Rizal mampu gegar emas

SELEPAS mengalami kemalangan Oktober tahun lalu yang hampir lagi meranapkan kariernya selaku pelumba basikal trek negara, Mohd Rizal Tisin ketika ini dilihat sebagai calon terbaik memenangi pingat emas dalam acara 1 kilometer ujian masa di Sukan Komanwel XIX di New Delhi, bermula Ahad ini.

Pulih sepenuhnya daripada kecederaan patah buku lali kiri, Rizal kelihatan lebih bertenaga dan sudah kembali ke tahap terbaik yang pernah menyaksikan dia memenangi pingat gangsa Kejohanan Dunia di Poland, Mac tahun lalu dengan catatan rekod Asia baru, 1 minit 01.658 saat.

Itu cuma kemalangan kecil dan saya sudah pulih sepenuhnya, kata Rizal selepas sesi latihan terakhir skuad trek negara di Velodrom Joe Ciavola, Pusat Sukan Darebin, Melbourne, semalam. Sekarang prestasi saya pada tahap terbaik dan saya berasa cukup bertenaga.

Latihan diberikan untuk Sukan Komanwel ini amat keras tetapi membantu meningkatkan tahap tenaga dan daya kayuhan, katanya yang juga kakitangan Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Awam (SPA), Malaysia itu.

Rizal, bersama-sama dengan Azizulhasni Awang, Josiah Ng dan Edrus Yunos membentuk rangkaian pelumba trek terbaik negara pernah diturunkan di Sukan Komanwel dan harapan cukup tinggi mereka dapat mencipta kejayaan.

Amirul jadi tumpuan Isnin ini

Amirul Hamizan Ibrahim

Prospek penyumbang emas pertama negara saingan Sukan Komanwel

ANDAI segala yang dicaturkan menjadi, orang besi harapan negara, Amirul Hamizan Ibrahim dijangka menjadi penyumbang emas pertama kontinjen negara pada Sukan Komanwel XIX, Isnin ini.

Pemenang tiga emas Manchester 2002 itu prospek terbaik memenangi emas berdasarkan kedudukannya di ranking pertama kategori 56 kilogram di kalangan peserta negara Komanwel yang bertanding, dengan rekod angkatan 265 kilogram.

Jika bernasib baik, kontinjen negara juga boleh menyaksikan penyudahan 1-2 dalam kategori itu kerana seorang lagi wakil negara, Mohd Shafiq Ismail berada di ranking kedua dengan angkatan terbaik 251kg.

Siapa yang tidak mahu menjadi penyumbang emas pertama negara dan saya berdoa mampu berbuat demikian. Sudah tentu ia menjadi detik manis menyaksikan lagu Negaraku berkumandang dan Jalur Gemilang berkibar megah buat pertama kali di New Delhi.

Kemenangan itu juga nanti pasti akan menyemarakkan semangat rakan atlit lain memburu kegemilangan, tekad Amirul mengulas peluangnya menjadi atlit pertama menyumbang emas sebelum berangkat ke New Delhi, kelmarin.

Sebelum berlepas, dia sempat menelefon ibunya untuk memohon restu dan doa selain mengucapkan selamat tinggal kepada isterinya, Ida Royainee Razali dan anaknya, Illy Emelda Ellesya.

Merekalah sumber inspirasi saya, kata atlit kelahiran Rompin yang dibimbing jurulatih, Zakaria Yusop.
Amirul menjalani latihan persiapan dua bulan di Lampung, Indonesia dan tampak sudah bersedia menyahut cabaran apabila bebas daripada kecederaan, selain berjaya mengatasi masalah berat badannya.

Tiada lagi masalah, semuanya okay, katanya yang mencetuskan kebimbangan sebelum ini kerana masalah berat badan yang meningkat dua kilogram, dua minggu lalu.

Ramuan lebuh raya lengkap

Pelumba-pelumba negara berehat di St. Kilda, Melbourne, semalam selepas menjalani latihan intensif sebagai persiapan ke Sukan Komanwel XIX.

MELBOURNE - Skuad berbasikal lebuh raya kini serba-serbi lengkap dalam memikul cabaran Sukan Komanwel di New Delhi.

Dengan masing-masing dua pemecut dan pendaki serta pemisah kelompok dan seorang yang serba boleh, ditambah dengan Amir Mustafa Rusli yang berkarisma, menjadikan skuad lebuh raya negara bersedia beraksi di New Delhi, awal bulan depan.

Malah, disokong dengan pengalaman luas Anuar Manan berlumba di Eropah, mereka menjanjikan tentangan yang lebih baik pada temasya 3-14 Oktober itu, sekalipun masih agak sukar untuk diletak sebagai pasukan pilihan memungut pingat.
Watak pemecut sudah pasti didukung Anuar yang juga Raja Pecut Le Tour de Langkawi 2010, sambil dibantu Mohd. Haniff Salleh. Shahrul Mat Amin juga memiliki kelebihan memecut dan memecah kelompok persaingan manakala Yusrizal Usof dan Adiq Husaini Othman dianggap pakar mendaki laluan dan kawasan tinggi selain serba boleh.

Adiq Husaini juga merupakan pemenang gangsa Kejohanan Belia Dunia di Moscow, tahun lalu sementara jurulatih pasukan lebuh raya ialah William Walker dari Australia.
Dengan perlumbaan lepas beramai-ramai yang disertai di Delhi hanya berlangsung 10 Oktober ini, maka masih banyak masa untuk mereka memantapkan kayuhan dan keserasian, selain menggubah taktikal sepanjang sesi latihan setiap hari di Freakstone, di sini.

"Peluang meraih pingat banyak bergantung kepada kerja sepasukan dan sokongan rakan tetapi pasukan pilihan dalam acara ini bakal banyak tertumpu kepada Australia dan England.

