play in the semi-finals to take up the offer.
  India are favourites to top Group A, provided they beat China today.
  "My boys did some silly mistakes against India, but we can't afford the same against Japan. I believe it will be another tough match but we have the capability to come out tops.
  "We played Japan in four friendlies in February and lost three and drew one match. But that was a different Malaysia and I did not have 50 per cent of my top players. Even then, I don't believe in history, because I think positive, and have inculcated that habit in my players over the Sea Games (gold) and Sultan of Johor Cup (bronze)," said Arul.
  The good news yesterday was that defender Amirol Aideed is ready to play his first match in Kuantan.
  "Amirol was rested to recover from hamstring against China and India, but will play against Japan. He has a cool head, and its just what we need to keep a tight lid in defense," said Arul.
  Malaysia were guilty of letting in three soft goals against India, and hopefully Amirol, who played a sterling role in the SOJC, will not disappoint.
   Japan coach Takahiko Yamabori, whose charges surprised India when they only lost 1-2, believes his boys are ready for Malaysia, as they plan ahead for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
  "We are building this team for the Tokyo Olympics, and I believe at least 60 per cent of my juniors will play in the Olympics and that is why its very important that we beat Malaysia to have an easier passage into the Junior World Cup.
  "We need to play in the Junior World Cup to make these players more confident when they play in the Olympics," said Takahiko.
  Japan failed to qualify for the last Junior World Cup where Malaysia finished fourth ahead of South Korea (eighth), Pakistan (ninth) and India (10th).
  The battle cry from Japan was chilling, but Arul has his plans: "Inside both the 25-yards, they must play with intelligence, and inside both the semi-circles with passion to 'die' defending and scoring.
  "That's what I have trained these players to do, and they displayed these qualities in both the previous matches. Silly mistakes is what made us lose to India, but my charges are ready to make amends against Japan."
  Group B is very much wrapped up, as barring upsets, Pakistan should beat Oman to top the group, while South Korea is the better team compared to Bangladesh and should finish second.
  Nov 16: REST DAY
  Nov 17: Group A: India v China (6pm, Pitch I), Japan v Malaysia (8.15pm, Pitch I).
  Group B: Oman v Pakistan (4pm, Pitch I), South Korea v Bangladesh (4.30pm, Pitch II).
  Nov 18: REST DAY
  Nov 19: Quarter-finals.

GROUP A 
            P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts
INDIA       2  2  0  0  7  5  6
MALAYSIA    2  1  0  1  8  5  3
JAPAN       2  1  0  1  3  3  3
CHINA       2  0  0  2  1  6  0

GROUP B
            P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts
PAKISTAN    2  2  0  0  6  1  6
S KOREA     2  1  0  1  5  5  3
BANGLADESH  2  1  0  1  6  7  3
OMAN        2  0  0  2  6  10 0

JAC 2015: No shame in 4-5 defeat

MALAYSIA blew an early lead to lose 5-4 to India in Group A of the Junior Asia Cup in Kuantan Sunday.
  After a day's rest, the hosts meet Japan in their final pool match and its a must-win situation of they want to finish second in the Group.
  "There were moments of lapses which turned the match around for India, but I'm very proud of the way my boys played today (yesterday) and I am confident that they will rise against Japan to finish second in our group," said Malaysian coach Arul Selvaraj.
  Shahril Saabah scored a super reverse stick goal 45 seconds from the start, and Malaysia looked like they were about to maul India.
  But after a brilliant save by goalkeeper Ridzwan Azmi in the ninth minute, he made a schoolboy blunder in the 10th minute and Mandeep Singh punished Malaysia and drew level.
  This was the fastest match of the tournament, as even before India could settle down from celebrating their goal, Shahril struck yet again.
  The No 1 penalty corner flicker in the country, Shahril, scored a cheeky field goal in the 20th minute when he deflected home skipper Najib Hassan's slap-in from the top of the semi-circle.
  It was Shahril's third goal of the tournament, as he also scored against China on Saturday.
  India coach Harendra Singh, dissapointed that his goalkeeper Vikas Dahiya for failing to stop Shahril's second goal, replaced him with No 2 Suraj Karkera in the 27th minute.
  Malaysia took the game the India after the breather, but a lapse in defense saw Gurjant Singh handing his side yet another equaliser with a 40th minute reverse stick attempt.
  Malaysia were guilty of giving away easy penalty corners after that, and India finally took the lead in the 46th minute when Harmanpreet Singh blasted home a drive.
  And it was almost all over for Malaysia in the 56th minute, when Harmanpreet scored his second penalty corner, while Manddeep Singh made it 5-2 in the 61st minute.
  Sufi Ismat pulled one back a minute later to make it 5-3, and Malysia went on a rampage and made it 5-4 in the 66th minute when Shahril nailed his hat-trick.
  Meanwhile in Group B, Pakistan upset South Korea 3-0 and are poised to top the group as they have an 'easy' game against winless Oman on Tuesday to collect maximum points.
  Korea play Bangladesh last, but even if they win, they are set to end second in Group B.
  RESULTS: Group A: China 1 Japan 2, Malaysia 4 India 5.
  Group B: Pakistan 3 South Korea 0, Oman 4 Bangladesh 5.
  Nov 16: REST DAY


