Trademark wheelie

The burst of speed demonstrated by Azizulhasni Awang, our own pocket rocket man, is astonishing.

Jom ke Shah Alam 8 November

Daftar di www.eplx.my/daftarfutsal, sertai kejohanan futsal dan menangi hadiah bernilai RM40,000 ke atas hasil kerjasama Intranet Profile, Kosmo! dan myTV3.

The Showdown of Sexiness

Sania Mirza and Maria Kirilenko

Elena Dementieva and Zheng Jie

The Showdown of Champions 2009

Anna Kournikova was unveiled in Kuala Lumpur recently as the event ambassador of the Showdown of Champions 2009, Asia versus Russia - the Glam Slam.

Deputy Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin, Tan Sri Francis Yeoh and Anna Sergeyevna Kournikova, event ambassador of the Showdown of Champions 2009, Asia versus Russia - the Glam Slam

From left Puan Sri Norainee Abdul Rahman, Muhyiddin, Anna, Yeoh and Datuk Mohamad Taufik Omar, chairman of LD Sports

Malaysian songstress and Russian beauty

Anna interacts with the junior players at the National Tennis Centre

Anna wows the juniors with her child-like friendliness

Queuing up for a glimpse of the event ambassador and of course, her autograph

Lynch-ed by the Dragons

Lynch (right) and Brown

Chris Lynch, one of two American imports in KL Dragons' outfit in the Asean Basketball League (ABL), has been sacked. He makes way for another Chris, Cameroonian Chris Kuete.

According to pemainbolakeranjang.blogspot.com, Lynch had been carrying a hamstring injury going into ABL, which the Dragons management had no prior knowledge of.

The fans had been clamouring for Kuete, the national league MVP for 2008, to be included in the KL outfit. Now their prayers have been answered.

Tonight, the Dragons will take on Thailand Tigers at MABA Stadium. The Thailand Tigers, made up of players from Thailand’s top players have strengthened their player roster with former Patriots player Ricky Ricafuerte, ex-University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) player Axel Doruelo and a second American import 6’ 9” Chaz Briggs.

KL Dragons Team Manager Mr Wee Chong Phor said:

"We welcome the Thailand Tigers here in Malaysia. Our team has been working hard to achieve our goal of making it to the playoffs with the support from our coaching staff, our team owners and their creative and innovative workforce and of course the most important of all our beloved KL Dragon fans!"

The KL Dragons are relying on experienced players Chee Li Wei (three time Agong Cup MVP), China-based B. Guganeswaran (MVP, Top Rebounder, Top Defender, Top Scorer in 2004 Agong Cup), and Koh Way Teck (two time Agong Cup Champion) as well as Jamal Daryl Brown to secure their second win.

The KL Dragons may not be in the winning spirit after the loss in Indonesia, but the team is still training hard, leaving coach Goh optimistic.

"The players have been preparing for the game this weekend. They have been training hard physically and are prepared mentally for a tough game against the Thailand Tigers. The team has vowed to do their best to come out with a win!"

Anyway pemainbolakeranjang.blogspot.com keeps you on the ball. Check out his blog!

Kutip dana buat Yahya, kata PakMat

Dari kiri - Shukor Salleh, Isa Bakar, Yahya Jusoh, Abdah Aliff, R. Arumugam, Soh Chin Aun, M. Vaithilingam - Pestabola Merdeka 1976.

Yahya kini lumpuh

Malaysia mln Myanmar (ketika itu Burma). Genap 29 tahun 13 hari yang lampau. Pestabola Merdeka 1980. Stadium Merdeka.

Kedudukan 2-2. Dalam satu serangan balas yang dilancarkan secara kilat, Malaysia menggegar jaring lawan. Gol kemenangan disempurnakan Yahya Jusoh selepas membuat overlap sejauh 50 meter.

Hebat! Aku melompat! Belumpun akil baligh!

Kecil, pantas dan rajin, Yahya berupaya beraksi di kedua-dua penjuru, sama ada selaku bek kanan atau bek kiri. Saiznya mirip Jamal Nasir Ismail, kini Datuk.

Media dan masyarakat dikejutkan dengan berita Yahya diserang penyakit lumpuh. Aku menerima kiriman emel daripada Pak Mat (http://tatak-tatak.blogspot.com) yang mencadangkan agar kita mewujudkan tabung untuk membantu mengurangkan beban Yahya. Aku setuju. Terima kasih Pak Mat.


Laporan Harian Metro.

KUALA TERENGGANU: Bekas pemain bola sepak kebangsaan, Yahya Jusoh, 57, lumpuh sejak dua minggu lalu akibat mengalami sakit tulang leher sejak awal Ramadan lalu dan hanya terlantar di rumah.

Akibat penyakit itu, Yahya tidak lagi mampu berjalan, sebaliknya hanya menggunakan kerusi roda untuk bergerak.

Yahya satu ketika dulu begitu digeruni penyerang pasukan lawan di atas padang berikutan kawalan baik di benteng pertahanan, tetapi kini terpaksa dibantu isterinya, Normah Alias, 56, dan anak ketiga, Hazim Yatimi, 22, untuk bergerak.

Pesara Majlis Perbandaran Kuala Terengganu itu sebelum ini pernah menjadi penolong jurulatih pasukan Terengganu dan pasukan belia.

“Saya pada mulanya berasa kebas pada tangan sebelum menjalani rawatan di Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah (HSNZ) pada hari pertama Ramadan lalu,” katanya ketika ditemui di rumahnya di Kuala Ibai, dekat sini, semalam.

Menurutnya, ketika itu, dia masih boleh berjalan dan memandu kereta walaupun tidak mampu menggerakkan kedua-dua kaki dan tangan sejak 10 Oktober lalu.