"Bagaimanapun kehadiran Anuar dengan pengalamannya ketika bertanding dalam banyak perlumbaan di Eropah kebelakangan ini, diharap dapat melonjakkan pasukan ini ke tempat yang sewajarnya pada Sukan Komanwel," kata Amir Mustafa selepas menjalani latihan ringan, semalam.

Skuad lebuh raya ke Sukan Komanwel, semalam hanya melakukan latihan kayuhan ringan di tepi pantai Freakstone sejauh 200 kilometer hampir dua jam.

Dalam latihan yang lebih keras ditetapkan jurulatih bagi menghadapi pertandingan antarabangsa, mereka biasanya dikerah berkayuh enam jam di jalan raya. - UTUSAN

Our athletes living in the true spirit of the Games

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian athletes have embraced the spirit of the Commonwealth Games by not making a big hue and cry over host India’s last-minute efforts to make their stay in the Games Village as comfortable as possible.

The bulk of the Malaysian contingent arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday and chef-de-mission Tan Sri Abdul Halil Abdul Mutalib gave the thumbs up to the athletes for adapting quickly to the environment.
“It all went smoothly for us. Every one checked into the Village without any problems. The validation of the athletes accreditation went well too. They slept soundly,” said Abdul Halil in a telephone interview yesterday.
“They also showed good appetite and ate well at the well-managed cafeteria. They went about their businesses as far as their preparation for the Games was concerned.

“There were some teething problems like the long wait for their luggage to be cleared due to security procedures but our athletes took the well. I am pleased with the good spirit showed by all our athletes.”
India have been scrambling to restore their pride and dignity as far as being the good hosts.

There had been negative reports on the Games Village, which was deemed unfit for the athletes. And there had been complaints over sub-standard quality toilets, poor construction of the facilities and filthy conditions.
Abdul Halil hoped that the Malaysian athletes would soar high despite adversities in the Games.

“Sometimes, difficult conditions make one perform even stronger. And I hope our athletes will put aside whatever struggles outside and give their best in the competition arena. Hopefully, this will be our best outing in the Games,” said Abdul Halil.

“I will be meeting all the team managers next to ensure that all aspects of the athletes’ preparation is further looked into.”

Malaysia have set a 10 gold medal target in the Games but Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek has challenged the team to go beyond that.

Malaysia’s raked in the best medal haul of 10-14-12 at the 1998 Kuala Lumpur Games. In Melbourne four years ago, they returned with a tally of 7-12-10.

All eyes on Nicol to land the elusive gold medal in Delhi

WORLD No. 1 NICOL David was in tears after she finished empty-handed in the Melbourne Commonwealth Games in 2006.

Expectations were high on her to win the gold medal. But she was beaten by Natalie Grinham of Australia in the semi-finals and lost to Shelley Kitchen of New Zealand in the playoff for the bronze.
Nicol has a medal to show from the Commonwealth Games – a silver in the mixed doubles event, partnering Ong Beng Hee, in 2002 edition in Manchester.

And things look very bright for Nicol to nail the elusive gold medal in the Delhi Games.
The 27-year-old Penangite, who has been the world No. 1 since August 2006, has been on fire this year. She has played in seven Women’s International Squash Players Association (Wispa) tournaments thus far and has won all of them.

Nicol started the year by winning the Chennai Open in March and she went on to bag the KL Open (March), Cayman Islands Open (April), Malaysian Open (July), Singapore Masters (July) and the Hong Kong Open.
She also won the Asian title for a record seventh consecutive time in Chennai in May.

In the World Open in Egypt last week, Nicol equalled Australian Sarah Fitz-Gerald’s record of five titles without dropping a set in five matches. Nicol had emerged as the champion in 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2009.
Nicol, who has bagged a total of 48 Wispa titles since turning pro in 2000, however, is leaving no stones unturned in the quest to win the Commonwealth Games title in New Delhi. She has been training hard under coach Liz Irving in Amsterdam.

“Coach Liz (Irving) has been instrumental in what I have achieved in my career. I have been working with her to give my best in the Commonwealth Games,” Nicol was quoted in the website
www.squa shsite.co.uk. “I will stay focus and will not underestimate any player in the Games.”
Nicol will open her campaign against Damindha Udangawe of Sri Lanka. And the good news is that England’s world No. 3 Alison Waters, who has given her strong challenges in tournaments, is in the other half of the draw with second seeded compatriot Jenny Duncalf.
Among the players in Nicol’s half of the draw are sixth seed Laura Massaro of England and fifth seed Madeline Perry of Ireland.

Besides Nicol the other members of the Malaysian women’s team are Low Wee Wern, Delia Arnold and Sharon Wee.

The men in the team are Mohd Azlan Iskandar, Ong Beng Hee, Mohd Nafiizwan Adnan and Ivan Yuen.
There are five gold medals at stake in the Delhi Games – men’s and women’s individual and doubles and the mixed doubles. All eight Malaysian players will feature in the individual competitions.
In the doubles, Azlan will partner Nafiizwan (men) while Delia will pair up with Wee Wern (women). The two pairs for the mixed doubles are Beng Hee-Nicol and Ivan-Sharon.

Bryan suffers knee injury while training

PETALING JAYA: Diver Bryan Nickson has learnt a new dive routine in China to strengthen his challenge for a medal on the high board at the Commonwealth Games. But it comes with a heavy price.
The 20-year-old Sarawakian is now carrying a knee injury and his condition may prevent him from emerging as the most successful Malaysian male diver in the Delhi Games.

The divers have been based in Tianjin for more than a month to polish up on more complex routines in preparation for the Commonwealth Games, which begin on Sunday, and also the Guangzhou Asian Games scheduled for Nov 12-27.

