MALAYSIA'S 2012 London Olympics campaign came to an end when diver Bryan Nickson Lomas just missed out on a place in the 10m platform semi-final at the Aquatic Centre on Friday.
The nation, having experienced a high when Pandelela Rinong delivered a bronze in the women's 10 platform, would have been expecting three-time Olympian Bryan to keep the Malaysian challenge going in London but it was not to be.
Bryan, who was Malaysia's flag-bearer at the 2004 Athens Olympics at the tender age of 14, finished 19th in the preliminary round with only the top 18 divers advancing.
Bryan scored 434.95, losing out to to 18th placed American David Boudia who registered 439.15 to seal the 18th semi-final spot.
The 22-year-old's exit means Malaysia will finish the Games with a haul of one silver and one bronze - thanks to shuttler Lee Chong Wei and Pandelela.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Bronze for heroic Pandelela
MALAYSIA'S wait for an Olympic medal from other than badminton ended at the London Olympics Aquatic Centre in the early hours of Friday when diver Pandelela Rinong lived up to expectations to deliver the 10m platform bronze.
It was a magnificent medal to win, considering the pressure the 19-year-old was under after a poor first dive left her in 10th place in the 12-diver field.
Pandelela, however, heeded coach Yang Zhuliang's advise for her to remain calm and focus on her remaining dives and the Sarawakian slowly but surely pulled herself back into contention as her main challengers wilted.
In fact, had it not been for the first dive - which gave her only 58.50 points, Pandelela could have well won the silver as her final total of 359.20 points was not too far off silver medallist Brittany Broben of Australia's total of 366.50. China's Chen Ruolin was a runaway winner with 422.30.
Pandelela, however, was too excited to think about missing out on silver.
"This is a massive achievement for Malaysian diving and I am so proud of becoming the first Malaysian from outside badminton to win a medal at the Olympics for Malaysia. I can't believe it," said Pandelela.
After her first dive, Pandelela found the consistency she required as she scored 78.30, 64.00, 81.60 and 76.80. It was the fourth dive which pulled her back into reckoning and the fifth sealed her third place after Australia's Melissa Wu failed to achieve the score needed to overcome Pandelela.
"My coach told me to forget about the first dive, stay calm and focus on the remaining dives," said Pandelela, whose first thought was to call her family after fulfilling her media obligations.
"My mother, who was here, had returned home but I will call her once I find my phone."
The bronze means Pandelela has won a medal at every level, including a silver in the 10m platform at the 2010 Junior Olympics at Sydney.
It also means she will receive RM150,000 from the National Sports Council and a lifetime pension of RM2,000 monthly.
"I hope this inspires more Malaysians to take up the sport as diving can bring honour to Malaysia."
The nation certainly agrees, thanks to Pandelela.
It was a magnificent medal to win, considering the pressure the 19-year-old was under after a poor first dive left her in 10th place in the 12-diver field.
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| Pandelela is overcome with emotion after her bronze medal win was confirmed. Pix by Khairul Ghazali |
Pandelela, however, heeded coach Yang Zhuliang's advise for her to remain calm and focus on her remaining dives and the Sarawakian slowly but surely pulled herself back into contention as her main challengers wilted.
In fact, had it not been for the first dive - which gave her only 58.50 points, Pandelela could have well won the silver as her final total of 359.20 points was not too far off silver medallist Brittany Broben of Australia's total of 366.50. China's Chen Ruolin was a runaway winner with 422.30.
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| Pandelela acknowledges the Malaysians who were in the stands at the Aquatic Centre. |
Pandelela, however, was too excited to think about missing out on silver.
"This is a massive achievement for Malaysian diving and I am so proud of becoming the first Malaysian from outside badminton to win a medal at the Olympics for Malaysia. I can't believe it," said Pandelela.
After her first dive, Pandelela found the consistency she required as she scored 78.30, 64.00, 81.60 and 76.80. It was the fourth dive which pulled her back into reckoning and the fifth sealed her third place after Australia's Melissa Wu failed to achieve the score needed to overcome Pandelela.
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| Bronze but worth its weight in gold for the 19-year-old diver. |
"My coach told me to forget about the first dive, stay calm and focus on the remaining dives," said Pandelela, whose first thought was to call her family after fulfilling her media obligations.
"My mother, who was here, had returned home but I will call her once I find my phone."
The bronze means Pandelela has won a medal at every level, including a silver in the 10m platform at the 2010 Junior Olympics at Sydney.
It also means she will receive RM150,000 from the National Sports Council and a lifetime pension of RM2,000 monthly.
"I hope this inspires more Malaysians to take up the sport as diving can bring honour to Malaysia."
The nation certainly agrees, thanks to Pandelela.
Consistency the key for Pandelela in final
CONSISTENCY is needed if Pandelela Rinong is to win a medal in the London Olympics 10m platform at the Aquatic Centre later on Thursday (2am Friday Malaysian time).
The 19-year-old has a great chance, although gold looks out of reach as only a disaster will prevent China's Chen Ruolin from winning, as she finished the semi-final earlier on Thursday within touching distance of second-placed Meaghan Benfeito of Canada.
The Canadian scored 359.90 from her five dives while Pandelea, who finished fifth, garnered a total 352.50 points.
Third and fourth were Australians Britanny Broben (359.55) and Melissa Wu (355.60). Ruolin was in a class of her own, scoring 407.25 to win the semi-final.
Based on the semi-final, Pandelela will need scores of 75-plus in each of her dives if she is to challenge for a medal.
She had scores of 67.50, 75.40, 70.40, 67.20 and 72.00 in the semi-final.
Meanwhile, Heidi Gan finished 16th in the women's 10km open water swimming, clocking 2:00:45.0s . The Malaysian had targeted a finish higher than her ranking of 24.
Eva Risztov of Hungary won the gold in 1:57:38.2. Second was American Haley Anderson (1:57:38.6) and third Martina Grimaldi (1:57:41.8) of Italy.
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| Pandelela Rinong has to strive for consistency in the final. |
The 19-year-old has a great chance, although gold looks out of reach as only a disaster will prevent China's Chen Ruolin from winning, as she finished the semi-final earlier on Thursday within touching distance of second-placed Meaghan Benfeito of Canada.
The Canadian scored 359.90 from her five dives while Pandelea, who finished fifth, garnered a total 352.50 points.
Third and fourth were Australians Britanny Broben (359.55) and Melissa Wu (355.60). Ruolin was in a class of her own, scoring 407.25 to win the semi-final.
Based on the semi-final, Pandelela will need scores of 75-plus in each of her dives if she is to challenge for a medal.
She had scores of 67.50, 75.40, 70.40, 67.20 and 72.00 in the semi-final.
Meanwhile, Heidi Gan finished 16th in the women's 10km open water swimming, clocking 2:00:45.0s . The Malaysian had targeted a finish higher than her ranking of 24.
Eva Risztov of Hungary won the gold in 1:57:38.2. Second was American Haley Anderson (1:57:38.6) and third Martina Grimaldi (1:57:41.8) of Italy.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Renewed hope as Pandelela impresses
MAYBE, just maybe, Malaysia may end the London Olympics with a second medal after diver Pandelela Rinong advanced to the semi-finals of the women's 10m platform in an impressive second place on Wednesday.
Pandelela, the 2010 Commonwealth Games champion in the same event, scored a total 349.00 points from five dives to finish behind China's Chen Ruolin, who was in a class of her own with 392.35 points.
The China diver, barring the unexpected, will surely win the gold but Pandelela has given Malaysia reason to be excited after cyclist Azizulhasni Awang could only manage a sixth place finish in the keirin final on Tuesday.
Azizul, it was hoped, would add to the silver shuttler Lee Chong Wei won in the men's singles on Sunday but Pandelela, who still has to navigate past the semi-finals today (5pm Malaysian time), may just deliver a medal.
Had it not been for a poor third dive which fetched only 52.80 points, Pandelela would have finished the preliminary round much closer to Chen Ruolin and a comfortable second ahead of Christin Steuer of Germany, who scored 341.75 points.
Traisy Vivien Tukiet, however, failed to advance to the semi-finals after finishing 22nd with 285.00 points. Only the top 18 advanced.
There is still work ahead though and Pandelela has to ensure that she advances to the final, scheduled for 2am Wednesday Malaysian time to launch an assault on a 10m platform medal after having finished seventh in the synchro with Leong Mun Yee and eighth in the 3m springboard synchro with Cheong Jun Hoong.
Pandelela, the 2010 Commonwealth Games champion in the same event, scored a total 349.00 points from five dives to finish behind China's Chen Ruolin, who was in a class of her own with 392.35 points.
The China diver, barring the unexpected, will surely win the gold but Pandelela has given Malaysia reason to be excited after cyclist Azizulhasni Awang could only manage a sixth place finish in the keirin final on Tuesday.
Azizul, it was hoped, would add to the silver shuttler Lee Chong Wei won in the men's singles on Sunday but Pandelela, who still has to navigate past the semi-finals today (5pm Malaysian time), may just deliver a medal.
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| Pandelela Rinong qualified comfortably for the women's 10m platform semi-finals. |
Traisy Vivien Tukiet, however, failed to advance to the semi-finals after finishing 22nd with 285.00 points. Only the top 18 advanced.
There is still work ahead though and Pandelela has to ensure that she advances to the final, scheduled for 2am Wednesday Malaysian time to launch an assault on a 10m platform medal after having finished seventh in the synchro with Leong Mun Yee and eighth in the 3m springboard synchro with Cheong Jun Hoong.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Ken Nee finishes 10th
THERE was no grandstand finish from diver Yeoh Ken Nee as he finished 10th in the London Olympics 3m springboard final at the Aquatic Centre on Tuesday.
Although the odds were stacked against the Malaysian, some still harboured hopes he could perform miracles in the final after becoming the first national diver to qualify for an individual Olympic final.
But it was not to be for the veteran as he scored a total 437.45 points from his six dives to finish ahead of only Canada's Alexander Despatie and Javier Garcia of Spain.
It was, however, an improvement from his semi-final finish, where Ken Nee took the 12th and last spot for the final.
The diver, though, can be happy as he met the target he had set himself prior to the London Games.
China, who have been ruling the London Olympics diving pool, had to be satisfied with silver and bronze as Russian Ilya Zakharov took the gold with 555.90 points. Qin Kai scored 541.75 for silver and He Chong finished third with 524.15.
Malaysia's diving campaign is not over yet though as Pandelela Rinong and Traisy Vivien Tukiet will be in action in the 10m platform preliminary round on Wednesday (2am Thursday in Malaysia).
Bryan Nickson Lomas also has the men's 10m platform to look forward to on Friday.
Although the odds were stacked against the Malaysian, some still harboured hopes he could perform miracles in the final after becoming the first national diver to qualify for an individual Olympic final.
But it was not to be for the veteran as he scored a total 437.45 points from his six dives to finish ahead of only Canada's Alexander Despatie and Javier Garcia of Spain.
It was, however, an improvement from his semi-final finish, where Ken Nee took the 12th and last spot for the final.
The diver, though, can be happy as he met the target he had set himself prior to the London Games.
China, who have been ruling the London Olympics diving pool, had to be satisfied with silver and bronze as Russian Ilya Zakharov took the gold with 555.90 points. Qin Kai scored 541.75 for silver and He Chong finished third with 524.15.
Malaysia's diving campaign is not over yet though as Pandelela Rinong and Traisy Vivien Tukiet will be in action in the 10m platform preliminary round on Wednesday (2am Thursday in Malaysia).
Bryan Nickson Lomas also has the men's 10m platform to look forward to on Friday.
No shame in defeat for Azizul
AZIZULHASNI Awang was just seconds away from delivering Malaysia's first Olympic medal from a sport other than badminton but had to admit defeat when his power-packed opponents turned on the heat in the final at the London 2012 Velodrome on Tuesday.
Azizul looked to be in the running for a medal in the last 200m as he kept himself with the pace-setters and even occupied second place at one stage when the sprint got underway.