“Saya sudah berubat dengan pelbagai cara termasuk rawatan tradisional di merata tempat termasuk Kelantan dan Pahang, tetapi masih belum pulih,” katanya.

Katanya, sebaik mengetahui dia lumpuh, ramai bekas rakan sepasukan dalam skuad Terengganu dan kebangsaan termasuk Zulkifli Hamzah, Zubir Ibrahim, Nasir Jalil dan Othman Mat Kia ada berkunjung ke rumahnya.

Yahya mula mewakili negara pada 1971 bersama Datuk Santokh Singh, Datuk Soh Chin Aun dan arwah Datuk Mokhtar Dahari serta pernah memenangi pingat emas untuk negara pada Sukan Sea.

“Saya mula mewakili Terengganu dalam Kejohanan Piala Razak pada 1970 sebelum mewakili pasukan negeri setahun kemudian hingga bersara pada 1985,” katanya.

Katanya, dia mula mewakili negara pada 1975 hingga 1981 dan menyertai banyak pertandingan seperti King’s Cup di Thailand, Indonesia, Sukan Olimpik, Sukan Asia serta Sukan Sea.

Menurutnya, pemain sekarang beruntung kerana menerima bayaran gaji mahal hingga mencecah RM10,000 sebulan berbanding dulu cuma dibayar RM5 sehari.

“Namun, semangat pemain dulu cukup hebat kerana mereka bermati-matian untuk negara hingga disegani pasukan lawan termasuk Korea Selatan dan Thailand,” katanya.

AK in KL

The crystal fountain at the Pavilion plays host to arguably the first tennis celebrity - Anna Kournikova, event ambassador of the Showdown of Champions 2009, Asia versus Russia - the Glam Slam. Pic Kamarul Akhir

She's hot. Wearing the traditional Malay dress, baju kurung. Does she not look like the girl next door? No way...

You will walk alone, I'm afraid

NOTICE THE CRACKS ON THE WALL? WELL, THE WRITING IS ON THE WALL. ENOUGH SAID.

A tool for colonialism

The way to a man's heart, they say, is through the stomach. The English did it in a different way in managing dissension during the colonial days. According to historian Prof Tan Sri Dr Khoo Kay Kim, they conquered the hearts and minds of the natives through sports, particularly football.

Unfriendly budget?

Loose cannon's former colleague at the Malay Mail feels the 2010 budget is unfriendly towards the sports family. Read here.

RIP, Joanne

Joanne (right) with OCM deputy president and legendary sprinter, Datuk Dr M Jegathesan

When loose cannon was for a fleeting moment the media officer at Wisma FAM, one or two gentle souls were always at hand to help reduce the burden, especially when it came issuing media tags. The late Joanne Ong, who passed away due to leukemia on Thursday, was one such person. The Ticketpro Managing director processed the tags for her staff herself before passing them to us for approval. Read Christopher Raj's tribute here.

Fairuz and Spanish crooner

PRESS RELEASE

MOFAZ Racing (formerly known as MOFAZFortec Motorsport) embarks on a new circuit this weekend, the Motorland Aragon in Alcaniz, Spain, at the final race meeting for the World Series by Renault 2009 Championship. It will be the first time out on the brand new track for all the drivers competing in the championship, but the fact does not perturb the dynamic duo of Fairuz Fauzy and Sten Pentus, who have just completed the collective tests for the race weekend as this release goes out to the presses. MOFAZ Racing is currently 5th in the running for the Team Title Championship, while Fairuz Fauzy looks set to give his compatriots a tough battle out on the tracks as he looks ahead at the top 3 positions in the Drivers Championship.

This weekend also marks the international inauguration of the Motorland Aragon Circuit, and the Circuit’s management has promised a fun-filled weekend, and indeed a special surprise at the final dinner (a world –renowned Spanish singer!). Designed by F1 driver Pedro de la Rosa and famous German designer Hermann Tilke, the circuit poses the biggest and most technical challenge for all the drivers out on the Formula 3.5 grid this weekend. 7.6 gruelling kilometres per lap, 18 intriguing corners with one posing a 180˚ angle turn, this high speed circuit also boasts a height difference of 50 metres between its highest and lowest points.

The Final Round of the World Series by Renault 2009 will see a clash of the titans, as the honorary title of runner-up is equally hotly contested. With mere points separating the top 5 drivers, Fairuz Fauzy, Charles Pic, Brendon Hartley, James Walker, Jaime Alguersuari, Oliver Turvey and Marcos Martinez seems ideally placed to claim second-place.

The last two races of the season will see all the drivers battling it out, followed by the official World Series by Renault prize-giving ceremony. The teams however will remain at the circuit for three days of collective testing from October 27-29, 2009.

In addition to the stars of the various Formula Renault 2.0 championships invited by Renault Sport Technologies to discover Formula Renault 3.5, the teams will be able to test their new drivers for the 2010 season, and MOFAZ Racing looks set to shine further next year in 2010 with some exciting development underway that will be announced in due time. Stay tuned!

It's Arena Nicol David

The centre court of the National Squash Centre is now known as Arena Nicol David. It was launched by the Sports Minister, Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek, a short while ago, a fitting tribute to Nicol, a gem from the Pearl of the Orient.

UPDATES, with pictures. Oct 21, 6.45am

Arena Nicol David...the Penang lass is in esteemed company as similar tributes had been accorded to tennis legends Rod Laver, Arthur Ashe and Billie Jean King as well as two speed merchants, Ato Boldon and Usain Bolt

Loose cannon is nervous coming face to face with the World No 1, a few months back

The unveiling of the Arena Nicol David

The former Penang State football goalkeeper and progenitor of a world champion

Mishaps prior to the ceremony were overcome

from www.thestar.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: Tears of joy flowed down the cheeks of Malaysian squash icon Nicol David as her name was immortalised at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

The centre court was officially renamed the Nicol David Arena in recognition of her achievements, including four World Open titles and being ranked No. 1 since January, 2006.