GROUP A 
            P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts
INDIA       2  2  0  0  7  5  6
MALAYSIA    2  1  0  1  8  5  3
JAPAN       2  1  0  1  3  3  3
CHINA       2  0  0  2  1  6  0

GROUP B
            P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts
PAKISTAN    2  2  0  0  6  1  6
S KOREA     2  1  0  1  5  5  3
BANGLADESH  2  1  0  1  6  7  3
OMAN        2  0  0  2  6  10 0

Jnr Asia Cup: Malaysia 4 China 0

THE National Juniors started on an impressive note when they beat China 4-0 in Group A of the Junior Asia Cup in Kuantan Saturday.

  However, their true strength will be known today when they square off against tournament favourites India.

  India had beaten Malaysia 2-1 in the Sultan of Johor Cup.

  "Im vey happy not only with the score line, but also the way my boys played today. They knew when to press and when to hold the match and this is one reason why we could beat China with such a margin," said Malaysian juniors coach Arul Selvaraj.

  As for India: "I believe India is a matured side, as they don't play like Under-21 players and this will be our toughest game in Group A. We will be playing them for the second time in three weeks, and I believe our penalty corner battery will be ready to do more damage this time around," said Arul.

   Malaysia started on a nervous note, and even gave away the first penalty corner in the fifth minute to China but the post saved the blushes.

   And after failing to score off their first penalty corner, Malaysia took a 2-0 lead off their next two penalty corners.

   Najmi Jazlan's drive in the 14th minute almost tore the netting, and Shahril Saabah's powerful flick in the 21st minute gave Malaysia some breathing space.

   The forward line rarely took shots at goal, and with 10minutes to the half-time break, China were doing most of the attacking and only penalty corners separated both the sides at the half time hooter.

  Malaysia came out looking for more from the match, and finally nailed a field goal off Haziq Samsul in th 42nd minute.

  The goal not only assured Malaysia three points, but was also a moral boost for Haziq, who has played at the senior level, because he did not score a single goal in the Sultan of Johor Cup.

  And with seconds remaining in the match, Najmi again scored off a penalty corner and Malaysia earned a well deserved win.

  RESULTS: Group A: Malaysia 4 China 0, India 2 Japan 1.

  Group B: Pakistan 3 Bangladesh 1, South Korea 5 Oman 2.

  SUNDAY: Group A: China v Japan (6pm, Pitch I), Malaysia v India (8.15pm, Pitch I).

  Group B: Pakistan v South Korea (4pm, Pitch I), Oman v Bangladesh (4.30pm, Pitch II).