However, the experienced field of world and Olympic medallists proved too strong once they turned on the power, leaving Azizul to cross the finish line in sixth.
Still it was an improvement on his 10th placed finish in the Beijing Olympics four years ago and although Azizul could be seen shaking his head as he crossed the line, he will look back to Tuesday's race as motivation to do even better in the future.
He is only 24 and there will be many more races for Azizul to win, including the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
Britain's Chris Hoy defended his title while silver went to Germany's Maximilian Levy and New Zealand's Simon van Velthooven and the Netherlands' Teun Mulder shared the bronze in a tight finish at the end.
Hoy went into the final as a five-time Olympic gold medallist and three-time world champion, Dutchman Mulder was a three time world champion, Australian Shane Perkins was the 2011 world keirin champion and Levy was a double bronze medallist in the sprint in Beijing 2008.
Azizul was no pushover himself, having won the keirin silver in the 2010 World Championships and a record three-time World Cup keirin champion, achievements he will undoubtedly add to in the future.
Azizul looked to be in the running for a medal in the last 200m as he kept himself with the pace-setters and even occupied second place at one stage when the sprint got underway.
However, the experienced field of world and Olympic medallists proved too strong once they turned on the power, leaving Azizul to cross the finish line in sixth.
Still it was an improvement on his 10th placed finish in the Beijing Olympics four years ago and although Azizul could be seen shaking his head as he crossed the line, he will look back to Tuesday's race as motivation to do even better in the future.
He is only 24 and there will be many more races for Azizul to win, including the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
Britain's Chris Hoy defended his title while silver went to Germany's Maximilian Levy and New Zealand's Simon van Velthooven and the Netherlands' Teun Mulder shared the bronze in a tight finish at the end.
Hoy went into the final as a five-time Olympic gold medallist and three-time world champion, Dutchman Mulder was a three time world champion, Australian Shane Perkins was the 2011 world keirin champion and Levy was a double bronze medallist in the sprint in Beijing 2008.
Azizul was no pushover himself, having won the keirin silver in the 2010 World Championships and a record three-time World Cup keirin champion, achievements he will undoubtedly add to in the future.
Ken Nee in final, Azizul on course
DIVER Yeoh Ken Nee and cyclist Azizulhasni Awang ensured a nervous wait for Malaysia on Tuesday when they advanced to the 3m springboard final and keirin semi-finals, respectively.
For Ken Nee, it was a case of history being made as he is the first Malaysian to make an individual diving final at the Olympics.
Ken Nee, appearing in his final Olympics, just squeezed into the final by finishing 12th in the semi-finals at the Aquatic Centre diving pool.
The Malaysian had finished 10th in the first round but a low-scoring sixth dive in the semi-final meant an anxious wait before his place was confirmed. The final is scheduled for 2am Wednesday (Malaysian time).
Azizul, by finishing second, ensured he would - at the very least - match the achievement of Beijing 2008 where he also made the semi-finals.
Azizul has Britain's Chris Hoy for company in his semi-final, which will be at 11.30pm Tuesday (Malaysian time).
Hoy, who is defending the crown he won so emphatically in Beijing four years ago, is desperate to retain the title in his only individual race in the London Games.
The others in Azizul's semi-final, where the top three will advance to the final, scheduled for 12.50am Wednesday (Malaysian time), are Spain's Juan Peralta Gascon, Christos Volikakis of Greece, the Netherlands' Teun Mulder and Trinidad and Tobago's Nicholas Phillip.
For Ken Nee, it was a case of history being made as he is the first Malaysian to make an individual diving final at the Olympics.
Ken Nee, appearing in his final Olympics, just squeezed into the final by finishing 12th in the semi-finals at the Aquatic Centre diving pool.
The Malaysian had finished 10th in the first round but a low-scoring sixth dive in the semi-final meant an anxious wait before his place was confirmed. The final is scheduled for 2am Wednesday (Malaysian time).
Azizul, by finishing second, ensured he would - at the very least - match the achievement of Beijing 2008 where he also made the semi-finals.
Azizul has Britain's Chris Hoy for company in his semi-final, which will be at 11.30pm Tuesday (Malaysian time).
Hoy, who is defending the crown he won so emphatically in Beijing four years ago, is desperate to retain the title in his only individual race in the London Games.
The others in Azizul's semi-final, where the top three will advance to the final, scheduled for 12.50am Wednesday (Malaysian time), are Spain's Juan Peralta Gascon, Christos Volikakis of Greece, the Netherlands' Teun Mulder and Trinidad and Tobago's Nicholas Phillip.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Ken Nee in semis, eyes on Azizul
DIVER Yeoh Ken Nee brought some cheer for Malaysia when he qualified for the London Olympics 3m springboard final at the Aquatic Centre on Monday.
Kee Nee finished 10th in the first round, scoring a total 452.60 points from his six dives.
Naturalised Malaysian Huang Qiang, however, just missed out on a place in the semi-finals when he finished 19th with 433.85 points. Only the top 18 divers progressed to Tuesday's semi-finals, which will be held at 5pm Malaysian time.
The top 12 will then progress to the final, scheduled for 2am Wednesday Malaysian time.
Meanwhile, Azizulhasni Awang was drawn in the third heat for the men's keirin, which will also be held on Tuesday (5pm Malaysia).
Azizul has Canada's Joseph Veloce, Fabian Hernando Zapata (Colombia), Denis Spicka (Czech Republic), Mickael Bourgain (France) and Christos Volikakis (Greece) for company in his heat. Favourite Chris Hoy of Britan, the defending champion, is in heat one.
Only the top 12 riders will advance to the semi-finals and from there, the top six into the final. The keirin medals will be decided on Tuesday (early Wednesday in Malaysia).
Kee Nee finished 10th in the first round, scoring a total 452.60 points from his six dives.
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| Yeoih Ken Nee has to finish in the top 12 to make the London Olympics 3m springboard final. - File pic |
Naturalised Malaysian Huang Qiang, however, just missed out on a place in the semi-finals when he finished 19th with 433.85 points. Only the top 18 divers progressed to Tuesday's semi-finals, which will be held at 5pm Malaysian time.
The top 12 will then progress to the final, scheduled for 2am Wednesday Malaysian time.
Meanwhile, Azizulhasni Awang was drawn in the third heat for the men's keirin, which will also be held on Tuesday (5pm Malaysia).
Azizul has Canada's Joseph Veloce, Fabian Hernando Zapata (Colombia), Denis Spicka (Czech Republic), Mickael Bourgain (France) and Christos Volikakis (Greece) for company in his heat. Favourite Chris Hoy of Britan, the defending champion, is in heat one.
Only the top 12 riders will advance to the semi-finals and from there, the top six into the final. The keirin medals will be decided on Tuesday (early Wednesday in Malaysia).
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Keirin Azizul's last hope, disaster for Hup Wei, Noraseela
AZIZULHASNI Awang had to, for the second consecutive Olympics, settle for eighth place in the men's sprint at the London 2012 Velodrome on Sunday.
Azizul was reduced to the fifth-eighth place playoff after having had to accept that Jason Kenny was in a class of his own after the Briton produced two outstanding races to send the Malaysian packing in the quarter-finals.
Though Azizul's two races showed he had put much thought into how to match Kenny, the Beijing Olympic silver medallist proved just why he had been picked ahead of defending champion Chris Hoy by British coaches for the sprint.
Azizul also failed to improve on his eighth-placed finish achieved in Beijing in the fifth-eighth race and will be hoping for better luck in the keirin, which will be contested on Tuesday.
The keirin is Malaysia's last real chance of adding to the silver Lee Chong Wei won in the men's singles at the Wembley Arena on Sunday, although there is still hope that diver Pandelela Rinong will produce something remarkable in the 10m platform on Wednesday.
There was disaster in track and field, where Jamaica's Usain Bolt retained his 100m title with a 9.63s run at the Olympic Stadium, as men's high jumper Lee Hup Wei and women's 400m hurdler Noraseela Khalid failed to use the opportunity to set national records.
Hup Wei produced a best jump of 2.16m when he needed to register 2.26m to qualify. It was a poor effort considering that the Malaysian's national record is 2.27m.
Noraseela also had an outing to forget, clocking 1.00:16s in heat two to finish last in the field of nine athletes. Her national record is 56.02s.
Hup Wei and Noraseela were in London as wild card entries.
Azizul was reduced to the fifth-eighth place playoff after having had to accept that Jason Kenny was in a class of his own after the Briton produced two outstanding races to send the Malaysian packing in the quarter-finals.
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| Azizulhasni Awang is Malaysia's last real medal hope in the London Olympics. |
Though Azizul's two races showed he had put much thought into how to match Kenny, the Beijing Olympic silver medallist proved just why he had been picked ahead of defending champion Chris Hoy by British coaches for the sprint.
Azizul also failed to improve on his eighth-placed finish achieved in Beijing in the fifth-eighth race and will be hoping for better luck in the keirin, which will be contested on Tuesday.
The keirin is Malaysia's last real chance of adding to the silver Lee Chong Wei won in the men's singles at the Wembley Arena on Sunday, although there is still hope that diver Pandelela Rinong will produce something remarkable in the 10m platform on Wednesday.
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| Lee Hup Wei's best jump in the qualification was 2.16m. |
There was disaster in track and field, where Jamaica's Usain Bolt retained his 100m title with a 9.63s run at the Olympic Stadium, as men's high jumper Lee Hup Wei and women's 400m hurdler Noraseela Khalid failed to use the opportunity to set national records.
Hup Wei produced a best jump of 2.16m when he needed to register 2.26m to qualify. It was a poor effort considering that the Malaysian's national record is 2.27m.
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| Noraseela didn't have much to be happy for after finishing last in her 400m hurdles heat. |
Noraseela also had an outing to forget, clocking 1.00:16s in heat two to finish last in the field of nine athletes. Her national record is 56.02s.
Hup Wei and Noraseela were in London as wild card entries.
Chong Wei's pride in defeat
LEE Chong Wei may have fallen short but he walked tall at the Wembley Arena on Sunday.
Lin Dan may have stopped Chong Wei yet again from becoming the Olympic champion, and in doing so kept Malaysia waiting for gold, but no one could fault the two-time silver medallist for his effort.
Having been blown away by Lin Dan when they met at the same stage in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Chong Wei produced a near perfect performance in Sunday's final but luck deserted him when he needed it most.
"I knew that the final would require me to produce my best and despite the defeat, I did just that but couldn't find a way past Lin Dan yet again," said Chong Wei, who shed tears as the flags were raised during the victory ceremony.
Although the Jalur Gemilang was hoisted, for the second successive time following two consecutive Olympics (Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004) of national athletes failing to achieve it, Chong Wei's regret was that he failed in his bid for the Negaraku to be heard for the first time at a medal ceremony.
"This will be my biggest regret as my condition improved dramatically with each passing match. I took to the court against Lin Dan as confident as I had ever felt as I had nothing to lose. I felt no pressure as I didn't expect that I would play as well as I eventually did in the Olympics," said Chong Wei.
The ankle injury Chong Wei suffered during the Thomas Cup had threatened to derail his Olympic bid but the Malaysian said the two weeks of intensive training in Bath had helped him tremendously.
"After the first match (against Ville Lang), my confidence was boosted and I resolved that I had to make the final. I am sorry I failed to win the gold but I tried my best."
That he did and Malaysia can only hope that his indomitable spirit serves as an inspiration to the young athletes out there for the nation needs more of them to ensure that the Olympic challenge comes from more quarters and not just from one individual, as was the case in Beijing with Chong Wei.
London isn't over yet but for the moment, Chong Wei is Malaysia's only medallist and he deserves all the praise he can get.
Lin Dan may have stopped Chong Wei yet again from becoming the Olympic champion, and in doing so kept Malaysia waiting for gold, but no one could fault the two-time silver medallist for his effort.
Having been blown away by Lin Dan when they met at the same stage in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Chong Wei produced a near perfect performance in Sunday's final but luck deserted him when he needed it most.
