AHL: Men fare miserably, women win...

Malaysian women in action in their 7-1 win. Pic from Malaysian Hockye Confederation FB.


THE Malaysian national women's team hammered Northern Territories 7-1 in the Australian Hockey League in Perth Friday.
  The win came at the back of a 3-1 defeat to New Zealand Futures on Thursday.
   However, the men's teams hit another bad patch as both the national and back-up squads lost their matches.
  The Malaysian Tigress, as the women are registered in the AHL, got their goals off Siti Rahmah Othman (ninth, 52nd), Nurul Nabihah Mansur (10thm 56th), Hanis Nadia Onn (20th), Wan Nor Faiezah (41st) and Raja Norsharina (58th).
  However the men's national team, known as the Malaysian Tigers, suffered a 5-2 defeat in the hands of Queensland Blades.
  The Queensland Blades scored five goals before the Tigers got back two off Shahril Saabah (47th) and Ramadan Rosli (57th).
  And Malaysia's back-up squad, called Malaysian Blues, lost 2-0 to WA Thundersticks.
  Saturday: Women -- Malaysian Tigress v New South Wales.
  Sunday: Men -- Malaysian Tigers v Northern Territories, Malaysian Blues v SA Hotshots.

Athletics: Jonathan's slow gold...

NO Malaysian national records were shattered in the 93rd Edition of the Malaysian Open Athletics at the Universiti Malaya grounds Friday.
  The only silver lining was that Sarawak's Jonathan Nyepa breezed away with the 100m gold medal with a time of 10.53. But he could not match or rewrite his personal best of 10.36s.
  And the women's 100m was won by S. Komalam Shally with a time of 11.87s. The Armed Forces lass, 28, holds a personal best of 11.75s.
  "I actually came here to better my personal best but it turned out to be a slow race, but I still won my first Open gold," said Jonathan.
  National 100m men's record holder Khairul Hafiz Jantan, 10.18s, did not compete in his pet event, but will run in the 200m Sunday.
  In the 100m morning heats, Badrul Hisham of Malacca caused a stir when it was flased that he clocked 10.28 but it was later ratified that he ran 10.63s.
  Malaysian Athletics Federation (MAF) president Datuk Karim Ibrahim said the confusion arose due to hand time and electronic timing.
  "The 10.28s was hand timed but flashed as the official result, but later ratified with the electronic time of 10.63s. I assure everybody that it will not happen again," said Karim.
  The 100m men's bronze went to Haikal hanafi of Negri Sembilan with a time of 10.68s.
  Komalam said it has been four years since she last won the 100m Malaysian Open gold.
  "I have been training hard since January, and the gold is a just result even though my time today failed to better my personal best. I will put in more work, to qualify for the Kuala Lumpur Sea games next year," said Komalam.
  MEN -- 100m: 1 Jonathan Nyepa 10.53s, 2 Badrul Hisyam 10.61s, 3 haikal hanafi 10.68s.
  10,000m: 1 R. thevan 32:30.8s, 2 G. Sivaneshbarab 34:07.1, 3 Ob Yong Jin 34:44.4.
  Triple Jump: 1 Alsobai Khaled (Kuwait) 15.34m, 2 Jonathan Larus 15.32m, 3 Nazri Mustafa 14.68m.
  Shot Putt: 1 Mohammed Meshari (Kuwait) 19.54m, 2 Faris Hazim 14.44m, 3 Hafiz Hashim 14.04m.
  Javelin: 1 Bakri hamid 61.59m, 2 Mohammed Mohamed 58.37m, 3 Raphael Asun 56.86m.
  WOMEN -- 100m: 1 S. Komalam Shally 11.87s, 2 Siti Fatimah 11.97s, 3 Zaidatul Husniah 12.13s.
  10,000m: 1 Annie Yee Pee Ni 45:53.0, 2 Pavitra Das 44:45.7, 3 Ng Yew Cheo (Sing) 44.49.4.
  High Jump: 1 Banida Boonban (Thai) 1.74m countback, 2 Yap Sean Yee 1.74m, 3 Nurul Falena 1.59m.
  Triple Jump: 1 Rochelle Maria (India) 12.76m, 2 K. Kirthana 12.74m, 3 Nurul Ashikin 12.14m.
  Javelin: Jariya Bichaidit (Thai) 48.74m, 2 Fatin Nur Shahiera 41.95m, 3 Rosie Villarito (Phil) 41.30m.

Triple Bogey for Malaysia Down Under...

Malaysian Hockey Confederation FB pic..

MALAYSIA suffered a triple set-back in their Australian Hockey League (AHL) debut Thursday when the national team were held to a draw, while the back-up and women's team lost their opening matches.
  Malaysian Tigers, the national team, drew 1-1 with New Zealand Futures; the Malaysian Blues lost 4-2 to India Juniors and the Malaysian Tigress lost 3-1 to New Zealand Futures.
  Meor Azuan gave the Tigers a 35th minute penalty corner lead, but Jarad Jones spoiled the party with a 45th minute field goal.
  Malaysian Tigress, the women's national team, lost 3-1 to the New Zealand Under-21 side.
  New Zealand took a 2-0 lead, before Fatin Naimah scored off a penalty corner but the Kiwis score another to win convincingly.
  Malaysian Blues scored first off Faizal Shaari in the fourth minute, but India Juniors came back with four goals to deny coach Wallace Tan points in the first match.
  Faizal scored the second in the 55th minute.
  India Juniors skipped the Sultan of Johor Cup but will use the AHL as preparation for the Junior World Cup which they will host at the end of the year.
  FRIDAY: Men -- Malaysian Tigers v Queensland, Malaysian Blues v Western Australia.
  Women: Malaysian Tigress v Northern Territory.
  SATURDAY: Women: Malaysian Tigress v New South Wales.

Terengganu HT nail treble double...