 Nov 16: REST DAY

GROUP A 

            P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts

MALAYSIA    1  1  0  0  4  0  3

INDIA       1 1  0  0  2  1 3

CHINA       1  0  0  1  0  4  0

JAPAN       1  0  0  1  1 2  0

GROUP B

            P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts

S KOREA     1  1  0  0  5  2  3

PAKISTAN    1  1  0  0  3  1  3

OMAN        1  0  0  1  2  5  0

BANGLADESH  1  0  0  1  1  3  0

Mirnawan: No easy matches in Kuantan

MALAYSIAN Juniors team manager Mirnawan Nawawi believes there will be no easy matches in the Junior Asia Cup in Kuantan starting on Saturday.
  And the three-time Olympian has even dubbed Group A as the 'group of death'.
  "Malaysia are in 'group of death' as India, China and Japan will be fielding players who have the basics and skills to cause an upset if given the slightest advantage.
  "But on the same note, our players are primed to face the challenges thrown at them and qualify for next year's Junior World Cup," said Mirnawan.
  India as Junior World Cup hosts, have qualified, but will be the team to beat in Kuantan. Three other slots are available in the Junior Asia Cup, and Malaysia must reach the semi-finals to grab one.
  The hosts are defending champions, and went on to finish fourth in the last Junior World Cup which was also held in New Delhi in 2013.
  "As the champions, we need to keep our dignity intact and that means beating China in the first match on Saturday.
  "We had very little knowledge about China and also Japan, but after watching them training in Kuantan, we have an idea on how to overcome both these teams. China and Japan players are no pushovers, but can be beaten," said Mirnawan.
  As for India, Malaysia lost 1-2 to them in the Sultan of Johor Cup and they went on to finish as silever medallists while Malaysia claimed the bronze.
  "We know India, and they too know us, as we played a grueling match against them in the SOJC. India will be our toughest opponents in Kuantan," said Mirnawan.
  Malaysia need to finish among the top-two in Group A to have an easier quarter-finals passage against either Bangladesh or Oman. The other Group B teams are South Korea and Pakistan.
  All eight teams qualify for the last eight, and one win here will book a berth to New Delhi next year.
  For the record, Malaysia are not only the Junior Asia Cup defending champions, but also the highest ranked Asian team as they finished fourth in the Junior World Cup, while South Korea eighth, Pakistan ninth and India 10th.
  GROUP A: India, Malaysia, Japan, China.
  GROUP B: Korea, Pakistan, Oman, Bangladesh.
  FIXTURES: Nov 14: Group A: Malaysia v China (6pm, Pitch I), India v Japan (8.15pm, Pitch I).
  Group B: Pakistan v Bangladesh (4pm, Pitch I), South Korea v Oman (4.30pm, Pitch II).
  Nov 15: Group A: China v Japan (6pm, Pitch I), Malaysia v India (8.15pm, Pitch I).
  Group B: Pakistan v South Korea (4pm, Pitch I), Oman v Bangladesh (4.30pm, Pitch II).
 Nov 16: REST DAY
 Nov 17: Group A: India v China (6pm, Pitch I), Japan v Malaysia (8.15pm, Pitch I).
  Group B: Oman v Pakistan (4pm, Pitch I), South Korea v Bangladesh (4.30pm, Pitch II).
  Nov 18: REST DAY
  Nov 19: Quarter-finals.

53rd Razak Cup: KL, Negri call for selections

NEGRI SEMBILAN and Kuala Lumpur will hold trials to select teams for the 53rd Razak Cup which will be held at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Nov 26-Dec 6.
  Negri will conduct open trials on Sunday at 6.30pm at the Seremban II Stadium and for information call coach S. Chandran at 016 3157113.
  As for Kuala Lumpur, open selections will be held on Monday and Tuesday evenings at the KLHA Stadium in Jalan Pantai.
  Other than KL-born players, those living in the City for five years are also eligible to attend trials. Call V. Rajamanickam at 012 2686944 for details.

Under 14: Sabah boys win maiden title

KUALA LUMPUR Girls' edged Selangor 3-2 to lift the National Under-14 hockey tournament title in Malacca yesterday.
   And in the Boys' tournament, Sabah and  Perak ended locked 2-2 after regulation time, and in the shoot out Sabah claimed their maiden Under-14 title by beating Perak 5-4.
  During regulation time, the Sabah goals were scored by Nasrul Syahkhir (24th) and Granson Noel(63rd), while the Perak goals were scored by Afiq Iqbal (31st) and Afsraf Iqbal in the 69th minute to take the match to shoot out.
   Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) Technical Director Terry Walsh was impresed with the boys standard, but not the girls.
    "I watched some of the matches, and for an Under-14 tournament, the boys were quite impressive especially playes from Sabah. But the same can't be said abut the girls," said Walsh.
     Results:  BOYS'   Final: Sabah 2 Perak 2 (Sabah win shoot out 5-4); Third-Fourth: Malacca 1 Johor 4.
     GIRLS' Final: Kuala Lumpur  3 Selangor 2 ; Third-Fourth: SIngapore 2 Sabah 4.

