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TOP GLOVE-PURPLE LEAGUE PRO-AM 2020 PROVIDES COMPETITIVE PLATFORM FOR INDEPENDENT PLAYERS

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KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 22  – Malaysia Purple League (MPL) Badminton championship is back and continues to set it’s goal to promote badminton in the country as well as to create a platform for players to become the next champion.

In the past, MPL has hosted group leagues which was participated by various clubs. Due to the Covid-19 situation, the league organiser will be hosting the Top Glove Purple League Pro-Am 2020.

Sponsored by Top Glove, it will be an individual event aimed at creating a competitive platform for independent professional players.

The 2020 Top Glove Purple League originally slated in September, was delayed for about three months due the recent Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) regulations imposed by the government.

Now, the tournament will be held from 29 December 2020 to 3 January 2021 at Kompleks Kejiranan Precinct 11, Putrajaya.

Organizers expressed their hope that the event will give independent players a chance to return to the badminton arena and win prize money of more than RM100,000.

The inaugural event will be divided into three individual events, namely men’s singles, men’s doubles, mixed doubles and the elimination round.

Some former national team stars who have confirmed their participation are Daren Liew, Soong Joo Ven and Iskandar Zulkarnain.

The drawing ceremony for this event will be conducted tomorrow (23 December) in an open and transparent manner.

Purple League chief operation officer, Ho Khek Mong (pic left) thanked Top Glove for delivering a silver lining to badminton as this is seen as a great initiative to support Malaysia’s independent professional players.

As a player before, he understands that what professional players, especially independent players need most now is a chance to play in order to get back in shape and improve on their world ranking.

He added that the tournament was mainly about promoting players over the age of 18, as many players need to decide whether to continue with their studies or work when they reach the age of 17 or 18 because of the limited number of professional events in the country for 18 years old players.

“In fact, the players are relatively mature, so we hope to help those over the age of 18 improve their level of play and progress to world stage through the Top Glove Purple League Pro-Am Competition 2020. When the platform stabilizes in the future, we will turn it into a perennial year-end Cup,” added Ho.

MPL thanked the Putrajaya Badminton Club for showing great support towards this event, and this collaboration is a sign of badminton clubs and the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) complementing each other for the betterment of Malaysia’s badminton.

“The main objective of this tournament is to create another competitive platform to develop more talented players as many of the 18-year-olds in the state teams belong to private clubs. Thus, the aim and creation of Pro- Am 2020 is to urge clubs to continue grooming talented players. This competition will not only allow these up-and-coming players to play in a competitive platform, but also have the opportunity to be absorbed by the clubs and even the national team.”

The players who have won the national under-21 and under-18 doubles and mixed doubles titles in recent years are players from the clubs and MPL hopes that this tournament will bring back the badminton actions ahead of the next season and allow independent players to return to the game after not being able to be in action for approximately 10 months.

He believes that after more than half a year of break, he can feel the hunger and thirst of the players, hence this competition will be one full of suspense.

Anticipating high viewership, Ho urged badminton fans to be on the watch out.

In addition to Top Glove Purple League Pro-Am 2020, the media can brace themselves for more excitement in the upcoming tournaments organised by MPL such as SENHENG RedOne Purple League 2020/2021, AEON Credit Purple League Junior 2020, Bizlink Property Purple League Corporate 2020/2021 among other events.

Tournament schedule:

29th December (Tuesday):Men’s Doubles Round 16 & Quarterfinals

30th December (Wednesday):Mixed Doubles Round 16 & Quarterfinals

31st December (Thursday):Men’s Singles Round 16 & Quarterfinals

1st January (Friday):All events semi-finals

2nd January (Saturday):All events 3rd & 4th placing

3rd January (Sunday):All events finals

PRIZE MONEY

Men’s Doubles & Mixed Doubles:

Champion – RM15,000

Runner-up – RM8,000

3rd Placing – RM4,000

4th Placing – RM2,000

5th – 8th Placing – RM1,000

9th – 16th Placing – RM500

Men’s singles:

Champion – RM10,000

Runner-up – RM5,000

3rd Placing – RM2,500

4th Placing – RM1,500

5th – 8th Placing – RM1,000

9th – 16th Placing – RM500

 

RIDER HELMET PINK BUKAN SEKADAR BERLUMBA

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KUALA LUMPUR, 21 Dis – Penampilan pertama seorang pelumba wanita dalam sukan permotoran negara musim 2020 ini, tidak selancar yang diimpikannya.

