JONASSEN UNDER PRESSURE

Kenneth Jonassen faces an arduous task in the second round of the World Championships in Paris.

Though he has quit playing competitively, Jonassen will have to plot the downfall of his once protégé, Jan O Jorgensen who will take on England’s Rajiv Ouseph.

Jonassen assumed the position of Head Coach of the English BA early this month and his allegiance will be put to test in the second round match.

“When I left Denmark for England, the people understood why I had to do it. Really it was because I needed a new challenge in life,” said Jonassen who won the European Championships in 2008.

“But if Rajiv gets the better of Jorgensen, then I fear that my countrymen will have a change of heart about me.”

Jonassen who believes that the English players have talent will be out to introduce a new sense of commitment amongst his “new” players.

“We must understand that it is different in England and Denmark. My first task is to understand the English system and come up with a plan that is acceptable to the players<’ contends Jonassen.

“It is not proper to just shift what we did in Denmark and have the English players adapt to it. What I need to do is develop something that will e conducive to England and bring the desired results.”

The Dane has set himself a modest target initially, that is to have his charges defeat the second ranked players of other countries on a more consistent basis. That Jonassen believes will provide his players with the desire and confidence they need to excel into world-class players.

When asked if he was targeting any gold medals from his players in the upcoming Commonwealth Games, Jonassen said:

“Two months is a short period of time to deliver gold but I am optimistic given time the singles players will be able to deliver at the international arena.”

SHOCKING EXIT

Malaysia's independent duo Choong Tan Fook/Lee Wan Wah made a shock exit from the World Championships, going down 20-22,21-17,18-21 to unheralded German pairing of Kristof Hopp and Johannes Schuttler at the Pierre de Courbertin Stadium in Paris.

And the duo, who will split ways at the end of the year, have only themselves to blame as they failed to settle in and were inconsistent throughout the 47 minute match.

Seeded 16, the pair were expected to ease into the second round but their performance was woeful to say the least.

And while the defeat was bitter, the duo did not mince words when asked what their plans were after splitting up.

Tan Fook will move to Hong Kong, to assume the position of national coach while Wan Wah is scouting around, looking for someone to play with as a pair.

And when asked why they did not consider taking up coaching positions with BAM, they replied in unison:

"There has been no approach whatsoever made by BAM so what is there to consider?' was Wan Wah's curt reply.

"We are open to options but can only be serious if there is an approach made. But till now no one has spoken to us on any possibility to coach in Malaysia."

Tan Fook said that he was still awaiting details with regards to the coaching position in Hong Kong and that was an option he would grab as it meant being nearer to his wife, Zhang Jie Wen who is based in Ghuanzhou.

"It takes me only two hours to commute to Ghuanzhou should I take up the offer from Hong Kong," said Tan Fook."

On their defeat, the duo refused to use their late arrival (they arrived at noon on Sunday, barely 24 hours before their match) as an excuse.

"We only have ourselves to blame and credit to the opponents who played very well," conceded Wan Wah.

The Malaysians are not the only pair going separate ways for their opponents too will split after the World Championships.

Kristof Hopp said that he was retiring after the tournament.

"We went in there today with a belief that we can we could win and gave it our best shot. It is indeed a sweet win and hopefully it will spur us to do better as after this I will be quitting," said Hopp.

EASY WINS FOR CHONG WEI, MEW CHOO AND HAFIZ

World number one Lee Chong Wei had a light workout in the opening round of the World Championships in Paris as he defeated Kevin Cordon of Guatemala 21-7,21-11.

It was akin to a walk in the park for the Malaysian as he hardly broke sweat as he raced to a 5-0 lead before wrapping up the set with neat net play.

The second was no different as Chong Wei led 7-2 and never looked back, wrapping up the match in 26 minutes.

"It's good to start the tournament after the few days of waiting. I had a good feel of the court and playing conditions and am looking forward to a good outing," said Chong Wei.

"There is a slight draft but I doubt it will worry anyone. And as for the hall being not having air conditioning, I believe its no advantage to the Asians as most of the European players too are accustomed to these conditions."