TERENGGANU Hockey Team claimed their treble double when they beat Sapura 3-0 in the TNB Cup final at the Tun Razak Stadium Sunday.
  The maestro was South Korean Jang Jong Hyun who scored two penalty corner goals to bring his tally to 16 overall for the top-scorers award.
  THT coach Sarjit Singh said: "Winning the League and TNB Cup titles in three consecutive years is not an easy task, but with solid backing from the management and our supporters, we made it a proud moment for them."
  Terengganu have a sound development programme, and this win would further boost hockey in the state.
  "We have many upcoming players in the state, and by winning the treble double, it would further boost hockey in the state," said Sarjit.
  THT tore apart the Sapura midfield in the first quarter and the absence of national player Marhan Jalil was sorely felt, after he suffered an ankle injury in the TNB Cup Semi-finals Second Leg.
  Sapura had no answer to the fast attacking THT forwardline, and in the sixth minute off their second penalty corner, top-scorer Jang Jong Hyun of South Korea sounded the board with a low push to the East Coast side the lead.
  It was Jang's 15th goal of the season for THT, singling him out as the best foreign buy in the Malaysia Hockey League.
  And in the 22nd minute THT's Argentina import Nicolas Enrique scored a field goal off an acute angle to consolidate their position going into the breather.
  It was the sixth goal for the Argentinian.
  Jang the Korean import delivered yet again in the 51st minute off a penalty corner, to seal the match for THT. Terengganu supporters who came with two buses, aptly waved the South Korean as well as the Terengganu flags wildly at the stadium.
   In the Division One President's Cup final, TNB Thunderbolts hammered Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI) 7-2 for the title.
  The TNB Thunderbolts goals were scored by Akhimullah Anuar (third, 30th), Nursyahmi Zukifli (11th), Kamil Yusop (14th, 27th), Idris Samad (48th), Izham Azhar (53rd).
  The SSTMI goals were scored by Zulhamizan Awang in the 11th and 36th minutes.
  And in the Vivian Soars Cup, Police, naming themselves Blue Warriors, beat SSTMI 2-1 for the inaugural title.
  The Warriors took a 2-0 lead off Aida Fazriniza Zakaria (19th) and Noor Hasliza Ali (30th) before SSTMI fought back with a goal from Siti Shahidah Saad (49th) but time ran out for them.
  RESULTS: TNB Cup Final: Terengganu HT 3 Sapura 0.
  President's Cup Final: SSTMI 2 TNB Thunderbolts 7.
  Vivian Soars Cup Final: Blue Warriors 2 SSTMI 1.

TNB CUP FINAL: Penalty corners could turn tide...

Sapura's India import Gurbaj Singh (left) challenges KLHC's Meor  Azuan Hasan for the ball during the TNB Cup semi-final second-leg match at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium Friday. KLHC won 3-1 to draw level on aggregate at 4-4. But lost the penalty shoot-out 4-2.


TERENGGANU Hockey Team (THT) will be attempting their third consecutive double, while Sapura Hockey Club their first TNB Cup title in the final of the Malaysia Hockey League today.
  The women will kick-start three finals slated at the Tun Razak Cup with the Vivian Soars Cup being a battle between Blue Warriors and Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sports School (SSTMI).
  This will be followed by the men's Division One President's Cup final between SSTMI and TNB Thunderbolts.
  And at 8.30pm, the big boys march in to steal the thunder.
  THT has won the League this season, while Sapura the Alagendra Cup and both look good enough to claim the TNB Cup and there will be no underdogs in this match.
  Sapura, even though they have a poor scoring record of only 17 for and 16 against in the League, finished second on 21 points.
  THT were just a point better to claim the League on 22, but their scoring rate in some of the matches was high and they had 29 for and 16 against.
  The top scorer of the MHL is South Korean import Jang Jung Hyun on 14 goals, 13 of which were off penalty corners and second on the list is also a THT player Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin on nine goals.
  Both the players will again play a pivotal role to help their team's cause for a treble double.
  As for Sapura, Australia Oscar William Wookey is their top-scorer with four goals.
  Sapura coach Yahya Atan, whose men had beaten THT 2-0 but then lost 4-1 in the two-leg league, is naturally worried about Jang's penalty corner conversion rate.
  "We gave away too many penalty corners in the last match and lost 4-1 (Jang scored three). And so, in the final, my players will try and play clean hockey in the circle as not to give THT the edge they will be looking for.
  "If we can hold back the penalty corners, I believe we will finally lay our hands on the Overall title which we last won 10 years ago," said Yahya.
  THT coach Sarjit Singh does not believe in history as he is always looking forward.
  "For me, holding records is worthless if we can't keep creating them. That's why we will be looking forward to another title when we play tomorrow (today) and not bask on the glory of our two previous TNB Cups.
  "That can be done after the final whistle is blown," said Sarjit, a former national coach as well as skipper.
  The battle-lines have been drawn, and its too close to call. But as Yahya predicted, penalty corners could decide this crackling encounter.
  SUNDAY: TNB Cup Final: Terengganu v Sapura (Tun Razak, 8.30pm).
  President's Cup Final: SSTMI v TNB Thunderbolts (Tun Razak, 6pm).
  Vivian Soars Cup Final: Blue Warriors v SSTMI (Tun Razak, 4pm).

Terengganu HT AND Sapura final...

TERENGGANU Hockey Team (THT) will play Sapura in the final of the TNB Cup at the Tun Razak Stadium Sunday.

  Yesterday, Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) made a gallant 3-1 come-back in the Second Leg of the Semi-finals to hold Sapura to a 4-4 aggregate draw, but lost 2-4 in the penalty choot-out.

  THT, who held a 6-1 advantage from the First Leg, beat Maybank 8-4 for a 14-5 aggregate win.

  Sapura coach Yahya Atan said the match was bad for his heart, but good for the club which last played in the Overall title final (now TNB Cup) in 2006.

  "We blew our 2-0 aggregate in the first two quarters because my players were too eager to score and left gaping holes at the back. It was bad for my heart, but entertaining to the end and I am glad that our club has made the final again after 10 years.