Pelbagai rintangan dilaluinya, namun ia tidak pernah melunturkan semangatnya untuk terus melangkah ke hadapan.

Penyertaannya bukan untuk memburu kemenangan kerana dia tahu ia sesuatu yang mustahil untuk dicapai oleh mana-mana individu yang tidak mempunyai latar belakang berlumba dalam kejuaraan yang kompetitif.

Segala pertimbangan ini sudah difikirkannya dengan mendalam sebelum dia membuat keputusan nekad melangkah ke litar lumba untuk bergelar sebagai pelumba.

Penyertaannya pada Kejuaraan Cub Prix Malaysia musim ini adalah untuk mencari kepuasan serta mahu mencuba sesuatu yang baharu terutama aktiviti yang banyak kaitan dengan bidang yang diminatinya.

Begitulah tekad Nur Atikah Azwar atau lebih dikenali sebagai Rider Helmet Pink ketika dia membuat keputusan untuk menyertai kategori Pro Am pada kejuraan Cub Prix Malaysia awal tahun ini.

Perjalanan kariernya sangat menarik. Dia tidak mempunyai pengalaman berlumba, tetapi memiliki minat yang mendalam dengan aktiviti yang berkaitan dengan motosikal selain menjadi Youtuber serta bertindak sebagai Duta (gambar atas) untuk beberapa produk tertentu.

Malah, kehadirannya dalam sukan tersebut boleh dianggap sebagai tarikan baharu, sekali gus membantu mencetuskan minat dalam kalangan wanita untuk tampil sebagai pelumba pada masa akan datang.

Memang tidak dinafikan kejuaraan Cub Prix pernah disertai beberapa pelumba wanita sebelum ini, tetapi tidak banyak perhatian yang diberikan kepada mereka.

Musim ini, kehadiran Nur Atikah atau Ika telah memperlihatkan sedikit perubahan lebih-lebih lagi selepas kategori yang disertainya semakin diberi perhatian oleh pihak berkenaan mahupun para penaja.

Mungkin tidak keterlaluan jika dikatakan bahawa kehadiran Ika memiliki aura tersendiri dan penyertaannya pada kejuraan berprestij itu dilihat sebagai tarikan baharu bagi memastikan sukan dua roda ini terus kukuh menikmati populariti tersendiri.

Lebih penting, dia hadir bukan sekadar untuk menjadi pelumba, tetapi turut mencuri ilmu bagaimana untuk mengendalikan pasukan dan juga berurusan dengan penaja.

Inilah kelebihan dia – melangkah dengan berani walaupun pasukannya tidak semewah pasukan elit yang lain.

Mengimbas penyertaan pertama Ika pada kejuaraan Cub Prix bagi musm 2020 ini, ia tidak berjalan dengan mulus.

Namun, sebagai pendatang baharu, kejayaannya meraih satu mata pada Pusingan 1 di Litar Sepang wajar dianggap sebagai satu pencapaian terbaik diikuti dua mata pada Pusingan 2 di Litar Lumba Tangkak, Johor.

Begitupun, ketika dia sudah mula berasa selesa dengan rentaknya, malang terus menimpanya pada aksi Pusingan 3 di Litar Sepang pada 3 September lalu sebaik kejuaraan ini bersambung semula selepas berakhirnya tempoh Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP) ekoran wabak Covid-19.

Dia terlibat dalam kemalangan ketika mengharungi perlumbaan dan mengalami patah tangan kirinya yang memerlukan pembedahan segera.

Dia berehat hampir tiga bulan, namun nasib memihak kepadanya kerana perlumbaan ini kembali ditunda gara-gara PKPB (Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan Bersyarat) selepas aksi Pusingan 4 di Kuala Terengganu.

Tempoh tersebut dipergunakan sepenuhnya oleh Ika untuk menjalani proses pemulihan terhadap kecederaan yang dialaminya selain membuat segala persiapan yang perlu sebelum kejuaraan ini bersambung semula.

Malang selalunya tidak berbau, dan kali ini Ika sekali lagi berdepan detik duka apabila kehilangan seorang mekanik yang mengendalikan jenteranya dalam setiap perlumbaan.

Mekaniknya, Khairul Ariffin meninggal dunia pada awal November lalu akibat kemalangan jalan raya selepas pulang dari tempat kerjanya. AL-FATIHAH…

Detik-detik terakhir bersama mekaniknya, Ariffin.