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| Lee Chong Wei with his London Olympics silver medal. Pix: Khairul Ghazali |
"I knew that the final would require me to produce my best and despite the defeat, I did just that but couldn't find a way past Lin Dan yet again," said Chong Wei, who shed tears as the flags were raised during the victory ceremony.
Although the Jalur Gemilang was hoisted, for the second successive time following two consecutive Olympics (Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004) of national athletes failing to achieve it, Chong Wei's regret was that he failed in his bid for the Negaraku to be heard for the first time at a medal ceremony.
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| A dejected Chong Wei after Lin Dan won the final 15-21, 21-10, 21-19 at the Wembley Arena. |
"This will be my biggest regret as my condition improved dramatically with each passing match. I took to the court against Lin Dan as confident as I had ever felt as I had nothing to lose. I felt no pressure as I didn't expect that I would play as well as I eventually did in the Olympics," said Chong Wei.
The ankle injury Chong Wei suffered during the Thomas Cup had threatened to derail his Olympic bid but the Malaysian said the two weeks of intensive training in Bath had helped him tremendously.
"After the first match (against Ville Lang), my confidence was boosted and I resolved that I had to make the final. I am sorry I failed to win the gold but I tried my best."
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| Rashid Sidek and Tey Seu Bock, the two coaches who played vital roles in getting Chong Wei ready for the final, offer words of consolation to the shuttler after his defeat. |
That he did and Malaysia can only hope that his indomitable spirit serves as an inspiration to the young athletes out there for the nation needs more of them to ensure that the Olympic challenge comes from more quarters and not just from one individual, as was the case in Beijing with Chong Wei.
London isn't over yet but for the moment, Chong Wei is Malaysia's only medallist and he deserves all the praise he can get.
Bronze eludes Kien Keat-Boon Heong
MALAYSIA'S hopes of a London Olympics bronze medal from men's doubles Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boong Heong were dashed after the pair, despite a fiery start, fell 23-21, 21-10 to South Koreans Chung Jae Sung-Lee Yong Dae at the Wembley Arena on Sunday.
Kien Keat-Boon Heong, who last beat the Koreans in 2010, raised hopes of an upset when they led 19-13 in the first game but as mistakes crept in, Jae Sung-Yong Dae hauled themselves back.
Even then, Kien Keat-Boon Heong held game point three times but each time, the Koreans came back to eventually win the game. The Malaysians body language in the second indicated the it would be a walk in the park as the Jae Sung-Yong Dae, tipped for gold, took the bronze in 47 minutes.
"I became too tense when we were leading 19-13 as I wanted to desperately win the first game. That led to me making mistakes and once the Koreans won the first game, we couldn't contain them in the second.
"We were desperate to perform after playing poorly in the semi-final (against China's Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng) and the start was just what we wanted. Unfortunately, we couldn't cross the finish line," said Boon Heong.
Defeat was a bitter pill to swallow as the pair had played some of their best badminton in a long while.
"It is disappointing to finish without a medal despite playing well. We tried our level best as we knew we had a great chance but just couldn't do it," said Kien Keat.
Coach Tan Kim Her said losing the first game had a negative effect on Boon Heong.
"Kien Keat played well but once the first game was lost, we could see that Boon Heong become dispirited and the Koreans didn't need a second invitation," said Kim Her.
Kien Keat-Boon Heong, who last beat the Koreans in 2010, raised hopes of an upset when they led 19-13 in the first game but as mistakes crept in, Jae Sung-Yong Dae hauled themselves back.
Even then, Kien Keat-Boon Heong held game point three times but each time, the Koreans came back to eventually win the game. The Malaysians body language in the second indicated the it would be a walk in the park as the Jae Sung-Yong Dae, tipped for gold, took the bronze in 47 minutes.
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| Korea's Chung Jae Sung-Lee Yong Dae celebrate their bronze playoff win over Malaysia's Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong on Sunday. |
"I became too tense when we were leading 19-13 as I wanted to desperately win the first game. That led to me making mistakes and once the Koreans won the first game, we couldn't contain them in the second.
"We were desperate to perform after playing poorly in the semi-final (against China's Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng) and the start was just what we wanted. Unfortunately, we couldn't cross the finish line," said Boon Heong.
Defeat was a bitter pill to swallow as the pair had played some of their best badminton in a long while.
"It is disappointing to finish without a medal despite playing well. We tried our level best as we knew we had a great chance but just couldn't do it," said Kien Keat.
Coach Tan Kim Her said losing the first game had a negative effect on Boon Heong.
"Kien Keat played well but once the first game was lost, we could see that Boon Heong become dispirited and the Koreans didn't need a second invitation," said Kim Her.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Kenny challenge for Azizul in quarters
IF Azizulhasni thought qualifying for the quarter-finals was hard, the "PocketRocketman" will have to produce something extraordinary on Sunday to advance to the last four.
Failing to qualify directly resulted in Azizul having to navigate through the repechage on Saturday and his reward - a showdown with Britain's Jason Kenny, the raging favourite for the sprint gold medal.
Kenny, picked ahead of defending champion Chris Hoy - who beat Azizul at the same stage of the sprint in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, showed he was a worthy replacement by setting a new Olympic record of 9.713 in the ranking round on Saturday.
Azizul had to qualify through the repechage after he was beaten by Russia's Denis Dmitriev in the second round but prevailed in the losers pool, where he had Japan's Seiichiro Nakagawa and Hersony Canelon of Venezuela for company.
"It would have been easier had I beaten the Russian but a momentary lapse in concentration, when his bike wobbled, saw him edging ahead at the finish line," said Azizul.
Kenny lost the Beijing 2008 final to Hoy and will be looking to make up for that but Azizul said he wasn't worried about the Brit.
"All I can do now is review his past races and figure out the best strategy. The sprint is all about tactics and if I can get them right, then I believe I have a chance."
Earlier in the ranking round, Azizul clocked 10.226 seconds for the 11th fastest time. That saw him being drawn with China's Zhang Miao, the 2010 Asian Games champion, in the first round.
Azizul was an easy winner as he exacted revenge over the China cyclist for the Asian Championships defeat earlier this year.
Kenny easily made the quarter-finals after beating South Africa's Bernard Esterhuizen but Malaysia will be hoping that the pint-sized Azizul does produce the magic that has made him the nation's own phenom.
Failing to qualify directly resulted in Azizul having to navigate through the repechage on Saturday and his reward - a showdown with Britain's Jason Kenny, the raging favourite for the sprint gold medal.
Kenny, picked ahead of defending champion Chris Hoy - who beat Azizul at the same stage of the sprint in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, showed he was a worthy replacement by setting a new Olympic record of 9.713 in the ranking round on Saturday.
Azizul had to qualify through the repechage after he was beaten by Russia's Denis Dmitriev in the second round but prevailed in the losers pool, where he had Japan's Seiichiro Nakagawa and Hersony Canelon of Venezuela for company.
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| Azizulhasni Awang is at the same stage he was in Beijing - in the sprint quarter-finals. |
Kenny lost the Beijing 2008 final to Hoy and will be looking to make up for that but Azizul said he wasn't worried about the Brit.
"All I can do now is review his past races and figure out the best strategy. The sprint is all about tactics and if I can get them right, then I believe I have a chance."
Earlier in the ranking round, Azizul clocked 10.226 seconds for the 11th fastest time. That saw him being drawn with China's Zhang Miao, the 2010 Asian Games champion, in the first round.
Azizul was an easy winner as he exacted revenge over the China cyclist for the Asian Championships defeat earlier this year.
Kenny easily made the quarter-finals after beating South Africa's Bernard Esterhuizen but Malaysia will be hoping that the pint-sized Azizul does produce the magic that has made him the nation's own phenom.
Koo-Tan blown away
KOO Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong had to concede to the superiority of Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng as they fell 21-9, 21-13 in their London Olympics semi-final at the Wembley Arena on Saturday.
The China pair, seeking to go one better than the silver they won in Beijing four years ago, were simply too good for the Malaysians, who were caught off guard when Cai Yun-Haifeng adopted a different strategy in the first game.
The Malaysians, who lost the semi-final in just 34 minutes, now must lift themselves for Sunday's tough bronze playoff against Chung Jae Sung-Lee Yong Dae after the South Korean's were shocked 21-17, 18-21, 20-22 by Denmark's Mathias Boe-Carsten Mogensen in the other semi-final.
"We wanted to control the net in the first game but the China pair surprised us by playing as aggressively as Jae Sung-Yong Dae did in their (group) match against us. This confused us and we were unable to make any headway in the first game," said Kien Keat.
The first game finished in a flash, Cai Yun-Haifeng needing only 13 minutes to take their first step towards the final.
Kien Keat-Boon Heong gave it a better shot in the second, but Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng were never really under any real threat and after a point-for-point exchange, made their move at 11-11 when they raced to 15-12.
From there on, the Malaysians were forced to play catch-up and despite inching themselves to 19-20, the China pair sealed their place in the final.
"It is terribly disappointing but we now have to lift ourselves up for the bronze. It will be difficult but we have to as we want a medal," said Boon Heong.
The China pair, seeking to go one better than the silver they won in Beijing four years ago, were simply too good for the Malaysians, who were caught off guard when Cai Yun-Haifeng adopted a different strategy in the first game.
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| Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong just couldn't match Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng. |
The Malaysians, who lost the semi-final in just 34 minutes, now must lift themselves for Sunday's tough bronze playoff against Chung Jae Sung-Lee Yong Dae after the South Korean's were shocked 21-17, 18-21, 20-22 by Denmark's Mathias Boe-Carsten Mogensen in the other semi-final.
"We wanted to control the net in the first game but the China pair surprised us by playing as aggressively as Jae Sung-Yong Dae did in their (group) match against us. This confused us and we were unable to make any headway in the first game," said Kien Keat.
The first game finished in a flash, Cai Yun-Haifeng needing only 13 minutes to take their first step towards the final.
Kien Keat-Boon Heong gave it a better shot in the second, but Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng were never really under any real threat and after a point-for-point exchange, made their move at 11-11 when they raced to 15-12.
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| Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng are on course to improve on their Beijing 2008 silver. |
From there on, the Malaysians were forced to play catch-up and despite inching themselves to 19-20, the China pair sealed their place in the final.
"It is terribly disappointing but we now have to lift ourselves up for the bronze. It will be difficult but we have to as we want a medal," said Boon Heong.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Chong Wei through to final
UPDATED
THERE was more relief than jubilation on Lee Chong Wei's features as he sealed a second successive final appearance in the Olympics with an emphatic 21-13, 21-14 win over China's Chen Long at the Wembley Arena on Friday.
Cheng Long had been expected to give Chong Wei a massive test but the Malaysian, who is now one match away from becoming the first Malaysian to win Olympic gold, was just too determined for the China player.
Nemesis Lin Dan now awaits after the reigning champion beat South Korea's Lee Hyun Il 21-12, 21-10 and after last year's epic World Championships final at the same venue, the world can expect another battle on Sunday.
Chong Wei and coaches Tey Seu Bock and Rashid Sidek got their tactics right against Chen Long and once Chong Wei took control, as had been the plan, there was to be no looking back.
"I can't believe how well I played as I had come into the Olympics not as prepared as I would have wanted," said Chong Wei after winning in 51minutes.
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| Chong Wei celebrates beating Chen Long. Pix: Khairul Ghazali |
Victory was celebrated by first dropping to his knees, followed by pumped fists and then acknowledgement of the fans - the majority of who were behind Chong Wei.
"The pressure I was under was immense and I told myself that this was the final as I didn't want to have to pysche myself up for the third-place playoff, which would have been very difficult."
Seu Bock said Chong Wei had controlled the match exactly the way it had been planned.
"We wanted him to vary his game between fast and slow and that caught Chen Long off guard as he couldn't cope with Chong Wei's variations. The final is next and Chong Wei will prepare as he did for this match, with focus and a sense of calm," said Seu Bock.
