Malaysia rugby under-19 finish in third place

Malaysia rugby squad under-19 finish for the third place in Division One of the Asia Under-19 Championship in Manila after defeated the host country, Philippines 36-19. With that achievement, Malaysia are avoid from eliminated to Division Two and will remain in Division One for the next year.

Malaysia who come up with fast-paced game patterns get lead 17-0 in the first-half and maintain the game until the final whistle. The greatness of the Malaysia forces cannot be compared to the Philippine squad who see them as eye-opener at International School of Manila.

“My boys did well and showed improvement from the 34-14 semi-final defeat to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Our strategy to play with fast-paced game patterns and successfully lead the game comfortably. We were aggressive and also defensively strong”, said the team manager Azlan Ishak.

This squad is a good prospect for being a coating to senior squad.

UAE defeated South Korea 19-12 in the final match to earn the single promotion spot to the Championship Division (top tier) next year.

 Players :

1. Mohamad Azwan bin Md Zamri2. Zikrie Amin bin Zulkifli3. Mohamad Rahmad bin Abu Seman4. Ian Cliff Rampangajouw5. Luqman Nurhakim bin Hendri Dwistariya6. Mohammad Akram bin Zainuddin7. Muhammad Harith Izzuddin bin Zali8. Muhammad Sameer bin Muhammad Sani Surinder9. Muhammad Zulfikri bin Zul Edwar10. Muhammad Sayuti bin Mustapa11. Muhammad Harith Iqbal bin Muhammad Anhar12. Mohamad Khairul Khadimin bin Jusoh13. Mohd Hafizuddin Amin bin Mohd Akhir14. Muhammad Amirul Husni bin Mohamad15. Muhammad A’Aziem bin Badaruddin16. Muhammad Khalil bin Azman17.Muhammad Safiy bin Md Said18. Zulmajdi bin Kama Razali19. Aqib Mustamim bin Jailani20. Arif Asyraf bin Shamsuddin21. Wan Azley bin Wan Omar22. Mohd Shah Arzil bin Arzmi23. Muhammad Arif bin Azmi24. Caphryan Dhanny a/k Gisang25. Irfan Nazhan bin Badrul Hishamend.

Adam Arif won the AmBank title

SportExcel chairman Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja'afar (right) with AmBank Group corporate communications and marketing head Syed Anuar Syed Ali (left) Adam Arif Madzri (left) Jenny Ham during the prize giving ceremony of AmBank SportExcel International Junior Golf Championship at Glenmarie Golf and Country Club in Shah Alam. 

Adam Arif Madzri stayed strong as last year’s champion Zubair Firdaus crumbled in the 12^th AmBank SportExcel International Junior Golf Championship on 7^th December 2017.

The Selangor born golfer recorded two under par 70 on the third day to collect par 216, followed by the defending champion Zubair Firdaus with two under par 218 while K.Rhaarikanesh and Sheikh Abd Razak Sheikh Rawof recorded two under par 219 that were tied on third place.

“Zubair was playing well and lead on the first day. I think the pressure got to him and then had a poor game and I managed to take the lead. I was unlucky on the first day but played very well today (third day). The praise by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak at the Golf for Shaaban Charity Game Championship last year spurred me to do better on the second day and last day”, said Adam.

The next event for Adam Arif is the 100Plus Malaysian Junior Open 2017 that held from 11^th until 14^th December 2017 at Glenmarie Golf and Country Club.

On the other category which is women category, Jenny Ham from Thailand emerged as a champion after carding four below par 220 followed by two Malaysian golfer, Liyana Durisic (222) and Ashley Lau Jen Wen (225).

“I am grateful for winning the title today and I would like to thank AmBank Group and other sponsors for organising such a fantastic tournament. It was tough and challenging and I learned a lot of new things throughout the tournament”, said Jenny Ham.

Both winner received a scholarship from Hills Golf Academy of Australia and worth RM 150,000.