  "Last season we finished third Overall, and now have a chance to claim the title itself," said Yahya.

  KLHC team manager Ahmad Anuar Sham rued the missed chances: "We had the match in our grip, but failed to score the most crucial goal to shut the door on Sapura. Anyway, its always 50-50 in any shoot-out, and it was disappointing that we could not be the winners."

  KLHC got their goals off their import players Ali Shan (10th) and Nam Huyn Woo (15th, 34th) while Khairul Ikhwan's 15th minute goal helped his team into the shoot-out.

  And the shoot-out toast for Sapura was their goalkeeper Hairi Rahman, who kept his cool.

  THT coach Sarjit Singh said his men are ready to defend their title.

  "We had a slow season, but picked up in the later stages to claim the League title. And now that we are in the TNB Cup final, I believe my players will not let me down in our quest to win our third consecutive double in the MHL," said Sarjit.

  RESULTS: TNB Cup semi-finals Second Leg:

  Kuala Lumpur HC 3 v Saura HC 1.

  (Sapura win 4-2 in penalty shootout) 

 Maybank 4 v Terengganu HT 8.

  (Terengganu HT win on 14-5 aggregate)

  President's Cup: Semi-finals Second Leg:

  SSTMI 6 v UiTM-KPT 2.

  (SSTMI win on 9-6 aggregate)

  Politeknik 3 v TNB Thunderbolts 6.

  (Thunderbolts win on 9-5 aggregate)

   Vivian Soars Cup: Semi-finals Second Leg:

   ATM Pernama 2 v Blue Warriors 2.

   (Blue Warriors win on 3-2 aggregate)

   PKS-Uniten-KPT 3 v SSTMI 2.

   (SSTMI win on 4-3 aggregate)

  SUNDAY: TNB Cup Final: Terengganu v Sapura (Tun Razak, 8.30pm).

  President's Cup Final: SSTMI v TNB Thunderbolts (Tun Razak, 6pm).

  Vivian Soars Cup Final: Blue Warriors v SSTMI (Tun Razak, 4pm).

Terengganu HT and Sapura in drivers seat...

THT captain Fitri Saari (front) in action against Maybank during the TNB Cup Semi-Final first-leg match at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium. THT won 6-1.

ALL THE BEST -- FINAL DESTINATION

TERENGGANU Hockey Team (THT) have no plans to pull the brakes in the Second Leg Semi-finals of the TNB Cup today, even though they have a five-goal cushion over Maybank.
  And Sapura coach Yahya Atan feels his players' desire to play in the final will be the key to beat Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) again in the return leg to solidify their two-goal cushion.
  Both the return legs will be played at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium, where THT hammered Maybank 6-1 and Sapura beat KLHC 3-1 on Wednesday.
  "A five-goal cushion can be overcome in modern hockey, but we are not about to let it happen. Even though the final is just a day's break after the Second Leg, I will field my best players to stabilise the match before deciding on my reserves," said THT coach Sarjit Singh.
  THT, double champions for the last two seasons, has won the League title and are looking good to defend their TNB Cup as well.
  As for Sapura: "My players showed more desire than the opponents in the First Leg and even though we hold a slim lead, I believe it will be the same performance from them in the Second Leg to cement our spot.
  "It has been too long since we last won the TNB Cup (2006 last Overall title) and are just two steps away. It will not be easy, but not an impossible dream either," said Yahya.
  KLHC have been bogged down by injuries, and the fact that two of their top players could only play for 30 minutes this season, saw them struggle with a skeleton crew.
  Razie Rahim, the nation's top penalty corner flicker, and national midfielder Nabil Fiqri joined inspector training and the team suffered badly.
  When asked about his heavy-footed players in the First Leg, KLHC coach Harun Rashid said fatigue and injuries and work commitments left him with a thin squad on the bench.
  "Fatigue is always an issue with a 'thin' squad and a packed schedule playing midweek as well (Alagendra Cup)..
  "Umar Bhutta (Pakistan import) didn't play the first leg due to foot injury, Syamim Yusof and Kevin Lim carry hamstring injuries.
 "Nam Hyun Woo carries a back injury, while Rashid Baharom's shoulder is injured.
  "However, as long as we have the time and opportunity, a come-back is always possible in a two-leg race. It's not how one starts, the finishing is more important," reasoned Rashid.
  TODAY: TNB Cup semi-finals Second Leg: Kuala Lumpur HC (1) v Saura HC (3) (KLHA, 6pm), Maybank (1) v Terengganu HT (6) (KLHA, 8pm).
  President's Cup: Semi-finals Second Leg: SSTMI (3) v UiTM-KPT (4) (Tun Razak, 6pm), Politeknik (2) v TNB Thunderbolts (3) (Tun Razak, 8pm).

   Vivian Soars Cup: Semi-finals Second Leg: ATM Pernama (0) v Blue Warriors (1) (Ministry of Education, 6pm), PKS-Uniten-KPT (0) v SSTMI (2) (Ministry of Education, 8pm).

