NO FROST FOR MALAYSIA

Morten Frost has quit his position as the head coach of the Danish U19 side.

But contrary to speculations, he is not coming to Malaysian shores for his second tour of duty.

Rather he has accepted the offer from a private firm in Denmark, this leaving Dato James Selvaraj to fight it out with Kwan Yoke Meng as the head of the High Performance Director of BAM.

Oops, was it not that BAM said that the position will be advertised. And technically James contract with BAM ends at midnight on Merdeka Day.

So how is it that his name keeps coming up with regards to a meeting to be held on September 8, the C&T meeting that is ever so important.

But prior to that the BAM has a date to keep with OCM and the independent pair of Gan Teik Chai/ Tan Bin Shen next Monday with regards to the mediation on their exclusion.

Interesting times at BAM, but pity their website has been down the last couple of days for exceeding bandwidth.

SELAMAT HARI RAYA

Ramadhan is coming to an end now with a day to go. And one of the biggest annual celebrations for all Muslims worldwide will commence.

It will be a celebration of victory for all who succeeded in completing their duties during Ramadhan as well as to welcome the month of Syawal.

I’ll be heading to my hometown for being in KL is like a shopping event or an eat all day session instead of the ambiance you get at our kampungs. Be it as it may I have to make the best of it and enjoy the long holidays.

I’d like to take this opportunity to wish all my family, friends, colleagues and business associates Happy Holidays! and Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, maaf zahir dan batin.

I would like to also apologize for any wrong doings or harsh comments I might have made to everyone. We are only human so are prone to making mistakes.

Do take care of yourself and your loved ones during this festive period, especially if you’re planning to travel long distances.

Check your transportation and make sure you allocate enough time for delays and congestion.

START WITH NSC FIRST

Reading this article made me laugh as the Minister should really look at the manner NSC bickers with the various national sports associations.

By the way YB, what happened to your Sports Advisory Panel? Sleeping or into hibernation?
KEMAMAN, Aug 27 (Bernama)-- Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek Saturday told the badminton fraternity in the country to stop bickering and move forward.

He told the parties having differences to settle them amicably so as not to jeopardise development of badminton, the sport likely to bring Malaysia's first Olympics gold medal.

Ahmad Shabery was referring to the various problems that have beset the sport of late, which included key players making an exodus from the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to become independent professionals and the latest , the controversy of over the training methods of doubles coach Rexy Mainaky.

Some quarters had alleged that his methods were not doing much good for Malaysia's top doubles pair Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong but the coach has denied it.

Ahmad Shabery, who was speaking to reporters after after a Ramadan function at Sungai Pergam here, added that if need be, he would be calling up the disputing parties after Aidifiltri so that the problems could be ironed out.
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WE ARE BACK

Please visit www.tnbmhl.com.my - the UNOFFICIAL website for the Malaysian Hockey League.

The 2011 Malaysian Hockey League is set to commence on September 17.And as was the case last year, this website is a stand alone website as negotiations with the MHF collapsed even before they could commence with various conditions being imposed thus we had to decline the offer to make this an official site. Still we believe that hockey fans will make this their first stop to follow the news on the MHL. Sponsors are welcomed and teams in the MHL are encouraged to adopt this website as their own. We are prepared to allow panel ads on the website by the teams or their sponsors for a nominal fee.

So it will be another journey without much assistance from the sponsors and we will thrive to bring you the news on the MHL, with a new feature of video interviews with coaches and players, both pre and post games. And now for some news on the forthcoming MHL that you would have only read here first.

TALK TO CLUBS MINISTER

Players leaving the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) will only make it more difficult to find new talent of the calibre of Datuk Lee Chong Wei, said Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek.

He said the situation (exodus from BAM) put the ministry in a dilemma as to whether to continue funding BAM or invest directly in the players who opted to leave the main badminton body in the country.

"Many people are asking about who will fill the top players shoes. In the latest case yesterday, our number two men's doubles quit the BAM and this situation is making it difficult for the government to help the sport," he said when met after a breaking of the fast function at Centre Point here Monday.

He said professional badminton players in the country had yet to reach the stage where they could fully rely on sponsorship and prize money to develop their careers.

"That is why I am very concerned about this issue (players deciding to go their own way). If more talented players are outside the ambit of BAM, the government will find it difficult to help in the development of badminton," he said.

On Saturday, BAM president Datuk Seri Nadzmi Salleh told the media that Malaysia's number two men's doubles pair Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif and Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari had given notice to the BAM that they wanted to go independent.

