http://www.thehindu.com/sport/hockey/article3458628.ece
IN a regrettable development, Azlan Shah Cup Media officer, Satwant Dhaliwal, has quit consequent an altercation with a Malaysian coach over seating in the media box.
The coach insisted on sitting in the reserved media area citing the chairs were unoccupied. Finding the official response indifferent to his complaint, Mr. Dhaliwal stepped down.
With some tact the incident could have been avoided. In the end, it has left a bitter taste among the national and international media personnel, who are here for the event.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Friday, May 25, 2012
Faizal to the rescue, again...
MALAYSIA pulled off another draw when they held Olympic hosts Britain 3-3 in the Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh yesterday.
After a 1-1 draw with South Korea, Faizal Saari delivered yet again to save the hosts from a certain defeat as the clock showed only three minutes left, when he delivered two super goals.
It was a bad start for Malaysia as Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin got injured in the second minute after clashing with Richard Smith and needed stitches.
The Kangar-born player received a cut just above his right eye after hitting into the shoulder of Richard Smith and he had to be stretched out.
And to make matter worse, four minutes later Britain broke through the Malaysian defense to take the lead through Glenn Kirkham.
But the national team cheered on by fans, fought back and equalised off their first penalty corner in the ninth minute when Amin Rahim's push from the edge of the semi circle was swept into goal by Azlan Misron.
Britain who regained the lead in the 20th minute when Ashley Jackson collected a through pass from Nick Catlin before slamming the ball into goal.
Britain, ranked fourth in the world, punished Malaysian for poor defending by scoring the third goal in 25th minute through Rob Moore from the top of the semicircle.
Britain then opted for a high press to keep the Malaysian defenders busy. But once the ball broke away, the strikers led by Tajuddin, Faisal Saari and Marhan broke through with ease but were unable to create goal scoring chances.
And then it was all Faisal as he reduced the deficit in the 67th minute with a stupendous reverse before leveling the match in the very next minute, also through a reverse hit.
"We play to win in every match, but have two draws instead. It is not too bad, as we are playing against higher ranked teams," said coach Tai Beng Hai.
New Zealand tightened their grip on the title when they beat Argentina 5-2 for full points from two matches.
Fresh from their 5-1 win over India on Thursday, New Zealand were in an uncompromising mood, and were only guilty of muffing the penalty corners, as they scored two from the ten they were awarded.
Argentina went ahead in the third minute off Lucas Cammareri but the Kiwis drew level in the 33rd minute when Phil Burrows turned in a cross.
New Zealand took the lead offf Richard Petherick (44th), only to see Argentina equalise off Lucas Vila (52nd).
The Kiwi winners were scored by Andy Hayward (59th), Shay Neal(61st) and Arun Panchia (64th).
STANDINGS
P W D L F A PTS
N ZEALAND 2 2 0 0 10 3 6
PAKISTAN 1 1 0 0 4 2 3
INDIA 1 1 0 1 3 6 3
MALAYSIA 2 0 2 0 4 4 2
BRITAIN 1 0 1 0 3 3 1
S KOREA 2 0 1 1 2 3 1
ARGENTINA 2 0 0 2 4 9 0
RESULTS: New Zealand 5 Argentina 2, Britain 3 Malaysia 3, South Korea 1 India 2.
SUNDAY: New Zealand v Pakistan (4pm), South Korea v Argentina (6pm), Britain v India (8pm).
MAY 28: South Korea v Pakistan (4pm), Britain v Argentina (6pm), India v Malaysia (8pm).
MAY 30: Argentina v India (4pm), Britain v New Zealand (6pm), Pakistan v Malaysia (8pm).
MAY 31: Britain v South Korea (4pm), Pakistan v India (6pm), New Zealand v Malaysia (8pm).
JUNE 2: South Korea v New Zealand (4pm), Britain v Pakistan (6pm), Argentina v Malaysia (8pm).
After a 1-1 draw with South Korea, Faizal Saari delivered yet again to save the hosts from a certain defeat as the clock showed only three minutes left, when he delivered two super goals.
