
Young divers need to take big step up as Malaysia send small team for world meet
With the experienced Olympian Nur Dhabitah Sabri deciding to take an indefinite break from the sport until end of this year, Malaysia will not be represented in the women's springboard discipline (1m and 3m springboard individual and 3m springboard synchro) for the first time.

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The Star
10 hours ago
- The Star
Justin leaps past Zii Jia in world rankings after Macau run
National men's singles shuttler Justin Hoh. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star PETALING JAYA: Men's singles shuttler Justin Hoh has been boosted by his new status as the new national No. 2 and he is now looking forward to more breakthroughs. Justin replaced Lee Zii Jia as the country's No. 2 in the men's singles after leaping eight spots from No. 45 to reach a career high No. 37 in the latest world rankings. Zii Jia, who has been sidelined by an ankle injury since March, has dropped 17 spots from to No. 35 to No. 52. The 27-year-old though has a protected ranking of No. 9 and will be making his comeback in the World Championships from Aug 25-31 in Paris. Justin is on the reserves list for the world meet and will only qualify if Zii Jia or current national No. 1 and world No. 25 Leong Jun Hao withdraws. Aidil Sholeh Ali Sadikin is also currently ahead of Zii Jia in the rankings at No. 42. For Justin, his rise in the rankings came after he reached the final of the World Tour Super 300 Macau Open before finishing runners-up to Indonesia's Alwi Farhan. It was the 21-year-old's first final in the World Tour and he is keen to build on his improved showing after struggling for form this year. "I feel very happy with my performance in Macau. I hope for more achievements in the future," said Justin. "I had positive discussions with my coaches Kenneth Jonassen and K. Yogendran before the tournament and we found the right direction for me to improve. "I have learnt that I need to be more patient and work on my skills and strategies on court." Justin is now getting closer to breaking into the world's top 32 which will grant him entry into Super 750 and 1000 competitions. The youngster will return to action in the Hong Kong Open from Sept 9-14.


New Straits Times
11 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Two 'bogey pairs' loom for Wei Chong-Kai Wun in Paris
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The Sun
12 hours ago
- The Sun
Kai Wun targets third title to boost World Tour Finals bid
TEE KAI WUN is determined to secure a third title with doubles partner Man Wei Chong to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour Finals. The pair, currently ranked seventh globally, have already claimed victories at the Indonesia Masters and Malaysia Masters this season. Kai Wun emphasised the importance of maintaining focus ahead of their next challenge—the World Championships in Paris from August 25 to 31. 'We'll definitely fight for the World Championships because everyone wants to play in such a big tournament. But it's not just about that; this year, we're targeting a spot in the World Tour Finals, so every tournament matters,' he said after a training session. Despite their high ranking, Kai Wun acknowledged the tough competition ahead. 'Being in the top eight means we could face a top-four seed as early as the quarter-finals. Anyone in the top 10 can win, but our goal is to bring back a medal,' he added. - Bernama