Nicol was her usual cool self as a video of her former coaches and school teachers reliving the moments was aired to the audience, who also included her proud parents and athletes from Bukit Jalil Sports School.

But the 26-year-old broke down as she was asked to make a speech after the official unveiling ceremony was done in glitzy fashion.

Nicol, who was initially lost for words as she was overwhelmed by the occasion, said that she felt deeply honoured to see her name put on the court.

“To be recognised by the country, the state and everyone present here, this is truly amazing,” she said.

“I’m grateful that the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the National Sports Council have been so supportive of what I am doing.

“It means a lot to be where I am today. And to have come to this point to put my name on this court ... this is the icing on the cake.”

Nicol added that the recognition was a further boost to her efforts to continue with her dominance in world women’s squash.

The Penangite is one of the most accomplished players on the Women’s International Squash Professional Association (Wispa) circuit, having won a total of 40 titles thus far since turning professional in 2000.

She was also the youngest world junior champion and has won the national sportswoman award for a record six times.

Except for a Commonwealth Games title, Nicol has won all other major titles squash has to offer, including the Asian Games and the prestigious British Open in which she is a three-time winner. She will get the chance to nail the elusive Commonwealth Games gold medal in New Delhi next year.

“I hope to stay on top of my game as next year will be a big year for Malaysian sports. There are more tournaments to come and I have to step up training,” said Nicol, who later handed the very first squash racquet she owned to Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek.

The wooden racquet will be put on display along with her trophies at the gallery in the National Squash Centre.

Iklanlah...

Alangkah baiknya jika cabutan bertuah bagi pemegang tiket untuk mana-mana perlawanan Piala Malaysia peringkat suku akhir ke atas diiklankan di media massa dan dipromosikan di jalan raya menerusi billboard. Belanjawan berhemah barangkali. Apapun terima kasih harimaumalaya.com. Jadi bagi mereka yang masih rajin ke stadium, simpan keratan tiket anda. Manalah tahu ada rezeki.

...and may there be light at the end of the sports tunnel

Loose cannon's in-laws' place is sandwiched by the two Maniams, one a former teacher, the other a former health officer. It has become a tradition that Uncle Maniam (health), short for Subramaniam, and the whole family, be among the first visitors to taste Mak's gulai first day of Eidul Fitri. Uncle Maniam (cikgu) and Aunty Dolly too make it an annual tradition to come over. Naturally during Deepavali, Mak and Abah would be making reciprocal visits to their neighbours.

By next year, the Maniams may have an additional family member to taste Mak's curry. Picture of Chitdrakantan's engagement last month, taken from his FB, without permission, as usual

That's B. Sathianathan in the background

Uncle Maniam and family's annual visit.

One of my best friends in school, Vicky, lives a stone's throw from Batu Caves. We played footy together at school, were class-mates right up to Standard Six and spent a lot of our teenage years eating thosai, nasi lemak and roti canai.

Loose cannon do get a number of invitations for Deepavali dos from all over the country, mostly from sports officials, athletes and friends. Time and location however do not permit. Humble apologies. S.S. Dhaliwal, whose parents reside in Tampin, also extends his Deepavali invite on a yearly basis.

There was one year when the whole Malay Mail sports desk, with a few exceptions, travelled to Tampin for Satwant's deepavali dinner. Also present were Mirnawan Nawawi and Chua Boon Huat. How time flies.

Happy Deepavali, Happy Diwali. And may there be light at the end of our sports tunnel!

What they say about Nicol...

SIARAN MEDIA

BIOGRAFI

Nama : Nicol Ann David
Tarikh Lahir : 26 Ogos 1983
Tempat Lahir : Pulau Pinang
Ahli Keluarga : Bapa – Desmond David, Ibu – Ann Marie David
Lianne Marie, Cheryl Therese (Kakak)
Pendidikan : Sekolah Menengah Convent Green Lane, P.Pinang.
7A Penilaian Menengah Rendah (PMR)
7A Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM)
Mula Bermain : Sejak berusia 5 tahun
Kekuatan : Pukulan Tangan Kanan
Jurulatih : Ee Phoeh Hoon
Ahmad Malek
Richard Glenfield
Liz Irving
Kelab : Squash City Amsterdam, Belanda
Anugerah : PMN, PJK, DSPN – Pulau Pinang
AMN, KMN, DB - Kebangsaan

SIRI kejayaan Datuk Nicol Ann David selaku penakluk dunia skuasy menjadi perhatian media tempatan dan antarabangsa.

Bagi Kerajaan Malaysia, sebagai membalas jasa Nicol selaku duta sukan negara yang ulung, gelanggang utama Pusat Skuasy Nasional di Bukit Jalil akan dinamakan sempena dengan nama anak kelahiran Pulau Mutiara itu pada Selasa ini.

Umum bagaimanapun jarang dimaklumkan dengan kegiatan Nicol di sebalik raket, bola dan pakaian skuasynya.

“Nicol merupakan pelajar yang mempunyai motivasi amat tinggi, dia juga mempuyai kelebihan kekuatan minda yang kuat serta amat fokus ketika di dalam kelas,” demikan menurut Puan Balkis Mohd Isa, Guru Besar Sekolah Convent Green Lane Pulau Pinang.

Nicol, anak kepada jurutera yang juga bekas penjaga gol Pulau Pinang, Desmond David dan guru pesara, Ann Marie, adalah seorang anak yang hiper-aktif.

“Ibu bapa saya terpaksa mencari jalan mengisi masa yang terluang kerana saya hiper-aktif ketika kecil. Selain bermain skuasy, saya berjinak-jinak dengan banyak sukan lain. Saya sentiasa mahu bersaing dengan kakak-kakak saya – Liane dan Cheryl,” demikian menurut Nicol.