Kehilangan Ariffin itu yang amat memahami kehendak Ika dengan jenteranya, sangat dirasainya lebih-lebih lagi ketika ini Ika sedang mengharungi aksi Pusingan 5, 6, 7 dan 8 di Litar Sepang Utara yang bermula sejak Jumaat lalu hingga 24 Disember ini.

Begitupun, penampilannya pada aksi Pusingan 5 dan 6 tetap tidak mengecewakan kerana dia berjaya mengutip mata masing-masingnya tiga mata (Pusingan 5) dan 5 mata pada Pusingan 6.

Pencapaian tersebut telah menempatkan Ika di kedudukan ke-20 keseluruhan dengan 11 mata daripada sejumlah 33 pelumba yang berdaftar untuk kategori Pro Am.

Seorang lagi pelumba wanita yang beraksi dalam kategori ini, Nuraina Halisya Hamiruddin berada di kedudukan ke-18 dengan mengumpul 13 mata.

Kedudukan teratas terus dipimpin Md Asyraf Daniel Md Zamri dari Selangor yang menjuarai perlumbaan akhir Pusingan 6 pada Ahad dengan mengumpul 106 mata.

Md Usammah Md Narzam yang menjuarai perlumbaan akhir Pusingan 5 Sabtu lalu, berada di kedudukan kedua keseluruhan dengan mengumpul 92 mata.

Pusingan 7 dan 8 kejuaraan ini akan diteruskan di litar yang sama Selasa ini hingga 24 Disember.

Selepas memperlihatkan kemajuan dalam setiap perlumbaan meskipun masih belum pulih sepenuhnya daripada kecederaan yang dialaminya, maka tiada yang mustahil buat Ika untuk terus memberi saingan dalam baki dua perlumbaan lagi yang bakal diharunginya minggu ini.

KEDUDUKAN KESELURUHAN (5 TERATAS) PRO AM SELEPAS PUSINGAN 6

  1. Md Asyraf Daniel Md Zamri (SEL) – 106 mata
  2. Md Usammah Md Narzam (SEL) – 92
  3. Md Syafiq Asyraf Md Zam Zam (JOH) – 66
  4. Md Arfyq Hillman (PRK) – 63
  5. Md Adib Asri (JOH) – 51

 

MISBUN PUAS DENGAN PRESTASI BARISAN PEMAIN REMAJA NEGARA

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KUALA LUMPUR, 20 Dis – Sebaik berakhirnya kejohanan badminton Remaja Berpasukan Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM) di Stadium Juara Bukit Kiara, Jumaat lalu maka tertutuplah tirai kalendar latihan untuk kem remaja kebangsaan tahun ini.
Pengarah Pembangunan Remaja BAM, Datuk Misbun Sidek merupakan individu paling lega kerana dia berpuas hati dengan prestasi yang telah dibuktikan oleh barisan pemain masa depan negara itu.
Misbun (kiri).
Inisiatif untuk mengadakan pertandingan secara simulasi oleh BAM itu memberi peluang bukan sahaja kepada para pemain tetapi juga kepada barisan kejurulatihan bagi membolehkan mereka melakukan penilaian secara berterusan.

“Ketika negara masih dalam Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan (PKP) akibat pandemik Covid-19, kita sedang merancang macam mana mahu mengadakan latihan buat para pemain sebaik sahaja mereka kembali ke pusat latihan.

“Para pemain bawah 18 tahun telah menjalani latihan selama lebih empat bulan tanpa beraksi dalam mana-mana kejohanan. Jadi, kami anjurkan pertandingan Cabaran Ranking, Play Off dan sekarang ini kejohanan berpasukan campuran.

“Daripada kejohanan simulasi seperti ini, ia akan menjadi medan buat kami untuk menilai perkembangan serta prestasi semasa setiap pemain.
“Jadi, daripada keseluruhan objektif yang kita mahu, saya boleh katakan bahawa sasaran kami tercapai. Yang penting, keseronokan mereka, prestasi dan keputusan yang terhasil oleh para pemain individu juga membuktikan bahawa mereka dapat menerima segala tunjuk ajar oleh barisan kejurulatihan remaja negara,” jelas Misbun.
Tambah Misbun lagi, modul latihan yang diterapkan untuk para pemain juga berjaya membentuk ketahanan serta kemahiran individu, dan jurang antara mereka kini tidak begitu jauh.