It was a bad start for Malaysia as Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin got injured in the second minute after clashing with Richard Smith and needed stitches.
The Kangar-born player received a cut just above his right eye after hitting into the shoulder of Richard Smith and he had to be stretched out.
And to make matter worse, four minutes later Britain broke through the Malaysian defense to take the lead through Glenn Kirkham.
But the national team cheered on by fans, fought back and equalised off their first penalty corner in the ninth minute when Amin Rahim's push from the edge of the semi circle was swept into goal by Azlan Misron.
Britain who regained the lead in the 20th minute when Ashley Jackson collected a through pass from Nick Catlin before slamming the ball into goal.
Britain, ranked fourth in the world, punished Malaysian for poor defending by scoring the third goal in 25th minute through Rob Moore from the top of the semicircle.
Britain then opted for a high press to keep the Malaysian defenders busy. But once the ball broke away, the strikers led by Tajuddin, Faisal Saari and Marhan broke through with ease but were unable to create goal scoring chances.
And then it was all Faisal as he reduced the deficit in the 67th minute with a stupendous reverse before leveling the match in the very next minute, also through a reverse hit.
"We play to win in every match, but have two draws instead. It is not too bad, as we are playing against higher ranked teams," said coach Tai Beng Hai.
New Zealand tightened their grip on the title when they beat Argentina 5-2 for full points from two matches.
Fresh from their 5-1 win over India on Thursday, New Zealand were in an uncompromising mood, and were only guilty of muffing the penalty corners, as they scored two from the ten they were awarded.
Argentina went ahead in the third minute off Lucas Cammareri but the Kiwis drew level in the 33rd minute when Phil Burrows turned in a cross.
New Zealand took the lead offf Richard Petherick (44th), only to see Argentina equalise off Lucas Vila (52nd).
The Kiwi winners were scored by Andy Hayward (59th), Shay Neal(61st) and Arun Panchia (64th).
STANDINGS
P W D L F A PTS
N ZEALAND 2 2 0 0 10 3 6
PAKISTAN 1 1 0 0 4 2 3
INDIA 1 1 0 1 3 6 3
MALAYSIA 2 0 2 0 4 4 2
BRITAIN 1 0 1 0 3 3 1
S KOREA 2 0 1 1 2 3 1
ARGENTINA 2 0 0 2 4 9 0
RESULTS: New Zealand 5 Argentina 2, Britain 3 Malaysia 3, South Korea 1 India 2.
SUNDAY: New Zealand v Pakistan (4pm), South Korea v Argentina (6pm), Britain v India (8pm).
MAY 28: South Korea v Pakistan (4pm), Britain v Argentina (6pm), India v Malaysia (8pm).
MAY 30: Argentina v India (4pm), Britain v New Zealand (6pm), Pakistan v Malaysia (8pm).
MAY 31: Britain v South Korea (4pm), Pakistan v India (6pm), New Zealand v Malaysia (8pm).
JUNE 2: South Korea v New Zealand (4pm), Britain v Pakistan (6pm), Argentina v Malaysia (8pm).
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Faizal saves the blushes
A partnership between Faizal Saari and Marhan Jalil saved the blushes as Malaysia held Olympic bound South Korea to a 1-1 draw in the Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh yesterday.
The Koreans had taken the lead off Seo Jong Ho in the seventh minute, and Malaysia had to wait until the 56th minute when Marhan fed Faizal who slammed int he equaliser.
Faizal was also instrumental in Malaysia winning the Junior Asia Cup gold in Malacca recently.
Six of the seven juniors who featured in the victorious Junior Asia Cup in Malacca were fielded in the match against the
Koreans.
Only Fitri Saari was not named for the match while Three juniors Rahmadan Rosli, Noor Faeez Ibrahim and Norhizzat
Ibrahim earned their first international caps for the national team.
Malaysia then survived a 10-minute onslaught, and even saved Korea's penalty corner won in the last minute of the match
to share points.
