Terengganu Jangka Dominasi Acara Berbasikal Sukma 2012

KUALA TERENGGANU, 17 Mei (Bernama) -- Terengganu yakin bakal mendominasi acara berbasikal Sukan Malaysia (Sukma) yang akan berlangsung di Pahang, Julai ini, kata Yang Dipertua Persatuan Lumba Basikal Terengganu (PLBT) Datuk Ahmad Sidi Ismail.

Beliau berkata keyakinan ini berdasarkan pencapaian terbaik pasukan lumba basikal Terengganu dalam kejohanan Jelajah Malaysia baru-baru ini dengan menduduki tempat ke-11 keseluruhan.

"Kalau antara pasukan di Malaysia, kita menduduki tempat pertama dan di Asia pula kita menduduki tempat keenam," katanya kepada pemberita selepas majlis penyerahan piala Jelajah Malaysia kepada pengarah Majlis Sukan Negeri (MSN) Zainal Abidin Hussin di sini Khamis.

Ahmad Sidi berkata walaupun tidak menaiki podium, kejayaan pasukan Sukma Terengganu itu menunjukkan petanda yang baik ke arah mengungguli acara berbasikal di kejohanan itu nanti.

Beliau berkata pelumba Terengganu telah menunjukan kekuatan yang seimbang dan melaungkan amaran kepada pasukan lain yang akan bertanding di kejohanan itu.

BAM Nafi Abaikan Prestij Piala Thomas

KUALA LUMPUR 17 Mei (Bernama) - Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM) tidak pernah mengabaikan prestij dan signifikan kejohanan Piala Thomas sekalipun persiapan pada kejohanan kali ini dibayangi dengan temasya Sukan Olimpik 2012 di London, Julai ini.

Pengurus Besarnya, Kenny Goh Chee Keong berkata kedua-dua kejohanan tersebut sama penting kerana ia membariskan pemain handalan dunia dan mempunyai tradisinya yang tersendiri.

Menurut beliau, pandangan pihak tertentu yang mengatakan temasya Sukan Olimpik penting ada asasnya memandangkan memang menjadi impian semua atlet untuk beraksi di temasya berprestij.

"Namun demikian, ini tidak bermakna kita boleh abaikan Piala Thomas. Jika benar kejohanan Piala Thomas tidak penting, BAM sebenarnya boleh menghantar barisan pemain pelapis ke kejohanan di Wuhan, China.

"Namun, apa yang anda dapat lihat kali ini, BAM telah menghantar barisan pemain terbaik untuk menggalas cabaran negara," katanya demikian ketika ditemuramah dalam program "Dalam Radar", terbitan Bernama Radio24, semalam.

Pusingan akhir Piala Thomas selama seminggu di Wuhan bermula Ahad ini.

Bukan soal gaji - Yong-sung

YONG-SUNG ditemani isterinya, Song Eun young menjelaskan punca beliau meletakkan jawatan pada sidang akhbar di Kuala Lumpur semalam.

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BEKAS jurulatih beregu lelaki, Yoo Yong-sung tampil menyuarakan rasa tidak puas hati terhadap Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM) di sebalik isu peletakan jawatan beliau.

Yong-sung menerusi jurubahasanya berkata, kenyataan yang dikeluarkan Setiausaha Kehormat BAM, Ng Chin Chai dan Pengurus Besar BAM, Kenny Goh bahawa peletakan jawatannya disebabkan badan induk itu tidak dapat memenuhi tuntutan gaji yang diminta adalah tidak benar.

Sebaliknya, jurulatih kelahiran Korea Selatan itu menjelaskan, punca utama beliau meletak jawatan adalah disebabkan BAM tidak memberi peluang kepada dirinya untuk melatih pemain yang sama secara tetap.
“Dalam hal ini, faktor gaji tidak timbul. Jika ingin bercakap soal gaji, saya menerima gaji yang lebih rendah di sini (Malaysia) sepanjang enam bulan dengan BAM, berbanding ketika menjadi jurulatih di Korea Selatan.

“Masalah utamanya ialah BAM tidak memberikan peluang kepada saya untuk melatih pemain yang sama secara tetap. Setiap hari saya melatih pemain yang berbeza dan lebih malang saya hanya ada tempoh 10 hingga 20 minit sahaja untuk melatih mereka.

“Saya tidak kisah jika BAM tidak membenarkan saya melatih pemain utama tetapi sekurang-kurangnya saya mahu melatih pemain yang sama secara tetap, kerana mahu berkongsi pengalaman yang dimiliki dengan pemain,” kata Yong sung ketika sidang akhbar khas yang diadakan di Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur semalam.

BAM mengesahkan bahawa Yong sung telah menyerahkan surat peletakan jawatan pada 30 April lalu dan memaklumkan, keputusan tersebut dibuat disebabkan jurulatih itu tidak bersetuju dengan pakej gaji baharu yang di tawarkan.

Mengulas lanjut, Yong-sung memberitahu, beliau ada mengadakan perbincangan dengan pengurusan BAM, namun kedua-dua pihak gagal mencari jalan penyelesaian terbaik.

“Saya ada mengadakan perbincangan dengan BAM (Chin Chai dan Kenny) mengenai perkara itu tetapi mereka tetap tidak bersetuju dengan permintaan saya.