“Jadi, saya boleh katakan bahawa apa yang kita lihat ketika ini adalah mereka sudah mencapai indeks petunjuk prestasi (KPI) yang telah kami tetapkan,”katanya lagi.

Sebaik berakhirnya kejohanan di Bukit Kiara Jumaat lalu, para pemain remaja kini diberi cuti rehat bermula 22 Disember dan kembali melaporkan diri pada 4 Januari 2021.

Peringatan turut diberikan kepada semua pemain untuk terus kekal cergas menerusi pemantauan oleh barisan kejurulatihan dan mereka juga boleh menghubungi Misbun atau pun mana-mana jurulatih jika memerlukan sebarang bantuan.

Misbun juga berharap dengan kelonggaran yang diberikan oleh kerajaan, ia akan memberi ruang untuk pasukan remaja kebangsaan merasai kembali suasana pertandingan seperti sebelum ini.

DATO MANJIT’S JOY AS TOP HOCKEY NATIONS EYED FOR SOJC 2021

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JOHOR BAHRU, Dec 20 – Johor Hockey Association president, Dato Majid Manjit Abdullah is one happy man with the government’s easing of restrictions and giving the sports industry breathing space from next year – which augurs well for international meets in the country.
The annual Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC) this year had to be canceled because of the Covid-19 pandemic which played havoc in the sporting world.
Hockey fans in the country are in for a treat for the 10th edition of the annual Under-21 International tournament which had to be called off due to the strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) imposed by the government.
Manjit, who was elected unopposed as JHA president in October also revealed that the coming SOJC will be an eight nation meet – a first for the tournament since it was inaugurated in 2011.
Five teams – Great Britain, India, Australia, Japan and host Malaysia have already been confirmed while replies are awaited from hockey giants Germany, Belgium and Spain. Egypt is on the standby list.
”I believe it will be the best SOJC since its inauguration and we are keeping our fingers crossed that the pandemic will ease off so that the borders can be opened for international traveling,” said Manjit, a pillar in organizing the tournament that features on the FIH calendar.
One of the most sought junior tournament, it is the only Under-21 meet that is held annually. Teams have been knocking on the doors to be invited but due to logistics, it has been a six-nation invitational tournament.
Next year’s SOJC has been scheduled for Sept 4-12 and the venue is none other than the world class Taman Daya Hockey Stadium, Johor Bahru on the outskirts of the city.
The stadium was also the venue where the 2009 Junior World Cup final was played.
If Spain or Belgium agree to compete, it will be first for both teams while Egypt has made numerous requests to be invited.
Germany came in 2012 and returned home as champions after a 3-2 win over India in extra time.
Defending champions Great Britain also won in 2015 and 2018. India won twice in 2013 and 2014 – same as Australia who won in 2016 and retained the title in 2017.
For the record, Malaysia engraved their name as the inaugural champions after defeating Australia 3-2 in extra time in 2011.
The SOJC is the brainchild of two royalties – present King, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah (who was then the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang) and Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar.

SELANGOR NOT IN TMJ’S LIST OF CHALLENGERS

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PETALING JAYA, Dec 19 – Kedah, Terengganu and Pahang – these are the teams which was picked by Johor Darul Takzim (JDT) owner, HRH Major General Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim as his club strongest challengers for the new season.
Many would have thought 33-time Malaysia Cup champions, Selangor would have been one of the picks by the Johor Crown Prince when he replied to a question posed to him during a talk show that was telecast live recently.
When asked for his choice, Tunku Ismail said: “I have my reasons. I have no problems with the team (Selangor). It’s just there are certain individuals in the management who have irked me…but that’s my personal view.”
Selangor hit the limelight in September when the Red Giants slumped to a 6-1 defeat  to JDT which led to the sacking of head coach, B. Satiananthan.
It was not the defeat that led to Satiananthan’s exit but the work of the hidden hands that operate in the Selangor FA.
Tunku Ismail said Kedah is always a tough team to play.
“Despite the problems faced off the pitch, the Kedah players kept their composure and played good football. They showed consistency.”
Terengganu earned praise from the JDT supremo who was once headed the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and was also the chairman of the Malaysian Football League (MFL).
“I am impressed with Terengganu’s football structure apart from the team’s good performance. Terengganu gave us a tough time when we played them and nearly lost the match (in Kuala Terengganu).
“‘They also have a good coach (in Nafuzi Zain), disciplined players and good facilities. I expect Terengganu to be in better shape next season.”
Football fans will remember that over the years, Pahang has always given JDT a run for their money and Tunku Ismail remembers that well and hence his pick as strong contenders.
The Elephants had off-field problems and their ace in the pack Mohamadou Sumareh deserted the team when the league resumed over salary issues.
Head coach Dollah Salleh was also saddled with massive injury problems to his players.
“Our past matches against Pahang have always been touch and go affair. It’s really tough going against Pahang when JDT plays them,” added Tunku Ismail.
Coming back to Selangor, it is anyone’s guess for the real reasons for not being on the list of title contenders.
For the record, JDT has established themselves as the kingpins of Malaysian football and won their seventh Malaysian Super League title since 2014.
The Southern Tigers also won the Malaysia Cup last year.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s FA Cup and the Malaysia Cup were canceled.