Under-14: Selangor v KL girls final

SELANGOR Girls beat Singapore 3-0 to set up a date with Kuala Lumpur in the final of the National Under-14tournament in Malacca yesterday.
   In the Boys final, Selangor and Perak will battle for gold. Last year's boys champion Pahang were bundled out of the knock-out stage, while girls champions Sabah will play for the bronze with Singapore.
  Yesterday, Nur Aisyah Fadzinu was the toast of Selangor as she nailed a hat-trick of field goals in the 18th, 25th and 44th minutes to take her tally to five and second on the top-scorers list.
      RESULTS: Boys' Round Two: Group X: Malacca 3 Penang 1; Group Y: Johor 3 Selangor 3.
     Girls' Round Two: Group X: Singapore 0 Selangor 3 ; Group Y: Malacca 1 Sabah 6.
     TODAY:  BOYS'   Final: Sabah v Perak (MBMB Pitch 1, 5pm); Third-Fourth: Malacca v  Johor (MBMB, Pitch II, 3pm).
     GIRLS' Final: Kuala Lumpur v Selangor (MBMB Pitch II, 4.45pm); Third-Fourth: SIngapore v Sabah (MBMB Pitch I, 3pm)
  Note: All matches in Malacca

Under-14: KL girls power past Sabah

KUALA Lumpur girls' ended defending champion Sabah's winning streak when they won 2-0 in Round Two of the National Under-14 hockey tournament in Malacca yesterday.
  Playing in Group Y, Kuala Lumpur scored in the 16th minute off their skipper B. Sarveswarry and Hasya Syahida (18th) made sure with another field attempt.
  In the other girls' match, Selangor beat Penang 5-2 in Group X.
  Kuala Lumpur meet hosts Malacca today and a win will place them in the final. Sabah play Malacca on Saturday to decide their fate.
  RESULTS: Boys' Round Two: Group X: Penang x Perak x; Group Y: Selangor x Sabah x.
  Girls' Round Two: Group X: Selangor 5 Penang 2; Group Y: Sabah 0 K Lumpur 2.
  FRIDAY: Boys' Round Two: Group Y: Sabah v Johor (MBMB Pitch I, 6.30pm); Group X: Perak v Malacca (MBMB Pitch I, 8.15pm).
  Girls' Round Two: Group Y: K Lumpur v Malacca (MBMB Pitch I, 4.45pm); Group X: Penang v Singapore (MBMB Pitch II, 4.45pm).
  SATURDAY: Boys' Round Two: Group X: Malacca v Penang (MBMB Pitch I, 6.30pm); Group Y: Johor v Selangor (MBMB Pitch I, 8.15pm).
  Girls' Round Two: Group X: Singapore v Selangor (MBMB PItch I, 4.45pm); Group Y: Malacca v Sabah (MBMB Pitch II, 4.45pm).
  Note: All matches in Malacca.

Sufi back in the fold...

NATIONAL Juniors coach Arul Selvaraj yesterday named 19 players for the Junior Asia Cup in Kuantan in Nov 14-22.
  The extra player will be dropped after a friendly match against the national seniors on Nov 9.
  "We dropped two players from the Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC) due to injuries, and included two players who were earlier on the crock list. I have named one extra player for the 'just in case' scenario and we will have the final list after a game with the seniors," said Arul.
  Hamstring injuries floored Sufi Ismat and Rafidzul Ezry just before the SOJC, but they have recovered for the Asia Cup. Arul included Ahmad Ashraf as the 19th, while Nor Azrul Rahman and Aminuddin Zain were the only casualties from the SOJC team.
  The target is to play in the semi-finals and qualify for the Junior World Cup in India next December.
  The International Hockey Federation (FIH) have reserved four slots for Asia, including hosts India, so Malaysia must play in the semi-final to grab one of the three available places.
  Malaysia are in Group A with India, China and Japan, while in Group B are South Korea, Pakistan, Oman and Bangladesh.
  The group stages will be for placing while one win in the quarter-finals, where all eight teams qualify, will cement a place in the Junior World Cup.
  "The format looks easy, but only if we finish among the top-two in Group A for an easier last-eight playoff. That has been drilled into the boys, and they are clear about the mission," said Arul.
  Malaysia won bronze in the SOJC, where they lost 2-1 to India.
  "India will be our toughest opponents in Group A, and after playing with them in the SOJC, we have our plans to tackle them in Kuantan," said Arul.
  India only lost to two matches to Britain in the SOJC, 3-2 in the pool and after a 2-2 draw, lost the final 4-3 on penalty shoot out.
  "Fitness has been the focus after SOJC, and I am proud to say that the team are at their best leading to the tournament and we should reach our target."
  Malaysia are the Junior Asia Cup defending champions and the highest ranked team in Kuantan after finishing fourth in the last Junior World Cup, where South Korea ended eighth, Pakistan ninth, and India 10th.
  NATIONAL Juniors: Ridzwan Azmi (Gk), Adi Fazri Rahim (Gk), Najib Abu Hassan (capt), Nik Aiman, Ashran Hamsani, Meor Azuan, Haziq Samsul, Firdaus Omar, Khaliq Hamirin, Norsyafiq Sumantri, Amirol Aideed, Shahril Saabah, Zulpidaus Mizun, Syed Syafiq, Azwar Rahman, Rafizul Ezry, Najmi Farizal, Ahmad Ashraf, Sufi Ismat.
  Coach: Arul Selvaraj; Asst Coaches: Jivan Mohan and Amin Rahim; Manager: Mirnawan Nawawi.

