It feels so good that everytime I browsed through the ATP website, the name Adam Malik still rings a bell. So, before the name Adam Malik and the Malaysian flag get wiped out of the ATP system, I would quickly reccomend every Malaysian to have a look at it NOW. I dont want to be the over-patriotic guy here! But hey, seriously I doubt it that there will ever be another tennis player from Malaysia in the eyes of the ATP, in, say at least, another 50 years! So, get to your computers now...just check and search the name Adam Malik so that we will not feel too bad everytime the ATP tour stops in Kuala Lumpur.
This year's ATP-Malaysian Open at Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalil again brought up the question on the level of tennis among the current national players. No Malaysian player are ranked even in the 1,000 bracket of the ATP rankings. Wild-card appearances in the singles qualifying, or the main draw in doubles, ended without any kind of challenge by Malaysian players. I say this without trying to discredit the efforts of our current players such as Si Yew Meng, Deen Hisham, Ahmad Deedat or others. So in terms of ATP history, which means the real thing in men's professional tennis, no Malaysian player comes close to the achievements of Adam Malik. Muar-born Adam who now resides in the United States, is indeed the forgotten hero of Malaysian sports, tennis in particular. And who would forget that Adam is Malaysia's youngest ever player when he played in the Davis Cup at the tender age of 14!.
I feel we are lucky that the ATP player search still holds the data of Adam Malik despite being categorised as an "inactive player". Thanks to the immaculate data gathering of the ATP, we are still able to remember Adam's professional career, though not as illustrious as we would have liked. The ATP web-site data still kept Adam's ranking during the eight year period after he turned pro in 1988. Adam, now 44 years old, has a career high ranking of 436 in April 1995. I remember those days some fans used to complain that his ranking is "nothing" but looking back now, at least Adam was genuinely ranked by the ATP based on his touring points, including his "lone ranger" exploits carrying the Malaysian flag in the Satellite and Challenger Series. He was the real thing representing Malaysia among thousands of tennis professionals in a sport dominated by Europe and the Americas. At least, Adam was a truly feared player in Asian tennis during that period. I remember he played some superb tennis to beat his rivals from Korea, Thailand and Indonesia at the National Tennis Center in Jalan Duta in the late 80's and early 90's.
But my biggest memory of Adam's playing career was when he beat two higher ranked players to reach the Kuala Lumpur ATP tournament in 1994 at KL Badminton Stadium in Cheras. He beat up and coming American, Robbie Weiss in two tie-break sets in the first round. In the round of last 16, Adam overcame experienced Swedish player, Thomas Nydahl, 4-6, 7-6, 7-6 to reach the quarter-finals of an ATP event. And that is history in Malaysian tennis and sports in general! There are lot more stories of Adam who also had the talented but locally groomed V Selvam and another pal, R Ramachandran as his rival and team-mate in the national tennis team during that exciting period. How can I forget them, especially Adam whom I regard as the best tennis player Malaysia has ever produced. Thank you for the memories Adam Malik!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Friday, September 23, 2011
Siapa kata kita akan 'mengaum'?
Baru saja lepas terbaca blog "Aku Bimbo"... jadi naik semangat pulak untuk aku memasang angan, membentak perasaan! Semuanya gara-gara tajuk beberapa akhbar di Malaysia susulan kekalahan 2-0 di tangan Jepun dalam kelayakan Olimpik London 2012, Rabu lalu. Spesifiknya, tajuk akhbar tabloid berbahasa Melayu. Memang mudah, 'sedap' dan puas hati bagi orang yang tukang buat 'heading' kalau tajuk itu dirasakan dapat menguja para pembaca akhbar berkenaan. Kalau "Aku Bimbo" ada menyanggah sikap sensasi tajuk sebuah akhbar mengenai seorang kanak-kanak yang dijangkiti virus Aids yang dilabel sebagai "budak Aids" (anak gitaris sebuah kumpulan rock tempatan), aku pula kurang senang dengan dua tajuk akhbar tempatan selepas kekalahan Malaysia di tangan Jepun di Stadium Tosu, Fukuoka, Jepun pada 21 September lalu. Bagi aku dua tajuk yang dimaksudkan: 1) "Harimau Muda gagal mengaum di bumi Jepun"; dan 2) "Harimau Lemau"; sungguh dangkal, rendah mutu dan berbaur penghinaan.