Aiman Raziz emerges victorious at One Championship

Muhammad Aiman Raziz Affindi from Kuala Pilah redeemed himself at Singapore Indoor Stadium when he defeated the newcomer from China, Yang Fei in the catchweight contest in the One: Immortal Pursuit.

Fighting in the second preliminary bout of the evening, the Malaysia’s sole challenger at the franchise’s mixed martial art (MMA) exponent reinserted his name into the winner’s column by outworking Yang Fei in a tactical three-round catchweight contest.

Aiman who had moved up from bantamweight was declared the victor by way of unanimous decision. The latest success has improved Aiman’s professional record to win 3 – loss 2. He says the win has given him renewed confidence for the fight in Kuala Lumpur on next year.

“I feel like Yang Fei not a ground guy but he couldn’t handle me on the feet. He tried to win some points on the ground but I didn’t let him. He is definitely light and he is not a ground guy but he got desperate, I guess. I managed to win and dominate. I know it is nice because they have given me a fight and I will be fighting again at home in Kuala Lumpur where I will get back to my weight class plus try to climb that bantamweight rank”, said Aiman Raziz.

In addition, Aiman said seeing fellow franchise fighter Martin Nguyen’s remarkable progress over the years has inspired him. He said that he saw Nguyen progress in so many things when he beat Eduard Folayang and Marat Gafurov to win two titles in less than a year. I will definitely be trying to do the same thing because that inspires me to be more like him.

Vietnamese-Australia Nguyen made history when he became the first-ever fighter to hold two-division world champion in One Championship.

Dato' Lee Chong Wei lose in quarter-final of China Open

Dato’ Lee Chong Wei’s poor form continued in the China Open when he was ousted in the men’s singles quarter-finals. Before this tournament, Dato’ Lee Chong Wei was suffered a shock loss to Brice Leverdez from France in the first round of the World Championship in Glasgow, Scotland in August.

In this tournament, Dato’ Lee Chong Wei meet the same person again in second round match and easy for him to win that match 21-6, 21-9. But his journey in China Open was ended after defeat to Angus Ng Ka Long from Hong Kong who is 12 years younger than Dato’ Lee Chong Wei. The 35-years old and also the seeded seventh for the tournament losing in a three set thriller, 12-21, 21-15 and 19-21 in 70 minutes at Hiaxia Olympic Sport Centre.

Dato’ Lee Chong Wei is not disappointed with his quarter-final defeat in the China Open. Instead, the World No 7 considers his performance in China as a sign of progress following first round exits in the Denmark Open and French Open.

He believes he has regained confidence to do better in the Hong Kong Open. That tournament also will be Dato’ Lee Chong Wei’s final tournament for 2017 before he takes a short break to reassess his condition and other matters concerning his career for next season.

BAM president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria said, “Chong Wei told me that he was happy with his performance in the China Open. The shuttler believes he has regained confidence and he hopes to do better in the Hong Kong Open”.

When asked whether Dato’ Lee Chong Wei is nursing an injury, Norza said that Dato’ Lee Chong Wei is fit and has no problems.

For the records, Dato’ Lee Chong Wei has not won a title since his All England victory in March. He was the losing finalist in the Malaysia Open and Japan Open.

Rafiq challenge in the PBA Cheetah Championship ends early

Rafiq Ismail’s run up the PBA Cheetah Championship ended in the first round of the match play stage at the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nevada.

The 20 year old Malaysian and also the seeded sixth in the last 16 match play stage put a gallant performance in four games before losing 235-203, 259-256, 269-225, 238-218 to two-handed bowler from Australia, Jason Belmonte that also the 11th seeds of the tournament.

Rafiq said, “It is not easy when you play in a match play round. The games are very fast. Every strike counts but unfortunately for me, I did not carry well on this games”.

When asked about his overall experience in the PBA World Series of Bowling Tour, Rafiq added, “It was a good experience as I was able to bowl with so many top bowlers. It was a great achievement considering that I made the top 16 of the Cheetah Championship and also did well enough to qualify for the PBA World Championship”.