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| Chong Wei's target now is the scalp of Lin Dan in Sunday's final. |
Rashid was as vocal as Seu Bock on the sidelines and said the focus now is on getting Chong Wei to improve on his silver medal finish in Beijing 2008.
"He is a step away and we must work hard to ensure that he goes one better. I believe he can," said Rashid, bronze medallist at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
Malaysia certainly hopes so.
No semis cheer for Khairul
UPDATED
ARCHER Khairul Anuar Mohamad had to be satisfied with emulating Cheng Chu Sian as the London Olympics semi-finals proved one step too far for the Malaysian at Lord's cricket ground on Friday.
Japan's Takaharu Furukawa won their last eight tie 6-2 as Khairul, who beat Britain's Larry Godfrey in the last-16, failed to control his bow due to strong winds.
"It is so disappointing to lose but I could not cope with the strong wind," said Khairul.
The Japanese won the best of five sets tie 27-26, 26-24, 21-28 and 28-26 .
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| Khairul Anuar Mohamad faces Japan's Takaharu Furukawa in the quarter-finals. |
Khairul had earlier on Friday silenced a partisan crowd by beating Godfrey 6-5 in a nail-biting last-16 tie.
Khairul won the first set 27-25 and the second was drawn 28-28. Godfrey then pulled himself level by winning the third 29-27 and then led 5-3 on points after winning the fourth 28-26.
Khairul wasn't done though as he forced a one-arrow shoot-off by winning the fifth 28-26 and produced a bullseye to the Briton's nine to advance but just like Chu Sian in Beijing four years ago, he failed to advance to the semi-finals.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Chen Long challenge for Chong Wei
IT went according to script as Lee Chong Wei, after a first game struggle, sealed his London Olympics semi-final spot with a 21-19, 21-11 win over P. Kashyap of India on Thursday.
Though the tie - the first game especially - was tougher than expected, Chong Wei was satisfied with his performance.
"I am improving with every match and this augurs well for the semi-finals," said Chong Wei, who needed 44 minutes to seal a second successive semi-final appearance at the Olympics.
"I am looking forward to the semi-finals despite knowing that Chen Long has improved tremendously."
National singles chief coach Rashid Sidek said Chong Wei will need to be aggressive against Chen Long in Friday's tie.
"China players are good at varying their game and Chong Wei must not allow Chen Long to dictate terms. He must shut Chen Long down as quickly as he can at every opportunity," said Rashid.
Chen Long beat Peter Gade of Denmark 21-16, 21-13 in their quarter-final.
Chong Wei's nemesis and reigning champion Lin Dan also struggled in his quarter-final, needing three games to beat Sho Sasaki of Japan 21-12, 16-21, 21-16.
China. already reeling from the match-manipulation scandal, suffered another blow when Lee Hyun Il of South Korea upset Chen Jin 21-15, 21-16 to seal a meeting with Lin Dan on Friday.
Friday's men's singles semi-finals will start at 8.30pm (Malaysian time).
Though the tie - the first game especially - was tougher than expected, Chong Wei was satisfied with his performance.
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| Lee Chong Wei didn't have it easy against P. Kashyap of India in the quarter-finals. Pix: Khairul Ghazali |
"I am improving with every match and this augurs well for the semi-finals," said Chong Wei, who needed 44 minutes to seal a second successive semi-final appearance at the Olympics.
"I am looking forward to the semi-finals despite knowing that Chen Long has improved tremendously."
National singles chief coach Rashid Sidek said Chong Wei will need to be aggressive against Chen Long in Friday's tie.
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| Chong Wei must control the tempo of the match against Chen Long. |
Chen Long beat Peter Gade of Denmark 21-16, 21-13 in their quarter-final.
Chong Wei's nemesis and reigning champion Lin Dan also struggled in his quarter-final, needing three games to beat Sho Sasaki of Japan 21-12, 16-21, 21-16.
China. already reeling from the match-manipulation scandal, suffered another blow when Lee Hyun Il of South Korea upset Chen Jin 21-15, 21-16 to seal a meeting with Lin Dan on Friday.
Friday's men's singles semi-finals will start at 8.30pm (Malaysian time).
One step closer for Koo-Tan
THERE were no hiccups as shuttlers Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong advanced to the London Olympics semi-finals after beating Thailand's Bodin Isara-Maneepong Jongjit.21-16, 21-18 at the Wembley Arena on Thursday.
Despite the dangerous Thais best efforts, Kien Keat-Boon Heong were too driven to be denied a semi-final berth, which they failed to achieve four years ago in the Beijing Games.
Then, they went in as favourites but their fortunes have changed drastically since and they will enter Saturday's semi-final against China's world champions Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng as underdogs.
"Though it is satisfying to make the semi-finals, our job is not done yet," said Boon Heong after producing another smashing masterclass against Bodin-Maneepong.
Kien Keat echoed Boon Heong.
"Making the semi-finals will mean nothing if we don't win a medal and we want the gold," said Kien Keat.
Cai Yun-Haifeng, who beat compatriots Chai Biao-Guo Zhendong 21-15, 21-19 in their quarter-final, will be a massive challenge as the pair have been the dominant force in men's doubles over the last few years.
National doubles coach Tan Kim Her, however, was confident of a Malaysian win.
"Kien Keat-Boon Heong have a burning desire to win the gold and I am confident they can beat the China pair," said Kim Her.
Despite the dangerous Thais best efforts, Kien Keat-Boon Heong were too driven to be denied a semi-final berth, which they failed to achieve four years ago in the Beijing Games.
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| Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong's gameplan worked to perfection in their quarter-final. Pix: Khairul Ghazali |
Then, they went in as favourites but their fortunes have changed drastically since and they will enter Saturday's semi-final against China's world champions Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng as underdogs.
"Though it is satisfying to make the semi-finals, our job is not done yet," said Boon Heong after producing another smashing masterclass against Bodin-Maneepong.
Kien Keat echoed Boon Heong.
"Making the semi-finals will mean nothing if we don't win a medal and we want the gold," said Kien Keat.
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| Kien Keat-Boon Heong celebrate their triumph over Bodin-Maneepong. |
Cai Yun-Haifeng, who beat compatriots Chai Biao-Guo Zhendong 21-15, 21-19 in their quarter-final, will be a massive challenge as the pair have been the dominant force in men's doubles over the last few years.
National doubles coach Tan Kim Her, however, was confident of a Malaysian win.
"Kien Keat-Boon Heong have a burning desire to win the gold and I am confident they can beat the China pair," said Kim Her.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Cheer for Chong Wei, woe for divers
CYCLIST Azizulhasni Awang is still there but following the failure of the divers, Lee Chong Wei has re-emerged as Malaysia's best bet for, if not gold, a medal at the London Olympics.
As Chong Wei produced a commanding performance against Simon Santoso at the Wembley Arena yesterday to seal his quarter-final berth, Bryan Nickson Lomas-Huang Qiang failed miserably in the 10m platform synchro on Wednesday.
The divers were targeted to deliver a bronze but inconsistent dives saw them finishing last instead.
"It is disappointing but we tried our best," said Nickson, 22.
Hopes had been high the duo, after winning medals in several world level meets, would deliver Malaysia's first Olympic medal from a sport other than badminton but they fell flat instead.
Chong Wei, Malaysia's sole medallist at the 2008 Beijing Games, was back at his best though and should advance to Friday's semi-finals as he plays P. Kashyap of India in the last eight on Thursday.
"I found it very comfortable on court and I hope this continues for the remainder of the tournament," said Chong Wei.
Also in action on Thursday will be Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong who play Bodin Isara-Maneepong Jongjit of Thailand in the men's doubles quarter-finals.
As Chong Wei produced a commanding performance against Simon Santoso at the Wembley Arena yesterday to seal his quarter-final berth, Bryan Nickson Lomas-Huang Qiang failed miserably in the 10m platform synchro on Wednesday.
The divers were targeted to deliver a bronze but inconsistent dives saw them finishing last instead.
"It is disappointing but we tried our best," said Nickson, 22.
Hopes had been high the duo, after winning medals in several world level meets, would deliver Malaysia's first Olympic medal from a sport other than badminton but they fell flat instead.
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| Lee Chong Wei moves to intercept a return from Simon Santoso. Pic: Khairul Ghazali |
"I found it very comfortable on court and I hope this continues for the remainder of the tournament," said Chong Wei.
Also in action on Thursday will be Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong who play Bodin Isara-Maneepong Jongjit of Thailand in the men's doubles quarter-finals.
Shuttlers get the boot for match-fixing
LEFT with no choice but to act, the Badminton World Federation on Wednesday disqualified four women's pairs - two from South Korea and one each from China and Indonesia - for match-manipulation.
The disqualified pairs - world champions and top seeds Wang Xiaoli-Yu Yang from China, South Koreans Jung Kyung En-Kim Ha Na and Ha Jun Eun-Kim Ming Jun and Greysia Polii-Meiliana Jauhari from Indonesia - were kicked out for deliberately playing to lose in their final group matches on Tuesday.
Wang Xiaoli-Yu Yang would have played Tian Qing-Zhao Yunlei in the quarter-finals had they finished top of Group D as their compatriots finished second in Group B.
This led to farcical scenes when Wang Xiaoli-Yu Yang met Jung Kyung-Ha Na with both pairs doing their best to lose.
This resulted in tournament referee Thorsten Berg having to warn them before the Koreans eventually won 21-14, 21-11.
That then saw the second Korean pair Jun Eun-Ming Jun playing to lose against the Indonesians to avoid Wang Xiaoli-Yu Yang in the quarter-finals, and the Indonesians also got into the act to avoid a similar fate. Berg threatened to disqualify them immediately before action resumed.
In the end, the Koreans won 18-21, 21-14, 21-12 but the final result was BWF finally asserting its authority by taking action against all four.
Results' manipulation has been rife in the Super Series and had action not been taken against Tuesday's outrageous events, badminton's position in the Olympics could have come under threat.
BWF secretary general Thomas Lund, speaking from a prepared statement, said: "Four pairs were disqualified by the BWF today following a hearing this morning. They were charged under the BWF's code of conduct for players."
The Dane said Indonesia and Korea had appealed the disqualification of their players but the decision had been upheld. paving the way for pairs who finished below them to make the quarter-finals.
The disqualified pairs - world champions and top seeds Wang Xiaoli-Yu Yang from China, South Koreans Jung Kyung En-Kim Ha Na and Ha Jun Eun-Kim Ming Jun and Greysia Polii-Meiliana Jauhari from Indonesia - were kicked out for deliberately playing to lose in their final group matches on Tuesday.
Wang Xiaoli-Yu Yang would have played Tian Qing-Zhao Yunlei in the quarter-finals had they finished top of Group D as their compatriots finished second in Group B.
This led to farcical scenes when Wang Xiaoli-Yu Yang met Jung Kyung-Ha Na with both pairs doing their best to lose.
This resulted in tournament referee Thorsten Berg having to warn them before the Koreans eventually won 21-14, 21-11.
That then saw the second Korean pair Jun Eun-Ming Jun playing to lose against the Indonesians to avoid Wang Xiaoli-Yu Yang in the quarter-finals, and the Indonesians also got into the act to avoid a similar fate. Berg threatened to disqualify them immediately before action resumed.
In the end, the Koreans won 18-21, 21-14, 21-12 but the final result was BWF finally asserting its authority by taking action against all four.
Results' manipulation has been rife in the Super Series and had action not been taken against Tuesday's outrageous events, badminton's position in the Olympics could have come under threat.
BWF secretary general Thomas Lund, speaking from a prepared statement, said: "Four pairs were disqualified by the BWF today following a hearing this morning. They were charged under the BWF's code of conduct for players."
The Dane said Indonesia and Korea had appealed the disqualification of their players but the decision had been upheld. paving the way for pairs who finished below them to make the quarter-finals.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
The real challenge begins
LEE Chong Wei's bid for the ultimate prize of them all - an Olympic gold medal - starts on Wednesday with a last-16 clash with Simon Santoso of Indonesia (9pm in Malaysia).