Aku yakin dan percaya, kedua-dua tajuk itu direka tanpa menyusuri rentetan sebenar bolasepak negara, malah rangkap katanya dikeluarkan secara spontan untuk memperkecilkan pemain dan pasukan kita sendiri. Bagaimanapun, jika wartawan, penyunting, atau editor yang bertanggungjawab mencetuskan ungkapan tajuk-tajuk itu berfikir dengan sedikit mendalam dan teliti, mereka pastinya akan mendapat ilham untuk memaparkan "heading" lain yang lebih tepat, membina dan tidak merosakkan bahasa. Sebagai orang yang pernah terlibat dengan penerbitan akhbar tabloid pada tahun 1990-an dulu, saya ingin memberikan sedikit hujah mengenai 2 tajuk berkenaan pada Khamis, 22 September 2011 (nama akhbar berkenaan dirahsiakan).
Harimau Muda gagal mengaum di bumi Jepun
Persoalannya:
1) Siapa yang kata pasukan kita akan mengaum di Jepun?
2) Bukankah wartawan dan sidang redaksi akhbar berkenaan sendiri yang berminggu-minggu mengulit sendiri harapan dan gambaran sebelum perlawanan?
3) Adakah jurulatih Olimpik, Ong Kim Swee pernah mengatakan pasukannya akan mengaum di Jepun? Saya rasa tidak pernah!
4) Mengikut sejarah, media sukan tempatan (termasuk akhbar tabloid berkenaan) mudah terbawa-bawa elemen "match previews" yang seolah-olah pasukan kita akan meledak dan menang pada hari perlawanan nanti! Rasa positif itu tidak salah, namun perlu realisitik.
5) Tidak salah juga jika Kim Swee atau pemain berjanji untuk memberikan yang terbaik, atau menjangkakan peluang kita ada apabila bertemu Jepun nanti.
* Jadi, tajuk akhbar "gagal mengaum" dalam konteks menentang Jepun tempoh hari tidak memberi gambaran yang adil dan sesuai. Persoalannya sekali lagi: "Siapa yang janji Malaysia akan mengaum di bumi Jepun?". Itu cuma andaian syok sendiri tabloid berkenaan.
"Harimau lemau"
1) Perkataan "lemau" dalam tajuk ini adalah sebahagian daripada vokabulari bahasa pasar/rojak generasi SMS dan FB. Juga dikerap dianjurkan oleh pelbagai individu dalam selebriti hiburan. Maksud "lemau" ditujukan kepada orang yang lembap, tak bertenaga dan tidak ceria.
2) Penggunaan perkataan 'lemau' terhadap skuad Olimpik negara sungguh berbaur penghinaan (sedangkan pemain jelas berusaha sedaya upaya menyaingi Jepun walaupun akhirnya tewas 2-0).
3) Kita akur corak permainan Malaysia di Tosu didominasi Jepun, antara statistik 16 percubaan Jepun; 1 percubaan Msia. Tetapi perkataan 'lemau" bukan istilah yang adil jika penulis tajuk akhbar berkenaan mengerti kronologi kejatuhan dan kebangkitan bolasepak Malaysia dan Jepun secara amnya. Perbandingan moden: Jepun No1 di Asia; Msia ke-25!
4) Di segi bahasa pun, penggunaan perkataan 'lemau' tidak tepat (sesuai untuk kuih dan biskut) untuk menggambarkan prestasi sesebuah pasukan bolasepak.
* Jadi, penggunaan 'lemau' hanyalah sikap nakal akhbar tabloid berkenaan seperti mahu menghina pasukan Olimpik negara. Ia sekadar 'sedap mulut' mereka saja yang mungkin juga sudah kehabisan idea. Secara peribadi, saya sendiri tahu ramai juga yang boleh dilabel sebagai 'lemau' di kalangan petugas media tempatan.
Apa yang menariknya, komen daripada pengulas berkecuali (Inggeris) untuk perlawanan Jepun-Malaysia itu, mempunyai pendapat yang lebih terbuka dan berbeza daripada gambaran akhbar tempatan kita sendiri. Pengulas berkenaan nyata melihat secara lebih menyeluruh bolasepak Malaysia dan Jepun. Antara pendapat mereka, pasukan Malaysia telah mempamerkan tentangan yang mantap, malah telah mampu meningkatkan keyakinan untuk berdepan Syria dan Bahrain; dan seterusnya merintis masa depan yang lebih baik. Barangkali, pendapat pengulas dan bekas pemain profesional itulah yang menjadi perbezaan minda kelas pertama berbanding sikap 'sedap mulut' dan menghina sesuka hati oleh sesetengah ruangan sukan tabloid tempatan.