"Dia amat aktif dalam bidang ko-kurikulum. Selain skuasy, Nicol aktif dalam olahraga, bola tampar dan renang, ini membuatkan sekolah menjadikan Nicol sebagai ikon untuk memotivasikan para pelajar lain,” jelas Puan Yon Zanariah, Guru Ko-Kurikulum.

"Nicol tidak suka membuang masa, menyedari masanya amat terhad di sekolah, dia tetap membawa buku-buku pelajarannya ke tempat latihan atau pun pertandingan, itulah sebahagian rahsia kecemerlangannya dalam akedemik,” terang Puan Lee Bee Hong, Guru Sains.

"Dia merupakan individu memiliki nilai-nilai diri yang amat postif, bersikap rendah diri, menghormati orang lain dan tidak sombong atas popularitinya, suka berkawan,” jelas Hooi Meng Sooi, Guru Ekonomi Asas.

Dalam mengejar impian, Nicol berjauhan dengan keluarga. Pada 2003, dia memutuskan berkampung di Amsterdam di bawah bimbingan Liv Irving.

Rutin hariannya kini sejajar dengan kedudukan Nicol selaku pemain No 1 dunia.

“Saya menjalani latihan dua kali sehari, dari dua hingga empat jam selama enam hari seminggu. Ini mengehadkan waktu riadah saya,” ujar Nicol.

Jika tidak mengeluarkan peluh di gelanggang, Nicol selesa mendengar muzik dengan iMacnya selain menonton televisyen dan ketika di perantauan Nicol pasti merindui makanan kegemarannya, kueh tiow goreng, yang dia gemari sejak di bangku sekolah lagi.

Nicol yang menanam hasrat mengikut jejak langkah bapanya selaku jurutera satu ketika dahulu, juga meminati seni reka.

Dia gemar melukis, terutama ketika menanti giliran di gelanggang.

Satu hari nanti, ratu skuasy negara ini memasang impian menyempurnakan aktiviti lasak seperti bungee jumping dan payung terjun (sky diving).

Al-Fatihah buat Mejar Zainuddin

Berita dipetik daripada http://shaukeisports.blogspot.com.

MEJAR ZAINUDDIN ABDUL GHANI, SETIAUSAHA PERSATUAN BOLASEPAK ANGKATAN TENTERA MALAYSIA, KEMBALI KE RAHMATULLAH.

KUANTAN, SABTU, 17 Oktober; Mejar Zainuddin Abdul Ghani, 49 tahun, Setiausaha pasukan bolasepak ATM yang juga Ahli Majlis Persatuan Bolasepak Melayu Malaysia, telah kembali ke rahmatullah petang tadi di Kuantan.

Beliau yang juga AJK Kejohanan Bolasepak Pantai yang sedang berlangsung di Pantai Teluk Cempedak, sebelum itu turut beraksi beberapa minit menentang pasukan media kemudiannya kelihatan meninggalkan pantai permainan untuk berehat, sejurus kemudian beliau rebah lalu tidak sedarkan diri kemudiannya dikejarkan ke Hospital namun menghembuskan nafas terakhirnya semasa dalam perjalanan.

Setakat berita ini ditulis jenazah masih di Hospital Besar Kuantan dan akan dibawa pulang ke Rembau dan diberitakan akan dikebumikan di Rembau esok.

Allahyarham meninggalkan seorang balu dan tujuh anak, merupakan individu yang bertanggungjawab berusaha mengembalikan kewibawaan pasukan ATM dalam Liga Malaysia, antaranya membawa masuk bekas pemain kebangsaan Mohd.Shah Norbit selaku Jurulatih, dimana menyaksikan keputusan cemerlang ATM dalam kempen Piala Malaysia baru-baru ini.

"Kita kehilangan sahabat yang amat baik, sama-samalah kita doakan semoga roh beliau dicucuri rahmat olehNYA dan ditempatkan bersama orang-orang yang soleh" demikian menurut Presiden Persatuan Bolasepak Melayu Malaysia, Datuk Haji Takiyudin Hasan ketika dimaklumkan tentang berita ini.

EPLx 17 Oktober

Azraai ke Wisma FAM

Mohd Azraai Khor Abdullah bukan lagi bergelar jurulatih Kedah.

Jurulatih Kenari sejak 2004 itu menyerahkan surat peletakan jawatan kepada Persatuan Bola Sepak Kedah tengah hari tadi. Berita peletakan jawatan Azraai disiarkan di Info Sukan TV1 tadi.

Azraai dijangka memulakan tugas selaku ketua jurulatih pasukan Harimau Muda dalam Liga Super musim depan.

Difahamkan Azraai yang dilantik oleh Allahyarham Datuk Paduka Ahmad Basri Mohd Akil pada 2004 menggantikan Miradinha, enggan meneruskan khidmat di Alor Star selepas pengalaman pahit dengan pengurusan KFA yang disifatkan tidak memberi kerjasama dan tidak profesional.

Perbezaan politik di antara Perbadanan Stadium dan pengurusan KFA juga mengakibatkan urusan penyenggaraan padang terabai sehingga mengakibatkan kecederaan pemain.

Apabila Azraai mengenal pasti jentera serangan sebagai kelemahan utama pasukan menjelang Piala Malaysia, dia turut menyenaraikan beberapa pemain untuk dipinjam.

Satu daripadanya Haris Safwan Kamal yang menelefon menyatakan minat menyarung jersi Kedah.

Malangnya KFA tidak memberi kerjasama. Kesudahannya era kegemilangan treble dua musim berturut-turut dengan khidmat tenaga import berakhir dengan peletakan jawatan Azraai tadi.