Though the records are in Chong Wei's favour - he holds a 7-1 lead over Santoso in their head-to-head, the Malaysian wasn't particularly impressive in his group stage win over Finland's Ville Lang on Monday, needing three games to seal his place in the last 16.
However, Chong Wei - despite the Olympics being his first tournament since the Thomas Cup Finals in May when he injured his ankle - shouldn't worry too much as he has the quality to send Santoso packing.
The only reason why Lang stretched Chong Wei to three games was the Malaysian's rush to win the match quickly and this resulted in him making numerous errors in the second game, which the Finn took advantage of to win.
Though Chong Wei is fearful that he could let Malaysia down, he must understand that the nation is behind him in his bid to end the long wait for Olympic gold.
A win on Wednesday will see Chong Wei playing the winner of the Niluka Karunaratne (Sri Lanka)-P. Kashyap (India) tie, a match made possible by the two slaying big names in the group stage.
Another win for Chong Wei in Thursday's quarter-finals should set him up with Chen Long, China's young pretender who is looking to take over Lin Dan's throne, in the semi-finals on Friday.
In the men's doubles, Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong play Thai dangermen Bodin Isara-Maneepong Jongjit on Thursday and they will have to tread carefully.
However, the Malaysian pair have seemed confident- despite losing in straight games to South Korea's Chung Jae Sung-Lee Yong Dae in their final group match on Tuesday - and they should triumph, which is likely to mean a semi-final clash with reigning world champions and raging favourites Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng in Saturday's semi-finals.
FIXTURES
MEN'S SINGLES
WEDNESDAY
Match 1: Lee Chong Wei v Simon Santoso (Ina) - 9pm
Match 2: Niluka Karunaratne (Sri) v P. Kashyap (Ind) - 4pm
Match 3: Chen Long (Chn) v Wong Wing Ki (HK) - Thursday 12.05am
Match 4: Peter Gade (Den) v Son Wan Ho (Kor) - Thursday 12.05am
Match 5: Jan O Jorgensen (Den) v Lee Hyun Il (Kor) - 7.30pm
Match 6: Marc Zwiebler (Ger) v Chen Jin (Chn) - Thursday 12.45am
Match 7: Kevin Cordon (Gua) v Sho Sasaki (Jpn) - Thursday 1.30am
Match 8: Taufik Hidayat (Ina) v Lin Dan (Chn) - 4.45pm
(In Malaysian time)
THURSDAY
Quarter-finals
Q-final 1: Winner 1 v Winner 2
Q-final 2: Winner 3 v Winner 4
Q-final 3: Winner 5 v Winner 6
Q-final 4: Winner 7 v Winner 8
FRIDAY
Semi-finals
S-final 1: Winner Q-final 1 v Winner Q-final 2
S-final 2: Winner Q-final 3 v Winner Q-final 4
SUNDAY
Final
MEN'S DOUBLES
THURSDAY (Order of play to be decided)
Q-final 1: Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng (Chn) v Chai Biao-Zhendong Guo (Chn)
Q-final 2: Bodin Isara-Maneepong Jongjit (Tha) v Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong
Q-final 3: Fang Chieh Min-Lee Sheng Mu (Tai) v Mathias Boe-Carsten Mogensen (Den)
Q-final 4: Mohammad Ahsan-Bona Septano (Ina) v Chung Jae Sung-Lee Yong Dae (Kor)
SATURDAY
Semi-finals
Winners Q-final 1 v Winners Q-final 2
Winners Q-final 3 v Winners Q-final 4
SUNDAY
Final
Though the records are in Chong Wei's favour - he holds a 7-1 lead over Santoso in their head-to-head, the Malaysian wasn't particularly impressive in his group stage win over Finland's Ville Lang on Monday, needing three games to seal his place in the last 16.
However, Chong Wei - despite the Olympics being his first tournament since the Thomas Cup Finals in May when he injured his ankle - shouldn't worry too much as he has the quality to send Santoso packing.
The only reason why Lang stretched Chong Wei to three games was the Malaysian's rush to win the match quickly and this resulted in him making numerous errors in the second game, which the Finn took advantage of to win.
Though Chong Wei is fearful that he could let Malaysia down, he must understand that the nation is behind him in his bid to end the long wait for Olympic gold.
A win on Wednesday will see Chong Wei playing the winner of the Niluka Karunaratne (Sri Lanka)-P. Kashyap (India) tie, a match made possible by the two slaying big names in the group stage.
Another win for Chong Wei in Thursday's quarter-finals should set him up with Chen Long, China's young pretender who is looking to take over Lin Dan's throne, in the semi-finals on Friday.
In the men's doubles, Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong play Thai dangermen Bodin Isara-Maneepong Jongjit on Thursday and they will have to tread carefully.
However, the Malaysian pair have seemed confident- despite losing in straight games to South Korea's Chung Jae Sung-Lee Yong Dae in their final group match on Tuesday - and they should triumph, which is likely to mean a semi-final clash with reigning world champions and raging favourites Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng in Saturday's semi-finals.
FIXTURES
MEN'S SINGLES
WEDNESDAY
Match 1: Lee Chong Wei v Simon Santoso (Ina) - 9pm
Match 2: Niluka Karunaratne (Sri) v P. Kashyap (Ind) - 4pm
Match 3: Chen Long (Chn) v Wong Wing Ki (HK) - Thursday 12.05am
Match 4: Peter Gade (Den) v Son Wan Ho (Kor) - Thursday 12.05am
Match 5: Jan O Jorgensen (Den) v Lee Hyun Il (Kor) - 7.30pm
Match 6: Marc Zwiebler (Ger) v Chen Jin (Chn) - Thursday 12.45am
Match 7: Kevin Cordon (Gua) v Sho Sasaki (Jpn) - Thursday 1.30am
Match 8: Taufik Hidayat (Ina) v Lin Dan (Chn) - 4.45pm
(In Malaysian time)
THURSDAY
Quarter-finals
Q-final 1: Winner 1 v Winner 2
Q-final 2: Winner 3 v Winner 4
Q-final 3: Winner 5 v Winner 6
Q-final 4: Winner 7 v Winner 8
FRIDAY
Semi-finals
S-final 1: Winner Q-final 1 v Winner Q-final 2
S-final 2: Winner Q-final 3 v Winner Q-final 4
SUNDAY
Final
MEN'S DOUBLES
THURSDAY (Order of play to be decided)
Q-final 1: Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng (Chn) v Chai Biao-Zhendong Guo (Chn)
Q-final 2: Bodin Isara-Maneepong Jongjit (Tha) v Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong
Q-final 3: Fang Chieh Min-Lee Sheng Mu (Tai) v Mathias Boe-Carsten Mogensen (Den)
Q-final 4: Mohammad Ahsan-Bona Septano (Ina) v Chung Jae Sung-Lee Yong Dae (Kor)
SATURDAY
Semi-finals
Winners Q-final 1 v Winners Q-final 2
Winners Q-final 3 v Winners Q-final 4
SUNDAY
Final
Thais next for Koo-Tan
KOO Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong will play Thai darkhorses Bodin Isara-Maneepong Jongjit after they fell 21-16, 21-11 to South Korea's Chung Jae Sung-Lee Yong Dae in their final London
Olympics Group D match at the London Arena on Tuesday.
That stretched their head-to-head to 13-2 in favour of the Koreans but one has to think this was a calculated gamble by the Malaysians.
Had they won to top the group, Kien Keat-Boon Heong would have to play Indonesians Mohammad Ahsan-Bona Septano in Thursday's quarter-finals. Although their head-to-head is only 3-2 in favour of the Indonesians, the Malaysians recent record probably part a major role in the strategising of the national camp.
The Malaysian camp, however, insisted they played to win.
"The players tried but the Koreans were at the top of their game today," said doubles coach Tan Kim Her. "We tried different strategies but Chung-Lee managed to counter all of them."
Kien Keat-Boon Heong, who had been impressive in their first two group games, just couldn't cope with the power play of the Koreans.
"We had an off day but I believe if we were to meet them again, it will be a different performance from us," said Kien Keat.
That can only happen if both pairs advance to the final, which several others are eyeing, and what matters for the moment is the challenge of the Thais.
"We have to analyse their games and devise the right strategy. We have only played them once - in the 2009 Sea Games - which we won but they have, obviously, improved," said Boon Heong.
For Kien Keat-Boon Heong, they are at the same stage they were four years ago in the Beijing Games and destiny is now in their hands.
Olympics Group D match at the London Arena on Tuesday.
That stretched their head-to-head to 13-2 in favour of the Koreans but one has to think this was a calculated gamble by the Malaysians.
Had they won to top the group, Kien Keat-Boon Heong would have to play Indonesians Mohammad Ahsan-Bona Septano in Thursday's quarter-finals. Although their head-to-head is only 3-2 in favour of the Indonesians, the Malaysians recent record probably part a major role in the strategising of the national camp.
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| Koo Kien Keat (front) and Tan Boon Heong |
"The players tried but the Koreans were at the top of their game today," said doubles coach Tan Kim Her. "We tried different strategies but Chung-Lee managed to counter all of them."
Kien Keat-Boon Heong, who had been impressive in their first two group games, just couldn't cope with the power play of the Koreans.
"We had an off day but I believe if we were to meet them again, it will be a different performance from us," said Kien Keat.
That can only happen if both pairs advance to the final, which several others are eyeing, and what matters for the moment is the challenge of the Thais.
"We have to analyse their games and devise the right strategy. We have only played them once - in the 2009 Sea Games - which we won but they have, obviously, improved," said Boon Heong.
For Kien Keat-Boon Heong, they are at the same stage they were four years ago in the Beijing Games and destiny is now in their hands.
Dive too far for Malaysians
THERE was no Olympic cheer for Malaysia at the Aquatics Centre as Pandelela Rinong-Leong Mun Yee failed to live up to the hype in the women's 10m platform synchro final on Tuesday.
They succumbed to nerves, which is a common problem with Malaysian athletes, to finish seventh despite being in bronze medal position at one stage.
"We failed to perform and we are both hugely disappointed," said Pandelela, who had won the 2009 World Championships bronze with Mun Yee in the same event.
Mistakes littered their dives - especially the third to fifth attempts - and there was to be no coming back as the other divers were more consistent.
China's Chen Ruolin-Wang Hao were runaway winners, scoring a total 368.40 for the gold while Mexico's Alejandra Orozco Loza-Paola Espinosa Sanchez (343.32) took the silver. Bronze went to Canadians Roseline Filion-Meahgan Benfeito who scored 337.62.
Malaysia scored a 308.52 total.
Mun Yee's Olympics is over but Pandelela still has the 10m platform individual on Aug 8 to make amends.
They succumbed to nerves, which is a common problem with Malaysian athletes, to finish seventh despite being in bronze medal position at one stage.
 |
| Pandelela Rinong-Leong Mun Yee finished seventh in the 10m platform synchro. |
Mistakes littered their dives - especially the third to fifth attempts - and there was to be no coming back as the other divers were more consistent.
China's Chen Ruolin-Wang Hao were runaway winners, scoring a total 368.40 for the gold while Mexico's Alejandra Orozco Loza-Paola Espinosa Sanchez (343.32) took the silver. Bronze went to Canadians Roseline Filion-Meahgan Benfeito who scored 337.62.
Malaysia scored a 308.52 total.
Mun Yee's Olympics is over but Pandelela still has the 10m platform individual on Aug 8 to make amends.
Shivers fail to derail Khairul
BOTH suffered a case of the shivers ahead of their all-Malaysian showdown at Lord's cricket ground but Khairul Anuar Mohamad turned out to be the cooler of the two as he beat Cheng Chu Sian in the first round of the London Olympics men's individual on Tuesday.
That was soon followed by the scalp of China's Xing Yu, which meant a last-16 clash with Britain's Larry Godfrey on Friday.
"It was very tough, having to compete against your teammate. We are all very close and could not believe the draw when it came out," said Khairul, 21.