Under-14 Round Two: Show of strength begins

ROUND TWO of the Natonal Under-14 hockey tournament starts Thursday, with girls' champion Sabah grouped with Kuala Lumpur and Malacca in Group Y.

  In Group X are Penang, Selangor and Singapore. The six teams finished top-two in their respective groups, and will play two more matches against each other to decide the bronze and gold play-off.

  In the boys tournament, In Group X are Perak, Malacca and Penang while in Group Y are defending champions Sabah, Selangor and Johor.

  RESULTS: Boys' Group A: Perak 3 Terengganu 2, Kedah 1 Pahang 2; Group B: Selangor 2 K Lumpur 2, Kelantan 2 Penang 3.

  GIRLS' Group B: Penang 8 Terengganu 0, K Lumpur 1 Johor 3.

  THURSDAY: Boys Round Two: Group X: Penang v Perak (MBMB Pitch I, 6.30pm); Group Y: Selangor v Sabah (MBMB Pitch II, 8.15pm).

  Girls Round Two: Group X: Selangor v Penang (MBMB Pitch I, 4.45pm); Group Y: Sabah v K Lumpur (MBMB Pitch II, 4.45pm).

  FRIDAY: Boys Round Two: Group Y: Sabah v Johor (MBMB Pitch I, 6.30pm); Group X: Perak v Malacca (MBMB Pitch I, 8.15pm).

  Girls Round Two: Group Y: K Lumpur v Malacca (MBMB Pitch I, 4.45pm); Group X: Penang v Singapore (MBMB Pitch II, 4.45pm).

  SATURDAY: Boys Round Two: Group X: Malacca v Penang (MBMB Pitch I, 6.30pm); Group Y: Johor v Selangor (MBMB Pitch I, 8.15pm).

  Girls Round Two: Group X: Singapore v Selangor (MBMB PItch I, 4.45pm); Group Y: Malacca v Sabah (MBMB Pitch II, 4.45pm).

  Note: All matches in Malacca.

Under-14: Impressive show from Sabah girls

GIRLS' defending champions Sabah powered into the second round of the National Under-14 hockey tournament when they hammered Perak 5-1 in Malacca yesterday.

  Sabah, on nine points after three matches, have been impressive as they beat Selangor 4-0 and Kedah 5-1 in earlier matches to top Group A.

  Yesterday, the Sabah took the lead off Nurekhmah Najwa in the 10th minute, but Perak's Dian Nursyakira Najwa equalised in the 37th minute.

  But a four-goal blitz from Nor Asfarina (38th), Kersimah Kauran (42nd), Kersimah Kauran (45th) and Aj Dianisa Diva (54th) saw them sail away with three points.

  RESULTS: Boys' Group A: Terengganu 2 Pahang 6, Johor 5 Kedah 0; Group B: Negri 3 Kelantan 3, K Lumpur 0 Penang 1; Group C: Sabah 5 Malacca 0, Perlis 0 Singapore 0.

   Girls' Group A: Kedah 1 Selangor 3, Sabah 5 Perak 1; Group B: Johor 0Penang 1, Negri 0 K Lumpur 1; Group C: Pahang 0 Singapore 1, Malacca 7 Perlis 3.

  TODAY: Boys' Group A: Perak v Terengganu (MBMB Pitch I, 6.30pm), Kedah v Pahang (MBMB Pitch I, 8.15pm); Group B: Selangor v K Lumpur (MBMB Pitch I, 4.45pm), Kelantan v Penang (MBMB Pitch II, 4.45pm).