Bryan is down to compete in all five disciplines of the Commonwealth Games diving competitions, which will be held from Oct 9-13. But the Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (Asum) secretary, Edwin Chong, said they might have to review it.

Bryan: Has fighting chances for medals in all five events if he is fit.

 

Besides the 10m platform individual and synchronised in which he is likely to partner Abdul Rashid, Bryan will also compete in the 1m and 3m springboard individual.

For the 3m springboard synchronised, Bryan is also rated a strong medal prospect in a partnership with Yeoh Ken Nee. The duo won silver at the Asian championships and gold in the Laos SEA Games last year.
“I have been informed by the coach (Yang Zhuliang) that Bryan has injured his left knee,” said Edwin. “It’s a common one faced by a diver as a result of putting too much stress when one depresses the springboard.
“Initial check-up showed that it is not a joint injury and the National Sports Institute (NSI) will take another look at his condition after he returns home this week.

“Given his talent, Bryan has fighting chances for medals in all the five events if he is in good fitness condition and form. But it looks like it’s no longer possible for him to compete in all the events. It’s better for him to drop one or two events than risk going for all and end up with no medal.”

Bryan’s best bet for medal is in the 10m platform discipline.
“He learnt a new dive routine, which is a four-and-a-half somersault. His level of difficulty is on par with the world’s top ranked divers and it is only 0.1 degree lower than the reigning world champion Tom Daley, who will be competing for England,” said Edwin.

At the last Games in Melbourne in 2006, Bryan partnered James Sandayud to bag a silver in the 10m platform synchronised.
The diving squad for the Delhi Games will leave on Oct 5.

The other male in the team are Ken Nee, Ahmad Amsyar and Mohd Fakhrul. The women in the team are Youth Olympic Games double silver medallist Pandelela Rinong, Leong Mun Yee, Trasie Vivien, Cheong Jun Hoong and Wendy Ng.

India embraces the vuvuzela

Pandelela Rinong will take part in only the 10m platform.

NEW DELHI: The vuvuzela trumpets that became the droning soundtrack to the football World Cup in South Africa are to make a comeback at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi. Vuvuzelas provoked strong emotions in South Africa, with some fans loving the distinctive low-pitched bellow while others -- including many players, coaches and commentators -- driven to distraction.

About 10,000 plastic vuvuzela horns have already been sold in Delhi through official merchandising outlets at a cost of US$5.50 (RM17) each.

"Both Indian and foreigners have been showing a lot of interest, and sales are very good," Jitendra Dang, who runs a stall at the athletes' village, said.
"It feels that their popularity after South Africa is continuing in India."

Vuvuzelas became the unofficial symbol of the World Cup, but they drowned out crowd chants and made it nearly impossible for players to communicate with each other.

The horns have since been banned by UEFA, European football's governing body, and by several English Premier League club grounds, as well as at many other sporting events.

Indian sports fans are known for their passion -- especially at cricket games -- but tickets are still available for most Games events and it is uncertain if venues will fill with the vuvuzela's monotone blast.

Suresh Kumar, chairman of the Games' official merchandising company Premier Brands, said 50,000 vuvuzelas had been imported from China and 10,000 had already been bought from stalls, shops and from mobile vans.

"People here like them because in India we associate celebrations with noise," he said. "Festivals like Diwali are always very loud.

"Vuvuzelas are the most popular item we are selling. We expect the rest to go by the middle of the Games. And if we have a shortage, we can't get any more because they were ordered from China."

The origins of the vuvuzela -- and the word's meaning -- are unclear, but many believe they were first made from a sheet of metal, and were only popularised in South African sports stadiums in recent years.

Harris Mbulelo Majeke, South Africa's High Commissioner in Delhi, showed locals last week how to blow the horn with a long, loud blast.

"We are going to make a lot of noise. We are going to have lots of fun," he said. "We are going to blast the stadiums with vuvuzelas." -- AFP


Read more: NST

Pandelela's neck a sore point

PANDELELA Rinong's destiny crosses the path of the Commonwealth Games and the 17-year-old Sarawakian looks set to continue her rise in New Delhi. The past year has seen the shy diver grow steadily in stature, winning her first World Championships medal with synchronised partner Leong Mun Yee, and grabbing two silver medals at the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore last month.

The Asian Games in Guangzhou in November could be a step-up for Pandelela, but there she will have to contend with the might of the Chinese in her platform events, and that is the only obstacle she, or anybody else in her class for that matter, has yet to overcome.

But things should work in her favour at the Dr. S.P. Mukherjee Swimming Stadium on Oct 10-13, if Pandelela is not hindered by a naggng neck injury.
She has just one individual event to focus on -- the 10m platform which has been her pet event since her rise to prominence in the 2004 Malaysia Games, where she combined with Elizabeth Jimie to sweep all six gold medals contested.

In New Delhi, much is expected of Pandelela's combination with the seasoned 25-year-old Leong Mun Yee in the 10m platform synchronised.

The duo created history when they delivered Malaysia's first ever World Championships medal, taking the bronze in Rome in 2009. Less than two year on, they stand a fighting chance for a gold medal in New Delhi.

The duo will also combine for the 3m springboard synchronised, but if Pandelela's neck injury still hampers her, then performance on the springboard will suffer.

Melbourne will not be repeated

Elaine Koon is a medal prospect.

MALAYSIA did well in the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games -- winning five silver and two bronze medals -- but it will be tall order for the national gymnasts to achieve even half of that in the 2010 edition. Durratun Nashihin Rosli and Ng Shu Wai, who secured four and one silver respectively in Melbourne, have retired and most of the artistic and rhythmic gymnasts for New Delhi are new faces.