Khairul and Chu Siang's tie was a real nerve-wrecker with both taking turns to lead before the former sealed his second round berth with a 6-4 (29-26, 27-28, 25-27, 29-27, 30-29) triumph.
"I had to forget who was my opponent as both of us were determined to give Malaysia something to cheer for after the team event (where they were eliminated in the first round)."
Khairul's match against Xing Yu was also filled with tension as they were tied 5-5 (28-30, 29-29, 28-27, 28-7, 26-28) on points, which meant a one-arrow shoot off.
Khairul was spot on, as his arrow landed closest to the bullseye and ensured there would be Malaysian involvement in Friday's deciding day.
It is now up to Khairul to determine just how serious that involvement will be.
That was soon followed by the scalp of China's Xing Yu, which meant a last-16 clash with Britain's Larry Godfrey on Friday.
"It was very tough, having to compete against your teammate. We are all very close and could not believe the draw when it came out," said Khairul, 21.
 |
| Khairul Anuar Mohamad meets Britain's Larry Godfrey on Friday. |
"I had to forget who was my opponent as both of us were determined to give Malaysia something to cheer for after the team event (where they were eliminated in the first round)."
Khairul's match against Xing Yu was also filled with tension as they were tied 5-5 (28-30, 29-29, 28-27, 28-7, 26-28) on points, which meant a one-arrow shoot off.
Khairul was spot on, as his arrow landed closest to the bullseye and ensured there would be Malaysian involvement in Friday's deciding day.
It is now up to Khairul to determine just how serious that involvement will be.
Monday, July 30, 2012
A scare for Chong Wei
Lee Chong Wei's first match fears nearly turned into a reality as the Malaysian needed three games to beat Finland's Ville Lang in his opening London Olympics match the Wembley Arena on Monday.
After an easy first game, mistakes littered Chong Wei's play in the second and only a purple patch, which saw him scoring 10 points in a row in the decider, pulled the Malaysian through 21-8, 14-21, 21-11.
"It was my first competitive match in almost three months and I felt both jittery and rusty," said Chong Wei, who was making a competitive comeback after injuring his ankle in the Thomas Cup Finals in May.
Defeat though, was never a thought despite the struggle against Lang.
"I wanted to win the match in two games and that led to me making too many mistakes at the net as well as numerous half court shots. Lang is a good player and he took advantage of the fact that I had not played competitively in a while. However, I was always confident that I would win," added Chong Wei.
Bitter rival Lin Dan opened his campaign with an emphatic 21-8, 21-14 win over Scott Evans of Ireland but Chong Wei said he wasn't thinking about the final just yet.
"As I said, this is my first match and now, I want to focus on the next game (most probably against Simon Santoso on Indonesia). All I can do now is try my best and hopefully, get better as the tournament progresses."
Meanwhile, Tee Jing Yi beat Italian Agnese Allegrini 21-17, 21-14 in their women's singles Group B match. The Malaysian's Olympic hopes, however, are hanging by a thread as Korean Bae Yeon Ju will advance to the elimination rounds if she beats Agnese in the final group match on Tuesday.
MALAYSIANS IN ACTION - JULY 31
ARCHERY
Cheng Chu Sian v Khairul Anuar Mohamad
Men's individual, elimination
(5.30pm)
Nurul Syafiqah Hashim v Lin Chia En (Tai)
Women's individual, elimination
(10.20pm)
BADMINTON
Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong v Chung Jae Sung-Lee Yong Dae (Kor)
Men's doubles, group stage
(Aug 1, 1.30am)
Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying v Sudket Prapakamol-Saralee Thoungthongkam (Thai)
Mixed doubles, group stage
(3.30pm)
DIVING
Pandalela Rinong-Leong Mun Yee
Women's 10m platform synchro final
(10pm)
SAILING
Khairulnizam Mohd Afendy
Men's Laser Races 3 & 4
(7pm)
(In Malaysian time)
After an easy first game, mistakes littered Chong Wei's play in the second and only a purple patch, which saw him scoring 10 points in a row in the decider, pulled the Malaysian through 21-8, 14-21, 21-11.
"It was my first competitive match in almost three months and I felt both jittery and rusty," said Chong Wei, who was making a competitive comeback after injuring his ankle in the Thomas Cup Finals in May.
 |
| Lee Chong Wei struggled against Ville lang of Finland in his opening London Olympics match. |
"I wanted to win the match in two games and that led to me making too many mistakes at the net as well as numerous half court shots. Lang is a good player and he took advantage of the fact that I had not played competitively in a while. However, I was always confident that I would win," added Chong Wei.
Bitter rival Lin Dan opened his campaign with an emphatic 21-8, 21-14 win over Scott Evans of Ireland but Chong Wei said he wasn't thinking about the final just yet.
"As I said, this is my first match and now, I want to focus on the next game (most probably against Simon Santoso on Indonesia). All I can do now is try my best and hopefully, get better as the tournament progresses."
Meanwhile, Tee Jing Yi beat Italian Agnese Allegrini 21-17, 21-14 in their women's singles Group B match. The Malaysian's Olympic hopes, however, are hanging by a thread as Korean Bae Yeon Ju will advance to the elimination rounds if she beats Agnese in the final group match on Tuesday.
MALAYSIANS IN ACTION - JULY 31
ARCHERY
Cheng Chu Sian v Khairul Anuar Mohamad
Men's individual, elimination
(5.30pm)
Nurul Syafiqah Hashim v Lin Chia En (Tai)
Women's individual, elimination
(10.20pm)
BADMINTON
Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong v Chung Jae Sung-Lee Yong Dae (Kor)
Men's doubles, group stage
(Aug 1, 1.30am)
Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying v Sudket Prapakamol-Saralee Thoungthongkam (Thai)
Mixed doubles, group stage
(3.30pm)
DIVING
Pandalela Rinong-Leong Mun Yee
Women's 10m platform synchro final
(10pm)
SAILING
Khairulnizam Mohd Afendy
Men's Laser Races 3 & 4
(7pm)
(In Malaysian time)
Haziq pays heavy price
JULY 30: He was desperate to redeem himself but his eagerness to win saw archer Haziq Kamaruddin bidding an early goodbye to the London Olympics at cricket ground Lord's on Monday.
Having performed poorly in the team event, which saw Malaysia also exiting at the first stage, Haziq took to the competition on Monday with a vow to advance as far as possible in the individual event.
He started brightly, winning the first set 29-27 and then showed neves of steel to pull himself back into reckoning after opponent Denis Gankin of Kazakhstan won the next two (28-27, 28-27) by clinching the fourth 26-25.
However, a poor rist arrow - which gave him just seven points - in the final game cost him dearly as he lost 26-25.
"I was desperate to win after performing poorly in the team event and lost my focus in the final game," said Haziq, 19.
Haziq's exit means Malaysia are now down to two men archers and one will exit in the first round on Tuesday as Cheng Chu Sian and Khairul Anuar Mohamad will face each other while women archer Nurul Syafiqah Hashim takes on Lin Chia En of Taiwan.
Having performed poorly in the team event, which saw Malaysia also exiting at the first stage, Haziq took to the competition on Monday with a vow to advance as far as possible in the individual event.
 |
| Haziq Kamaruddin's Olympic adventure is over. Pic: Khairul Ghazali |
However, a poor rist arrow - which gave him just seven points - in the final game cost him dearly as he lost 26-25.
"I was desperate to win after performing poorly in the team event and lost my focus in the final game," said Haziq, 19.
Haziq's exit means Malaysia are now down to two men archers and one will exit in the first round on Tuesday as Cheng Chu Sian and Khairul Anuar Mohamad will face each other while women archer Nurul Syafiqah Hashim takes on Lin Chia En of Taiwan.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Mixed pair crash, Chong Wei to take off
JULY 29: Touted as possible medal winners, the London Olympics campaign of mixed doubles pair Chan Peng Soon-Goh Yiu Ling came to a crushing end after they were beaten 21-14, 21-8 by China's Xu Chen-Ma Jin at London's Wembley Arena on Sunday,
Although Peng Soon-Liu Ying have one more match to play, it is purely academic as they lost their opening match to Taiwan's Chen Hung Ling-Cheng Wen Hsing on Saturday.
The Malaysians were given a glimmer of hope when the Taiwanese were beaten by Thailand's Sudket Prapakamol-Saralee Thoungthongkam earlier on Sunday but failed to take advantage.
Their defeat came after Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong raised Malaysian hopes with an emphatic 21-12, 21-14 win over Americans Howard Bach-Tony Gunawan, a result which sealed their quarter-final berth.
Making his London Olympic debut on Monday (early Tuesday in Malaysia) will be Lee Chong Wei, the nation's best medal hope.
All eyes will be on Chong Wei as he makes his first competitive appearance - against Ville Lang of Finland - since the ankle injury which he suffered in the Thomas Cup finals in May.
Also in action early Tuesday morning will be women's singles Tee Jing Yi, who plays Italian Agnese Allegrini.
Jing Yi, who impressed with a fighting performance against South Korea's Bae Yeon Jo, is aiming for a victory - the target she set herself prior to the Games.
Other Malaysians in action on Monday are archer Haziq Kamaruddin, who takes on Denis Gankin of Kazakhstan in the first round while sailor Khairulnizam Mohd Afendy opens his Laser account with Race 1 & 2.
MALAYSIANS IN ACTION ON MONDAY, JULY 30
ARCHERY
Haziq Kamaruddin v Denis Gankin (Kaz)
Men's individual, elimination
(5.15pm)
BADMINTON
Lee Chong Wei v Ville Lang (Fin)
Men’s singles, group stage
(Tuesday, 3.15am)
Tee Jing Yi v Agnese Allegrini (Ita)
Women's singles, group stage
(Tuesday, 3.50am)
SAILING
Khairulnizam Mohd Afendy
Men's laser, Races 1 & 2
(7pm)
(In Malaysian time)
Although Peng Soon-Liu Ying have one more match to play, it is purely academic as they lost their opening match to Taiwan's Chen Hung Ling-Cheng Wen Hsing on Saturday.
 |
| Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying's London Olympics campaign is over. |
 |
| Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong have impressed in their first two London Olympics matches. |
Making his London Olympic debut on Monday (early Tuesday in Malaysia) will be Lee Chong Wei, the nation's best medal hope.
 |
| Lee Chong Wei will be hoping to shed tears of joy at the end of the London Olympics. |
Also in action early Tuesday morning will be women's singles Tee Jing Yi, who plays Italian Agnese Allegrini.
Jing Yi, who impressed with a fighting performance against South Korea's Bae Yeon Jo, is aiming for a victory - the target she set herself prior to the Games.
Other Malaysians in action on Monday are archer Haziq Kamaruddin, who takes on Denis Gankin of Kazakhstan in the first round while sailor Khairulnizam Mohd Afendy opens his Laser account with Race 1 & 2.
MALAYSIANS IN ACTION ON MONDAY, JULY 30
ARCHERY
Haziq Kamaruddin v Denis Gankin (Kaz)
Men's individual, elimination
(5.15pm)
BADMINTON
Lee Chong Wei v Ville Lang (Fin)
Men’s singles, group stage
(Tuesday, 3.15am)
Tee Jing Yi v Agnese Allegrini (Ita)
Women's singles, group stage
(Tuesday, 3.50am)
SAILING
Khairulnizam Mohd Afendy
Men's laser, Races 1 & 2
(7pm)
(In Malaysian time)
Koo-Tan cruise into quarter-finals
JULY 29: Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong produced another fiery performance to confirm their London Olympics quarter-finals berth at the Wembley Arena on Sunday.
The Malaysians, who had sizzled in their opening match on Saturday against Japan's Naoki Kawamae-Shoji Sato, were even more impressive against former world champions Howard Bach-Tony Gunawan of the United States.
The Malaysians were totally dominant, winning 21-12, 21-14 in 24 minutes, and if they can maintain their form, will be a handful for any pair in the knockout stages.