Gavin qualifies for CIMB Classic

GAVIN Green booked a spot in the CIMB Classic after defeating title holder Ben Leong with a birdie on the first play-off hole at the SapuraKencana National Classic at the TPC Kuala Lumpur West Course Thursday.
  The duo closed on matching one-under-par 71s to finish regulation play on four-under-par 212 before returning to the 18th hole where Green emerged victorious to earn his debut at the CIMB Classic On Oct 20-23 at the TPC Kuala Lumpur (formerly known as Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club) carrying a total purse of US7 million.
  The CIMB Classic, now in its seventh year, will feature a 78-player elite field, comprising 60 from the PGA TOUR, 10 from the Asian Tour and eight sponsor’s exemptions.
  For the first time ever, the SapuraKencana National Classic will also count towards the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Tour’s Order of Merit, which is the leading professional tour in Malaysia.
  Ben Leong settled for second after missing a close range birdie on the 54th hole while Khor Kheng Hwai finished a further shot back in third place following a final round 72.
  Green got off to a fine start when he holed three birdies in his opening 10 holes but slipped back with bogeys on holes 13, 15 and 16. He trailed the fast charging Ben Leong by one heading into the penultimate hole but pulled off a gutsy 15-foot birdie to draw level.
   The 22-year-old Green was delighted to add another feather in his cap after a stunning season where won two titles on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) and represented Malaysia in the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro last month.
  “I was a bit nervous coming down the stretch but the birdie on 17 was huge,” said the big-hitting Green. “The whole week I missed so many putts so I’m thankful I made that birdie on that hole and in the play-off.”
   “Honestly, I’m surprised that Ben missed the birdie on the last. I guess even professionals get nervous. After he missed, I told myself that I have another chance in the play-off and I did my best to win it.”
   “Playing in the CIMB Classic will be a huge achievement for me this year. It has been a good year so far and this will be another positive in my career. I can’t wait to play in my first PGA TOUR event on home soil,” said Green, who won RM22,000.
   Ben Leong hit a super chip into the par-five 18th hole in regulation play but was disappointed to miss the short birdie putt for the outright victory.
  “Obviously I was nervous. I read it left but pulled it. I’m disappointed but this is all part of the process. Good for Gavin, he was cool and composed under pressure and played good golf today,” said Leong.
  Ahmad Zakiruddin, the Senior Vice President of Operations SapuraKencana Petroleum Berhad said: "“We are happy to see that yet another SapuraKencana National Classic, for the fourth year running, has ended successfully and would like to congratulate Gavin Green who has shown tremendous skill to win and claim the coveted spot at the CIMB Classic."

Terengganu HT, Sapura on fire... ALL THE BEST

TERENGGANU Hockey Team (THT) virtually qualified for the final of the TNB Cup when they thrashed Maybank 6-1 in the First Leg semi-finals at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium Wednesday.
  In the other semi-finals, Sapura beat Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) 3-1.
  The second leg of the semi-finals will be held Friday.
  Maybank shocked the TNB Cup defending champions with an early goal, but collapsed in the fourh quarter and need a miracle to make a come-back Friday.
  The Maybank goal was scored by Firdaus Fauzi in the seventh minute, but that was as far as the Tigers went.
  THT came back with vengeance to score six, and Ismail Abu started the count in the 16th minute. The other goals were scored by Faizal Shaari (44th, 53rd), Ismail (49th), Jang Jong Hyun (50th) and Amirul Mirza Rozi (57th).
  As for the second semis, the Sapura goals were scored by Oscar William Wookey (35th), Phillip Ross (42nd) and Gurbaj Singh (52nd). The KLHC goal was scored by Nam Hyun Woo in the 40th minute.
  "It was a slow start, but a great finish by my players to take control of the first leg. However, we can't take it easy in the second leg and need to score early goals to keep Maybank out of the picture," said THT coach Sarjit Singh.
  Maybank were listless after taking the lead, and even though they had many chances to increase it, they decided to play defensive and were punished for holding on to a one-goal lead.
  RESULTS: TNB Cup semi-finals First Leg: Terengganu HT 6 Maybank 1, Sapura 3 Kuala Lumpur HC 1.
   President's Cup semi-finals First Leg: TNB Thunderbolts 3 Politeknik 2, UiTM-KPT 4 SSTMI  3.
   Vivian Soars Cup semi-finals First Leg: Semi-finals: SSTMI 2 PKS-Uniten 0, Blue Warriors 1 ATM Pernama 0.
  FRIDAY -- TNB Cup semi-finals Second Leg: Kuala Lumpur HC v Saura HC (KLHA, 6pm), Maybank v Terengganu HT (KLHA, 8pm).
  President's Cup: Semi-finals Second Leg: SSTMI v UiTM-KPT (Tun Razak, 6pm), Politeknik v TNB Thunderbolts (Tun Razak, 8pm).
   Vivian Soars Cup: Semi-finals Second Leg: ATM Pernama v Blue Warriors (Ministry of Education, 6pm), PKS-Uniten-KPT v SSTMI (Ministry of Education, 8pm).

ALL THE BEST...

NATIONAL Coach Stephen van Huizen

"Both of them are in good form and when they played for 30 minutes in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) this season, I could see that they were still the best and their form did not drop. For me, it was enough time to include them in the ACT but we will have to rely on the goodwill of Pulapol to release them.
  "However, I believe for national duty, and since the tournament in Malaysia -- there should be no problems," said van Huizen.
  For the record, Razie and Nabil turn out for Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) in the Premier Division of the MHL and have only played for 30 minutes against Sapura the entire season.
  "Against Sapura, even though both of them played only for 30 minutes, Razie scored two goals in their 3-0 win. This shows he is an invaluable player," said van Huizen.

Razie, Nabil sit out Australia HL debut...