Injuries to Azzam Azmi and Sharil Johari, two of the most experienced members of the men's artistic team, have further weakened Malaysia's medal chances.

Nevertheless, Malaysia Gymnastics Federation (MGF) president Professor Datuk Dr. Zakaria Ahmad is optimistic the gymnasts are good for two medals in New Delhi.
Medals are expected from the women's artistic gymnastics team and one from rhythmic gymnastics, in which Elaine Koon and Nur Hidayah Abdul Wahid will be competing.

"Things have changed drastically since the Melbourne Games where we did reasonably well but retirements and injuries mean we will have a relatively inexperienced squad this time," said Zakaria.

"Our girls in the artistic event will be competing for the first time but the have shown improvement and we are hoping for a medal.

"Another medal may come from rhythmic gymnasts or even in the individual events of the women's artistic gymnastics.

"Traditionally, Australia, Canada and England have been strong and hosts India have also been improving.

"We are building a new squad and it is not going to be easy for them. But we are hopeful they can create a surprise or two."

The absence of Azzam and Shahril has forced MGF to recall Onn Kwang Tung, who has competed in all editions since 1998, and Irwan Miskob but the men are expected to face a difficult time.

Women's artistic gymnast Tracie Ang, who finished seventh in the individual all around and balance beam in the World Cup leg in Belgium a fortnight ago, is expected to lead the team to a medal.

A fractured hand suffered during the Malaysia Games in Malacca in June has slowed down Cheong See Teng but she will be alongside Chan Sau Wah, Noor Hasleen Fatihin Hasnan and Farah Ann Abdul Hadi in seeking a medal in the team event.

Elaine and Nur Hidayah are also making their debuts but hopes are high that they will maintain Malaysia's tradition of winning a medal in rhythmic gymnastics since 1998.


Read more: NST

Semuanya Teratur, Kata Ketua Kontinjen Malaysia Ke Sukan Komanwel

Oleh P. Vijian

NEW DELHI, 29 Sept (Bernama) -- Semuanya teratur dan berjalan lancar, itulah gambaran yang diberikan oleh Ketua Kontinjen Malaysia ke Sukan Komanwel di New Delhi Tan Sri Abdul Halil Abdul Mutalib mengenai keadaan perkampungan sukan itu di sini.

Beliau bersama dengan kira-kira 90 atlet Malaysia tiba di sini Selasa malam untuk menyertai edisi ke-19 sukan itu yang akan bermula Ahad ini di ibu negara ini.

"Pandangan pertama saya apabila tiba di lapangan terbang agak membanggakan. Acara sambutan dan urusan pengangkutan ke perkampungan sukan itu sangat memuaskan.

"Malahan kita ada pengawal bersenjata dalam bas kita yang memberikan keyakinan terhadap keselamatan kita," katanya kepada media di perkampungan sukan itu.

Sehingga hari ini kira-kira 118 ahli sukan Malaysia telah tiba di sini dan memulakan latihannya di perkampungan sukan yang baru dibina, yang keadaannya sebelum ini menggemparkan.

Tetapi penganjur India, yang menerima tekanan kuat daripada pihak antarabangsa, sibuk memberikan wajah baru kepada perkampungan, di mana hampir 7,000 atlet dari 71 pertubuhan sukan akan tinggal dan berlatih dalam tempoh dua minggu akan datang.

Abdul Halil berkata beliau yang belum lagi menemui pengurus pasukan masing-masing untuk mendapatkan maklum balas mereka, dijangka mengadakan mesyuarat dengan pegawai Malaysia pada Rabu.

Kontinjen Malaysia akan mengambil bahagian dalam 14 acara sukan pada sukan itu yang akan diadakan dari 3 hingga 14 Okt.

-- BERNAMA

'House In Order' Says Malaysian Contingent CDM

By P.Vijian

NEW DELHI, Sept 29 (Bernama) -- "House is in order and work is progressing at high speed" was how Malaysia's chef-de-mission (CDM) Tan Sri Abdul Halil Abdul Mutalib described the current condition of the New Delhi Commonwealth Games village.

Abdul Halil, along with about 90 Malaysian athletes arrived in Delhi last night, to participate in the 19th edition of the games that kicks off this Sunday in the Indian capital.

"My first impression when I arrived at the airport was quite impressive. The (Indian welcoming) reception and the arrangements from the airport to the games village was above average.

"We even had an armed guard in our bus that gave us confidence about our security," he told the media at the games village.

Until today about 118 Malaysians have arrived in Delhi and begun their training at the newly build but controversial-hit games village, where conditions were in appalling conditions earlier.

But the Indian organisers, who came under severe international criticism and pressure, are busy giving a new facelift to the village, where nearly 7,000 athletes from 71 games organizations would be staying and training for the next two weeks.

Abdul Halil said he has yet to meet the respective team managers to get their feed back but expects to hold a meeting with Malaysian officials later today (Wednesday).

"The advance seven-member Malaysian team which arrived here and the Malaysia High Commission in Delhi, with the help of Indian officials, did a good job to ensure everything was okay in the village," he added.

The strong Malaysian contingent would take part in 14 of the 17 sports hosted by New Delhi from Oct 3 to 14.

He also said "I haven't seen any mosquitoes in my room", when asked to comment on the threat of dengue in the city.

-- BERNAMA

Lawn Bowls: Malaysia eye Delhi gold rush

IT is rare for any Malaysian sport to set the sky as the limit of their ambition, so the Malaysian Lawn Bowls Federation (MLBF) ought to be lauded for its boldness. MLBF has set a four-gold target for its 12 bowlers in New Delhi, a feat never before achieved in the history of the Commonwealth Games.