Wong Mew Choo also got off to a winning start, needing 37 minutes before registering a 21-16,21-14 over Karin Schnaase of Germany.

Muhd Hafiz Hashim got the better of Tan Yuhan of Belgium, registering a 21-13, 21-15 win in just 27 minutes. But he will face Chong Wei in the second round.

"I will give my best and in the end that is what matters most," said Hafiz.

"Only one of us will move into the second round, and although the odds are stacked heavily against me, if I go down, it will not be without a fight."

Also making it to the next round was mixed doubles pair of Chan Peng Soon/Goh Liu Ying who defeated Belgium's Jonathan Gillis/Severine Corvillian 21-12,21-14 in just 21 minutes.

Meanwhile coach Misbun Sidek said that the hot and humid conditions in the Pierre de Coubertin Stadium will be a severe test for all the players.

"From what i have seen so far, the players are gasping for breath, and that is not a good sign as over the next few days with the number of spectators increasing, I expect things to become more difficult for the players," said Misbun.

"Therefore it is vital that the players pace themselves in the matches and get it over and done with, and not stay long in the court."

KING WITHOUT A CROWN

It was a kind draw for World No 1 Lee Chong Wei as he prepares for the World Championships that commences tomorrow.

But the Malaysian, who  has been in tougher situations in the past and is not looking too much into the draw.

And he will be counting on his new weapon, the Armortec 900PLC Yonex racquet, named after him.

This will be the first tournament that Chong Wei is using the specialy manufactured racquets and he hopes that it will give him the extra edge to win the crown that has eluded him in the past.

And if one were to look lower, then the blue shoes that Chong Wei wears are also specially designed for the Malaysian by his sponsors, Yonex.

Besides Chong Wei, two other players under the Yonex stable, Peter Gade and Taufik Hidayat have racquets named after them.

Chong Wei was focused while being put through his paces by coach Misbun Sidek.

“I will have to give my best. It doesn’t matter who I play, at the end of the day it’s how I play,” said Chong Wei when asked about the draw.

“It looks like I have tough opponents in each round. But this are the World Championships and upsets can happen at any time. I just have to be well prepared.”

Chong Wei could have made it as a basketball player for that was his first passion. Nevertheless a switch to badminton at the tender age of 11 saw him propel into one of the finest shuttler in this era.

“I didn’t expect to come this far. My dad encouraged me to play the sport and it was when I turned 17 that I realised that I could go really far in this sport. I thank my lucky stars for coming this far.”

While Chong Wei is rated the best player in the world, he still hungers for two elusive titles – the World Championships and the Olympics gold medal.

He came close to nailing the Olympics gold medal at the Beijing edition in 2008 but succumbed to Lin Dan in the final. His best achievement at the World Championships was the bronze medal in 2005.

His best achievement of the year is winning the All-England title – his first since participating in the prestigious tournament from 2004. He also started the year well with wins in the Korean Open and Malaysian Open.

“No Malaysian has won this tournament before and this is the best way for me to bring back the glory to my country.”

“I know I have another couple of years left and this is my time before I retire,” said Chong Wei who is looking for a shot at glory in the London 2012 Olympics.

Quickfire questions:    

Your idol?

Sun Jun. When I was growing up he was the world champion. I admired his skills and quick reflexes although he was a petite player.

Best all time player?

Yang Yang and Zhao Jian Hua of China. Also, Denmark ’s Peter Gade is another good player.

What are your strengths and weakness?

I tend to explode and it catches the opponents off guard. My weakness would be my mental strength.

Who is your best friend in the scene?

Taufik Hidayat. We’ve known each other for a long time. I’m also close to my sparring partner Chan Kwong Beng.