The national players next play Olympic hosts Britain today, and the juniors proved against South Korea that they should
be given more playing time in the Azlan Shah Cup by coach Tai Beng Hai.
In another match, New Zealand were in a mean mood when they hit a high-five over India to put a dent in their title
hopes.
It was a super start for the Kiwis, considering they only had only 16 players available for the match as Blair Hilton was
ruled out for appendicitis while his replacement Shay Neal was still on the way coupled with the fact that Hugo Inglis
could not play due to illness.
The New Zealand goals were scored by Simon Child (first minute), Andy Hayward (34th), Nick Wilson’ (59th), Stephen Jenness
(61st), Matt L’hullier (65th). The India goal was scored by Shivendra Singh in the sixth minute.
In the first match of the day, last year’s silver medallists Pakistan beat Argentina 4-2 with goals from Muhammad Irfan
(33rd minute), Sohail Abbas (46th), Haseem Khan (65th) and Muhammad Waqas (69th).
The Argentina goal was scored by Gonzalo Peillat (53rd) and Mathias Parades (62nd).
RESULTS: Pakistan 4 Argentina 2, New Zealand 5 India 1, South Korea 1 Malaysia 1.
TODAY: New Zealand v Argentina (4pm), Britain v Malaysia (6pm), South Korea v India (8pm).
SUNDAY: New Zealand v Pakistan (4pm), South Korea v Argentina (6pm), Britain v India (8pm).
MAY 28: South Korea v Pakistan (4pm), Britain v Argentina (6pm), India v Malaysia (8pm).
MAY 30: Argentina v India (4pm), Britain v New Zealand (6pm), Pakistan v Malaysia (8pm).
MAY 31: Britain v South Korea (4pm), Pakistan v India (6pm), New Zealand v Malaysia (8pm).
JUNE 2: South Korea v New Zealand (4pm), Britain v Pakistan (6pm), Argentina v Malaysia (8pm).
The Koreans had taken the lead off Seo Jong Ho in the seventh minute, and Malaysia had to wait until the 56th minute when Marhan fed Faizal who slammed int he equaliser.
Faizal was also instrumental in Malaysia winning the Junior Asia Cup gold in Malacca recently.
Six of the seven juniors who featured in the victorious Junior Asia Cup in Malacca were fielded in the match against the
Koreans.
Only Fitri Saari was not named for the match while Three juniors Rahmadan Rosli, Noor Faeez Ibrahim and Norhizzat
Ibrahim earned their first international caps for the national team.
Malaysia then survived a 10-minute onslaught, and even saved Korea's penalty corner won in the last minute of the match
to share points.
The national players next play Olympic hosts Britain today, and the juniors proved against South Korea that they should
be given more playing time in the Azlan Shah Cup by coach Tai Beng Hai.
In another match, New Zealand were in a mean mood when they hit a high-five over India to put a dent in their title
hopes.
It was a super start for the Kiwis, considering they only had only 16 players available for the match as Blair Hilton was
ruled out for appendicitis while his replacement Shay Neal was still on the way coupled with the fact that Hugo Inglis
could not play due to illness.
The New Zealand goals were scored by Simon Child (first minute), Andy Hayward (34th), Nick Wilson’ (59th), Stephen Jenness
(61st), Matt L’hullier (65th). The India goal was scored by Shivendra Singh in the sixth minute.
In the first match of the day, last year’s silver medallists Pakistan beat Argentina 4-2 with goals from Muhammad Irfan
(33rd minute), Sohail Abbas (46th), Haseem Khan (65th) and Muhammad Waqas (69th).
The Argentina goal was scored by Gonzalo Peillat (53rd) and Mathias Parades (62nd).
RESULTS: Pakistan 4 Argentina 2, New Zealand 5 India 1, South Korea 1 Malaysia 1.
TODAY: New Zealand v Argentina (4pm), Britain v Malaysia (6pm), South Korea v India (8pm).
SUNDAY: New Zealand v Pakistan (4pm), South Korea v Argentina (6pm), Britain v India (8pm).
MAY 28: South Korea v Pakistan (4pm), Britain v Argentina (6pm), India v Malaysia (8pm).