Malaysia's best haul was the two gold medals won by Siti Zalina Ahmad in the women's singles and the women's triples at the last Games in Melbourne four years ago.

The lawn bowlers have consistently produced results on the international stage and Malaysia have in the last decade become one of the sport's leading nations alongside Australia, New Zealand, Scotland and England.
Safuan Said, the world champion, is the leading men's lawn bowler in the world while Siti Zalina is a two-time defending champion at the Commonwealth Games.

The return of Nor Iryani Azmi, the Champion of Champions singles winner in 2006, to the national team after a three-year absence has also boosted the lawn bowlers' chances of winning gold medals.

Nor Iryani, who was part of the triples winning team in 2006, will play in the pairs with Nor Hashimah Ismail but most eyes will be on Safuan and Siti Zalina.

If MLBF's target is to be achieved, the duo must come through in their respective events with the men's and women's triples and the men's pairs also having to share the burden.

Team manager Jamal Nasir Abu Bakar believes four gold medals is certainly within Malaysia's reach and even boldly declared that a clean-sweep of all six events is possible.

"With the training and overseas competitions that the bowlers have been exposed to, we have set four gold medals as a reasonable target.

"We believe that the gold medals can come from any six of the events. In fact, we could win them all but have decided instead to stick with a more conservative number. My own personal target is for them to come home with five gold medals," said Jamal Nasir at a recent press conference in Bukit Jalil.

Chief coach Ariffin Abdul Ghani concurred with Jamal Nasir, saying that this is perhaps the country's best-prepared lawn bowls squad.

"The bowlers have made steady progress over the last four years, winning several international honours. At the World Championships in 2008, we won one gold (through Safuan) and four bronze medals.

"This is the major reason why we are confident in the target we have set," said Ariffin.

The squad suffered a minor scare last week when Siti Zalina suffered a back strain in a test match against New Zealand in Paroi.

But the 2002 and 2006 Commonwealth Games gold medallist was declared fit just before the team departed for New Delhi on Friday.

Hockey: When only the best will do

Malaysian women’s team will use the Commonwealth Games as a training ground for the Asian Games.

THE Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) had planned to send a mixed team, but coach Stephen van Huizen made a strong request to field the best in the New Delhi Commonwealth Games and his wish was granted. 

Sixteen players, that is all the Commonwealth Games allows a country to register, and with two goalkeepers that leaves a coach only 14 players to make do with in any match.

That means every player has to carry his weight, and top flight fitness is a must for a team to progress to the semi-finals.

"I have no problem with fitness among my players, so we have as good a chance as the next team of winning matches and advancing to the knock-out stage," said Van Huizen.
Malaysia will have their backs against the wall in Group A, as one semi-final slot already has the name of World No 1 Australia written all over it, while hosts India, Pakistan, Malaysia and Scotland will battle for the second slot.

"Actually, the reason I wanted to field the best is because we need top class matches leading to the Asian Games, and our group in New Delhi will provide us with just that," said the coach.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) gives the host country leeway to play at prime time and also pick their first opponents -- and India opted to play Malaysia in their curtain raiser.

Maybe India are looking to avenge the semi-final defeat in the 1998 Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games, where Malaysia went on to claim silver behind Australia.

MHF granted Van Huizen's wish to field the best and, hopefully, Malaysia will give their best and reach the semi-finals in a tournament which boasts six of the top-10 countries in the world.

As for the Malaysian women's team, their objective is also to use the Games as a training ground for the Asian Games.

"We are glad to get a chance to play some quality matches which are quite difficult to source for. We will be fielding quite a young side, and the experience of playing against England and the rest should better prepare them for the Asian Games challenge," said Malaysian Women's Hockey Federation secretary S. Shamala.

The Commonwealth Games does not offer any ranking points or ticket to a higher level tournament and that is why most of the teams rather use it to blood new players.

However, a gold medal in the Asian Games is a direct entry into the Olympics.

MEN -- Group A: Australia, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Scotland; Group B: England, New Zealand, Canada, Trinidad & Tobago, South Africa.

WOMEN -- Group A: Australia, South Africa, India, Trinidad & Tobago, Scotland; Group B: England, New Zealand, Canada, Malaysia, Wales.

Armed with faith

THE national shooting team have grown stronger since their failure to land a gold medal in last year's Laos Sea Games with several shooters making their mark in international competitions of late. The ever-determined shooters now hope to make an impression on the New Delhi Commonwealth Games and are determined to crack the dominance of the Australian and Indian shooters and win any of the 36 gold medals on offer at the Dr K.S. Shooting Range.

A total of 22 shooters (14 men and eight women), will be competing in New Delhi.

Their priority is to win Malaysia's first gold medal since Nurul Hudda Baharin's feat in the 10-metre air rifle at the 1998 Kuala Lumpur edition.

Nur Suryani Mohd Taibi stands as the country's best bet of ending the drought.

In March, Nur Suryani earned a huge boost for herself and for the sport in the country when she won a historic silver medal (10m air rifle) at the ISSF World Cup Series in Sydney.

Nur Suryani, who is with the Armed Forces, however, is known to be erratic but if she hits form in New Delhi, a gold medal is a distinct possibility.

Her best achievement in the Commonwealth Games was a bronze medal in the 50m three-position pairs with Nurul Hudda in the 2006 Melbourne edition.

Teammate Nur Ayuni Farhana Abdul Halim, an emerging force in local rifle competitions, is also a shooter to watch at the Games.

The 19-year-old made a remarkable international debut last year by bagging a gold medal in the 10m air rifle event at the International Junior Shooting Championships in Germany.

The Pahang shooter, who also represented the country in last year's Sea Games, has also been winning local titles consistently and she should be in the right frame of mind in New Delhi.