He was a part of the Rest of the World team that faced the United States in a late match before this. The other bowlers that also in the Rest of the World were Jason Belmonte (Australia), Jesper Svesson (Sweden), Dominic Barret (England) and Thomas Larsen (Denmark).

Before join the PBA Cheetah Championship, Rafiq Ismail have participated in PBA World Championship. He only can ending up the games in 24^th spot and failed to make the top-five cut for the stepladder finals. Rafiq only manage to 2155 pin falls over the last 10  games to finish with a 60-games total 13555 pin falls.

In-from Swedish bowler, Jesper Svesson retained top spot in the 49 players standings with a 14465 pin falls.

Sepak takraw team missed the chance to win ISTAF World Cup 2017

Malaysia and another seventeen countries including world champion, Thailand was participated in ISTAF World Cup 2017. This tournament been held from 2 until 5 November 2017 at Hyderabad, India. It was a second-ever World Cup after the last game was held in Kuala Lumpur on 2011.

In this tournament, Malaysia has did well during the tournament to go through the final match against the top seeds Thailand. But, Malaysia went down in straight games in the final.

National coach Abdul Talib Ahmad fielded an experienced side comprising tekong Syahir Rosdi, feeder Farhan Adam, killer Norhafizi Abd Razak with Hanafiah Dolah (killer) coming off the bench in the second game.

On the other side, Thailand rested legendary killer Pornchai Kaokaew and Anuwat Chaichana (killer) for the tournament thought they did include tekong Siriwat Sakha.

Malaysia showed determination and sheer fighting spirit especially in the second set where they stretched the Thais who eventually won with a score of 23-21. At a time when Malaysia lag 15-18, they managed to tie the score and struggling until the end before losing the game. It was a tough game which both team always exchange points. The national squad also fought well in the first set in which they went down 19-21.

“Our players gave the best fight to win. Just a few mistakes hampered our efforts to emerge victorious. Congratulations to our players for forcing the opponents to more struggling for victory. In fact, at one point, the Thais got worried and even despatched their experienced tekong, Siriwat Sakha. For me, this is a loss where our pride is still very much intact”, Abdul Talib said.

For the record, the last time Malaysia beat Thailand was in Malaysia during the ISTAF Super Series 2015 Final. The achievement in Hyderabad is a repeat of the 2011 edition when the national team lost to Thailand in the final for bringing back the silver medal.

Malaysia finished runners-up in 2017 AFF Futsal Championship

The 2017 AFF Futsal Championship is the 14th edition of the tournament. This tournament been held at Ho Chi Minh City at Vietnam from 26th October until 3rd November 2017. Nine countries participate in this tournament which is Vietnam, Myanmar, Brunei, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Timor Leste, Laos and also Malaysia. 

Malaysia team have show their full spirit when play to go through the final for the first time in seven years. But Malaysia once again defeat to Thailand in the final match after also defeat at Kuala Lumpur Sea Games. The last time Malaysia made the final was in 2010 which is also in Ho Chi Minh City, where they lost 0-5 to Indonesia. 

In the final match, Malaysia has made a good start after scoring two goals only in seven minute through Awalludin Mat Nawi and Ridzwan Bakri. On 12nd minute, Thailand closing the gap to 1-2 after Tanachot Sosawaeng get score from a great move to treat Malaysia's goalkeeper. 

Thailand pushed forward into the second half in search of the equaliser but it was Malaysia who went ahead again in the 23rd minute with Muhammad Awaluddin blasting in from a throw in. Thailand would soon regrouped with Muhammad Osmanmusa scoring the crucial goal in the 27th minute as veteren Jetsada Chudech then drew level with a strike in the 31st minute.