Aku yakin dan percaya, kedua-dua tajuk itu direka tanpa menyusuri rentetan sebenar bolasepak negara, malah rangkap katanya dikeluarkan secara spontan untuk memperkecilkan pemain dan pasukan kita sendiri. Bagaimanapun, jika wartawan, penyunting, atau editor yang bertanggungjawab mencetuskan ungkapan tajuk-tajuk itu berfikir dengan sedikit mendalam dan teliti, mereka pastinya akan mendapat ilham untuk memaparkan "heading" lain yang lebih tepat, membina dan tidak merosakkan bahasa. Sebagai orang yang pernah terlibat dengan penerbitan akhbar tabloid pada tahun 1990-an dulu, saya ingin memberikan sedikit hujah mengenai 2 tajuk berkenaan pada Khamis, 22 September 2011 (nama akhbar berkenaan dirahsiakan).
Harimau Muda gagal mengaum di bumi Jepun
Persoalannya:
1) Siapa yang kata pasukan kita akan mengaum di Jepun?
2) Bukankah wartawan dan sidang redaksi akhbar berkenaan sendiri yang berminggu-minggu mengulit sendiri harapan dan gambaran sebelum perlawanan?
3) Adakah jurulatih Olimpik, Ong Kim Swee pernah mengatakan pasukannya akan mengaum di Jepun? Saya rasa tidak pernah!
4) Mengikut sejarah, media sukan tempatan (termasuk akhbar tabloid berkenaan) mudah terbawa-bawa elemen "match previews" yang seolah-olah pasukan kita akan meledak dan menang pada hari perlawanan nanti! Rasa positif itu tidak salah, namun perlu realisitik.
5) Tidak salah juga jika Kim Swee atau pemain berjanji untuk memberikan yang terbaik, atau menjangkakan peluang kita ada apabila bertemu Jepun nanti.
* Jadi, tajuk akhbar "gagal mengaum" dalam konteks menentang Jepun tempoh hari tidak memberi gambaran yang adil dan sesuai. Persoalannya sekali lagi: "Siapa yang janji Malaysia akan mengaum di bumi Jepun?". Itu cuma andaian syok sendiri tabloid berkenaan.
"Harimau lemau"
1) Perkataan "lemau" dalam tajuk ini adalah sebahagian daripada vokabulari bahasa pasar/rojak generasi SMS dan FB. Juga dikerap dianjurkan oleh pelbagai individu dalam selebriti hiburan. Maksud "lemau" ditujukan kepada orang yang lembap, tak bertenaga dan tidak ceria.
2) Penggunaan perkataan 'lemau' terhadap skuad Olimpik negara sungguh berbaur penghinaan (sedangkan pemain jelas berusaha sedaya upaya menyaingi Jepun walaupun akhirnya tewas 2-0).
3) Kita akur corak permainan Malaysia di Tosu didominasi Jepun, antara statistik 16 percubaan Jepun; 1 percubaan Msia. Tetapi perkataan 'lemau" bukan istilah yang adil jika penulis tajuk akhbar berkenaan mengerti kronologi kejatuhan dan kebangkitan bolasepak Malaysia dan Jepun secara amnya. Perbandingan moden: Jepun No1 di Asia; Msia ke-25!
4) Di segi bahasa pun, penggunaan perkataan 'lemau' tidak tepat (sesuai untuk kuih dan biskut) untuk menggambarkan prestasi sesebuah pasukan bolasepak.
* Jadi, penggunaan 'lemau' hanyalah sikap nakal akhbar tabloid berkenaan seperti mahu menghina pasukan Olimpik negara. Ia sekadar 'sedap mulut' mereka saja yang mungkin juga sudah kehabisan idea. Secara peribadi, saya sendiri tahu ramai juga yang boleh dilabel sebagai 'lemau' di kalangan petugas media tempatan.