Azraai enggan mengulas, sekadar menyebut mahu bertemu loose cannon kelak.

Boss dancing for charity

SMS: Taip DANSA MIRNA atau DANSA♥ /5/10> MIRNA untuk (3/5/10 undian) ke 32999 ;
Contoh : DANSA5 MIRNA KE 32999
Talian Tetap: Dail 13721/ 13723/ 13725/ 13730 untuk 1/ 3 /5 /10 undian & Tekan 6
Tekan Butang R di Astro RIA, pilih MIRNA

In his heyday, Mirnawan Nawawi weaved his magic and danced around the best defences in the hockey world. Now the Project 2013 team manager is making a bid to dance his way into the hearts of the audience and the judges, alongside his wife Noorah Mokhsin in the reality show-cum-fund raising/charity program Sehati Berdansa to commence on Oct 17 over channel 104.

Boss and the wife are doing their bit for Persatuan Kanak-Kanak Spastik Selangor dan Wilayah Persekutuan.

Rizal hit and run victim

Anyone who spots a silver Proton Waja, reg. WKA 2633, pls catch hold of the woman and bring her to the nearest police station or call me and let me know the location. She was the culprit in a hit-and-run incident in which Rizal Tisin broke his ankle today...Arnaz M. Khairul's status update on his Facebook account.

Zol for Guangzhou, Nadzmi for New Delhi

The year 2010 is not centred mainly on the FIFA World Cup. Local sports enthusiasts would also be keeping tabs on our performance in the Guangzhou Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

Olympic Council of Malaysia has set the wheels in motion by naming National Sports Council director general Datuk Zolkples Embong as the chef-de-mission for Guangzhou, while the man he proposed to be the BA of Malaysia chief, Datuk Nadzmi Salleh, who is also chairman of Proton Holdings, will lead the contingent to New Delhi.

OCM president, Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja'afar, speaking to sportsnews.olympic.org.my, will seek Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek's blessings on Zolkples' appointment.

Zolkples who was the deputy CDM for the Busan Asiad in 2002, is the first NSC DG be given the honour to head a contingent to the Asiad. Previous CDMs were former quartermiler and founding secretary for OCM and MAAU, N.M. Vasagam (Manila 1954), S.M. Yong (Tokyo 1958), Oh Boon Tat (Jakarta 1962), Tan Sri Jamil Rais (Bangkok 1966), Lee Kuan Yew (Bangkok 1970), Tunku Adnan Tunku Besar Burhanuddin (Tehran 1974), Tan Sri Mohamad Rahmat (Bangkok 1978), Datuk Wan Mansor (New Delhi 1982), Tun Hamid Omar (Seoul 1986), Datuk Alex Lee (Beijing 1990), Datuk Taha Ariffin (Hiroshima 1994), Prof Datuk Zakaria Ahmad and Norminshah Sabirin (Bangkok 1998), Datuk Khalid Yunus (Busan 2002) and Datuk Abdullah Sani Karim (Doha 2006).

Nadzmi follows in the footsteps of Khaw Kai Boh (Cardiff 1954), Oh Boon Tat (Perth 1960 and Kingston 1966), Sum Kok Seng (Edinburgh 1970), Tunku Adnan (Christchurch 1974), Thong Poh Nyen (Edmonton 1978), Tan Sri Khir Johari (Brisbane 1982), Tan Sri Elyas Omar (Auckland 1990), Ally Ong (Victoria 1994), Datuk Khalid Yunus (Kuala Lumpur 1998), W.Y. Chin (Manchester 2002) and Datuk Seri Kee Yong Wee (Melbourne 2006).

Thong Poh Nyen

Exit Kedah, enter Azraai

Kedah's exit from the Malaysia Cup last night may hasten Mohd Azraai Khor Abdullah's entry into the FA of Malaysia set-up.

Despite notching their third successive win in Group E with a hefty 4-0 victory over Penang, Kedah crashed out of the country's centrepiece event after failing to be one of the three best runners-up from the five groups.

With the Kedah FA seemingly unable to provide the support Azraai craved, especially in terms of getting a few players on-loan, the former international midfielder is expected to take up a new challenge at Wisma FAM.

The three best runners-up were Perlis, Terengganu and Kuala Muda Naza. They are in the company of the respective group champions, KL Plus, Negeri Sembilan, Johor FC, Selangor and Kelantan.

Quarterfinal line-up

KL Plus v Kelantan

Negeri Sembilan v KM Naza

Johor FC v Perlis

Selangor v Terengganu

Could it be a Selangor-Kelantan final?

Young tigers to the fore

PRESS RELEASE

100PLUS-FAM NATIONAL FOOTBALL AWARDS 2009

HARIMAU MUDA TO THE FORE IN 100PLUS-FAM NATIONAL FOOTBALL AWARDS

PETALING JAYA (13 October, 2009): The inclusion of three Harimau Muda players for the Most Promising Player in the 100PLUS-FAM National Football Awards 2009 is no surprise to Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad, the general secretary of the FA of Malaysia (FAM).

As he pointed out, the three Under-21 lads from Harimau Muda have been consistent performers in the run up to their win of the second-tier Premier League this year and they deserved to be recognised.

Out of the five players nominated by the judging panel for the Most Promising Player award, Mohd Muslim Ahmad, Mohd Fandi Othman and Ahmad Aminuddin Shaharuddin from Harimau Muda lead.

The other two players in contention for the award this year Syazwan Zainol from Perlis and Irfan Ghani from Johor.

“The three players from Harimau Muda played really well this year and they should be recognised for their effort,” said Datuk Azzuddin.

“The formula of having the Harimau Muda playing in the Premier League has proven to be very good and we are looking at forming an even younger squad (the U19) next year.