JUNIOR BADMINTON: AVENGERS TOO STRONG FOR TERMINATORS

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KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 18 – Junior Avengers pulled off a stunning surprise victory when they beat Junior Terminators 8-4 to confirm their status as the champions of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) Junior Mixed Team Youth Championship in Bukit Kiara today.

Led by captain Jacky Kok Jing Hong, Junior Avenger took the lead through Chan Wen Tse-Siti Zulaikha Azmi who defeated Adiyna Anuar-Ong Xin Yee 15-9, 13-15, 15-12.

But Junior Terminators bounced back to take a 2-1 lead through Jimmy Wong-Cheng Su Yin in the mixed doubles when they beat Jacky Kok-Go Pei Kee 15-13, 14-15, 15-8 before Muhammad Faiq Haziq-Owen Low defeated Chee Hong Wei-Lee Yen Wei 14-15, 15-8, 15-14.

However, Junior Avengers were not about to be denied as they went on to bag six points to take a 7-2 lead.

They won three points through the men singles – Eogene Ewe Eon who beat Dylan Ooi 13-15, 15-11, 15-12 to be followed by V. Poopathi who overcame Muhammad Fazriq Mohd Razif 9-15, 15-3, 15-11 and Jan Jireh Lee who defeated Kee Is Qian 15-5, 15-13.

Two more points were taken through the women singles – Siti Nurshuhaini Azman and Chan Wen Tse – while the remaining point was contributed by the men doubles pair of Beh Chun Meng-Liew Xun who won over Bryan Jeremy-Muhammad Haikal Hanafi 15-12, 15 -14.

Ong Xin Yee and Muhd Faiq Haziq pulled up to 4-7 for Junior Terminators as Cheng Su Hui-Go Pei Kee then secured the remaining point when they beat Lee Xin Jie-Oh Jia Qi 15-9, 15-7 for the final 8-4 result in favor of Junior Avengers.

The win put Junior Avengers and Junior Terminators on the same two points from two matches played but were differentiated by the number of sets won in all matches.

“I gave the chance for everyone to play and contribute. They were given space to choose which event they want to play,” said Jacky.

“The match was 50-50 because I know the opponent would also be out to make sure that they maintain their winning pace. But the truth was that I was not even thinking about the title. Winning the championship was unexpected.”

On the other hand, the third spot in the BAM Junior Mixed Team Championship went to Junior Transformers who scored a 7-5 victory over Junior Dominators.

With Ong Ken Yon in the captaincy, it was Junior Dominators who dominated the start when they raced to a 4-0 lead through Goh Boon Zhe-Low Yeen Yuan (mixed doubles) and Carmen Ting-Oo Shan Zi (women doubles) among others.

Aaron Tai fought back to give the first point for Junior Transformers after his 15-9, 15-14 win over Ayu Fu Sheng to be followed by the second point from Kok Jia Cheng-Wan Muhammad Arif Wan Junaidi who defeated Goh Boon Zhe-Wong Vin Sean 15-12, 8- 15, 15-11 for the score to stand at 2-4.

Carmen Ting then restored Junior Dominators advantage at 5-2 after beating Yi Wei Lim 15-9, 15-4.

However, the match was not yet over as Junior Transformers then went on a rampage to bag the remaining five points.

Two points were scored by the men’s singles – Justin Hoh who beat Chia Jeng Hon 15-13, 11-15, 15-12 and Low Han Chen who overcame Ferdinan Ramno 15-12, 15-12.

The next two points came from the women singles – Tan Zhing Hui defeated Oo Shan Zi 15-13, 15-11 and Khor Jing Wen overcame Tan Zhing Yi 13-15, 15-10, 15-8 to complete the 7-5 win for Junior Transformers.