Apa yang menariknya, komen daripada pengulas berkecuali (Inggeris) untuk perlawanan Jepun-Malaysia itu, mempunyai pendapat yang lebih terbuka dan berbeza daripada gambaran akhbar tempatan kita sendiri. Pengulas berkenaan nyata melihat secara lebih menyeluruh bolasepak Malaysia dan Jepun. Antara pendapat mereka, pasukan Malaysia telah mempamerkan tentangan yang mantap, malah telah mampu meningkatkan keyakinan untuk berdepan Syria dan Bahrain; dan seterusnya merintis masa depan yang lebih baik. Barangkali, pendapat pengulas dan bekas pemain profesional itulah yang menjadi perbezaan minda kelas pertama berbanding sikap 'sedap mulut' dan menghina sesuka hati oleh sesetengah ruangan sukan tabloid tempatan.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Skuad Olimpik cari "good result"
Barangkali 'mood' Raya yang membuatkan saya rasa terlalu sibuk untuk menulis. Detik sedih dan malang menimpa rakan media dalam misi kemanusiaan di Somalia juga seolah-olah melambatkan gerak-geri. Apa pun esok, Malaysia lawan Jepun dalam sukan bolasepak, kejohanan kelayakan Sukan Olimpik, mempunyai tarikan yang sudah cukup kuat.
Jepun (dan Korea Selatan) sering menjadi tuturan 'sedap mulut' peminat fanatik bolasepak tempatan. "Dulu, Jepun pun kita titik senang-senang." Memang benar tetapi tidak semua komen kita tepat. Kelayakan Sukan Olimpik 1972, Malaysia benam Jepun 3-0 menerusi hatrik Syed Ahmad Syed Abu Bakar membolehkan Malaysia layak ke Munich. Itu dulu, ini sekarang! Proses kelayakan bolasepak sekarang juga sudah banyak berubah. Jumlah negara yang menghantar pasukan beraksi dalam bolasepak antarabangsa juga sudah bertambah besar. Perjalanan pasukan kendalian Ong Kim Swee ternyata begitu berliku. Bolasepak Jepun sekarang menuju "world class" dalam semua aspek. Perlawanan esok hanyalah yang pertama daripada 6 perlawanan semuanya yang turut membabitkan Syria dan Bahrain. Yang penting, pasukan Olimpik negara perlu tepat mencari sasaran untuk mendapatkan "good result".
Ketika bersembang dengan Kim Swee di luar 'set' di Sri Pentas minggu lalu, saya sempat meluahkan rasa kepada beliau bahawa Malaysia perlu jelas dan terancang untuk mencari "good result". Kalah 1-0 mungkin masih boleh dianggap "good result". Apa ni? Takde semangat ke? Mengalah sebelum berjuang? Bukan itu maksud saya. Saya percaya Kim Swee dan pemain-pemainnya faham realiti bolasepak di antara Malaysia dan Jepun ketika ini. Justeru, mencari 'good result' amat penting supaya cabaran awal pasukan Olimpik untuk mengintai peluang ke London 2012, tidak terjerumus, terkulai dan layu! Biarlah secara keseluruhannya, pasukan Olimpik Malaysia dapat mempertontonkan kualiti yang sewajarnya dan terus mencari landasan untuk membantu kebangkitan bolasepak Malaysia. Baiklah, 0-0 atau 1-1 sudah tentu good result yang lebih diinginkan peminat bolasepak tempatan dan saya sendiri. Satu mata daripada perlawanan 'away' di Tosu, Jepun sudah pasti cukup berharga, sekaligus membakar semangat dan keyakinan pemain Malaysia untuk cabaran seterusnya. Jadi, Ong Kim Swee, grup teknikalnya serta pemain-pemain skuad Olimpik, peka, prihatin dan berusaha keraslah untuk apa yang sepatutnya menjadi "good result" di Jepun, esok. Selamat berjuang!!!
Jepun (dan Korea Selatan) sering menjadi tuturan 'sedap mulut' peminat fanatik bolasepak tempatan. "Dulu, Jepun pun kita titik senang-senang." Memang benar tetapi tidak semua komen kita tepat. Kelayakan Sukan Olimpik 1972, Malaysia benam Jepun 3-0 menerusi hatrik Syed Ahmad Syed Abu Bakar membolehkan Malaysia layak ke Munich. Itu dulu, ini sekarang! Proses kelayakan bolasepak sekarang juga sudah banyak berubah. Jumlah negara yang menghantar pasukan beraksi dalam bolasepak antarabangsa juga sudah bertambah besar. Perjalanan pasukan kendalian Ong Kim Swee ternyata begitu berliku. Bolasepak Jepun sekarang menuju "world class" dalam semua aspek. Perlawanan esok hanyalah yang pertama daripada 6 perlawanan semuanya yang turut membabitkan Syria dan Bahrain. Yang penting, pasukan Olimpik negara perlu tepat mencari sasaran untuk mendapatkan "good result".