The extra time would be all Thailand as Malaysia felt that the title slipping away from them and just four minutes in, a strike from youngster Ronnachai Jungwonsuk have beat Malaysian goalkeeper Azrul Hadee Taufiq for the fourth time on the night.

"It was a tough and difficult game as we had expected. We started well but did not score and while we continued to created, Malaysia were quick with the two goals and that put us under pressure. I told the players that we cannot play like Malaysia with the counter attack game. We need to play our style which is more controlled. And when we finally did that in the second half, we managed to get back into the game and win it", said Thailand head coach Pulpis.

On the other hand, Malaysia head coach Chiew Chun Yong said that the match was so close for us to win. We were missing something in the game and that is individual quality and also composure. We did not want to be defensive and the strategy almost worked. We have a lot of improvement to do before the AFC tournament next year.

After the final match, Thailand's player Muhammad Osmanmusa was named as the top scorer after scoring 13 goals during the tournament. Myanmar came in third place after beating host country Vietnam 4-3 on penalties after draw 2-2 in the real time.

Malaysia lost to India in 2017 Men’s Hockey Asia Cup final

The 2017 Men’s Hockey Asia Cup was the tenth tournament to date in Hockey Asia Cup for men. It was held from 11 to 22 October 2017 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This tournament been participated by 8 countries which is India, Pakistan, Japan, Bangladesh, South Korea, China, Oman and our beloved country, Malaysia.

India ended its 10 years wait for continental triumph when it defeated Malaysia 2-1 in a final match. India came out all guns blazing and took the lead in the third minutes through Ramandeep Singh, who scored from a rebound after his initial deflection from S.V.Sunil cross hit the post. A minute before half-time, Lalit Upadhyay doubled India’s lead when he beautifully deflected home Sumit’s reverse hit cross from the left flank.

Down by two goals, Malaysia came out all guns blazing in the fourth and final quarter and gave Indian defence a run their money. After wasting its second penalty corner, Malaysia came back into the match when Shahril Saabah scored from close range in the 50^th minutes as the Indian defence wilted under pressure.

And with three minutes left in the match, coach Stephen Van Huizen took out goalkeeper S.Kumar for an extra outfield player in a last gasp attempt to draw the match and take it to a penalty shoot out. The tactic was worked when Malaysia draw 1-1 againt South Korea, but even though it pinned India in their own semi-circle, Malaysia failed to score.

Malaysia team have gave their best but still it was not enough to deny India. This in the first time Malaysia reach into final stage in 35 years. For India team, this victory is their third Asia Cup title after won it at Kuala Lumpur (2003) and Chennai (2007). South Korea still lead the list with 4 titles to their name.

After final match, Lalit Upadhyay won the goal of the match award while Akashdeep Singh was adjudged the man of the match. In addition, our national player, Faizal Saari was get top scorer award and best player of the tournament award.

Second podium finish for Hafizh Syahrin

Moto2 rider from Malaysia, Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah proved he has the potential to make the big step up to MotoGP in the future after securing his second podium finish in three races at the Japan Motorcycle Grand Prix on Sunday.

Hafizh start the race in sixth position and continues his stunning performance by finishing in third place that clocked 32 minutes 12.035 seconds in the 15-lap race which is 3.134 seconds behind Alex Marquez from Marc VDS. Alex won the race after clocked 32 minutes 08.901 seconds while Xavi Vierge from Tech 3 Racing came in second place after clocked 32 minutes 10.366 seconds. Another Malaysian rider, Khairul Idham Pawi from Idemitsu Honda Team finished 23rd with a time 32 minutes 59.432 seconds.

This victory was the second podium finish Hafizh Syahrin after winning the same position in the San Marino Grand Prix at the Misano World Circuit at Italy last month.

"We were quietly confident throughout the weekend, and it was just a matter of remaining calm and focused. The race went perfectly and I am very happy to secure my second podium finish of the season. The bike had been competitive and on the pace all weekend. We also managed to record a succession of the fastest lap times today. This result will motivate us to keep pushing in the next races. A big thank you to everyone for all your support and prayers", said Hafizh.