FIXED

ZIMBABWEAN football was thrown into turmoil last night after the Zimbabwe Football Association admitted the national team “played a fixed match under the auspices of a Malaysian betting syndicate” in December last year. Zimbabwe, playing a second string team, lost to Malaysia 3-0 on December 28, 2009. Suspended ZIFA CEO Henrietta Rushwaya has been summoned to a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday morning after a probe committee led by ZIFA deputy president Ndumiso Gumede accused her of corruption, financial mismanagement and match fixing in a damning report. In its findings, Gumede’s committee said Rushwaya “facilitated (and) or allowed the Zimbabwe national soccer team to travel to Malaysia on a trip that had not been approved by either the ZIFA board or the Sport and Recreation Commission.”   Rushwaya will be asked to respond to charges that she “arranged a trip by the national team to Malaysia where the team played a fixed match under the auspices of a Malaysian betting syndicate.”   The charge sheet adds: “The team was paid to lose the match, to the previous prejudice to the reputation of Zimbabwe as a soccer playing nation and to the FIFA ranking of the national team.”   Rushwaya is also accused of facilitating another trip by Premier League club Monomotapa to Malaysia in July 2009 where they passed themselves off as the national team. They played two friendlies losing 4-0 and 1-0. Gumede’s probe team believes the match was also organised by a Malaysian betting syndicate.   After New Zimbabwe.com blew the lead on the deception, the Malaysian FA accused ZIFA of "disgraceful conduct". Malaysian FA general secretary Datuk Azzudin showed reporters a letter from Rushwaya which said Monomotapa -- who played in the national colours -- were the national soccer team.   Further, Rushwaya is accused of applying for a loan of US$103,000 from the Sport and Recreation Commission on ZIFA's behalf “without the authority of the board”.   “... to date, you have not accounted for the same money, neither have you repaid it. The SRC has demanded this money from ZIFA,” ZIFA says in a letter to Rushwaya, detailing the charges against her.   ZIFA also accused Rushwaya of prejudicing it of large amounts of money after signing a contract with a Swiss-based sports marketing agency, Kentaro, giving it rights to all the proceeds from Zimbabwe’s match against Brazil on June 2 this year. Advertisement Zimbabwe lost the match played at the National Sports Stadium 3-0, and Kentaro – who manage Brazil’s international television rights – have now demanded US$650,000 from ZIFA. The association says the money is NOT in its coffers.   The ZIFA charge sheet says: "On or about May 26, 2010, you on behalf of ZIFA, signed a contract with Kentaro A.G in terms of which ZIFA literally gave everything away including rights as defined by Article 45 of the ZIFA constitution and got nothing out of a soccer match that was eventually played between the Zimbabwe national team and the Brazilian national team at the National Sports Stadium.   "As a result of your action in binding the national association to this one-sided agreement, Kentaro A.G is demanding from ZIFA, payment equivalent to all the gate takings realised from the said match, money which the national association did not receive in the first place.”   Rushwaya has denied wrongdoing even as Malawian sports consultant Felix Sapao claimed that she had attempted to engineer a meeting between him and Wilson Raj Perumal, who works for a Singapore sports agency, to help fix matches involving Malawi. Perumal has previously served a jail term for match fixing.

TOUGH FOR CHONG WEI

It was a draw that world number one Lee Chong Wei wanted to avoid.

For he was drawn in the top half with the likes of Taufik Hidayat, K.Tago, Lin Dan and Nguyen Tien standing in his way of a possible final in the World Championships in Paris from Aug 23 to 29.

Chong Wei was drawn to meet Keven Cordon of Guatamala in the first round before he will cross swords with Muhd Hafiz Hashim in the second round.

Doubles pair Koo Kien Keat/Tan Boon Heong have also been dealt with a tough draw as they will have to get past Korean pair Lee Yong Dae/Jung Jae Jung in the third round.

They have an easy opener in the opening tie as having drawn a bye they play Czeh pair Kopriva Ondrej/Kopriva Tomas.

Wong Choon Hann, drawn in the bottom half will play Simon Maunoury of France in the first round and will face a tough third round against Sony Dwi Kuncoro.

NO TUNE FOR MALAYSIA

Read the BBC story below and while some will say well done, there are many others like me who will ask why charity does not begin at home.

I use three of their products, Tune Talk, Tune Money and Air Asia but seriously try asking yourself how we benefit from ventures such as this?