Shahera Rahim Raja, Muslifah Zulkifli and Haslisa Hameed are the other shooters in the women's rifle team.

Meanwhile, pistol shooters Hasli Izwan Amir Hasan and Bibiana Ng, who both made their Commonwealth debut in the 1998 edition, are also on course for a medal in their respective events.

Hasli, after two unsuccessful outings, returned with a bronze medal in the 25m rapid fire from the Melbourne edition and he hopes to add to that in New Delhi.

His dominance in the event, however, is now challenged by his protege, Hafiz Adzha, who beat him in the recent National Championships.

Hafiz, who posted a 585 total to surpass Hasli's record by three points at the competition, will definitely fancy his chances against the best at the Games.

As for Bibiana, the Commonwealth Games gold medal has been eluding her despite the pistol shooter winning a medal in each outing since her debut in Kuala Lumpur.

In her initial appearance, the 33-year-old took silver in the 25m sport pistol and followed up with another second place finish with Irina Maharani in the pistol pairs event four years later in Manchester.

In the last edition in Melbourne, the Sarawak-born Bibiana, together with Joseline Cheah, took silver in the 10m air pistol pairs.

The experienced shooter hopes to end her gold medal drought in her fourth Commonwealth Games in New Delhi on Oct 3-14.

National Shooting Association of Malaysia executive secretary Major Jasni Shaari is confident his shooters will return with two or three medals.

"I believe everyone in the team has a chance of a good performance if they perform to expectations," said Jasni.

"The gap between our shooters and the rest has narrowed compared to before, and I expect a better haul this time.

"Our shooters have the confidence and self belief after competing in several international events.

"I believe they will be able to hold their nerves during their respective events in New Delhi."

Jasni said the medals would likely come from the rifle and pistol shooters.

"Nur Suryani, Nur Ayuni (rifle), Bibiana, Joseline and Siti Nur Masitah Badrin (pistol) are our potential medallists in New Delhi," he said.

In 2006 in Melbourne, Malaysia returned with one silver and four bronze medals.


Read more: NST

Loving a game that he once disliked

NIK Safuan Ismade Nik Man knew nothing about rugby during his school days as his forte then was track and field. A talented long distance runner in Pahang, he disliked rugby as he felt it was a dangerous sport.

However, the Kuala Lipis-born athlete grew to love the game after he joined Kuala Lumpur City Hall at 19.

Now, the talented forward will captain the national rugby sevens team in the New Delhi Commonwealth Games.

"I picked up rugby when I joined City Hall as an employee. I must thank former national player Rusli Ramli for introducing me to the game," said Nik Safuan.

"I represented Bandaraya Dragons then. Four years after taking up the sport, I was selected to represent the country and I've been doing so ever since."
Like his teammates, it will also be Nik Safuan's first experience of Commonwealth Games rugby.

The national rugby sevens side are among the top four ranked teams in Asia but are still far behind world class teams like New Zealand, Australia, England, Fiji and Samoa in the sevens game.

"We have been doing great over the past two years in Asia but it will be tough in New Delhi. Our priority in the Commonwealth Games is to gain experience ahead of the Asian Games (in Guangzhou), where we stand a good chance of a medal," added the 30-year-old.

The national sevens side forced Asia's traditional powerhouses to take notice of them after a sterling performance in the 2008 Sri Lanka Airlines Sevens, where the team bagged the country's first ever rugby title.

Buoyed by that success, the team went on to win the Asian Rugby Sevens Brunei leg before finishing fourth in the Borneo leg, both last year.

It has also been a memorable season so far this year. The team started their 2010 international campaign by finishing second to South Korea and in a pre-Commonwealth Games competition in New Delhi in April.

Recently they made history by recording their first ever victory over Asian giants Japan en route to finishing fourth in the prestigious Shanghai Sevens.

Assistant team manager K.H Tan said Asian countries regarded Malaysia as the continent's emerging force.

"Many top coaches and officials, even those attached with the International Rugby Board, have praised our team. According to them, our players are improving," said Tan.

"It is certainly good news that the region's rugby fraternity is slowly starting to respect the Malaysian team. We have improved because we put to practice the scientific aspects of modern training.

"My players are bigger, stronger and fitter compared to before. They are also not afraid of taking on physically bigger opponents as they have been playing regularly with foreign players of late."

On their preparation for the Commonwealth Games, Tan said the team started intensive training last month.

"About 20 players were selected for training in Sandakan last month before the Shanghai Sevens. They had a good time as they sparred with the local Fijian trainers," said Tan.

"The biggest challenge in Malaysian rugby is getting players train as one unit on a regular basis.

"However, thankfully, most players in the training squad, are attending regular training," he said.

Malaysia, however, will have a big fight on their hands as they have been drawn in Group C with IRB Sevens World Series champions Samoa, Papua New Guinea and Kenya.


Read more: NST/

Shooters expected to haul in medals

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia have always won medals in Commonwealth Games shooting since 1998 and they are expected to keep up the trend with a stronger squad to New Delhi.
With the team finalised three months ago with numerous shooters who have surpassed the qualifying marks omitted because of quota, the National Shooting Association of Malaysia (NSAM) are confident of a four-medal haul in New Delhi.

“Having to leave out a large number of shooters who met the qualifying marks showed quality in our stable,” said NSAM secretary Jasni Shaari.
But the main concern for Jasni is that the shooters remain problem free throughout the competition period from Oct 5-13.

“This is a sport that requires high precision. I hope that no illness, no equipment problems or whatsoever will happen there,” he said.

“I believe most of them are at their peak now and it all down to competition day to see whether they can bring home the targeted medals.”

The team form is regarded to be up to mark with the medal contenders from Australia, England and hosts India.