"All we want to do is focus on the competition and try to go as far as we can," said Kien Keat.
"We have worked hard for the Olympics and we will try our best to win a medal."
Boon Heong said Sunday's performance would further boost their confidence ahead of their final Group D clash against South Koreans Chung Jae Sung-Lee Yong Dae, who will offer them a challenge of a totally different level.
"It will be tough against the Koreans but we are playing well and are looking forward to the clash," said Boon Heong.
The Malaysians, who had sizzled in their opening match on Saturday against Japan's Naoki Kawamae-Shoji Sato, were even more impressive against former world champions Howard Bach-Tony Gunawan of the United States.
The Malaysians were totally dominant, winning 21-12, 21-14 in 24 minutes, and if they can maintain their form, will be a handful for any pair in the knockout stages.
"All we want to do is focus on the competition and try to go as far as we can," said Kien Keat.
"We have worked hard for the Olympics and we will try our best to win a medal."
Boon Heong said Sunday's performance would further boost their confidence ahead of their final Group D clash against South Koreans Chung Jae Sung-Lee Yong Dae, who will offer them a challenge of a totally different level.
"It will be tough against the Koreans but we are playing well and are looking forward to the clash," said Boon Heong.
Peng Sean cherishes outing
JULY 29: As the first Malaysian fencer to compete in the London Olympics in 48 years, Yu Peng Sean only lasted for two bouts but the 29-year-old sabre exponent will not trade his experience for anything.
Though he wanted to advance further, Peng Sean had to concede that in Hungarian Aron Szilagyi, he met more than his match.
"He was just too good and he had to be, considering that he is the World No 5 and I am only 37th," said Peng Sean.
"Still, this is a memory I will forever cherish as competing in the London Olympics and winning one match were my targets."
Peng Sean outpointed Egyptian Zeid Mannad 15-12 in the first round before succumbing 15-1 to Szilagyi in their round of 32 tie.
Though he wanted to advance further, Peng Sean had to concede that in Hungarian Aron Szilagyi, he met more than his match.
 |
| Yu Peng Sean lost in the second round at the London Olympics. |
"He was just too good and he had to be, considering that he is the World No 5 and I am only 37th," said Peng Sean.
"Still, this is a memory I will forever cherish as competing in the London Olympics and winning one match were my targets."
Peng Sean outpointed Egyptian Zeid Mannad 15-12 in the first round before succumbing 15-1 to Szilagyi in their round of 32 tie.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Hoping for a better Sunday
JULY 28: With doubles Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong the only Malaysian winners on Saturday, the Malaysian contingent will be hoping for better news on Sunday, when diving opens its London Olympics campaign.
Kien Keat-Boon Heong produced some of their finest badminton to beat Japan's Naoki Kawamae-Shoji Sato 21-12, 21-14 in their group match and meet former American world champions Howard Bach-Tony Gunawan on Sunday.
The Americans were beaten 21-14, 21-19 by South Korea's Chung Jae Sung-Lee Yong Dae in their opening match on Saturday and Kien Keat-Boon Heong will fancy their chances of sealing their place in the quarter-finals on Sunday.
It will, however, be a case of do-or-die for mixed doubles Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying as they have to win against China's Xu Chen-Ma Jin in their group match after losing to Taiwan's Chen Hung Ling-Cheng Wen Hsing on Saturday.
The Malaysians have to shed the inhibitions displayed against the Taiwanese if they are to stand a chance against the China pair.
"We were too cautious against the Taiwan pair but we are faced with a do-or-die situation and we will play more aggressively against China," said Peng Soon.
Also in action today will be divers Pandelela Rinong and Cheong Jun Hoong in the 3m springboard synchro.
While a medal is not expected in this event, Pandelela is targeted to deliver one with Leong Mun Yee in the 10m platform synchro and Sunday's event is the perfect opportunity for her to get a competitive warm-up.
Making his Olympic debut today will be fencer Yu Peng Kean in the sabre and the Malaysian, who has already created history by qualifying for the Olympics, will be hoping to prolong his London dream. He faces Egypt's Mannad Zeid in the first round on Sunday.
MALAYSIANS IN ACTION ON SUNDAY, JULY 29
BADMINTON
Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong v Howard Bach-Tony Gunawan (US)
Men's doubles, group stage
(9.15pm)
Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying v Xu Chen-Ma Jin (Chn)
Mixed Doubles, group stage
(Monday, 2.10am)
DIVING
Pandelela Rinong , Cheong Jun Hoong
Women's 3m springboard synchro
(10pm)
FENCING
Yu Peng Kean
Men's individual sabre, elimination
(5.30pm)
In Malaysian time
Kien Keat-Boon Heong produced some of their finest badminton to beat Japan's Naoki Kawamae-Shoji Sato 21-12, 21-14 in their group match and meet former American world champions Howard Bach-Tony Gunawan on Sunday.
 |
| Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong can seal their London Olympics quarter-final berth today. Pic: Khairul Ghazali |
The Americans were beaten 21-14, 21-19 by South Korea's Chung Jae Sung-Lee Yong Dae in their opening match on Saturday and Kien Keat-Boon Heong will fancy their chances of sealing their place in the quarter-finals on Sunday.
It will, however, be a case of do-or-die for mixed doubles Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying as they have to win against China's Xu Chen-Ma Jin in their group match after losing to Taiwan's Chen Hung Ling-Cheng Wen Hsing on Saturday.
The Malaysians have to shed the inhibitions displayed against the Taiwanese if they are to stand a chance against the China pair.
"We were too cautious against the Taiwan pair but we are faced with a do-or-die situation and we will play more aggressively against China," said Peng Soon.
Also in action today will be divers Pandelela Rinong and Cheong Jun Hoong in the 3m springboard synchro.
 |
| Pandelela Rinong and Leong Mun Yee are targeted to win a medal in the 10m platform synchro. |
While a medal is not expected in this event, Pandelela is targeted to deliver one with Leong Mun Yee in the 10m platform synchro and Sunday's event is the perfect opportunity for her to get a competitive warm-up.
Making his Olympic debut today will be fencer Yu Peng Kean in the sabre and the Malaysian, who has already created history by qualifying for the Olympics, will be hoping to prolong his London dream. He faces Egypt's Mannad Zeid in the first round on Sunday.
MALAYSIANS IN ACTION ON SUNDAY, JULY 29
BADMINTON
Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong v Howard Bach-Tony Gunawan (US)
Men's doubles, group stage
(9.15pm)
Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying v Xu Chen-Ma Jin (Chn)
Mixed Doubles, group stage
(Monday, 2.10am)
DIVING
Pandelela Rinong , Cheong Jun Hoong
Women's 3m springboard synchro
(10pm)
FENCING
Yu Peng Kean
Men's individual sabre, elimination
(5.30pm)
In Malaysian time
Resounding start for Kien Keat-Boon Heong
JULY 28: There were no hiccups as Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong started on their road to redemption with an emphatic 21-12, 21-14 win over Japan's Naoki Kawamae-Shoji Sato of Japan in their opening London Olympics group match on Saturday.
Victory was a must, with former world champions Tony Gunawan-Howard Bach and raging favourites for gold Chung Jae Sung-Lee Yong Dae also in the group, and Kien Keat-Boon Heong didn't disappoint.
In fact, their performance bordered on impressive and if they duo maintain their form, a place in the quarter-finals should be theirs.
"We played very well and our understanding was very good," said Kien Keat, whose poor form had been of particular concern coming into the Olympics.
"We moved very well and once we got into our groove, the Japanese found it very tough," he added.
Boon Heong, who said prior to the Games that gold was his only target, said it was all about focus.
"If we keep focused, I am confident of our chances," said Boon Heong.
Mixed pair suffer body blow
JULY 28: Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying's Olympics hopes are hanging by a thread after the mixed pair crashed crashed 11-21, 21-6, 15-21 to Taiwan's Chen Hung Ling-Cheng Wen Hsing at the Wembley Arena on Saturday.
The pair, said to have an outside chance of winning a medal, looked to be on course to beat the Taiwanese after strongly rebounding in the second game and matching their opponents for the first part of the decider.
However, cautiousness cost them dearly as Hung Ling-Wen Hsing upped the tempo in the crucial stages of the decider.
"We made too many mistakes as we opted to play defensively," said a visibly disappointed Liu Ying.
It was their fifth defeat at the hands of the Taiwanese pair and Peng Soon said they have to perform better against China's Xu Chen-Ma Jin on Sunday if they are to stay on track for a place in the
next round.
"Our chances have dimmed but we still have a chance and we will try to play better than we did against the Taiwanese pair," said Peng Soon.
The pair, said to have an outside chance of winning a medal, looked to be on course to beat the Taiwanese after strongly rebounding in the second game and matching their opponents for the first part of the decider.
However, cautiousness cost them dearly as Hung Ling-Wen Hsing upped the tempo in the crucial stages of the decider.
"We made too many mistakes as we opted to play defensively," said a visibly disappointed Liu Ying.
It was their fifth defeat at the hands of the Taiwanese pair and Peng Soon said they have to perform better against China's Xu Chen-Ma Jin on Sunday if they are to stay on track for a place in the
next round.
"Our chances have dimmed but we still have a chance and we will try to play better than we did against the Taiwanese pair," said Peng Soon.
Suryani's Olympic dream over
JULY 28: She needed to match her personal best score to have any hope of making the London Olympics 10m Air Rifle final but Nur Suryani Taibi could only manage 392 as her dreams were crushed at the Royal Artillery Barracks on Saturday.
Already assured of star status thanks to her advanced stage of pregnancy, Nur Suryani was also hoping to make an impact with her shooting skills but it was not to be.
"When I competed this morning, I didn't feel anything special. In fact, I felt like I normally do during competitions. I tried my best but it was not to be but the experience will stand me in good stead for the future," said the 29-year-old.
There was some discomfort while shooting but Nur Suryani said it didn't bother her.
"The baby was moving but that didn't affect my concentration nor my ability to shoot. It is just that on the day, I needed to produce my personal best score to have a chance, which I didn't," said Nur Suryani.
With the baby due within the next month, Suryani plans to take an extended break before resuming her career in 2013 but for the London Games, as seen by the hordes of print and broadcast media interviewing her, she is assured of being one of the enduring images of 2012.
Already assured of star status thanks to her advanced stage of pregnancy, Nur Suryani was also hoping to make an impact with her shooting skills but it was not to be.
Nur Suryani finished 34th in the 10m Air Rifle
"When I competed this morning, I didn't feel anything special. In fact, I felt like I normally do during competitions. I tried my best but it was not to be but the experience will stand me in good stead for the future," said the 29-year-old.
There was some discomfort while shooting but Nur Suryani said it didn't bother her.
"The baby was moving but that didn't affect my concentration nor my ability to shoot. It is just that on the day, I needed to produce my personal best score to have a chance, which I didn't," said Nur Suryani.
With the baby due within the next month, Suryani plans to take an extended break before resuming her career in 2013 but for the London Games, as seen by the hordes of print and broadcast media interviewing her, she is assured of being one of the enduring images of 2012.
Jing Yi walks tall
JULY 28: Shuttler Tee Jing Yi may have lost but the plucky 21-year-old found plenty of plus points after succumbing 21-16, 15-21, 21-12 to South Korea's Bae Yeon-Ju at the Wembley Arena on Saturday.
Jing Yi surprised the 11th seeded Korean in the first game and went toe-to-toe with her for the first half of the second before Yeon-Ju surged ahead to 15-10 and never looked back after that.
"This was only the second time that I was meeting her and I think she was surprised by my aggressive approach in the first game. However, she controlled play in the second and I couldn't change the flow," said Jing Yi.
Still, she was satisfied with her performance as her first meeting with the Korean had ended with Jing Yi not even able to score 21 points over two games.
"I have narrowed the gap and that, for me, is a plus point. I still have one more match to play (against Italian Agnese Allegrini on Monday) which I want to win. Hopefully, the Italian can shock the Korean when they meet to open up a chance for me to enter the next round."