“All the players gave their best today and fought hard. Even though, we were third, the players showed a lot of fire in their game.

“As the captain, I need to be careful with the emotions of the players and make sure they get to play. It was a good experience for me on how to play as a team,” said Junior Transformers captain Justin Hoh.

 

PORTUGAL STINT FAILS AND SAFAWI IS COMING BACK

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KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 18 – He went with high hopes of taking his football to a higher level and a possible lucrative playing career in Europe but it turned out to be a flop.
National striker Safawi Rasid is returning home to renew his footballing links with seven-time Malaysian Super League champions, Johor Darul Takzim (JDT).
The Dungun-born Safawi left the Southern Tigers hours after helping the Johor outfit clinch their seventh successive Super League title with a brace in a 4-1 win over Sabah at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Johor Bahru on Oct 2.
He was loaned for one season to Portugal’s Primeira Liga side, Portimonense SC but he could well be returning home without playing a match with the Portuguese club. It is considered a big flop.
Hubmedia previous report on Safawi’s Portugal stint.

JDT club owner HRH Major General Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, who is also the Crown Prince of Johor, confirmed that Safawi will be ”100 percent returning to play for JDT next season” during a talk show on local television on Thursday.

“Yes. Safawi will be playing for JDT next season…he is coming back,” said Tunku Ismail without giving more details.
Much was said and written about Safawi on his Portugal stint but his abrupt return has left many question marks.
His failure to get any playing time with Portimonense SC although he was on the bench on a few occasions and it did not goes down well with his fans who took to social media to voice their frustration and disappointment.
For them, Safawi did not get the treatment he deserved with Portimonense.
Right now his once in a lifetime opportunity has disappeared into thin air but JDT and the national team can count on Safawi to deliver.
Safawi will have to learn from his failed mission.
Once again only time will tell if the talented striker known for his deadly left foot is good enough to make forays into the foreign leagues either in Asia or Europe.

JUNIOR TERMINATORS CONTINUES TO RULE THE COURT

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KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 17 – Junior Terminators stamped their authority on the second day of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) Junior Mixed Team Championship when they scored their second win in two matches after defeating Junior Transformers 8-4 today.

Led by Ong Zhen Yi, Junior Termintors were a more motivated side following their fabulous win yesterday as they took a 3-0 lead through mixed doubles pair of Jimmy Wong-Cheng Su Hui, the men doubles of Kang Khai Zing-Muhd Faiq and women doubles Adiyna Anuar-Ong Xin Yee.

Junior Transformers tried to gain ground through Justin Hoh who defeated Dylan Ooi 15-4, 15-12, but Junior Terminators once again widen the advantage to 5-1 after Muhd Fazriq Mohd Razif strolled over Anson Cheong 15-7, 15-8.

But Junior Transfomers dug deep and they duly collected the next three consecutive points to close up to 4-5.

Starting with Khor Jing Wen-Valeree Siow in the women doubles when they defeated Oh Jia Qi-Siti Nurshuhaini Azman 10-15, 15-8, 15-11 to be followed by Choi Jian Sheng-Wan Muhammad Arif (men doubles) who overcame Jimmy Wong-Muhammad Haikal 15-10, 15-12 and then Low Han Chen’s victory over Muhd Faiq (15-11, 2-15, 13-15 in the men singles category).

However, the Junior Terminators would shut the door on Junior Transformers attempted revival when they picked up the remaining four points to confirm their 8-4 victory.

Kee Is Qian improved on yesterday’s showing to beat Aaron Tai 15-11, 13-15, 15-14 in the men singles as Ong Xin Yee picked up the point in the women singles to coast past Ng Wen Xi 15-4, 15-5.

Adiyna Anuar bounced back from a previous defeat to subdue Tan Zhing Hui 13-15, 15-14, 15-13 while Siti Nurshuhaini Azman ensured the eighth points for Junior Terminators after beating Joanne Ng 15-3, 15-14.

Muhd Fazriq Mohd Razif, who was the hero for Junior Terminators yesterday, was elated with the team’s achievement.

“I lost my first game yesterday to (Ong) Ken Yon as I could not composed myself. Today was a lot better and we are very happy with the support from the team as it pushed all of us to give our best.

“In my match today, I had some difficulty adjusting because of the pressure from the opposing supporters. But after the second set and so on, the confidence level got better,” said Fazriq.