“The players should look at the 100PLUS-FAM National Football Awards 2009 as a yardstick to gauge their performance and look at areas where they can make improvement.”

Apart from being in the run for the Most Promising Player award, Muslim is also in contention for the Best Defender award while Harimau Muda team-mates K. Gurusamy is in the Best Midfielder and Shakir Ali in the Best Striker categories.

The judging panel comprise of representatives from the Malaysian Coaches Association, the media and also the FA of Malaysia (FAM).

The 100PLUS-FAM National Football Awards 2009 will be held on 4 November 2009 at the PJ Hilton.

For the 100PLUS-FAM National Football Awards 2009, there will be a total of ten awards to be given out.

And following the absence of the award for Best Foreign Player, the judging panel has decided to introduce a new award which is for Best Club.

The FAM will decide the winners for Best Club, Best Football Association and Best Fan Club with the remaining seven awards to be decided by the judging panel.

The 100PLUS-FAM National Football Awards is among several football programmes and competitions supported by 100PLUS, Malaysia's leading isotonic beverage.

The others include the 100PLUS Super Cup Champions School and the Ministry of Education League Cup (MELC).

100PLUS-FAM NATIONAL FOOTBALL AWARDS 2009

- SHORTLIST


1. BEST GOALKEEPER

1. Farizal Marlias (PERLIS)

2. Hamsani Ahmad (SELANGOR)

3. Shahrizan Ismail (KELANTAN)

2. BEST DEFENDER

1. Aidil Zafuan Abdul Radzak (NEGERI SEMBILAN)

2. Khairul Anuar Baharum (SELANGOR)

3. Norhafiz Zamani Misbah (KL PLUS FC)

4. V. Thirumurugan (KEDAH)

5. Azizi Mat Rose (KUALA MUDA NAZA FC)

6. Nazrul Erwan Makmor (FELDA UNITED FC)

7. Sabre Mat Abu (KEDAH)

8. Mohd Muslim Ahmad (HARIMAU MUDA)

9. K. Soleey (PERLIS)

10. Rosdi Talib (T-TEAM)


3. BEST MIDFIELDER

1. Nurul Azwan Roya (JOHOR FC)

2. Idris Karim (NEGERI SEMBILAN)

3. Mohd Amri Yahyah (SELANGOR)

4. Ahmad Fauzi Shaari (KEDAH)

5. K. Gurusamy (HARIMAU MUDA)

6. Mohd Bunyamin Omar (MyTEAM)

7. Safiq Rahim (KL PLUS FC)

8. Azi Shahril Azmi (PERLIS)

9. Zairil Fitri Ishak (KELANTAN)

10. Ashaari Samsudin (TERENGGANU)


4. BEST STRIKER

1. Khyril Muhymeen Zambri (KEDAH)

2. Eddy Helmi Manan (JOHOR FC)

3. Mohd Safee Sali (SELANGOR)

4. Zaquan Adha Abdul Radzak (NEGERI SEMBILAN)

5. Mohd Nizaruddin Yusof (PERLIS)

6. Farderin Kadir (KUALA MUDA NAZA)

7. Indra Putra Mahayuddin (KELANTAN)

8. Zamri Hassan (PROTON FC)

9. Shakir Ali (HARIMAU MUDA)

10. Haris Safwan Kamal (T-TEAM)

5. BEST COACH

1. K. Devan (SELANGOR)

2. Irfan Bakti Abu Salim (PERLIS)

3. Ramlan Rashid (JOHOR FC)

4. Che Ku Marzuki (T-TEAM)

6. MOST PROMISING PLAYER

1. Syazwan Zainol (PERLIS)

2. Irfan Ghani (JOHOR)

3. Mohd Muslim Ahmad (HARIMAU MUDA)

4. Mohd Fandi Othman (HARIMAU MUDA)

5. Ahmad Aminuddin Shaharuddin (HARIMAU MUDA)


7. MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

8. BEST FAN CLUB

9. BEST FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION

10. BEST CLUB

Lotus trio - Trulli, Sato and Fairuz?

Made in Japan

Italian stallion. FotoSports/WireImage.com

Veteran Italian speed merchant Jarno Trulli and Japan's Takuma Sato as well as Malaysia's own Fairuz Fauzy are likely to be in the scheme of things for the 1Malaysia F1 team, oopss sorry, Lotus FI team.

Sato, Japan's best known F1 product, is job-hunting since his Honda-backed Aguri team folded in April 2008.

He does not fancy a reserve role, so the Japanese could well be starting on the grid alongside Trulli. Fairuz? Test driver perhaps?

Yesterday's Malay Mail page 1

Kaki libas berkumpul

Backpage lead atau story utama muka belakang yang pertama untuk aku di Berita Harian ialah kisah regu emas dikumpul semula pada 1992. Ceritanya berkisar kepada usaha Persatuan Sepak Takraw Malaysia (PSM) memujuk Rehan Mat Din dan Abdul Malek Shamsuddin - dua anggota regu yang memenangi emas Sukan SEA 1989 dan Sukan Asia 1990 di sisi tekong Nordin Sabaruddin - untuk menyarung semula jersi negara.

"Apa ada brother?" Hah, ada back page story?" tanya pengarang sukan, Zian Johari. Aku diam. Bukan macam sesetengah orang yang pandai menjual kerja-kerja mereka, aku sekadar mengetuk story.

Tidak berapa yakin menyusun ayat, aku meminta pertolongan Saodi Mat Atar, kini setiausaha akhbar Menteri Besar Johor. Saodi dianggap abang long meja sukan di sisi Badrulhisham Othman dek kerana reputasinya sebagai ahli fikir dan contactnya dengan officialdom.

"Aku tahu macam mana story ini boleh go backpage...kita main sentimen, Zian cukup suka ni...kita tambah background," kata Saodi. Selaku junior dan budak hingusan, akupun akur.