Has Air Asia ever considered painting their planes with images of Lee Chong Wei and Nicol Ann David?

Has Tune Money done what VISA does, ie sponsoring a team like the Argentina Hockey Team?

Has Tune Talk even gone 3G or provide Blackberry services to their customers?

And this list goes on. Perhaps one day we might even be charged to use the loo on Air Asia flights.

But above all Tony, let's be Malaysians first. Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country?

For starters let's see you coming out with packages for fans to the Commonwealth Games in Delhi and Asian Games in Ghuangzhou.

Only then we can truly believe in the motto Everyone Can Fly.

Air Asia-owner Tune Group is to take over from its airline subsidiary as sponsor of the top referees grouping in England from this season.

The "seven figure-deal" will run for three years from season 2010-11, and install Tune as partner for Professional Games Match Officials.

The PGMO was formed in 2001 and it referees matches in Premier League, Football League and FA competitions.

Malaysian-based Tune also has a stake in Formula 1 team Lotus.

Tune's portfolio also includes the ASEAN Basketball League, low-cost long-haul airline Air Asia X, and Tune Hotels - which is set to open its first European outlet in London soon.

Continue reading the main story
Mike Riley, general manager of PGMO, said he hoped the partnership would be as positive as the Air Asia tie-up, which "resulted in significant investment in the training and development of officials at all levels of the game".

Meanwhile Tune hopes to increase brand awareness by its connection with "English football's three billion viewers globally".

The deal gives Tune Group access to 2,000 professional football matches.

Promotional rights include Tune being given shirt sleeve and training wear branding on all professional match referees, assistant referees and fourth officials

There will be other branding opportunities, including a presence on the football governing bodies' websites.

RSC SHOW THE WAY

Development of football is often neglected in the country. But the Royal Selangor Club have shown that investing in youth does pay and having a systematic programme could contribute towards developing talented youngsters don national colours.

 

 

Just ask Nicholas Wee who is now a member of the Harimau Muda A team that participated the the Premier League.

Nicholas was a product of the RSC junior development programme where some 350 kids from the ages of 8 to 16 gather every Sunday at the RSC Sports Annexe in Bukit Kiara to undergo systematic training under the tutelage of qualified coaches.

And the 18 year old Nicholas joined the RSC programme when he was 10 years old and now is a key central defender in the national youth team.

The junior soccer development programme was launched on March 2002 and has even been acknowledged by FAM as one of the best development programmes in the country. The programme is managed by a Chief coach Radzali Embi, who was formerly the Head Coach of Melaka Telekom and KL Plus President Cup squad and is supported by twelve ADC/FAM certified coaches. 

In addition to the development programme, the RSC Soccer Section also boasts of holding an international level competition.

The 10th RSC Tiger International Soccer 7’s (RSC - Tiger Cup) and the 8th RSC Under 12 International Soccer 7’s tournament will be held over this weekend.And this year’s has a special significance as it is now a decade since it was started and continues to grow and gain popularity with both the local and foreign teams.  
 

And it will be the first official function for newly elected FAM Deputy President Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah who will officiate at the opening ceremony on Saturday morning.

The Under 12 age group has attracted a total of 24 teams, which is a blend of teams from the Klang Valley area, outside the Klang Valley area and overseas namely Korea, Japan, Australia and Singapore
 

There will be 16 teams in the Masters competition which caters for those above 40, while another 13 teams will be competing in the Grandmaster competition that is for those above 50 years old.

MALAYSIAN TO BUY SHEFFIELD UNITED?

from www.thestar.com.my

A Malaysian businessman is emerging as a key stakeholder of Sheffield United, one of Britain’s oldest football clubs.

He is in the final stages of sealing a deal with Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe and chief executive officer Trevor Birch that will see millions of pounds flowing into the Championship One club.

Birch told The Star that the club was finalising the deal.

He added that the Malaysian would be making a significant in­­vestment in the club.

Birch even took time away from the club’s friendly against Argenti­nian side Estudiantes on Aug 1 to discuss the deal in Malaysia.