For the record, Hafizh Syahrin collected 16 points and secured the 10th place on overall in the Moto2 category, with 82 points after 15 races this season. Franco Morbidelli rider from Italy still on the top with 256 points. 

The Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix will take place on 22nd October 2017 in Philip Island Circuit followed by the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Sepang Circuit on 29th October 2017 and the finale in Valencia on 12nd November 2017.

Wong Weng Son is now a World Champion

Wong Weng Son in action

Malaysia’s wushu contingent has taking part in 14^th World Wushu Championship 2017 that be held in Kazan, Russia from 29^th September 2017 until 3^rd October 2017.

At this World Wushu Championship, Wong Weng Son make a surprised by winning a gold medal in the men’s jianshu (sword) event after he put up a stunning performance. He posted 9.64 points to beat Lee Ha-Sung from South Korea that only be satisfied in second place after get 9.60. Weng Son teammate that also the gold medallist in Kuala Lumpur Sea Games, Yeap Wei Kin got the third place after scoring 9.53.

This title be so meaningful for Weng Son as he only managed to get silver medals in the jianshu (sword) and qianshu (spear) events after losing the both events to Yeap Wai Kin at the recent Kuala Lumpur Sea Games.

Weng Son almost to get the second gold medal for himself but he only managed to get a silver medal in qianshu (spear) event after losing to Zhang Yaowen from China. Beside that, Yeap Wai Kin also get a bronze medal in this event same as in jianshu (sword) event.

“It is a great achievement to land a title in wushu’s most prestigious world event,” said Wong Weng Son.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak wish congrate to Weng Son for winning a gold medal. “Another pride for Malaysia! Congrats Wong Weng Son for winning a gold medal in the men’s jianshu event in the World Wushu Championship,” he said in posting on his official Twitter page.

For the final result, Malaysia end up the World Wushu Championship 2017 at the 8^th placed after collecting 8 medals which is 2 golds, 3 silvers and 3 bronzes. Malaysia got another gold medal from women category which is in duilian event that represented by Phoon Eyin, Loh Ying Ting and Tan Cheong Min. China be a champion for this time after collecting 15 gold medals.

Dodgeball team earned 3 gold medals in Asia Pacific Dodgeball Championship

Malaysia dodgeball team with their medal and trophies

On 29^th September until 1^st October 2017, Malaysia has participated in Asia Pacific Dodgeball Championship that was held at the Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil. It been a wonderful day after Malaysia team made a clean sweep by bagging all three gold medals for men, women and mixed category.

This tournament was participated by 10 countries which is Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Japan, Singapore, Pakistan, Phillipines and Malaysia as the host. But competing against the teams hailing from powerful nation such as Australia and Singapore did not hinder Malaysia team from making us proud.

In the finals, our three teams in the different category all faced Australia in highly competitive matches and emerged the victor. The Malaysia first gold medal was achieved by the mixed’s team after winning with a score of 7-5. Meanwhile, the women’s team were up next and beat Australia with a score of 9-3. Our last gold medal was achieved by the men’s team after beat Australia with a score of 10-4.

These wins are especially significant for our national teams because the winners in each category will be qualified to enter the 2018 World Cup in New York, at the world renowned Madison Square Garden. This means that Malaysia’s dodgeball teams will be competing in New York next year in a highly prestigious dodgeball competition.

“Two years ago during the Asia Pacific Championship in Australia, we only satisfied in second place in all three categories and today, we got the first placed,” the captain of the team, Muhamad Heidy Mohd Yusoff said. He also said “last year we went to Manchester as the underdog and placed second and this time around, we will like to be acknowledged as the champions as we compete in New York next year.

On the previous 2016 Dodgeball World Cup at Manchester, England, the Malaysia men’s dodgeball team marked a historic debut after clinching the runner-up spot. In the final, Malaysia lost 3-14 to the England.