Ketika bersembang dengan Kim Swee di luar 'set' di Sri Pentas minggu lalu, saya sempat meluahkan rasa kepada beliau bahawa Malaysia perlu jelas dan terancang untuk mencari "good result". Kalah 1-0 mungkin masih boleh dianggap "good result". Apa ni? Takde semangat ke? Mengalah sebelum berjuang? Bukan itu maksud saya. Saya percaya Kim Swee dan pemain-pemainnya faham realiti bolasepak di antara Malaysia dan Jepun ketika ini. Justeru, mencari 'good result' amat penting supaya cabaran awal pasukan Olimpik untuk mengintai peluang ke London 2012, tidak terjerumus, terkulai dan layu! Biarlah secara keseluruhannya, pasukan Olimpik Malaysia dapat mempertontonkan kualiti yang sewajarnya dan terus mencari landasan untuk membantu kebangkitan bolasepak Malaysia. Baiklah, 0-0 atau 1-1 sudah tentu good result yang lebih diinginkan peminat bolasepak tempatan dan saya sendiri. Satu mata daripada perlawanan 'away' di Tosu, Jepun sudah pasti cukup berharga, sekaligus membakar semangat dan keyakinan pemain Malaysia untuk cabaran seterusnya. Jadi, Ong Kim Swee, grup teknikalnya serta pemain-pemain skuad Olimpik, peka, prihatin dan berusaha keraslah untuk apa yang sepatutnya menjadi "good result" di Jepun, esok. Selamat berjuang!!!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Mengenang Allahyarham Noramfaizul
Jangan mulakan 'blame game', kata YAB Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. Allahyarham Noramfaizul Mohd Nor jurukamera Bernama TV yang tertembak mati ketika membuat liputan misi kemanusiaan Kelab Putera 1-Malaysia di Somalia, dimahsyurkan sebagai wira negara. Kita faham semua itu. Mujur juga Datuk Seri Najib bijak membaca situasi apabila berjanji bahawa langkah dan perancangan yang lebih teliti dan berhati-hati akan diambil sebelum Malaysia menghantar delegasi dalam misi yang seumpamanya pada masa akan datang. Cukuplah dengan pengorbanan rakan kami Noramfaizul yang meninggalkan seorang balu, Norazrina Jaafar dan dua anak lelaki, Mohd Irfan dan Mohd Naufal.
Saya amat percaya, kita mampu mengelakkan tragedi media Malaysia di Somalia daripada berulang. Rasanya tidak mahu lagi melihat sebarang suasana kepulangan jenazah yang disambut, malah dirai, di lapangan terbang seperti yang berlaku di TUDM, Subang, kira-kira jam 10.10 pagit semalam. Terdetik juga kekesalan di sebalik pengiktirafan pihak tertinggi kerajaan yang menyifatkan kematian Allahyarham Noramfaizul sebagai inspirasi yang melambangkan jati diri dan hati budi seluruh warga Malaysia dalam membantu insan sejagat. Bukan berniat mencetuskan 'blame game' yang diistilahkan YAB Perdana Menteri, tetapi tetap timbul pelbagai persoalan apakah penganjur misi Somalia telah mengambilkira segala risiko keselamatan dan merencana pengurusan misi bantuan berkenaan dengan sebaik-baiknya. Diharap tiada sebarang kelalaian atau sikap memandang ringan terhadap setiap keperluan yang sepatutnya diberi perhatian. Diharap, tiada sebarang kesempatan diambil oleh mana-mana pihak, dan jangan sekali-kali mahu 'membutakan' kita daripada realiti dan tragedi yang menimpa Allahyarham.
Secara peribadi saya hanya mengenali Allahyarham menerusi beberapa ketika seperti liputan sukan atau acara sukan antara media tempatan. Jersi pasukan bolasepak Malaysia (versi sebelum kebangkitan Harimau Malaya) yang dipakai ketika bergambar bersama keluarga, membuktikan semangat Allahyarham terhadap negaranya. Allahyarham memiliki air muka yang tenang dan ceria. Saya cukup senang setiap kali bertemu beliau. Kali terakhir saya disapa Allahyarham ialah pada pelancaran logo UFL di Bandar Sri Damansara, Kuala Lumpur pada 18 Julai lalu. Saya sedih dan terkilan. Pemergian Allahyarham juga amat dirasai oleh rakan-rakan petugas media yang lain.Takziah buat seluruh anggota keluarga Allahyarham Noramfaizul Mohd Nor.