MAY 30: Argentina v India (4pm), Britain v New Zealand (6pm), Pakistan v Malaysia (8pm).
MAY 31: Britain v South Korea (4pm), Pakistan v India (6pm), New Zealand v Malaysia (8pm).
JUNE 2: South Korea v New Zealand (4pm), Britain v Pakistan (6pm), Argentina v Malaysia (8pm).
Super 4-2 show from Pakistan
By http://www.azlanshahcup.com
LAST years silver medallists Pakistan defeated Argentina 4-2 in the opening match of the 21st Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh yesterday.
They almost squandered a 2-0 lead before scoring the winner five minutes from time to take all three points.
It was however a scrappy performance from both teams as they tried to get accustomed to the blue pitch, similar to the surface in Olympics in London this July.
It was a rather slow start to the match as both the teams opted to hold on to the ball instead of throwing numbers forward.
Thus it was a boring opening ten minutes as there was hardly a shot a goal, let alone a penalty corner.
The first real opening fell to Pakistan as Shabbir Ahmad Khan was not picked up by defenders in the semi circle and his snap shot was well kept out by Argentina’s custodian Juan Manuel Vivaldi.
Pakistan were awarded a penalty corner in the 22nd minute and although the ever reliable Sohail Abbas was on the pitch, a poor stop foiled any decent attempt on goal.
Argentina too failed to take advantage of a penalty corner in the 29th minute when the attempt by Pedro Ibarra deflected off the stick of another Argentine player and went wide.
But Pakistan were not to be denied as two minutes before halftime Muhammad Irfan was put through by Shafqat Rasool and his shot sailed into goal past a rooted Vivaldi.
Argentina had an opportunity to draw level in the 46th minute when Irfan was adjudged to have fouled Santiago Montelli. But it was muffed as they failed to stop cleanly.
A penalty corner to Pakistan in the 46th minute dealt a double blow for the South American side. Ibarra was yellow carded for breaking the penalty corner defence and Sohail Abbas then stepped up to convert the penalty corner, giving Pakistan a 2-0 lead.
Argentina reduced the deficit in the 53rd minute as Gonzalo Peillat scored off a penalty corner with Ibarra still on the sidelines.
In the 62nd minute it was all square when Mathias Parades sneaked up behind the defence to slot the ball home after a through ball by Mathias Villa.
Pakistan were stunned and upped the ante. They were duly rewarded as Haseem Khan deflected a shot by Irfan from the right in the 65th minute to put Pakistan 3-2 ahead.
Muhammad Waqas completed the scoring, deflecting in a shot on the left by Shabbir Ahmad Khan to give Pakistan a 4-2 win.
LAST years silver medallists Pakistan defeated Argentina 4-2 in the opening match of the 21st Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh yesterday.
They almost squandered a 2-0 lead before scoring the winner five minutes from time to take all three points.
It was however a scrappy performance from both teams as they tried to get accustomed to the blue pitch, similar to the surface in Olympics in London this July.
It was a rather slow start to the match as both the teams opted to hold on to the ball instead of throwing numbers forward.
Thus it was a boring opening ten minutes as there was hardly a shot a goal, let alone a penalty corner.
The first real opening fell to Pakistan as Shabbir Ahmad Khan was not picked up by defenders in the semi circle and his snap shot was well kept out by Argentina’s custodian Juan Manuel Vivaldi.
Pakistan were awarded a penalty corner in the 22nd minute and although the ever reliable Sohail Abbas was on the pitch, a poor stop foiled any decent attempt on goal.
Argentina too failed to take advantage of a penalty corner in the 29th minute when the attempt by Pedro Ibarra deflected off the stick of another Argentine player and went wide.
But Pakistan were not to be denied as two minutes before halftime Muhammad Irfan was put through by Shafqat Rasool and his shot sailed into goal past a rooted Vivaldi.
Argentina had an opportunity to draw level in the 46th minute when Irfan was adjudged to have fouled Santiago Montelli. But it was muffed as they failed to stop cleanly.