Coach Rashid Sidek had high praise for Jing Yi.
"She may have lost but Jing Yi has shown vast improvement and I believe she has a bright future," said Rashid, a men's singles bronze medalist in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
Jing Yi surprised the 11th seeded Korean in the first game and went toe-to-toe with her for the first half of the second before Yeon-Ju surged ahead to 15-10 and never looked back after that.
"This was only the second time that I was meeting her and I think she was surprised by my aggressive approach in the first game. However, she controlled play in the second and I couldn't change the flow," said Jing Yi.
Still, she was satisfied with her performance as her first meeting with the Korean had ended with Jing Yi not even able to score 21 points over two games.
"I have narrowed the gap and that, for me, is a plus point. I still have one more match to play (against Italian Agnese Allegrini on Monday) which I want to win. Hopefully, the Italian can shock the Korean when they meet to open up a chance for me to enter the next round."
Coach Rashid Sidek had high praise for Jing Yi.
"She may have lost but Jing Yi has shown vast improvement and I believe she has a bright future," said Rashid, a men's singles bronze medalist in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Malaysians make presence felt in opening ceremony
JULY 27: A total 22 athletes and officials, led by flagbearer Pandelela Rinong, represented Malaysia in the glittering London Olympics opening ceremony on Friday.
Although Malaysia had been allocated 30 places for the ceremony, Chef-de-Mission Tun Ahmad Sarji
decided on the lower number as several athletes will be in action on Saturday.
''Athletes from sports such as badminton, shooting, archery and the road cyclists were allowed to skip the opening ceremony as they have to focus on their events," said Ahmad Sarji.
Ahmad Sarji participated in the opening ceremony, which also saw Tan Sri A. Halil Mutalib, Datuk Naim Mohamad, Rosmanizam Abdullah, Jefri Ngadirin, Tang Kwai Mae, Ng Chin Chai, Muzli
Mustakim, Paul Birmingham, Yu Peng Kean, Heidi Gan, Khoo Chai Lin, Afendy Abdullah, Ng Yan Yee, Traisy Vivien Tukiet, Leong Mun Yee, Rao Bin, Khairulnizam Afendy, Azizulhasni Awang, Josiah Ng, Fatehah Mustapa and Pandelela representing Malaysia.
Meanwhile, pregnant shooter Nur Suryani Taibi, who has been a much sought after athlete in London, swings into action on Saturday hoping to make history by becoming the first Malaysian to win a shooting medal.
Though it will be tough, Suryani, 29, believes she has a chance as past records count for nothing in a major meet like the Olympics.
"Although there are many world class shooters in the field, anything can happen on competition day. I am here after so much of struggle and sacrifice and I am going to make it count," said Suryani.
Also in action today will be badminton players Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong, Tee Jing Yi and Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying.
Cyclists Adiq Husainie Othman, Amir Mustafa Rusli will join a world class field in the gruelling 250km road race while the men's archery team will be out to make amends following their disappointing showing in the ranking round on Friday.
MALAYSIANS IN ACTION ON SATURDAY, JULY 28
ARCHERY
Cheng Chu Sian, Haziq Kamaruddin, Khairul Anuar Mohamad v Mexico
Men's Team - Elimination
(5.15pm)
BADMINTON
Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong v Naoki Kawamae-Shoji Sato (Jpn)
Men's doubles, group stage
(8pm)
Tee Jing Yi v Bae Yeon Jo (Kor)
Women's singles, group stage
(3.30pm)
Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying v Chen Hung Ling-Cheng Wen Hsing (Tai)
Mixed doubles, group stage
(7.30pm)
CYCLING
Adiq Husainie Othman, Amir Mustafa Rusli
Men's Road Race
(5pm)
SHOOTING
Nur Suryani Taibi
Women's 10m Air Rifle
(3pm)
(All in Malaysian time)
Although Malaysia had been allocated 30 places for the ceremony, Chef-de-Mission Tun Ahmad Sarji
decided on the lower number as several athletes will be in action on Saturday.
''Athletes from sports such as badminton, shooting, archery and the road cyclists were allowed to skip the opening ceremony as they have to focus on their events," said Ahmad Sarji.
 |
| ON A MISSION: Pandelela Rinong leads out the Malaysian contingent at the London Olympics opening ceremony. |
Ahmad Sarji participated in the opening ceremony, which also saw Tan Sri A. Halil Mutalib, Datuk Naim Mohamad, Rosmanizam Abdullah, Jefri Ngadirin, Tang Kwai Mae, Ng Chin Chai, Muzli
Mustakim, Paul Birmingham, Yu Peng Kean, Heidi Gan, Khoo Chai Lin, Afendy Abdullah, Ng Yan Yee, Traisy Vivien Tukiet, Leong Mun Yee, Rao Bin, Khairulnizam Afendy, Azizulhasni Awang, Josiah Ng, Fatehah Mustapa and Pandelela representing Malaysia.
Meanwhile, pregnant shooter Nur Suryani Taibi, who has been a much sought after athlete in London, swings into action on Saturday hoping to make history by becoming the first Malaysian to win a shooting medal.
Though it will be tough, Suryani, 29, believes she has a chance as past records count for nothing in a major meet like the Olympics.
"Although there are many world class shooters in the field, anything can happen on competition day. I am here after so much of struggle and sacrifice and I am going to make it count," said Suryani.
Also in action today will be badminton players Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong, Tee Jing Yi and Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying.
Cyclists Adiq Husainie Othman, Amir Mustafa Rusli will join a world class field in the gruelling 250km road race while the men's archery team will be out to make amends following their disappointing showing in the ranking round on Friday.
MALAYSIANS IN ACTION ON SATURDAY, JULY 28
ARCHERY
Cheng Chu Sian, Haziq Kamaruddin, Khairul Anuar Mohamad v Mexico
Men's Team - Elimination
(5.15pm)
BADMINTON
Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong v Naoki Kawamae-Shoji Sato (Jpn)
Men's doubles, group stage
(8pm)
Tee Jing Yi v Bae Yeon Jo (Kor)
Women's singles, group stage
(3.30pm)
Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying v Chen Hung Ling-Cheng Wen Hsing (Tai)
Mixed doubles, group stage
(7.30pm)
CYCLING
Adiq Husainie Othman, Amir Mustafa Rusli
Men's Road Race
(5pm)
SHOOTING
Nur Suryani Taibi
Women's 10m Air Rifle
(3pm)
(All in Malaysian time)
Archers wilt at Lord's
UPDATED
JULY 27: Malaysia will have to do it the hard way if a medal is to be won in archery after the national challenge fizzled out in today's ranking round at the Lord's Cricket ground..
Malaysia finished 10th in the team event with 1,981 points and will face Mexico in the first round tomorrow. A win is likely to see them playing France, who finished second in the ranking round, in the quarter-finals.
The situation in the individual is equally bleak as Khairul Anuar Mohamad, the best placed Malaysian finisher at 20th, will face compatriot Cheng Chu Sian in the first round on Monday. Chu Sian, a quarter-finalist in Beijing 2008, finished 45th in the ranking round.
Haziq Kamaruddin, the other Malaysian in action, faces Kazakhstan's Denis Gankin tomorrow.
Sole woman archer Nurul Syafiqah Hashim had an even more miserable outing, finishing 60th out of a field of 64 in the ranking play-off.
She faces France's Berengere Schuh, who finished 37th in the ranking round, in the first elimination round on Tuesday.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Face off at Wembley Arena
JULY 26: They may be foes on court but Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan, the man standing between the Malaysian and Olympic gold, are good friends when they are not competing against each other.
Photographer Khairul Ghazali, who will be bringing the best of Malaysia at the Olympics for New Straits Times, Berita Harian and Harian Metro, caught the two having a chat outside London's Wembley Arena today.
Though young China upstart Chen Long will fancy his chances of upsetting Chong Wei should the two meet in the semi-finals, Lin Dan must surely know that if the Malaysian has shrugged off his ankle injury, the reigning world and Olympic must be prepared for an epic battle - as was the case when the two met in the World Championships final at the same arena 12 months ago.
Having lost several major finals to Lin Dan in the past, Chong Wei knows this could be his last opportunity to upstage his nemesis.
Photographer Khairul Ghazali, who will be bringing the best of Malaysia at the Olympics for New Straits Times, Berita Harian and Harian Metro, caught the two having a chat outside London's Wembley Arena today.
Friends and foes: Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan chat outside the Wembley Arena in London.
Pic by Khairul Ghazali
Though young China upstart Chen Long will fancy his chances of upsetting Chong Wei should the two meet in the semi-finals, Lin Dan must surely know that if the Malaysian has shrugged off his ankle injury, the reigning world and Olympic must be prepared for an epic battle - as was the case when the two met in the World Championships final at the same arena 12 months ago.
Having lost several major finals to Lin Dan in the past, Chong Wei knows this could be his last opportunity to upstage his nemesis.
Early win for Malaysia
JULY 26: The London Olympics officially kick-off tomorrow but Malaysia scored an early win when Kuala Lumpur won the bid to host the International Olympic Committee's 2015 Congress.
A major item on the agenda will be to decide the host city for the 2022 Winter Olympics.
Olympic Council of Malaysia president Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja'afar said hosting the Congress was a major honour for the country.
"The eyes of the world will be on Malaysia during the Congress, which will be held in either July or August, 2015," said Tunku Imran.
Also part of the bidding team was Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek while Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak supported Malaysia's campaign through a recorded statement.
The Congress will be chaired by a new president as current chief Jacques Rogge steps down next year.
A major item on the agenda will be to decide the host city for the 2022 Winter Olympics.
Olympic Council of Malaysia president Tunku Imran Tuanku Ja'afar said hosting the Congress was a major honour for the country.
"The eyes of the world will be on Malaysia during the Congress, which will be held in either July or August, 2015," said Tunku Imran.
Also part of the bidding team was Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek while Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak supported Malaysia's campaign through a recorded statement.
The Congress will be chaired by a new president as current chief Jacques Rogge steps down next year.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Malaysian Olympians can postpone Ramadan fast
During Ramadan, which began last weekend,
Muslims are expected to abstain from
food, drink and sex from dawn until sunset, when they break their fast with a meal known as Iftar.
But a senior member of the National Fatwa
Council, Malaysia’s top religious authority, said athletes can postpone their
fast until after the Games as they are competing at an international event for
the nation’s honour.
“They are going to the Olympics to bring
fame for the country. They can fast when they return to Malaysia,” Mufti Harussani
Zakaria, the top religious official for the Malaysian state of Perak, told AFP
on Monday.
“The Quran says if you have a mission to complete,
you can postpone the fasting but you must replace the number of days you did
not fast.” Eleven out of the 30 Malaysian athletes going to London are Muslim.
One of Malaysia’s top medal prospects, cyclist
Azizulhasni Awang, who won silver at the 2009 track cycling world championships,
is among the athletes who will put off fasting, Malaysian media reported this
week.
“It is a once in their lifetime chance to
participate in the Olympics. They should opt out from fasting for one or two days so that
they stand a chance of winning a medal,” he told AFP.
Malaysia will compete in nine sports in
London, with Muslims taking part in archery, cycling, shooting, sailing and
track and field.
Shooter Nur Suryani Mohamad Taibi, who will
compete in London despite being eight
months pregnant, is excused from fasting since she is expecting, but said all Muslims should be excused from fasting during
competition.
“Islam is lenient. It is not a religion that
forces people. Actually when we go to London we are termed as travellers. Islam
allows us to postpone our fasting,” she said.
British tabloid The Daily Mail reported in
2006 that the London-based Islamic Human Rights Commission said the Olympics timing
was insensitive while Turkey, Egypt and Morocco lobbied for it to be
rescheduled.
The International Olympic Committee, however,
declined the requests, saying the Games were a secular event.
Islamic authorities in countries such as
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Algeria, and Morocco have recently
allowed their athletes to postpone their fasts despite disagreement from some
Muslims. - AFP
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