Junior Terminators has now collected 2 points from two matches with Junior Avengers, Junior Transformers on the same 1 point each.

Junior Dominators has yet to pick up a point.

Meanwhile, Junior Avengers kept themselves in the hunt for the top two spots after picking up their first win and first point when they beat Junior Dominators 8-4.

It was an intense first four matches with both teams tied two apiece.

Jacky Kok-Go Pei Kee won the opening point for Junior Avengers after beating Wong Vin Sean-Low Yeen Yuan 15-11, 15-11 but Ferdinan Ramno-Lok Hong Quan then equalised for Junior Dominators following his 15 -8, 15-12 Jan Jireh Lee-Yeow Chun Cher.

Chan Wen Tse-Siti Zulaikha put Junior Avengers back in front after overcoming Carmen Ting-Christine Lam 14-15, 15-7, 15-12 as Junior Dominators again equalised through Rex Hooi Shao Herng’s victory over V Poopathi 15- 14, 15-8.

With the score at 2-2, Junior Avengers hauled in the next six points in a row including through captain Jacky Kok Jing Hong who defeated Ong Ken Yon 15-11, 15-12 in the men singles and then in the women singles with Siti Zulaikha Azmi beating Oo Shan Zi 15-9, 10-15, 15-8.

“We did very well today as a unit. Even though we lost yesterday, we did not despair and continued to fight hard for the win,” said Jacky.

“I made less mistakes today and managed to win the point. For the team, I just wanted the players to play well and look for the experience to get better. Winning or losing is not important.”

JDT IN PARTNERSHIP DEAL WITH UNICEF

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JOHOR BAHRU, Dec 17 – Malaysian football kingpins, Johor Darul Takzim (JDT) added another feather in its cap after a landmark partnership with global organization UNICEF to raise funds for the betterment of children in the country.
The partnership described as ”historic” by the JDT club owner, HRH Major General Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim was sealed at the JDT headquarters in Iskandar Puteri in Johor Bahru today.
The Johor Crown Prince added that he is excited for the future of the club as JDT is not only the first in the country but also the first in the region with a global body that has big names like Manchester United and Barcelona on its list.
”Brand awareness also means that JDT’s role is bigger than just a football club. My mentality is different from certain quarters and this partnership is not just dollars and cents but bigger than that.
”I always have ideas that are different from others. JDT is known not only in the football world but also in the commercial world. This is where brand awareness comes into the picture.
“Asset and commercial value of the club (JDT) is very important for the long term. To have them (UNICEF) is an honor and privilege,” said Tunku Ismail, adding the partnership is for one year but “can continue for many more years.”
The Crown Prince made it clear that the partnership will benefit children throughout Malaysia…not just Johor.
UNICEF was represented by its Malaysian representative, Dr. Rashed Mustafa Sarwar. Others at the function were JDT’s Mexican coach, Benjamin Mora.
For the record, JDT has won the Malaysian Super League for seven years in a row. The Southern Tigers also won the Malaysia Cup last year.
This year’s Malaysia Cup and the FA Cup were called off due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
JDT also plays in the AFC Champions League and won the AFC Cup in 2015.
Dr. Rashed hopes this partnership will develop a bigger picture as it will help further increase awareness of the needs of children and ensure every child has the opportunity to grow healthy and happy, live safely, and achieve full potential.

JUNIOR BADMINTON: GOOD START BY TRANSFORMERS AND TERMINATORS

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KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 – It was a smashing start to the first match day of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) Junior Mixed Team Championship as Junior Transformers and Junior Terminators scored their first win in contrasting fashion.

In the matches that were played at the Stadium Juara in Bukit Kiara today, Junior Transformers coast to a comfortable 7-5 win over Junior Avengers as the Junior Terminators were made to work hard for their 7-6 victory over Junior Dominators.

Led by captain Justin Hoh, Junior Transformers grabbed the first point through mixed doubles Wan Muhammad Arif-Valeree Siow who scored a 15-5, 15-12 win over Beh Chun Meng-Go Pei Kee.

But Junior Avengers tied the score at 1-1 when womens doubles pair of Chan Wen Tse-Noraqilah Maisarah overcame Lim Yi Wei-Ng Wen Xi in straight set 15-14, 15-11.

Aaron Tai-Low Han Chen put Junior Transformers back in the lead following their 15-11, 15-7 win over Chee Hong Wei-Muhd Amzar in the men doubles as Eogene Ewe Eon then came back for a 2-2 draw after beating Chua Kim Sheng in three set 8-15, 15-9, 15-9.