  GIRLS' Group B: Penang v Terengganu (MBMB Pitch I, 7.30am), K Lumpur v Johor (MBMB Pitch II, 7.30am).

  Note: All matches in Malacca.

Perak boys check into 2nd round

PERAK boys checked into the second round of the National Under-14 hockey tournament in Malacca when they beat Pahang 4-1 Monday.
  Perak are on nine points after three matches, while defending champions Pahang lost both their matches.
  Pahang took the lead off Muhammad Syamim in the 35th minute, but Perak came back strongly after the breather with goals from  Afiq Iqbal (41st), Syazwan Syafiq (52nd), Affiful Najmi (56th) and Fahmi B Khalid (62nd).
  In the Girls' tournament, defending champions Sabah claimed their second win when they hammered Kedah 5-1.
  RESULTS: BOYS': Group A: Terengganu 1 Johor 2, Pahang 1 Perak 4; Group B: K Lumpur 2 Negri 1, Penang 1 Selangor 5.
  GIRLS': Group A: Selangor 4 Perak 2, Kedah 1 Sabah 5; Group B: Terengganu 1 Negri 6, Penang 2 K Lumpur 3; Group C: Perlis 1 Pahang 5, Singapore 1 Malacca 3.
  TUESDAY: Boys' Group A: Terengganu v Pahang (MBMB Pitch I, 3pm), Johor v Kedah (MBMB Pitch II, 3pm); Group B: Negri v Kelantan (MBMB Pitch I, 4.45pm), K Lumpur v Penang (MBMB Pitch II, 4.45pm); Group C: Sabah v Malacca (MBMB Pitch I, 6.30pm), Perlis v Singapore (MBMB Pitch II, 8.15pm).
   Girls' Group A: Kedah v Selangor (STM, 7.30am), Sabah v Perak (MBMB Pitch II, 9.15am); Group B: Johor v Penang (MBMB Pitch II, 7.30am), Negri v K Lumpur (MBMB Pitch II, 7.30am); Group C: Pahang v Singapore (STM, 9.15am), Malacca v Perlis (MBMB Pitch I, 9.15am).
  WEDNESDAY: Boys' Group A: Perak v Terengganu (MBMB Pitch I, 6.30pm), Kedah v Pahang (MBMB Pitch I, 8.15pm); Group B: Selangor v K Lumpur (MBMB Pitch I, 4.45pm), Kelantan v Penang (MBMB Pitch II, 4.45pm).
  GIRLS' Group B: Penang v Terengganu (MBMB Pitch I, 7.30am), K Lumpur v Johor (MBMB Pitch II, 7.30am).
  Note: All matches in Malacca.

U14: Champions Sabah off to great start

NATIONAL Under-14 Girls' champions Sabah got of to a roaring start when they hammered Selangor 4-0 in Malacca Sunday.
  Sabah upset Kuala Lumpur 2-1 in last year's final and look good to defend their title.
  Sufiamira Basri started the rout with a 12th minute field goal, while Syunita Manap (21st), Kersimah Kauran (22nd) and Aina Ruzana Azlan (68th).
  RESULTS: BOYS': Group A: Johor 2 Pahang 0, Perak 4 Kedah 1; Group B: Negri 4 Penang 0, Selangor 8 Kelantan 1; Group C: Perlis 0 Sabah 7, Malacca 2 Singapore 0.
  GIRLS': Group A: Perak 5 Kedah 0, Sabah 4 Selangor 0; Group B: Terengganu 1 K Lumpur 7, Johor 2 Negri 3; Group C: Perlis 1 Singapore 1, Malacca 3 Pahang 2.
  MONDAY: BOYS': Group A: Terengganu v Johor (MBMB Pitch I, 4.45pm), Pahang v Perak (MBMB Pitch II, 4.45pm); Group B: K Lumpur v Negri (MBMB Pitch I, 6.30pm), Penang v Selangor (MBMB Pitch II, 8.15pm).
  GIRLS': Group A: Selangor v Perak (MBMB Pitch I, 7.30am), Kedah v Sabah (MBMB Pitch II, 7.30am); Group B: Terengganu v Negri (STM, 9.15am), Penang v K Lumpur (MBMB Pitch II, 9.15am); Group C: Perlis v Pahang (STM, 7.30am), Singapore v Malacca (MBMB Pitch I, 9.15am).
  Note: All matches in Malacca.