Meanwhile, commenting on suggestions by Chong Wei, the world number one men's singles player, that more back up players be given overseas exposure like what China was doing, Ahmad Shabery said this entailed a huge cost and that the private sector would have to come in to ensure the success of such a programme.

SLAP IN THE FACE FOR BAM

Having opted for their "own" pair over the doubles pair of Gan Teik Chai/Tan Bjn Shen, the Badminton Association of Malaysia suffered a slap on their face following the decision of Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif and Mohd Fairuzzizuan Mohd Tazari to quit the stable of the national body.

It what's poetic justice, the BAM pair of Zakry and Hoon Thien How lost in the second round at the World Championships at Wembley Arena, having been entered by BAM despite the independent pair of Gan/ Tan qualifying on merit.

The decision by the duo to quit must seriously Neva blow to BAM who have attributed the lack of suitable sparring partners for the decline of standards of top doubles pair of Koo Kien Keat/ Tan Boon Heong who lost at the last eight stage at the World Champs.

But reading the BERNAMA story one cannot help wonder if BAM realize the story of the sinking ship...

CAUGHT OFFSIDE

AN ENTERTAINING conflict of interest for Tony Fernandes, the Malaysian entrepreneur who is in advanced talks to buy Queens Park Rangers FC, currently enjoying its first spell in the Premier League for 15 years.

Among Fernandes’ business interests is the no-frills hotels chain Tune Hotels, which sponsors all the Premier League referees. If the QPR deal goes through, he could become the first football owner in history to be relieved when his side is relegated.

NO RETIREMENT PLANS FOR CHONG WEI

Having lost a close final to nemesis Lin Dan at Wembley Arena, Lee Chong Wei will give it one last shot in 2013 before thinking of calling it quits.

A sad and disappointed Chong Wei had to undergo treatment for an hour before he could talk to the Malaysian media and he spoke about his plans with regards to the 2012 Olympics as well as the reasons for his defeat in the final.

(Please view the video recorded by this blog)

"The difference was that Lin Dan took a gamble and won. When I led 16-13 he threw all he had at me and though I held match point twice, I just could not convert them. It is disappointing as I know many in Malaysia would have watched the match, but I gave it my very best," said Chong Wei who suffered body cramps and had to be helped by the National Sports Institute officials.

"The gap between Lin Dan and me is getting closer as evident from this final and either one of us could have won the final or for that matter any match in the future.

"I will be facing the Chinese armada though over the next year in the run-up to the Olympics as there is not only Lin Dan but the likes of Chen Jin, Chen Loong and other budding Chinese players coming through the ranks.

"So I have to plan the preparations for the Olympics well, and need the co-operation from NSC, NSI and BAM."

Chong Wei also reiterated that he had no plans to retire just yet as he wants the World Championship title and will participate in 2013.

SO CLOSE YET SO FAR

UPDATED

Lee Chong Wei suffered serious cramps after the match and could not be interviewed after the final. Though a stretcher and wheelchair was brought, he gallantly walked to the changing room. No thanks to an overzealous BWF Media Officer we are unable to bring those pictures to you.

Chong Wei served first and duly won the opening three points as Lin Dan committed unforced errors by sending the shuttle out.

A weak smash into the net by Chong Wei gave Lin Dan the first point and the stage was set for an epic battle.

The Malaysian held the lead after that, but Lin Dan kept within striking distance as the scores moved from 705 to 10-8.

At the break Chong Wei had a three- point lead with the score at 11-8 in favour of the Malaysian.

Lin Dan drew level at 14-14, after a long rally ended with a delicate drop shot that caught Chong Wei flat-footed.

Chong Wei then led 15-14 but a fortunate net clip fell into the Malaysians court and Lin Dan was level again at 15-15.

The Chinese ace then went ahead 16-15 but Chong Wei was not prepared to let him break away as he won the next point to make it 16-16.

Chong Wei showed great defensive skills as he returned three smashes by Lin Dan to make it 18-16 and the crowd were loving it as the two players gave it their best.

Another smash by Chong Wei gave him a 19-16 lead and though Lin Dan had the whole court to him after Chong Wei slipped, he sent the shuttle wide on Chong Wei’s left to give the Malaysian the set point at 20-16,

Lin Dan won the next three points as Chong Wei was hasty with his shots and was within a point of drawing level. And when Chong Wei could not finish off Lin Dan with two smashes, the match went into deuce.