However, girls singles Khor Jing Wen and then captain Justin Hoh ensured that Junior Transformers were comfortable with a 4-2 lead after picking up the next two points.

Jing Wen defeated Myisha Mohd Khairul 15-14, 15-12 while Justin beat Junior Avengers captain Jacky Kok Jing Hong 15-10, 8-15, 15-6.

Ja Jireh Lee then narrowed the score to 3-4 for the Junior Avengers after defeating Low Han Chen 14-15, 15-7, 15-10 but Aaron Tai restored the two-point advantage for Junior Transformers 5-3 following his 15-11, 15-8 win over Yeow Chun Cher.

But Junior Avenges did not fold as they fought back for a 5-5 draw with Chan Wen Tse overcame Tan Zhing Hui 15-6, 8-15, 15-14 and then Siti Zulaikha defeated Lim Yi Wei 15-11, 15-12.

Justin Hoh ensured his team took the upper hand at 6-5 when his partnership with Wan Muhammad Arif in the men doubles made short work of Beh Chun Meng-Liew Xun 15-11, 15-11.

Junior Avengers hope then rested on the shoulders of women doubles pair of Cheng Su Hui-Go Pei Kee to tie the score and drag the match to the decider.

But Khor Jing Wen-Valeree Siow was just a tad stronger when they ensured victory for Junior Transformers with a 6-15, 15-14, 15-14 win.

“I told the players – we win together and we lose together. Everyone has given their best today and those who were not in action also gave their support to the whole team,” said Justin.

“I thought that I played quite well in both games, especially in the men singles against Jacky. I tried not to think too much where the focus was more on giving support to the other players and encouraged them.”

In the meantime, there were some fierce competition in the match between Junior Terminators and Junior Dominators.

Junior Terminators were the first on the point through Adiyna Anuar-Ong Xin Yee who defeated Carmen Ting-Oo Shan Zi 12-15, 15-7, 15-10 but Ong Ken Yon-Low Yeen Yuan would tie the score 1-1 for Junior Dominators after beating Jimmy Wong-Cheng Su Yin in three sets 12-15, 15-12, 15-14.

Ferdinan Ramno-Lok Hong Quan put Junior Dominators ahead 2-1 after overcoming Kang Khai Xing-Muhammad Faiq 15-11, 13-15, 15-8.

Ong Zhen Yi, who is also the captain of Junior Terminators, failed to tie the score when he unexpectedly fell 15-11, 13-15, 10-15 to Adam Shaz.

However, Siti Nurshuhaini Azman put Junior Terminators back in contention at 2-3 after overcoming Tan Zhing Yi 15-4, 7-15, 15-8.

But Goh Boon Zhe-Wong Vin Sean restored Junior Dominators’ advantage at 4-2 after beating Jimmy Wong-Muhammad Haikal 11-15, 15-12, 15-14.

Junior Terminators were not giving up yet as they then went on to pick up three points on a trot for them to take a 5-4 lead for the first time in the match.

Cheng Su Yin-Lee Xin Jie in the women doubles, Ong Xin Yee in the women singles and then Muhammad Faiq in the men singles were all on the winning path for Junior Terminators.

Another point came through Adiyna Anuar in the women singles when she beat Yeap Phoi Lin 15-12 15-5 put added Junior Terminators 6-4 in the lead.

However, Junior Dominators captain Ong Ken Yon refused to give up when he fought back to narrow the gap at 5-6 following his 15-12, 11-15, 15-7 win over Muhd Fazriq Mohd Razif.

Ferdinan Ramno then became the savior for Junior Dominators when he beat Kee Is Qian 15-13, 11-15, 15-11 to tie the score at 6-6 and forced the match into the decider.

In the decisive men doubles, the pair of Muhammad Haikal-Muhammad Fazriq made sure of Junior Terminators 7-6 victory after beating Goh Boon Zhe-Wong Vin Sean 11-6, 8-11, 11-2.

“For the deciding match, I asked Haikal to play because he is the deputy captain and he was confident in the men’s doubles. And he choose Muhd Fazriq as his partner.

“Even though I lost (in the men singles) and failed to contribute to the team, it did not discourage the others. In fact, it brought us closer together and where we were more motivated as they continued to encouraged us,” said Zhen Yi.

The second match day tomorrow will see Junior Terminators taking on Junior Transformers while Junior Avengers will face Junior Dominators.

 

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