In the world championships in Munich in July, debutante Nur Shahera Rahim Raja matched her personal best score of 394 in the 10m air rifle event.

Pistol shooter Hasli Izwan Amir Hasan, another medal hopeful in New Delhi, also gave a creditable performance to finish 26th in the 25m standard pistol event.

“From the scores, we can see how they stack up against world’s best and they are good enough to be medal contenders in the Commonwealth Game. But they must not let themselves be overawed by the occasion,” said Jasni.

One shooter who would be hoping for a big break in New Delhi is Bibiana Ng, who has never failed to win a medal in the Games since 1998.

Only a gold medal is missing from her collection. She came close to getting one in 998 in the 25m sport pistol event.

“She has progressed well in the build-up to the Games. I believe with a little bit of luck, she might just nail it this time,” said Jasni.

Tiada jaminan daripada Koo-Tan

PUTRAJAYA - Walaupun turun dengan status beregu No. 1 dunia, pasangan badminton negara, Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong tidak memberi jaminan pingat emas mampu dibawa pulang daripada Sukan Komanwel XIX, yang bermula Ahad ini. 

Beregu utama negara itu bagaimanapun sekadar meletakkan sasaran untuk melangkah ke perlawanan akhir, sambil menganggap beregu utama England, Nathan Robertson-Anthony Clark mampu menjadi ancaman utama mereka pada Temasya 3-14 Oktober itu nanti.

Menurut Boon Heong, cabaran Robertson-Clark tidak boleh diambil mudah kerana beregu berpengalaman England itu sering mengheret mereka beraksi dalam pertarungan sengit dalam tiga pertemuan terdahulu, malah pada perlawanan terakhir di Terbuka Malaysia, Januari lalu mereka dipaksa berhempas pulas dalam tiga set sebelum menang 21-12, 23-25, 21-11.

Pasangan negara itu pernah dikejutkan oleh Robertson-Clark pada Terbuka Singapura, tahun lalu apabila tunduk 21-13, 19-21, 14-21.

"Apa yang paling penting buat kami adalah mengekalkan prestasi untuk melayakkan diri ke perlawanan akhir, apa yang berlaku selepas itu kita tunggu saja,'' katanya ketika di Lapangan Terbang Kuala Lumpur (KLIA) untuk berlepas ke New Delhi, semalam.

Menurut Kien Keat pula, kekalahan kepada beregu China, Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng pada final Terbuka Jepun, minggu lalu tidak menjejaskan moral mereka untuk mencari emas di New Delhi, sebaliknya hanya menaikkan lagi semangat mereka untuk beraksi cemerlang di Sukan Komanwel nanti.

"Setakat ini persiapan kami untuk menghadapi Sukan Komanwel baik sahaja, terutama selepas baru selesai menghadapi Terbuka Jepun beberapa hari lalu.

"Tewas kepada China pada kejohanan itu hanya menyemarakkan semangat kami untuk bangkit mencari keputusan yang lebih baik di Sukan Komanwel,'' kata Kien Keat.

Bagaimanapun kata Kien Keat, keputusan yang bakal dicatat di New Delhi banyak bergantung kepada prestasi mereka pada hari sebenar perlawanan. "Saya tidak boleh katakan apa-apa ketika ini, cuma lihat sahaja pada hari perlawanan itu nanti," ujarnya.

Utusan

Kita mudah atasi New Zealand

KUALA LUMPUR - Pisang tidak berbuah dua kali, itu dibuktikan oleh skuad hoki lelaki negara yang membenam New Zealand 3-0 pada perlawanan persahabatan kedua di Stadium Hoki Tun Razak di sini, semalam.

Selepas gagal mempertahankan kelebihan 2-0 pada aksi pertama apabila dipaksa seri 2-2, skuad bimbingan Stephen van Huizen sudah mengambil pengajaran berguna daripadanya.
Semalam, Stephen mengekalkan Roslan Jamaluddin sebagai penjaga gol utama ekoran S. Kumar masih belum pulih daripada masalah kesihatan.

Skuad negara beraksi baik sebaik wisel permainan dibunyikan, malah memperoleh dua pukulan sudut penalti pada 30 minit pertama namun dinafikan oleh penjaga gol, Kyle Pontifex sementara satu percubaan lagi tersasar.

Gol pertama Malaysia menjelma seminit sebelum separuh masa pertama ditamatkan melalui gerakan solo Mohd. Sharun Nabil Abdullah.

Tanpa diduga, Sharun melepaskan pukulan kilas padu ke arah kiri pintu gol New Zealand bagi mendahului perlawanan.

Pakar pukulan sudut penalti negara, Mohd. Amin Rahim menggandakan kelebihan pada minit ke-41 sebelum Izwan Firdaus Ahmad Tajuddin mematikan semangat melawan 'Black Stick' dengan gol ketiga pada minit ke-62 melalui pukulan kilas.

Apa yang pasti, persembahan skuad negara wajar dipuji kerana bijak menukar rentak selepas mendahului 2-0 yang menyebabkan New Zealand gagal bangkit mencari gol penyamaan.

Hakikat itu diakui Stephen yang berpuas hati dengan aksi pemainnya kerana dapat mengekalkan penguasaan bola di samping terus menyerang ke kubu skuad 'Kiwis'.

''Pemain juga dilihat bertambah yakin dengan banyak menguasai bola dan itu membantu kepada kemenangan kepada hari ini,'' katanya yang ditemui selepas perlawanan.

Bagi menyesuaikan diri dengan keadaan padang di New Delhi, Stephen memberitahu dua perlawanan persahabatan telah diaturkan iaitu bertemu Kanada dan Afrika Selatan.