Ikut tradisi Berita Harian, byline backpage kena belanja desk minum petang. Dari kantin NSTP, aku mengangkat jag teh tarik dan teh o menaiki tangga hingga ke tingkat empat. Mujur dah biasa buat benda yang sama setiap Rabu apabila team Jaguh bermesyuarat dipengerusikan Zian.

Susulan itu, aku dikerah oleh Zian untuk buat follow-up dengan Rehan. Agak lama Rehan keberatan untuk ditemu bual. Hanya selepas beberapa minggu aku berjaya melembutkan hatinya, lalu kisahnya dikongsi bersama dalam kolum Soal Jawab.

Nostalgia ini bertujuan menghidupkan semula memori aku menjelang temasya Libas hujung bulan ini.

Dari kiri - Nordin Sabaruddin (tekong emas yang muncul juara Sukan SEA 1989, Sukan Asia 1990), Ku Halim Ku Musa, Rehan Mat Din (killer top sezaman Nordin), Ahmad Jais Baharum (tekong emas Sukan Asia Hiroshima 1994), Baharom Johar dan Rosli Ab Rahman

Killer era penghujung 80-an, Raziman Hassan (kanan) kini berambut panjang bersembang dengan Sahak Yassin

SIARAN AKHBAR

KUALA LUMPUR – Ibarat satu majlis pertemuan semula atau reunion, Majlis Sukan Negara (MSN) menyeru semua bintang legenda dari seluruh pelosok Malaysia, hadir beramai-ramai untuk memeriahkan sebuah kejohanan sepak takraw khas untuk mereka, Libas Memori pada 31 Oktober ini.

Kompleks Sukan MSN, Taman Keramat, Kuala Lumpur bakal menyaksikan kejohanan yang bertujuan merapatkan semula silaturahim jagoan silam, bekas jurulatih mahupun pegawai dan penggiat sepak takraw sambil mengembalikan populariti dan kegemilangan sukan ini.

Pemain yang pernah mewakili negara sejak era 60-an hingga akhir 2002, amat dialu-alukan menyertai Libas yang turut menghidangkan peluang keemasan buat para peminat setia sepak takraw mengimbas semula kehebatan servis deras dan libasan padu mereka.

Jagoan silam yang dijangka hadir ialah Esmon Bajuri, Sahak Md. Yassin, Jusri Rick, Azman Ismail, Adnan Saidin, Zahir Awang, Ibrahim Abu Bakar, Shaari Hashim, Raziman Hassan, Rosli Ab. Rahman, Nordin Sabaruddin, Rehan Mat Din, Ku Halim Ku Musa, Baharom Johar dan ramai lagi.

Ganjaran hampir RM5,000 selain piala dan pingat, menanti juara, naib juara dan yang regu yang kalah separuh akhir dalam kejohanan berformat antara regu dari pukul 9 pagi hingga 5 petang ini.

Turut diundang menyaingi bintang legenda juara Sukan SEA, Sukan Asia, Kejohanan Sedunia MAS-Utusan-RTM dan Piala Raja Thai ini ialah ialah beberapa regu pegawai dan petugas Persatuan Sepak Takraw Malaysia (PSM), kakitangan MSN dan Kelab Sepak Takraw Media Malaysia (Keris).

Libas Memori diinspirasi daripada kejayaan Libas - Liga Sepak Takraw Jemputan Bersama Keris-PSM-Harta Maintenance Sdn. Bhd. di gelanggang sama pada 9 Ogos lalu yang disertai regu bintang legenda, wakil media massa, PSM, MSN dan artis tanah air.

Bintang legenda sama ada pemain, jurulatih dan bekas pegawai PSM yang berminat menyertainya, boleh menghubungi Setiausaha Kejohanan Sepak Takraw Libas Memori, Hazani Hashim, 019-2526960 atau Abdul Hafiz Ahmad, 019-2121778 untuk keterangan lanjut.

Wildcard duo

Loose cannon acts as Mick Doohan's minder

The Press invite. Creative

Tamiya model kits, Freddie Spencer, Eddie Lawson and Randy Mamola...and loose cannon's fling with motorbikes ended when the novice rider lost control of Bang Long's kapcai at Jalan Pawang. Luckily man and machine escaped unhurt. These days loose cannon is more comfortable driving his nine-year old Iswara. And his love for Tamiya plastic kits and radio controlled cars has been chucked into the memory scrapheap.

Cherished in his thought is the privilege of being the sidekick to Jamhariah Jaafar for the 1994 Moto GP, years before the F1 juggernaut reached Malaysian shores. Abdul Ghafar Ismail, assistant to Hishamuddin Aun at the Berita Harian sports desk then, gave loose cannon's race report the thumbs up.

Loose cannon will not be at the Moto GP on Oct 24 and 25. But two Malaysians - Elly Idzlianizar Ilias and Mohd Zulfahmi Khairuddin - are the two wildcard entries for the 125cc race. Read the Bernama report below. Again there's the AirAsia branding, courtesy to one of the best marketers around, Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes.

SEPANG, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- Two local riders would cherish their lifetime dreams of riding in the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) when they were given wildcard entries for the race in Sepang on Oct 24 and 25.

Elly Idzlianizar Ilias and Mohd Zulfahmi Khairuddin would represent the country in the 125cc race of the MotoGP, after coming through the wildcard programme with flying colours.

Sepang International Circuit (SIC) Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Razlan Ahmad Razali said both riders would represent Air Asia Racing Team which uses expertise from Italian outfit Ongetta ISPA.

"Initially there were plans to field only one rider, but the determination and competency showed by both riders throughout the six months of training under the programme, forced us to include both of them," he told reporters here on Monday.

