The Star Online: Metro: Central
The Star Online: Metro: Central |
| Posted: 25 Sep 2012 05:23 AM PDT SELANGOR have strengthened their side with PKNS FC's Helmi Loussaief and Nicoise Josep for the Sultan of Selangor's Cup football competition at the Shah Alam Stadium on Saturday. The Red Giants have also called up international Safee Sali for their annual encounter against the Lions. Together with their trio, Selangor also have another foreign striker in Croatian Bosko Balaban. Selangor captain Mohd Safiq Rahim, who has been playing in the competition since 2008, said the foursome would provide extra power in their quest to wrest the trophy. "We lost to Singapore in the last two encounters. But with Helmi, Nicoise as well as Safee and Bosko lining up, Selangor will be a strong side. We are determined to win the match,'' said Mohd Safiq. In 2010, Singapore thrashed Selangor 6-0 but last year the Lions only managed a 1-0 win. It must also be noted that Singapore are back in the M-League and both the home and away encounters with Selangor ended 1-1. Safiq said he liked the atmosphere during the Sultan of Selangor's Cup and the presence of fans would be a motivation to the players. "The players look forward to the cheers from the fans. Their presence, just like in the past editions, will create a carnival atmosphere. We are looking forward to please them with a win against Singapore,'' said Safiq. Bosko shared Safiq's sentiments and expected the fans to come out in full force. "This is the first time I will be playing in the competition. The teammates have told me a lot about the atmosphere. It will be great to be part of the event,'' added Bosko. Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah initiated the competition in 2001 to foster better relations between Selangor and Singapore. It was then known as the Regent of Selangor Cup. With the coronation of the Sultan in 2003, the competition was renamed as the Sultan of Selangor's Cup. A match between the Selangor Veterans and their counterparts from Singapore will be the curtain raiser. Organising chairman Datuk Abdul Karim Munisar said they were in the final lap of their preparations for the event. "We are expecting a crowd of about 70,000 for the match. We had also organised several activities to promote the competition. We have been getting a lot positive feedback from football fans. Players who had featured for Selangor and Singapore in the 80s will be on pitch. "There will be entertainment as well as fireworks,'' said Abdul Karim. |
| Modest return by Malaysian veterans Posted: 25 Sep 2012 05:23 AM PDT THE Malaysian veteran shuttlers found it tough to nail the gold medal at the 19th World Chinese Badminton Championships in Changchun, China recently. From the recent campaign, the group featuring under the Michael's Badminton Academy (MBA) banner returned with four silver and seven bronze medals. MBA director Michael Lee admitted the Malaysian entries faced stiffer competitions in the tournament comprising 1,800 participants including serious contenders from other countries. "The level of competition has increased with the tournament attracting a quality field of competitors. We are going up against stronger opponents in our bid to emerge as winners. They have definitely raised the bar in the tussle for supremacy," he added. The 59-year-old Michael continued his partnership with the 58-year-old Victor Sim of the Singapore Badminton Masters and settled for bronze after they ended their campaign in the semi-finals of the men's 55 to 59 years doubles. The recent defeat was their third lost to a Thai combination at the annual tournament over the recent three outings. "It was unfortunate that we could not complete our challenge on a winning note in our final attempt. "For me, it is another interesting phase moving on to join the action in the 60 to 64 years section next year," said Michael. At the previous meet at Shunde in Guangzhou, Michael-Victor went down 25-31 to Jiamsak Panitchaikul-Somrak Amamwat of Thailand for a place in the final. Another Thai pair also eliminated Michael-Victor in the semi-finals at the same tournament in Pattaya, Thailand in 2010. Michael-Victor were the former champions with their back-to-back victories in 2008 and 2009. Michael said the organisers are anticipating a turnout of 4,000 participants to be part of the next edition of the annual event at Beijing in October next year. "It is going to be a grand occasion celebrating the 20th anniversary of the tournament. The hosts are preparing a huge competition venue with 60 courts to accommodate the hectic competition schedule," he added. |
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