'Kami banyak peningkatan'

---

SKUAD hoki wanita negara telah mempamerkan banyak peningkatan dan perkembangan itu mengundang khabar gembira menjelang Sukan Komanwel 2010 yang akan bermula di New Delhi, India, Ahad ini.
Perkara tersebut diakui jurulatih, Yahya Atan yang ternyata berpuas hati dengan komitmen yang dipamerkan anak- anak buahnya dalam beberapa kejo- hanan disertai sebelum ini.
"Setakat ini, persembahan serta prestasi yang dipamerkan oleh barisan pemain saya berada pada tahap yang terbaik.

"Dalam beberapa kejohanan yang disertai sebelum ini, pemain-pemain telah banyak mempamerkan peningkatan yang mana ia merupakan suatu perkembangan positif buat pasukan.
"Bagi menghadapi Sukan Komanwel kali ini, apa yang boleh saya katakan ialah kami telah bersedia sepenuhnya," kata Yahya.

Yahya berkata demikian pada majlis mengumumkan senarai 16 pemain yang bakal membarisi skuad hoki wanita negara beraksi pada temasya yang akan memasuki edisi ke-19 itu di Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur semalam.

Turut hadir pada majlis tersebut Presiden Persatuan Hoki Wanita Malaysia (MWHA), Raja Puan Sri Datuk Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah.

Sebagai rekod, skuad hoki wanita negara berjaya memperbaiki ranking dunia pada Kejohanan Cabaran Juara-Juara (2) 2009 di Kazan, Rusia yang mana mereka melonjak dua anak tangga untuk menduduki tangga ke-22.

Tidak cukup dengan itu, pengala- man beraksi pada saingan kelaya- kan Piala Dunia awal tahun ini di Santiago, Chile telah memberi pendedahan berguna buat mereka yang rata-ratanya dibarisi pemain-pemain muda.

Sekalipun hanya menduduki tempat kelima, namun skuad hoki wanita negara berjaya mencipta keju- tan selepas mencatatkan satu kemenangan ke atas Ireland 3-1 yang mana mereka tewas di tangan Australia, Chile dan Scotland.

"Bagi saya kejohanan-kejohanan sedemikian sedikit sebanyak membantu kami memperbaiki segala kelemahan dalam usaha memantapkan skuad dan Sukan Komanwel kali ini adalah satu lagi landasan terbaik buat kami.

"Pada Sukan Komanwel nanti, kami dijadual berdepan England yang mana mereka merupakan pasukan yang menduduki tempat ketiga pada Piala Dunia yang lalu dan kami belum pernah beraksi menentang mereka sebelum ini," jelas Yahya.

Selain England, skuad hoki wanita yang diundi dalam Kumpulan B pada temasya di New Delhi itu turut akan menentang Wales, Kanada dan New Zealand.

Kontinjen Kedua Negara Berlepas Ke New Delhi

SEPANG, 28 Sept (Bernama) -- Kontinjen negara merangkumi 93 atlet dan pegawai diketuai ketua kontinjen Tan Sri Abdul Halil Abdul Mutalib berlepas ke New Delhi, India, untuk menyertai Sukan Komanwel ke-19.

Kontinjen kedua itu adalah yang terbesar selepas skuad boling padang berlepas ke ibu negara India itu, Jumaat lepas.

Timbalan Menteri Belia dan Sukan Datuk Razali Ibrahim berkata kontinjen tersebut turut diiringi dua orang pegawai polis selaku pegawai kontinjen untuk menjaga keselamatan atlet di sana.

Bercakap kepada pemberita selepas mengucapkan selamat jalan kepada kontinjen itu di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa KL (KLIA) di sini, Selasa, beliau berharap sebarang kekurangan di temasya itu dapat ditangani oleh pihak penganjur sebelum temasya itu bermula Ahad ini.

Kontinjen hari ini merangkumi enam anggota skuad gimnastik, angkat berat, akuatik, memanah, badminton dan berbasikal.

Malaysia, yang menghantar 201 atlet dan 95 pegawai dalam menyertai dalam 17 jenis sukan pada temasya itu, mensasarkan 10 pingat emas iaitu jumlah sama semasa Kuala Lumpur menjadi tuan rumah pada 1998.



-- BERNAMA

CDM Heads Second Batch Of Athletes To New Delhi

SEPANG, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- Malaysian contingent Chef-de-Mission (CDM) Tan Sri Abdul Halil Abdul Mutalib headed the second batch of athletes who left to New Delhi, India for the Commonwealth Games that starts on Monday.

The athletes were also accompanied by two police officers to ensure their safety during the games.

The first batch of athletes, led by the lawn bowls team, had already arrived in New Delhi on Friday.

Among the teams that left to New Delhi were athletes from gymnastics, weightlifting, aquatics, archery, badminton and cycling.

The Malaysian contingent to New Delhi would comprise 201 athletes and 95 officials who will be hoping to win 10 gold medals through the 17 sports featured by the country's athletes.

-- BERNAMA

How to prevent dengue? ...nyamuk aedes!

Prevention is basically by:

• Avoiding mosquito bites (by using mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin (KBR3023) or oil of lemon eucalyptus)
• Eliminating pockets of stagnant water that serve as mosquito breeding sites at home, workplaces and their vicinity,
• Not storing water in open containers. Covering all water containers with lids.
• Preventing mosquito entry by keeping doors closed and windows screened.
• Wearing protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks and shoes when outdoors.
• Using mosquito nets at home.
• Scrubbing and cleaning margins of containers used for water (to dislodge the eggs of Aedes aegypti)
• Covering overhead tank to prevent access to mosquitoes.
• Aedes mosquitoes usually bite during the day; therefore, special precautions should be taken during early morning hours before day break and in the late afternoon before dark.
• There is no commercially available dengue vaccine (for dengue Flavivirus).