Divers under pressure to meet MQS at trials or miss chances for world meet
Whether the divers are from the Podium Programme or from the back-up squad, they will have to hit the MQS or kiss goodbye to their chances to represent the country in the upcoming World Championships in Singapore from July 11-Aug 3.
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The Star
17 hours ago
- The Star
Back to rule again
Denmark men's singles shuttler Viktor Axelsen in action against China's Lu Guangzu during the semi-final match of Malaysian Masters at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil on Saturday. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star PETALING JAYA: Beware of wounded tiger Viktor Axelsen! Expect the Danish men singles shuttler to come roaring back in the second half of the year with his eyes set on the World Championships from Aug 25-31 in Paris after an injury-disrupted year so far. The two-time former world champion has been sidelined since April due to a back issue and underwent surgery but has returned to training and is set to make a strong comeback in the world meet. And this should serve as a warning for the others, who have had one less strong hurdle to deal with in the last few tournaments. Former great Datuk Rashid Sidek said the return of Axelsen will make the men's singles interesting again. 'We need a strong calibre player like Viktor to add spice in the men's singles contest. His return bring back the excitement,' said Rashid. 'The Dane has set the standard very high and if his back to his best form (after the injury), we can expect good matches in upcoming tournaments, especially at this year's world meet.' Axelsen will be out to become only the second men's singles player after Chinese legend Lin Dan to capture the world title more than twice after his previous victories in 2017 and 2022. Lin Dan won the crown a record five times in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011 and 2013. Before his injury troubles, Axelsen won the Indian Open and German Open titles and will be keen to get back to his best form in his bid to chase Lin Dan's record. The Dane will also be spurred on by sweet memories as the prestigious meet this time will be held at Adidas Arena in Port de la Chapelle which is the same venue as the Paris Olympics last August where Axelsen memorably won his second consecutive gold in the showpiece event. Among the other contenders for the men's singles title in the world meet are Thailand's world No. 1 and defending champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn, China's world No. 3 Shi Yuqi and Axelsen's teammate Anders Antonsen. In the last edition in 2023, Kunlavut created history by becoming the first Thai shuttler to win the men's singles crown after beating Japan's Kodai Naraoka. Malaysia's Lee Zii Jia is also expected to return in the second half of the year but it's unsure whether he would be able to keep up with the pace after being out for a long time this year. The draw will be released on Aug 12.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
Wa Sern reaches third round in Gimcheon
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The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Aaron-Wooi Yik, Bonnie heading a stellar cast for SAM-100Plus award
Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM) president Norismadi Abd Manap (second from right). KUALA LUMPUR: Paris Olympic Games bronze medalists Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik are one of the frontunners to win the best athletes award at the Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM)-100Plus annual ceremony. The shuttlers will be strongly challenged by equally impressive nominees tower runner Soh Wai Ching, bowler Sin Li Jane, wushu expert Tan Cheong Min and lawn bowler Farah Ain Abdullah. Wai Ching is the undisputed king in tower run, winning several international titles while Li Jane dominated the Professional Women's Bowling Association (PWBA) Tour by winning four titles last year, including the prestigious US Open title. Farah won gold at the World Championships at the Channel Islands and Cheong Min triumphed at Macau Asian Championships. Earlier this year, world No. 2 Aaron-Wooi Yik had won the best male athlete of the year during the national award in April. As for the title of the best para athlete, there will be keen competition between two contenders – shuttler Cheah Liek Hou and powerlifter Bonnie Bunyau Gustin. Liek Hou retained his singles gold in Paris while Bonnie broke the world record en route to defending his gold. The other candidates are Ziyad Zolkefli (F20 shot put), Latif Romly (T20 long jump) and Eddy Bernard (T44 sprint). Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM), Norismadi Abd Manap said the winners of both main athlete awards will each receive RM10,000 in cash and a trophy at the awards ceremony, at Sunway Resort Hotel on July 14. "The 2024 SAM-100Plus awards will also recognise excellence in sports journalism through six categories: best report-news (print media), best report-news (electronic media), best commentary (print media), best commentary (electronic media), best special report (Open), and best sports photography," he said at a press conference on Tuesday (July 1). Norismadi also announced that the SAM leadership unanimously agreed to increase the cash prize for the top journalism award, the Siebel award, from RM7,000 to RM10,000. The cash prize for the popular sports commentator award has also been increased to RM3,000 from RM2,000 previously.