A penalty corner to Pakistan in the 46th minute dealt a double blow for the South American side. Ibarra was yellow carded for breaking the penalty corner defence and Sohail Abbas then stepped up to convert the penalty corner, giving Pakistan a 2-0 lead.
Argentina reduced the deficit in the 53rd minute as Gonzalo Peillat scored off a penalty corner with Ibarra still on the sidelines.
In the 62nd minute it was all square when Mathias Parades sneaked up behind the defence to slot the ball home after a through ball by Mathias Villa.
Pakistan were stunned and upped the ante. They were duly rewarded as Haseem Khan deflected a shot by Irfan from the right in the 65th minute to put Pakistan 3-2 ahead.
Muhammad Waqas completed the scoring, deflecting in a shot on the left by Shabbir Ahmad Khan to give Pakistan a 4-2 win.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Magnificent Seven for Azlan Shah Cup
By http://www.azlanshahcup.com/
Seven players who
represented Malaysia in the victorious Asia Junior Cup were given the
nod for inclusion in the squad for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
In what coach Tai Beng Hai
states is a team for the future, the fusion of yoingsters and
experienced players will carry the Malaysian challenge in a tournament
that sees the participation of Great Britain, Argentina, New Zealand,
South Korea, Pakistan and India.
“This is a bold move by
the coach and we at MHC support his decision to include the younger
players,” said MHC Senior Vice President Dato’ Nur Azmi Ahmad.
“It is not the end for
those who are droppeds, just that they have to work harder from now on
since there are several promising youngsters fighting for their places.”
Those included are
brothers Faizal and Fitri Saari, Amir Farid Ahmad Fuzi, Mohd Firhan
Ashaari, all of whom had donned the senior team colours before.
The new inclusions are junior skipper Mohd Noor Faeez Ibrahim, Izzat Sumantri and Muhd Ramadhan Mohd Rosli.
Those who played in the
Olympic Qualifier in Dublin but were dropped from the squad for the
Azlan Shah Cup are Azreen Rizal and Nabil Fiqri Mohd Nor.
While 17 players are
already named, the final spot will be a toss up between Mohd Razie Andul
Rahim and Muhammad Izzat Mohd Rahim.
Mohd Madzli Ikmar who was the skipper in Dublin had announced his retirement from international hockey in April.
“It was not an easy
decision to make to drop players but the youngsters showed more hunger
and desire hence their inclusion,” said Beng Hai.
“The players haver vowed
to give their best in the tournament and while me may lose out on
experience, we aim to make it up with determination.
“I am looking forward to an interesting tournament and I am sure those selected will be out to prove a point.”
His thoughts were echoed by Assistant Coach Nor Saiful Zaini Nasiruddin.
“We hope that the fans and
media will not be too hard on the players as we need to encourage them.
We seek co-operation from the media to help nuture these youngsters and
encourage them and not break their confidence,” said Nor Saiful.
“Thus I appeal to the fans
to come to the stadium and provide support and encouragement,
Youngsters need time to prove themselves and it will be great if all are
behind this team.”
Meanwhile Beng Hai said he was unfazed by the speculations on his position after the Azlan Shah Cup.
“I only have one thought on my mind – that is to ensure this team does well in the Azlan Shah cup,” said Beng Hai.
“What happens to me and Saiful is secondary as Malaysian hockey is what matters.”
The SAS Squad:
S. Kumar, Roslan Jamaluddin, Baljit Singh, Mohd Shukri Mutalib, Muhd Razie Abd Rahim or Muhd Izzat Mohd Rahim, Muhd Noor Faeez Ibrahim, Muhd Amin Rahim, Muhd Marhan Mohd Jalil, Muhd Ramadhan Mohd Rosli, Azlan Misron, Muhd Fitri Saari, Shahrun Nabil Abdullah, Izzat Sumantri, Hafifi Hafiz Hanafi, Faisal Saari, Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Tg Abdul Jalil, Amir Farid Ahmad Fuzi, Muhd Firhan Ashaari.
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