“We want to be serious contenders for promotion to the English Premier League next season and with his involvement, we can see an even brighter future ahead,” he said here yesterday.

Birch, a Liverpool player in the 1970s, was the Chelsea CEO who put together the RM706mil (£140 million) Roman Abramovich takeover in 2003.

It is understood that talks between United and their potential Malay­sian partner have been going on for some time and a conclusion will be reached “in a matter of a few months”.

According to sources, the Malay­sian businessman is expected to visit United next week.

The new possible tie-up will make the club’s first Championship One match this Sunday an “all-Malaysian affair” as United will be facing Cardiff City, owned by Berjaya tycoon Tan Sri Vincent Tan.

“What’s interesting about his (the Malaysian) involvement is that he is investing in a club that is rich in heritage and, more importantly, with strong financial credentials,” said Birch.

United is also known as “The Blades” due to the city’s worldwide reputation for steel production.

NO PREMIER SERIES

There has been no official announcement yet from the governing body, but the 2011 page of its calendar has now been filled with the major events, including the Super Series and Premier Super Series. The Super Series Finals for 2010 will be played early 2011 in a place yet to be confirmed.

The travel plans can now be started again for 2011: the BWF has published its calendar for 2011, including the top 12 events - its Super Series circuit amongst which the 5 big tournaments. There will be little changes however in the set up of the year, with all Super Series going by pair except for the All England which now stands all alone between two Grand Prix Gold - German and Swiss, while the newly upgraded Indian Open is now set to be staged at the end of April, right after the Asian Badminton Championships

The Sudirman Cup will be held in Qingdao, China - a new city to the badminton world, while the World Junior Championships (in Taipei) will once again clash with the French Super Series in October - a shame for the youngsters who often get to play during one of the major events of the senior tour, yet the calendar, once again, next year is so tight that other options must have been ruled out for good reasons - 2011 will see no less than 12 Super Series, 9 Grand Prix Gold, 2 World Championships (indiv and Sudirman) along with a lot of other lower graded tournaments and continental championships.

Here is how the calendar stands, the way it was published today:

January 2011
5-9: Super Series Finals (TBC)
18-23: Malaysia Open SS (Kuala Lumpur)
25-30: Korea Open Premier SS (Seoul)

February
15 - 20: European Mixed team championships

March
1-6: German Open GP Gold
8-13: All England Premier SS (Birmingham)
15-20: Swiss Open GP Gold (Basel)
29-30: New Zealand GP

April
1-3: New Zealand GP (TBC)
5-10: Australian GP (TBC)
19-24: Badminton Asia Championships (TBC)
26-30: India Open SS (TBC)

May
3-8: Malaysia Open GP Gold (TBC)
22-29: Sudirman Cup (Qingdao)

June
7-12: Thailand Open GP Gold (Bangkok)
14-19: Singapore Open SS (Singapore)
21-26: Indonesia Open Premier SS (Jakarta)
28-30: Russia Open GP (Vladivostok)

July :
1-3: Russia Open GP (Vladivostok)
12-17: US Open GP Gold (Los Angeles)
19-24: Canada Open GP(TBC)

August :
8-14: BWF World Champs (London)
23-28: Vietnam Open GP(Ho Chi Minh City)

September :
6-11: Chinese Taipei GP Gold (Taipei)
13-18: China Masters SS (TBC)
20-25: Japan Open SS (Tokyo)
27-30: Indonesia Open GP Gold (TBC)

October
1-2: Indonesia Open GP Gold (TBC)
02-09: World Senior Champs (Vancouver)
11-16: Dutch Open Grand Prix (TBC)
15-20: Pan Am Games (Guadalajara)
18-23: Denmark Open Premier SS (Odense)
25-30: French Open SS (Paris)
28-30: World Juniors (Taipei)

November
01-06: World Juniors (Taipei)
01-06: Bitburger GP Gold (TBC)
15-20: Hong Kong Open SS (Hong Kong)
22-27: China Open Premier SS (TBC)
29-30: Macau Open GP (Macau)

December
01-04: Macau Open GP (Macau)
14-18: Super Series Finals (TBC)