But Chong Wei prevailed as he took the next two points and the set at 22-20 in 27 minutes.

The second started off the same as the first as Chong Wei took a 3-0 lead but Lin Dan won the next four points to edge ahead at 4-3.

A mistake at the net gave Lin Dan a 5-3 lead and things were not looking too good for the Malaysian.

Though Chong Wei pulled a point back, Lin Dan made it 6-4 as Chong Wei sent a shot wide. But in the next two pints it was Lin Dan who committed the errors, first by misjudging a shot on the baseline and following that with a shot into the net to give Chong Wei a 7-6 lead.

But Lin Dan stepped up a gear to take a 9-7 lead, which Chong Wei duly erased to lead 10-9. And two errors by Chong Wei handed the lead to Lin Dan at the break with the clock showing 44 minutes played thus far.

Lin Dan then reeled off six straight winner to make it 17-10, with Chong Wei accounting for three of those, leaving the shuttle, thinking it was out.

Though Chong Wei picked up three points to reduce the deficit to 14-18, two more unforced errors put paid to his hopes as Lin Dan took the set 21-14 in 25 minutes.

THE CROWN BECKONS FOR CHONG WEI

As hordes of Malaysian VIP’s descended at the mixed zone area of the Wembley Arena to congratulate him, Lee Chong Wei was already thinking about his prospective opponent in the final.

And without hesitating Chong Wei said that he expected China’s Lin Dan to line up against him tomorrow.

Chong Wei defeated China’s Chen Jin in a one sided semi-final, winning 21-13, 21-9.

“I think Lin Dan has the edge over Peter Gade but irrespective who my opponent is, I will be prepared mentally to take them on, said Chong Wei before being ushered to meet the VIP’s in the likes of Malaysian High Commissioner, son of former Prime Minister Dato Mokhzani Mahathir, Deputy Sports Minister Senator Gan Ping Sieu and 2012 Malaysian Olympic contingent Chef de Mission Tan Sri Ahmad Sarji.

“It was a good win today and although I was down early in the second set, I was confident of winning.

“After taking the first set, I knew Chen Jin will come out attacking in the second set and was prepared for his style of play.”

After six failed attempts, with his best showing a semis spot at Anahiem, France where he lost to Taufik Hidayat, Chong Wei was elated with his semis win.

“I hope my detractors will now appreciate the fact that I have made the final,” said Chong Wei.

“Making the final is just one step for I really want to win the title. And my form thus far has been good and these are encouraging signs as I prepare for the final.

“I will give it my best shot for this is really my opportunity to land a title that has eluded me. Trust me that this is the big one that I want to add to my collection.”

Chong Wei took a 2-0 lead but Chen Jin was on level terms as the Malaysian made two uncharacteristic mistakes by send the shuttle into the net.

And the scenario was repeated as Chong Wei won the serve but lost it with another failed attempt at the net.

An error of judgment at the baseline by Chong Wei gave his opponent a 4-3 lead.

Chong Wei then reeled off four points in the row to lead 7-4 but once again Chen Jin fought back to 5-7 but was faulted at serve to hand the initiative back to the world number 1.

And Chong Wei showed his class as he raced to a 11-7 lead at the break, looking confident as he spoke to coach Tey Seu Bock.

With Chen Jin looking a bit apprehensive, Chong Wei went on the offensive as he moved the Chinese all over the court, winning points with deft touches and devastating smashes to lead 14-8.

Chong Wei then gave away just two points before racing off to a 19-10 lead, before another miss hit at the net handed serve to Chen Jin.

An exquisite display of controlled net play gave Chong Wei the 29^th point and although he conceded another two points, he smashed his way to take the first set 21-13 in 14 minutes.

The second set started with Chen Jin racing to a 4-0 lead before Chong Wei won his first point. And as the Malaysian kept making mistakes, Chen Jin too full advantage to gather the points for a 7-3 lead.

Chong Wei stepped up a gear and with the fans urging him on from the stands, he won the next five points to take the lead for the first time in the second set at 8-7.

The manner in which Chong Wei won his ninth point showed his class as he sent Chen Jin scurrying all over the court before finishing him off with his trademark leaping smash. At the break Chong Wei led 11-8.

With Chen Jin in disarray, Chong Wei kept picking up the points as he increased his lead to 17-8, winning nine points on the trot.

And he sealed his spot in the final winning 21-9. And he never showed any emotions.