MALAYSIA will field almost the entire national team in Tigers, their back-up in Blues and women's team in the Australian Hockey League (AHL) on Sept 26-Oct 10 in Perth.
  This is a milestone for for country, who aspire to play in the 2018 New Delhi World Cup, as well as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
  The senior squad will be called Tigers, and missing from the list announced yesterday by national coach Stephen van Huizen were inspector trainees Razie Rahim and Nabil Fiqri.
  "Yes we will be fielding an almost full side minus Nabil and Razie who are in training to become inspectors in Pulapol. This is because even though we have an understanding with Pulapol to let them out for national training and matches which concern Malaysia, they can't release trainees for overseas assignments," said van Huizen.
  Razie is the No 1 penalty corner flicker in the country while Nabil is a pillar in midfield for the nation.
  When asked if both of them would be released for the Asian Champions Trophy in Kuantan on Oct 20-30, van Huizen could not make a commitment.
  "Both of them are in good form and when they played for 30 minutes in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) this season, I could see that they were still the best and their form did not drop. For me, it was enough time to include them in the ACT but we will have to rely on the goodwill of Pulapol to release them.
  "However, I believe for national duty, and since the tournament in Malaysia -- there should be no problems," said van Huizen.
  For the record, Razie and Nabil turn out for Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) in the Premier Division of the MHL and have only played for 30 minutes against Sapura the entire season.
  "Against Sapura, even though both of them played only for 30 minutes, Razie scored two goals in their 3-0 win. This shows he is an invaluable player," said van Huizen.
   As for the Australian HL Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) Technical Director Terry Walsh Said: "After playing in a local league, the players will get a chance to compete in an overseas league and this is a huge step forward for Malaysia."
  The other foreign teams in the men's tournament are India and New Zealand.
  "Playing in the AHL, then the ACT and then the Azlan Shah Cup for the men and the World League in Singapore for the women are all part of the plan to qualify for the World Cup and Olympics.
  "While the men will face some difficulties, but not impossible ones to qualify for the world Cup, it would be much more harder for the women. But this AHL playing chance should come in as a very good experience to wards our future cause," said Walsh.
  Shukri Mutalib will skipper the Tigers, Baljit Singh will captain the Blues and Siti Noor Amarina will lead the women in Perth.
  Ten teams each will compete in the men's and women's AHL.

TNB CUP: ALL THE BEST...

Pic: Terengganu HT players celebrate their MHL League title after beating Tenaga 3-1 on Sunday.

CHAMPIONS Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) received an easier TNB Cup semi-finals draw when they were paired with fourth placed Maybank Monday.
  League runners-up Sapura will have a tougher time after drawing third-placed Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) in the other semi-finals.
  Both first-leg the semis will be held on Wednesday at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium, with the return leg on Friday.
  THT has the League title, Sapura the Alagendra Cup, KLHC the Charity Shield while Maybank is the only team without silverware yet this season.
  And THT are on a mission to complete their third consecutive double in the Premier Division of the Malaysia Hockey League.
  "Even though we have been paired with a team which finished fourth in the League, I believe it will not be an easy match as Maybank are, and have also shown in the last two seasons, that they are a fighting side," said THT coach Sarjit Singh.
  Sarjit remembers well, as THT played Maybank in both the previous TNB Cup semi-finals.
  "Coincidentally, we also played Maybank in the semi-finals of the TNB Cup in the last two seasons. And we lost both the first legs, and only qualified for the final by making a comeback in the second legs.
  "Maybank have also given every team in the MHL a good fight, and we need to play much better to win the first leg itself this season," said Sarjit.
  For the record, THT beat Maybank 5-1 and 5-2 in the League.
  Maybank team manager R. Premkumar said: "We have a development squad made up of youth and seniors as guide. It has been a close season for us, and I believe we have nothing to lose as underdogs in a two-leg semi-finals."
  Sapura coach Yahya Atan has done his homework, and is ready to face KLHC. KLHC won both the League matches 5-2 and 3-0.
  "We lost earlier after leting in two first quarter goals in both the matches, but after studying the match videos, I know what not to do against KLHC in the TNB Cup," said the experienced coach.
  Yahya will also be tightening his penalty corner run-outs, which were ineffective in the League against KLHC.
  As for KLHC team manager Ahmad Anuar Sham, he had a limited choice of either being paired against seeded sides Sapura, or THT.
  "Both the seeded teams are strong, so it really did not matter who we played in the semi-finals. We will have to give our best in both the legs to play in the final," said Ahmad.
   WEDNESDAY: TNB Cup semi-finals First Leg: Terengganu HT v Maybank (KLHA, 6pm), Sapura v Kuala Lumpur HC (KLHA, 8pm).
   President's Cup: TNB Thunderbolts v Politeknik (Tun Razak, 6pm), UiTM-KPT v SSTMI Tun Razak, 8pm).
   Vivian Soars Cup: Semi-finals: SSTMI v PKS-Uniten (Ministry of Education, 6pm), Blue Warriors v ATM Pernama (Ministry of Education, 8pm).

Terengganu HT League champions again...

TERENGGANU Hockey Team (THT) defended their Malaysia Hockey League Premier Division League title for the third consecutive year when they beat Tenaga Nasional 3-1 at the Batu Buruk Stadium Sunday.

  It was an unexpected title, as coach Sarjit Singh and his men were not in contention as the title charge was led by Sapura until the eighth match.

  Yesterday, Fitri Shaari (5th), Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin (18th), Ismail Abu (32nd) delivered for THT while Ramadhan Rosli scored for Tenaga in the 33rd minute.

  THT received RM100,000 while second placed Sapura won RM60,000 and third placed Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) RM40,000.

  THT and Sapura will be seeded while KLHC and Maybank will draw lots today to decide who they play in the TNB Cup semi-finals which will he held on Wednesday.

  "We were not in contention after the first round matches but made a late charge in the second round to defend our League title. As I said before its easier to win a title that to defend it, and my players have won three consecutive League titles and I am very proud of them," said Sarjit.

  After Tenaga beat Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) 2-1 on Friday to put THT in contention for the title, Sarjit and his men played by the book yesterday.

  "There was no fancy play or trying too hard as we kept our composure and won the match. Now, we are looking forward to win our TNB Cup for the third consecutive year as well," said Sarjit.

  RESULTS -- Premier Division: Terengganu HT 3 Tenaga Nasional 1, Kuala Lumpur HC 4 UniKL 1, Sapura HC 2 Maybank 1.

  Division One:

  Quarter-finals Second Leg: 

  Nur Insafi 0 TNB Thunderbolts 5.