Saya amat percaya, kita mampu mengelakkan tragedi media Malaysia di Somalia daripada berulang. Rasanya tidak mahu lagi melihat sebarang suasana kepulangan jenazah yang disambut, malah dirai, di lapangan terbang seperti yang berlaku di TUDM, Subang, kira-kira jam 10.10 pagit semalam. Terdetik juga kekesalan di sebalik pengiktirafan pihak tertinggi kerajaan yang menyifatkan kematian Allahyarham Noramfaizul sebagai inspirasi yang melambangkan jati diri dan hati budi seluruh warga Malaysia dalam membantu insan sejagat. Bukan berniat mencetuskan 'blame game' yang diistilahkan YAB Perdana Menteri, tetapi tetap timbul pelbagai persoalan apakah penganjur misi Somalia telah mengambilkira segala risiko keselamatan dan merencana pengurusan misi bantuan berkenaan dengan sebaik-baiknya. Diharap tiada sebarang kelalaian atau sikap memandang ringan terhadap setiap keperluan yang sepatutnya diberi perhatian. Diharap, tiada sebarang kesempatan diambil oleh mana-mana pihak, dan jangan sekali-kali mahu 'membutakan' kita daripada realiti dan tragedi yang menimpa Allahyarham.
Secara peribadi saya hanya mengenali Allahyarham menerusi beberapa ketika seperti liputan sukan atau acara sukan antara media tempatan. Jersi pasukan bolasepak Malaysia (versi sebelum kebangkitan Harimau Malaya) yang dipakai ketika bergambar bersama keluarga, membuktikan semangat Allahyarham terhadap negaranya. Allahyarham memiliki air muka yang tenang dan ceria. Saya cukup senang setiap kali bertemu beliau. Kali terakhir saya disapa Allahyarham ialah pada pelancaran logo UFL di Bandar Sri Damansara, Kuala Lumpur pada 18 Julai lalu. Saya sedih dan terkilan. Pemergian Allahyarham juga amat dirasai oleh rakan-rakan petugas media yang lain.Takziah buat seluruh anggota keluarga Allahyarham Noramfaizul Mohd Nor.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Mind boggling 'second-best'?
Feeling really bad this morning...barely 2 hours of sleep! Perhaps, thinking too much about Lee Chong Wei's another failed attempt to win the World title. Or maybe the 'bangun sahur' blues? Not really. Blame it on Chong Wei, or wait...maybe I'm the one who should be blamed! My head kept going back and forth to explore my inner beliefs that Chong Wei is Malaysia's best ever singles badminton player. Better than legends of the 50's and 60's like the great Wong Peng Soon, Eddy Choong, Teh Kew San, Tan Aik Huang, Rashid Sidek, etc? Yes Chong Wei is the best. But he has never won "the real big title" as Malaysian press guys would question. Which big one? World championships, Olympics, All England, Asian Games or even the Malaysian/Indonesian Open? What about the world rankings...doesnt it say something? Agreed Chong Wei is still considered second fiddle in world badminton supremacy behind Lin Dan of China. But surely we all saw in the final of the World Championships at Wembley Arena yesterday how tiny and little that separates between Lin Dan and Chong Wei. 23-21 in the deciding rubber could have gone either way. So two meetings this year: LCW beat LD in straights to successfully defend his All England title; and, LD finally so relieved and somewhat lucky to his his fourth world championship title.
People always acknowledged how great Lin Dan is. But how can we deny the greatness of Chong Wei in the way he shouldered the high expectations every time he steps on court. To me, Chong Wei is without a doubt an iconic badminton champion who has taken the highs and lows, especially the sarcastic comparisons since his heavy defeat to Lin Dan in the 2008 Beijing Olympics final, in his stride. In fact, Chong Wei continues to show us that he is a great champion, playing with consistency, continually improving every little details on the analysis that he and Misbun Sidek studied since that bruising Olympics loss. Of course that 8-18 loss-win record he suffered to Lin Dan tells us that the Chinese superstar is extraordinary. But then again, Chong Wei's greatness in terms of work ethics, discipline, sacrifice and respect for the game (no pull-out mockery), should be glorified by our future generation of badminton players. Bring on Lin Dan, see you again at Wembley Arena at 2012 Olympics!