Razlan said dropping either one of them would be a big loss to the country's motorsports aspirations because both possess tremendous potential although Elly is 25 and Zulfahmi is just 18.

The last time Malaysia was represented in a MotoGP was when M. Meganathan competed in the 2003 edition in the 125cc while Shahrul Yuzy Ahmad Zaini competed in 2002.

"This is just the beginning and SIC is working towards securing more wildcard places for local riders through discussions with Dorna, who hold the rights for the World MotoGP.

"Maybe after this local riders will be able to compete in other races held abroad. Setting up a local team for the cause is on the cards. However, everything is still in the preliminary discussion stage, including talks on the extension of SIC's contract to host the MotoGP at SIC," he said.

The last Malaysian team that featured in the MotoGP was Team Petronas Sprinta TVK Yamaha in 2000.

Meanwhile, Air Asia Chief Executive Officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes said it would be a proud moment to see a local rider on the starting grid of the MotoGP this year.

"It will be a good example and Malaysians must be proud of their participation," he said.

For Perlis-born Elly, being selected to represent the country in the prestigious MotoGP has given him a major responsibility and hopes to do his best to make the grade.

"My first mission will be to complete the race and if possible snatch a point by finishing within the 15 spot. That will be a fantastic start for a wildcard.

"I feel more comfortable and at ease with my motorcycle now. I will use the next two weeks before the race to train hard and get used to it," he said.

Elly added that apart from getting used to his machine, he also need to be focused and maintain his physical and mental condition.

The Sepang race is the 16th round of the World MotoGP.

Kelab Met reunion

The occasion - Raya open house.
The venue - Mohd Zian Johari's residence at UK Perdana
In a nutshell - place for Zian's old Cabinet of Berita Harian/Harian Metro's movers and shakers to catch up.

Getting eight former sports journalists, two of them having occupied the Berita Harian's sports editor's post and another the same position at Utusan Malaysia, to be in the same living room was a rare occasion indeed.

Zian, sports editor of Berita Harian 1988-1994, played host to:

Razali Yahya, winner of the MPI awards in 1985 for his investigative piece on the misappropriation of funds involving a top cop, later bureau chief at Kuantan and BH sports editor 2000-2002

Rodly Nayan, former editor of Mingguan Bola Sepak and Arena Bola Sepak and later sub-editor of Berita Harian, also a former MPI award winner, now a publisher in his own right

Haji Johari Mohd, former BH and HM sports reporter, now HM executive editor

Haji Ali Mansor Aman, who retired as the HM assistant editor

Zubairi Zabidin, former HM special projects editor

Haji Jalil Hussin, former executive sub-editor at BH

Ismail Ahmad, former Utusan Malaysia sports editor

Zainuddin Ayip, former Berita Minggu editor

Rahim Lajis, former BH sports reporter, Kuching bureau chief and later Utusan Malaysia's sub-editor, now Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM) general secretary

as well as loose cannon

Twice Haji Ali Mansor Aman became an assistant to Zian, first as BH assistant sports editor and later assistant editor of Harian Metro. Here Ali is pictured with former special projects editor of HM, Zubairi Zabidin

One of Tan Sri Hamzah Abu Samah's confidante, Ismail Ahmad, or Iba to many. A former sports editor of Utusan Malaysia, he later worked at Berita Harian and used to sub loose cannon's copies. When loose cannon met Hamzah last year, Ismail's name was, naturally, mentioned

Zian and Razali Yahya, members of the legendary Berita Harian sports desk in the 80s. Both went on to occupy the coveted sports editor's seat

Zian and Zain Ayip

Zian's trusted lieutenants - Haji Johari Mohd who is now Harian Metro's executive editor, Rodly Nayan, Ismail Ahmad, Hj Jalil Husin

Recalling the days when Zian was the shining star in NSTP

Razali Yahya sells his story to Zian, Rahim Lajis and Zian's bro-in-law, Afandi Majid. "During our time it was normal for New Straits Times to translate our stories!"

The storyteller as animated as ever..."you came to my in-laws place in Rengam with your girlfriend" he recalled. "Oh but I ended up marrying someone else!"

Harian Metro's ascenscion to the top of the charts took place during Zian's tenure. Due credit was given by the top management but not Tun Razak's former press secretary, Abdullah Ahmad "Dollah Kok Lanas". Tak percaya? Ask the Equinas CEO/former Media Prima CEO/NSTP director on the right

Or this MRCB CEO/NSTP director

The sports desk was known for its solidarity and espirit de corp. Break of fast at Zian's old place 1993. The BH sports desk team of early 90s. Standing from left: Azizah, Mohd Ali Majid, Solmi Ahmad, V. Ashok, Saufi Hamzah, Zulkifli Ibrahim, Rodly Nayan, Ismail Ahmad, Shahruddin Ramli, Rahimuddin Razak, Lukman Salleh, loose cannon, Nasir Ahmad, Abdul Rahim Zain, Norbakti Alias, Badrulhisham Othman. Middle row from left Kak Pah, Ishak Dalib, Md Zali Kasran, Zian Johari, Kak Mizar, Yati. Seated from left Jamhariah Jaafar, Veena Rusli, Aspara Rusli and Natasha Rusli...when Zian was made the Harian Metro editor in April 1994, he gradually instilled the sense of belonging to the paper by establishing Kelab Met

The BH sports desk team were called Jagoan. Class of 1993 - Back row: Abdul Rahim Zain, who was a former NS Malays/ITM footballer, Saufi Hamzah, Mior, Solmi Ahmad. Front row: Rosli Safar, Rodly Nayan, loose cannon (either mascot of the team or centre of attention as usual), Nasir Ab Wahab and Ishak Dalib. With his Liam Brady-like skills a thing of the past, Zian's role was reduced to becoming the team manager