  (TNB Thunderbolts won on 8-1 aggregate)

  ATM Airod 2 SSTMI 1

  (SSTMI win on 6-4 aggregate)

  Ipoh City Council 3 v Uitm-KPT 2 

  (Aggregate 4-4, Uitm-KPT win shoot our 3-2)

  BJSS 1 Politeknik 5

  (Politeknik won on 8-3 aggregate)

PREMIER DIVISION

            P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts

THT         10 7  1  2  29 16 22

SAPURA      10 7  0  3  17 16 21

KLHC        10  6  2  2  30 14 20

MAYBANK     10 3  1  6  18 32 10

UNIKL       10  2  1  7  9  17 7

TENAGA      10 1  3  6  17 25 6

Kingmakers Tenaga control Gym...

AFTER only one win in nine League matches, Tenaga Nasional are now Kingmakers in the Premier Division of the Malaysia Hockey League.
  Tenaga lost five and drew three, but their awesome 2-1 win over League title contenders Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) on Friday has turned the tables upside down.
  From a hopeless situation, the Tenaga win, propelled Terengganu Hockey Team into the title limelight -- as they too beat Sapura 4-1 at Batu Buruk Friday.
  The maths for THT is easy, beat Tenaga Sunday at Batu Buruk and win the League title. THT can't afford to draw or lose, as Sapura and KLHC will be waiting to claim the title.
  "We have had some really close matches with one-goal separating us from the favourites this whole season. We even lost the Alagendra Cup 2-1 to Sapura.
  "And So, I told my players that we have nothing to lose in the last two League matches (as TNB are also out of the running for the Semi-finals of the TNB Cup) and play for the pride of the Club they represent.
  "We beat KLHC (2-1) for the first three points of the seson and now will play for another win against THT at their own den.
  "MY players have been trained not to fear any opponent. And even though we are the only team in the Premier Division without foreign players, our local lads have shown that they have promise in them," said Tenaga coach Amin Rahim.
  Double champions THT have had a really sorry start to the season as they lost the Charity Shield 2-1 to KLHC, and wer never at the top of the standings until Tenaga propelled them to the top.
  "Its easier to win a title than to defend it for the third-consecutive year. But now that we are in that position, I believe everything will fall our way again on Sunday," said THT coach Sarjit Singh.
  For the record, THT have been the double consecutive double champions. The two aces up Sarjit's sleeves are South Korean Jang Jong Hyun who has scored 10 penalty corner goals, and Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin with five field and two penalty corner rebound goals to his name.
  Both are top two on the top-scorers list.
  THT, Sapura and KLHC have qualified for the TNB Cup semi-finals, while the final slot will be a decider between Maybank and UniKL today.
  SUNDAY -- Premier Division: Terengganu HT v Tenaga Nasional (Batu Buruk, 5.30pm), Kuala Lumpur HC v UniKL (KLHA, 8pm), Sapura HC v Maybank (Tun Razak, 6pm).
  Division One -- Quarter-finals Second Leg: Nur Insafi (1) v TNB Thunderbolts (3) (Sungai Petani, 5pm), ATM Airod (2) SSTMI (5) (Tun RAzak, 8pm), Ipoh City Council (1) v Uitm-KPT (2) (Azlan Shah, 6pm), BJSS (2) v Politeknik (3) (Ministry of Education, 6pm).
  Note: First Leg scores in parenthesis.


PREMIER DIVISION

            P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts

THT         9  6  1  2  26 15 19
SAPURA      9  6  0  3  15 15 18
KLHC        9  5  2  2  26 13 17
MAYBANK     9  3  1  5  17 30 10
UNIKL       9  2  1  6  8  13 7
TENAGA      9  1  3  5  16 22 6

ALL THE BEST ... Part 2

TERENGGANU Hockey Team (THT) rose from the ashes to top the Malaysia Hockey League Premier Division Standings when they beat Sapura 4-1 at the Batu Buruk Stadium Friday.
  And THT's good luck continued at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium, when Tenaga Nasional beat Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) 2-1.
  The Tenaga upset left KLHC third on the standings, in a match which they were supposed to win and top the table.
  After yesterday's upsets, all THT have to do now is to beat Tenaga Nasional at the Batu Buruk Stadium Sunday to lift the Premier Division League title.
  "For me, we played the best game of this season to beat Sapura and top the standings for the first time this season. And with Tenaga Nasional pulling off a big upset against KLHC, from outsiders, we now have a chance to defend our League title.
  "My players, for sure, will not want to let this golden chance slip away from our grip," said THT coach Sarjit Singh.
  Yesterday, last seaon's top-scorer Faizal Shaari with 17 goals, finally scored his first goal for THT in the 48th minute, while Jang Jong Hyun scored a hat-trick in the 6th, 10th and 24th minutes. The Sapura consolation was scored by Firhan Ashaari in the 59th minute.
  Tenaga coach Amin Rahim said: "We played for pride as we had not won in the last eight matches. There was no element of trying to deny KLHC a shot at the title, it was just that we had our pride to keep intact."
  And Amin said his charges will do the same against THT tomorrow.
  "Even though we are virtually out of running for the TNB Cup semi-finals, we will still give our very best against THT in our final League match of the season on Sunday.
  "We have nothing against THT and their quest to defend their League title, we will again play for pride and end our League season with another win," said Amin.
 RESULTS -- Premier Division: Maybank 1 UniKL 0, Tenaga 2 Kuala Lumpur HC 1, Terengganu HT 4 Sapura HC 1.
  Division One: Quarter-finals First Round: TNB Thunderbolts 3 Nur Insafi 1, SSTMI 5 ATM Airod 2, UiTM-KPT 2 Ipoh City Council 1, Politeknik 3 BJSS 2.
  SUNDAY: Terengganu HT v Tenaga Nasional (Batu Buruk, 5.30pm), Kuala Lumpur HC v UniKL (KLHA, 8pm), Sapura HC v Maybank (Tun Razak, 6pm).
  
  

PREMIER DIVISION

            P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts

THT         9  6  1  2  26 15 19
SAPURA      9  6  0  3  15 15 18
KLHC        9  5  2  2  26 15 17
MAYBANK     9  3  1  5  17 30 10
UNIKL       9  2  1  6  8  11 7
TENAGA      9  1  3  5  16 22 6

Teja... A life devoted to sports

By S.S Dhaliwal

He was easily identified as he always used to wear white turban and pants.