People always acknowledged how great Lin Dan is. But how can we deny the greatness of Chong Wei in the way he shouldered the high expectations every time he steps on court. To me, Chong Wei is without a doubt an iconic badminton champion who has taken the highs and lows, especially the sarcastic comparisons since his heavy defeat to Lin Dan in the 2008 Beijing Olympics final, in his stride. In fact, Chong Wei continues to show us that he is a great champion, playing with consistency, continually improving every little details on the analysis that he and Misbun Sidek studied since that bruising Olympics loss. Of course that 8-18 loss-win record he suffered to Lin Dan tells us that the Chinese superstar is extraordinary. But then again, Chong Wei's greatness in terms of work ethics, discipline, sacrifice and respect for the game (no pull-out mockery), should be glorified by our future generation of badminton players. Bring on Lin Dan, see you again at Wembley Arena at 2012 Olympics!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Malaysia's first badminton world champ?
Will Malaysia finally win a World Championship title in badminton this year? Of course they can with our best bet of Lee Chong Wei in singles and Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong in doubles. All said and done, they are also Malaysia's best hope for the country's first gold medal at the Olympics.
Perhaps the golden feeling for Malaysian sports in badminton would be felt this weekend at Wembley Arena, the venue for both this year's World Championships and the London Olympics, next year. Not matter what the critics might say, I truly believe that Kien Keat and Boon Heong has as good a chance as Chong Wei to win the World Championship title on Sunday.
However, studying at the result of KKK-TBH's win (21-6, 20-22, 21-15) over China's Liu Xiolong and Qiu Zihan earlier this morning, our Malaysian pair are still bogged by what the local media would generalise as "inconsistent". It is more than inconsistency, surely there are elements of lacking in concentration (focus), complacency or being plain "fancy", especially on the part of Kien Keat. After winning the opening set 21-6, one would imagine KK and BH's superiority and experience to wrap up the match in straights. But no. They lost the second game, 22-20, to bring us back some of the painful memories of their defeat in other major tournaments that we have watched 'live' on television. KK and BH got their act together to win 21-15 to book a place in the third round against Chen Hung Ling-Lin Yu Lang tomorrow. KK-BH who are the 4-th seed, should have no such problems against the Taiwanese pair and let's hope that they know how to stay calm before stinging an attack to grab the points during crucial rallies.
Chong Wei must also be at his best and not take lightly the aggressive game approach by Korea's Park Sung Hwan to book his place in the quarter-finals. Chong Wei and KK-BH are good enough to reach the final at least. Malaysia's first title at the World Badminton Championships, and the Olympics, are perhaps just around the corner..somewhere at the Wembley Arena!
Perhaps the golden feeling for Malaysian sports in badminton would be felt this weekend at Wembley Arena, the venue for both this year's World Championships and the London Olympics, next year. Not matter what the critics might say, I truly believe that Kien Keat and Boon Heong has as good a chance as Chong Wei to win the World Championship title on Sunday.
However, studying at the result of KKK-TBH's win (21-6, 20-22, 21-15) over China's Liu Xiolong and Qiu Zihan earlier this morning, our Malaysian pair are still bogged by what the local media would generalise as "inconsistent". It is more than inconsistency, surely there are elements of lacking in concentration (focus), complacency or being plain "fancy", especially on the part of Kien Keat. After winning the opening set 21-6, one would imagine KK and BH's superiority and experience to wrap up the match in straights. But no. They lost the second game, 22-20, to bring us back some of the painful memories of their defeat in other major tournaments that we have watched 'live' on television. KK and BH got their act together to win 21-15 to book a place in the third round against Chen Hung Ling-Lin Yu Lang tomorrow. KK-BH who are the 4-th seed, should have no such problems against the Taiwanese pair and let's hope that they know how to stay calm before stinging an attack to grab the points during crucial rallies.
Chong Wei must also be at his best and not take lightly the aggressive game approach by Korea's Park Sung Hwan to book his place in the quarter-finals. Chong Wei and KK-BH are good enough to reach the final at least. Malaysia's first title at the World Badminton Championships, and the Olympics, are perhaps just around the corner..somewhere at the Wembley Arena!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
First XI calculations for Rajagopal
Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) have announced 25 players selected for the national squad for two (meaningless?..and now cancelled) friendly matches this month, including one against Oman. Here are among the possibilites and could be's of our national football team following their most dissapointing exit by Singapore in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers last week:
(Including some notes for Datuk K Rajagopal):
Ashaari Shamsuddin: Not sure about his attitude during training sessions but Ashaari's goal-scoring abilities are proven in the Malaysian league or at international level. A beautiful finish against Indonesia in that AFF first leg semi-final at Bukit Jalil, should have been enough to convince us that he is a first XI material. Ashaari looks like an individualist at times, but his goal instincts and finishing technique were clearly missed against Singapore. Never mind his loner kind of attitude during training.