Congratulation and wish them all the best.

Malaysia Men's Goalball Finally Grab Gold Medal After 12 Years

The men’s goalball team created history after won against five-time ASEAN Para Games champion Thailand 9-5 in the final at the Malaysian International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MiTEC) on 23 September 2017.

In the final match, Muhammad Amirul and Muhammad Haiqal scored early goals to help Malaysia lead 5-2 on the half-time. Noppadon Poosrisom and Siwarin Phonphirun closed the gap, but Malaysia ultimately pulled away to claim a historic win.

For the record, Malaysia had lost to Thailand in the final at the 2005 APG (Manila, Philippines), 2007 (Korat,Thailand), 2011 (Palembang, Indonesia), 2014 (Myanmar), and 2015 (Singapore).

Before reach into the final match, Malaysia has to compete with six other countries. The national team was do the best by winning all six round robin matches. Their journey begin with defeating Laos (16-6), Thailand (13-7), Philippines (11-1), Indonesia (10-0), Myanmar (15-5), and Cambodia (10-0). Malaysia collecting 18 points as the group’s champion and faced Laos in the semi-final that get the fourth placed in the group with 9 points. In that match, national team win 13-3 while another semi-final Thailand beating Indonesia 15-5.

The gold medal finally came after a 12 years wait as the Malaysian have for long played second fiddled to the Thais. For the information, goalball players compete with their eyes covered with a piece of cloth, relying solely on their hearing senses to attack and defend.

It was the 90^th and last gold medal that won by the Malaysian Contigent in ASEAN Para Games Kuala Lumpur 2017.

“Every players in the team had pledged to break Thailand’s domination by claiming the gold for the first time in 12 years and they kept good of the promise”, said Malaysia’s coach Abdul Kadir Raham.

“The players spent a lot of time in training to ensure they can match the might of the Thais. But all the sacrifice were worth. We are all excited with this victory as we have shown that nothing is impossible”, Malaysia’s captain Husnaini Samsudin said.

Malaysia Crowned 2nd Busan International Beach Soccer Champion

On 16 and 17 September 2017, Malaysia has participate in 2nd Busan International Beach Soccer tournament at South Korea. 

Malaysia were victorious after defeating Awesome Club from China 6-3 in the final on Sunday. In the final match, Zaharim Yusof score twice goals while Fakhruddin Mohamad, Fakhrullah Mohamad, Riduwan Nor and Ridhwan Zainal added one goal each to secure the win.

After the final match, Riduwan Nor was named as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Fakhrullah Mohamad was named as the tournament's top scorer after scoring 7 goals during the tournament.

Before reach into final, Malaysia has been placed in Group D with Busan Transportation Corporation (BTC) and Songdo Baby FS (SBFS). The national team win the both games which is beat BTC 5-0 and SBFS 6-1.

Saiful Noor's team reached the final after defeating Unknown from South Korea 8-2 in the quarter final stage and overcoming semi-final opponent BSC from Japan 4-3 in a penalty shootout after draw 4-4 in a regular time.

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and the futsal and beach soccer committee take the sport seriously. We would like to organise centralised training every month and at the same time we look for new talent for international tournaments. This year we have been invited to two tournaments which is a great progress, said assistant coach for beach soccer national team, Saiful Noor. 

Saiful Noor take on the job well after taking over the task from head coach, Ismail Zakaria due to him undergoing the AFC 'C' Coaching Certificate Course.

Malaysia Beach Soccer players :

1. Nazri Sulaiman (GK) 
2. Ajasni Parman (GK)
3. Zaharim Yusof (FW)
4. Riduwan Nor (FW)
5. Fakhrullah Mohamad (DF)
6. Fakhruddin Mohamad (FW)
7. Ridhwan Zainal (FW)
8. Shafiq Riza Huzair (DF)
9. Aminullah Abdul Razab (DF)
10. Qushairi Assari (DF)

CONGRATULATIONS 😀 👏