Serious and stern looking on the exterior but a man with such humility, warm hearted and friendly is the best way to describe Master Teja Singh Dhaliwal who passed away in Malacca on Thursday.

The 79 years old suffered a heart Attack at his home and breathed his last at the Malacca General Hospital.

Teja had undergone a by-pass operation in May this year and really never recovered from it.

My early introduction to a man that I later on admired upon learning more about him was at the Malacca Sikh Temple where Teja volunteered his services, also serving as the Treasurer in 2009/2012 especially during the annual prayers for Sant Sohan Singh Ji.

During my playing days I used to wonder who this gentleman was, always donning white pants, trade marks of his umpiring of Hockey and Cricket playing days.

A history teacher at Malacca High School, Teja also represented Malacca in both Hockey and Cricket and went on to become a Hockey coach that help mound the careers of players like Tam Chiew Seng, Tan Kam Seng, K. Embaraj, Lim Chiow Chuan, Chin Boon Ghee, Wallace Tan, , Sewak Singh, Tam Chew Meng even dating back to the years of Dato Dr. Mahinder Singh.

The MHS Hockey team held for years the record of defeating the Gurney School 36-0 in a Malacca schools Hockey tournament.

Former international umpire V. Sasidharan had the privilege of playing under the tutelage of Teja in Cricket for the government services tournaments.

" His managerial and human relation skills is something that I always admired and still hold on to as he taught me a lot, " said Sasidharan.

Teja was also credited with teaching history classes with distinction, often opting for story telling to make it more interesting for his students.

MHS had the proud record of being the best school in terms of History grades in the Lower Certificate of Education and Senior Cambridge exams with over 80 per cent scoring distinction when Teja was there.

Teja is the elder Brother of former international Harnek Singh and Brother in law of former MHF Umpires Board Chairman Lt. Col (R) Narinder Singh.

Rest in peace Sir and may the gates of heaven welcome this great personality as he meets his maker.

Good bye Teja, you will be missed but we will all remember you with sweet memories.

Pls be inform Late Master Teja Singh funeral will be held on Saturday 17/9/16 @4pm.. Cottege leaves residence 5204 C Taman Muhibbah Klebang @3pm to Jelutong Crematorium

ALL THE BEST...

SAPURA Hockey Club are poised to lift the Malaysia Hockey League Premier Division League title, provided they do not fumble against Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) at the Batu Buruk Stadium Friday.

  After THT, Sapura have Maybank to beat on Sunday to realise their dream of winning the League title -- which they last won in 2005.

  "It has been too long since we laid our hands on a title, and the Alagendra Cup on Tuesday was a welcome relief.

  "We last won the Overall title in 2006, and the League in 2005 and are in a good position to realise our dream.

  "From the two opponents, I believe THT will be the hardest to beat as we meet them in their own den in Batu Buruk (Kuala Terengganu)," said Sapura coach Yahya Atan.

  Sapura beat Tenaga Nasional 2-1 in the Alagendra Cup final, which was a cracker until the final whistle.

  "It was a good final, as all my players gave their very best and I believe they will do the same in the remaining two League matches as well," said Yahya.

  Yahya's men lead Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) by a point, while double champions THT are two points adrift of the leaders.

  "This is the most crucial weekend for all teams as the margin is very close and while we will aim to collect full points against Sapura and then Tenaga on Sunday, we will also be keeping our fingers crossed that the two teams above us drop points," said THT coach Sarjit Singh.

  FRIDAY -- Premier Division: Maybank v UniKL (Malacca, 6pm), Tenaga v Kuala Lumpur HC (KLHA, 6pm), Terengganu HT v Sapura HC (Batu Buruk, 5.30pm).

  SUNDAY: Terengganu HT v Tenaga Nasional (Batu Buruk, 5.30pm), Kuala Lumpur HC v UniKL (KLHA, 8pm), Sapura HC v Maybank (Tun Razak, 6pm).

  Division One: Quarter-finals First Round: TNB Thunderbolts v Nur Insafi (KLHA, 8pm), SSTMI v ATM Airod (SSTMI, 6pm), UiTM-KPT v Ipoh City Council (Tun Razak, 6pm), Politeknik v BJSS (Taman daya, 5pm).

  

PREMIER DIVISION

            P  W  D  L  F  A  Pts

SAPURA      8  6  0  2  14 11 18

KLHC        8  5  2  1  25 11 17

THT         8  5  1  2  22 14 16

UNIKL       8  2  1  5  8  12 7

MAYBANK     8  2  1  5  16 30 7

TENAGA      8  0  3  5  14 21 3

Sapura lift inaugural Alagendra Cup...

SAPURA Hockey Club lived dangerously, before Dangerous Lee handed them the inaugural Tan Sri P. Alagendra Cup at the Tun Razak Stadium Tuesday.

  The match was heading towards a shoot-out, but the Dangerous goal beat Tenaga Nasional 2-1 and also gave Sapura a RM70,000 purse.

  "We held onto the match because of good defending, especially in the third quarter when Tenaga came charging at us. Winning the inaugural Alagendra Cup has also charged up my players to go all out for the Premier Division League title

  "If we do well against Terengganu Hockey Team, the league title could also become ours," said Sapura coach Yahya Atan, whose team top the standings.

  Amin Rahim, a dejected Tenaga coach, said: "We failed to score the penalty stroke and that was the turning point of the match. Losing 2-1 to Sapura for the third time this season is also a jinx (Sapura won twice with the same score in the Premier Division home-and-away)."

  Tenaga, who received RM30,000, had the early chances but blew a handful until they won the first penalty corner in the 10th minute. Syed Syafiq Cholan's attempt hit a defenders foot and a penalty stroke was awarded.