Badrol Bakhtiar: Badrol's considerable work rate and an eye for goal were not really appreciated by Rajagopal. No doubt the Kedah player struggled against the matches against Taiwan after coming off from an injury plagued season. However, Badrol was still good enough to see action against Singapore. On a hind-sight, Badrol is a better choice than fellow SEA Games gold medallist, Fakri Shaarani.
Ismail Faruqi: He was boo-ed by the crowd against Singapore. Faruqi is that kind of player; love him or hate him. I certainly love his courage and confidence in taking on the Singapore players, even in tight situations. A wee bit too much at times; hence the jeer! However, Faruqi can bring a lot of difference to our national team attacking play from mid-field which were at times, too predictable.
Nor Hafiz Zamani Misbah: Zamani has not really proven his real talents with the national team, mainly hampered by injury or the bashings by China, Iran and Uzbekistan when he was a team member in the 2007 Asian Cup. Still Zamani's reading of the game can provide the calming influence which are badly needed to strengthen the defence. Many were convinced by Zamani's ability to hold the defence as proven against Chelsea on July 21.
Farizal Marlias: Goalkeeper on a comeback mission. Also played against Chelsea and marked his return as a national team member with some fine saves to deny the likes of Kalou, Anelka and Drogba. Khairul 'Apek" Fahmi seems to be the number one No 1 at the moment but Farizal is set to replace Sharbini Allawi as Malaysia's number two goalkeeper.
Datuk Rajagopal's line-up for the national team's first XI in the two matches against Singapore were questioned by some die-hard fans. Lets hope Rajagopal really look into various options before deciding to stick only to his 'trusted' players. The national team that did well in the SEA Games and the Asean Championships, need a different dimension now. Also sincerely hope that the so-called football reporters in the country understand the transformation needed to make the Malaysian team stronger and able to play football with a higher level of quality.
(Including some notes for Datuk K Rajagopal):
Ashaari Shamsuddin: Not sure about his attitude during training sessions but Ashaari's goal-scoring abilities are proven in the Malaysian league or at international level. A beautiful finish against Indonesia in that AFF first leg semi-final at Bukit Jalil, should have been enough to convince us that he is a first XI material. Ashaari looks like an individualist at times, but his goal instincts and finishing technique were clearly missed against Singapore. Never mind his loner kind of attitude during training.
Badrol Bakhtiar: Badrol's considerable work rate and an eye for goal were not really appreciated by Rajagopal. No doubt the Kedah player struggled against the matches against Taiwan after coming off from an injury plagued season. However, Badrol was still good enough to see action against Singapore. On a hind-sight, Badrol is a better choice than fellow SEA Games gold medallist, Fakri Shaarani.
Ismail Faruqi: He was boo-ed by the crowd against Singapore. Faruqi is that kind of player; love him or hate him. I certainly love his courage and confidence in taking on the Singapore players, even in tight situations. A wee bit too much at times; hence the jeer! However, Faruqi can bring a lot of difference to our national team attacking play from mid-field which were at times, too predictable.
Nor Hafiz Zamani Misbah: Zamani has not really proven his real talents with the national team, mainly hampered by injury or the bashings by China, Iran and Uzbekistan when he was a team member in the 2007 Asian Cup. Still Zamani's reading of the game can provide the calming influence which are badly needed to strengthen the defence. Many were convinced by Zamani's ability to hold the defence as proven against Chelsea on July 21.
Farizal Marlias: Goalkeeper on a comeback mission. Also played against Chelsea and marked his return as a national team member with some fine saves to deny the likes of Kalou, Anelka and Drogba. Khairul 'Apek" Fahmi seems to be the number one No 1 at the moment but Farizal is set to replace Sharbini Allawi as Malaysia's number two goalkeeper.
Datuk Rajagopal's line-up for the national team's first XI in the two matches against Singapore were questioned by some die-hard fans. Lets hope Rajagopal really look into various options before deciding to stick only to his 'trusted' players. The national team that did well in the SEA Games and the Asean Championships, need a different dimension now. Also sincerely hope that the so-called football reporters in the country understand the transformation needed to make the Malaysian team stronger and able to play football with a higher level of quality.
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