  Syed stepped to the spot, but his flick was stopped by Sapura goalkeeper Hairi Rahman.

  And just as the first quarter's end approached, Sapura won their first penalty corner and this time Firhan Ashaari pusged low to beat Tenaga goalkeeper S. Kumar for the lead.

  At the half-time break, two former national players received their rewards from Yayasan Hockey Malaysia. Megat Azrafiq (139 caps, 12 years) and Hafifi Hafiz (140 caps, 10 years) received RM16,850 and RM15,500  respectively for their years of playing for the country.

  Alagendra, trustee of the Yayasan, presented them with the cheques.

  Tenaga came out fighting after the breather and after a few missed chances, they finally scored the equaliser in the 43rd minute.

  Off a botched penalty corner attempt, Shahril Saabah slammed home a reverse stick shot to give his mates a big boost.

  However, the final touch to claim the trophy belonged to Dangerous Lee who sent in a cracker to the top of the net in the 53rd minute to hand Sapura the inaugural Alagendra trophy.

Tenaga lay early claim on Alagendra Cup..

TNB's Hafizuddin (num 15) in action against THT in the semi-finals of the Tan Sri P. Alagendra Cup. TNB won 3-2 and will play Sapura in the final Tuesday.



TENAGA Nasional will play their game of the season Tuesday, as coach Amin Rahim is all fired up to claim the inaugural Tan Sri P. Alagendra Cup.
  Tenaga will square off against Sapura at the Tun Razak Stadium, and even though statistics do not favour Amin and his men, they do not want to let go of the only trophy they can claim this season.
  Sapura beat Tenaga 2-1 twice in the Malaysia Hockey League Premier Division home-and-away matches, and are tops on the standings.
  Tenaga are at the bottom of the Premier Division Standings, with only three draws and no wins to show.
  "We lost narrowly to Sapura in the MHL not because we were not good, but because Sapura were lucky both times. But in the Alagendra Cup final, luck will no longer matter as we aim to give our very best to claim the only trophy that we can this season," said Amin.
  Tenaga have the right to brag, because they they beat University Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) 3-2 in the quarter-finals, and did the unthinkable by beating last season's double champions Terengganu Hockey Team (THT) 3-2 to earn the final ticket.
  "We went through a tough route, ans after my players beat THT in the semis, nothing is impossible anymore," said Amin.
  Tenaga top-scorer Syed Syafiq Cholan, with five goals to his name, delivered two goals in that crucial win.
  "The team is really raring to set the record straight against Sapura, as we played much better but lost both the earlier matches. This is a golden chance which no player in our team wants to let slip from their fingers," said Syed Syafiq.
  Sapura coach Yahya Atan downplayed their chances.
  "Yes, both the League matches were close and I expect the Alagendra Cup final to be the same. We must not allow the youth in Tenaga to over-run us. It will be a cracker for sure, and I believe we will prevail for the third time this season."

  TUESDAY: Tan Sri P. Alagendra Cup: Final -- Sapura v Tenaga Nasional (8pm, Tun Razak Stadium).

It doesn't pay to mess around...

COLUMN 

By Jugjet Singh

HAPPY DAYS ...(from left) National coach Stephen van Huizen, Nabil, Razie and MHC Technical  Director Terry Walsh during the Pulapol visit on Aug 9.

NEVER hold the Police Force to ransom, as you will lose your freedom, and privileges before you can say shoot.
  Two national players found out the hard way when they did just that to the Police, and might now miss a chance to play in the Asian Champions Trophy in Kuantan on Oct 20-30 as well.
  National No 1 drag flick specialist Razie Rahim and midfielder Nabil Fiqri joined the Police as trainee Inspectors four months ago together with national women's players Farah Ayuni Yahya and Noor Hasliza Ali.
  They reported for training on May 8, and all was going well until Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) felt that they needed Nabil and Razie to boost their sagging fortunes in the Premier Division of the Malaysia Hockey League.
  KLHC wrote to the Pulapol Camp Commander asking for the duos release to play two crucial matches against Sapura on Friday and Terengganu Hockey Team on Saturday.
  Police shot down the request because the understanding with the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) was that the four players can only be released for national duty, as well as national training as they will be undergoing training for nine months before the passing out parade.
  Razie and Nabil then threatened to quit the Force if they are not allowed to play for their club KLHC.
  But the threat was met with a counter request for a letter stating that they quit the Police training on their own accord, which they failed to hand over.
  The saga continued, as these two players had gotten away with murder in demands aganst the MHC before and felt they were above the Force.
  Maneuvers were made to take them out of Pulapol on purpose of national weights training, and it worked. But instead of going to Bukit Jalil for weights on Friday, they went to the Tun Razak Hockey Stadium to play for KLHC in the Premeir Division.
  Razie scored two penalty corner goals by the 30th minute to help KLHC beat Sapura 3-0, but by half-time their ruse was dicovered by officers in Pulapol and they were told to pack their knap-sacks and report back to Pulapol in a huff.
  They left the game in a lurch, and were not allowed to play in the following day's crucial match against THT -- where KLHC lost 2-1.
  Naturally, the Pulapol Camp Commander is fuming mad with what happened as he had bent backwards earlier to acommodate requests from the MHC.
  An MHC delegation with no less than Terry Walsh as well as women's coach K. Dharmaray and men's coach Stephen van Huizen had visited all four Inspector Trainees in Pulapol recently and asked for some leeway like days out for national as well as weights training's, and for tournaments which involve the national team.
  The Force agreed to their demands, as it was for the nation's good. But they were also adamant that Club duty does not come under this understanding.
  So, by holding the Police Force to ransom, and jumping the Pulapol fence on a ruse, Malaysia might now lose the services of Razie and Nabil for the Asian Champions Trophy which offers World ranking points for the first time.
  MHC officials were also involved in this complot, and its only fair to penalise everybody who is involved in this conspiracy to play.
  Another ransom case solved. Well done Royal Malaysia Police.