“Sebab itu saya membuat keputusan untuk meletak jawatan kerana saya sudah tidak gembira berada di Malaysia.

“Sejurus saya mememberitahu mereka yang saya mahu meletak jawatan, mereka terus bertanya kepada saya berapa gaji yang saya mahukan tetapi sekali lagi saya tegaskan yang gaji bukan masalah utama,” jelas Yong-sung.

Beliau turut mendakwa bahawa BAM juga tidak membenarkannya ke Vietnam untuk bersama pemain-pemain muda negara beraksi dalam satu kejohanan pada Mac lalu.

Sepanjang tempoh enam bulan percubaan, BAM pada awalnya memberikan Yong-sung peranan untuk melatih beregu muda negara.

Beliau juga diminta membantu Kim Her serta jurulatih beregu lelaki, Pang Cheh Chang bagi mengembalikan semula ‘sengat’ Kien Keat-Boon Heong.

Annuar diberi amaran keras

ANNUAR (dua dari kiri) hadir pada majlis perasmian penjualan tiket final Piala FA dan pelancaran album Dikir Warriors di Pusat Dagangan Kelantan (KTC), Kota Bharu, Isnin lalu.

PERSATUAN Bola Sepak Malaysia (FAM) memberi amaran keras kepada Timbalan Presiden badan induk itu, Tan Sri Annuar Musa agar tidak terus melibatkan diri dalam sebarang aktiviti bola sepak.

FAM mengeluarkan amaran tersebut selepas Annuar didapati melanggar kod etika Jawatankuasa Tatatertib badan induk itu apabila menghadiri majlis perasmian penjualan tiket final Piala FA dan pelancaran album Dikir Warriors di Pusat Dagangan Kelantan (KTC), Kota Bharu, Isnin lalu.

Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Tatatertib FAM, Datuk Taufik Abdul Razak (gambar kecil) berkata, FAM akan mengenakan tindakan lebih berat jika Annuar masih terlibat dalam sebarang aktiviti bola sepak pada peringkat nasional mahupun antarabangsa.

“Perkara ini diputuskan selepas kami menerima banyak rungutan dan pandangan daripada pihak luar berkaitan penglibatan beliau (Annuar) dalam aktiviti bola sepak pada peringkat negeri.
“Perkara 6.11.15 telah menetapkan yang beliau tidak dibenarkan sama sekali terlibat dalam sebarang aktiviti bola sepak,” kata Taufik kepada pemberita selepas mempengerusikan mesyuarat Jawatankuasa Tatatertib FAM di Wisma FAM, Kelana Jaya semalam.

Pada 4 April lalu, FAM memutuskan Annuar yang juga Presiden Persatuan Bola Sepak Kelantan (KAFA) digantung dua tahun enam bulan daripada seba- rang aktiviti bola sepak peringkat nasional dan antarabangsa.

Annuar didapati bersalah melanggar Statut FAM dengan membuat kenyataan akhbar, yang mana hanya Presiden FAM boleh memberi komen berkenaan sku- ad kebangsaan.

Beliau juga didakwa melanggar titah Timbalan Presiden FAM, Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah semasa mesyuarat Jawatankuasa Eksekutif FAM pada 4 Februari lalu iaitu hal-hal FAM tidak wajar disebarkan kepada pihak media.

Menurut Taufik, sekiranya Annuar mengulangi kesalahan yang sama, FAM tidak teragak-agak untuk melucutkan jawatannya dalam badan induk itu.

“Perkara ini sebenarnya mudah yang mana Annuar harus mengikuti pelaksanaan hukuman sebagaimana yang ditetapkan, bukan melanggar (hukuman tersebut) yang akan memburukkan lagi keadaan,” katanya.
Taufik turut mengumumkan hukuman penggantungan empat perlawanan tanpa penonton di Stadium Negeri, Kuching yang dikenakan terhadap Persatuan Bola Sepak Sarawak (FAS) ditarik balik.

Bagaimanapun, hukuman itu bersyarat apabila FAM terlebih dahulu akan menghantar ‘peninjau’ ketika Sarawak menentang Selangor pada 16 Jun depan.

“FAS perlu memastikan yang insiden sama (pergaduhan dan kekasaran penonton) tidak berulang lagi dan keperluan keselamatan memenuhi syarat yang ditetapkan FAM.

“Kami akan menghantar wakil untuk membuat pemerhatian dan seandainya FAM berpuas hati terhadap semua aspek, maka dua penggantungan perlawanan seterusnya juga akan ditarik balik,” katanya.

KOM dalam 'zon bahaya'

IMRAN antara enam atlet olahraga negara yang melarikan diri daripada menjalani ujian antidoping pada 24 Mei tahun lalu.

AGENSI Antidoping Dunia (WADA) akan mengheret Kesatuan Olahraga Malaysia (KOM) ke Mahkamah Timbang Tara Sukan (CAS) di Switzerland jika badan induk itu gagal menyelesaikan segera isu berhubung hukuman terhadap enam atlet pecut negara yang melarikan diri daripada menjalani ujian antidoping pada Mei tahun lalu.

Ketua Unit Agensi Antidoping Malaysia (Adamas), Nishel Kumar berkata, hukuman berbentuk amaran keras yang dikenakan KOM terhadap keenam-enam atlet olahraga itu ternyata telah melanggar peraturan ditetapkan WADA.

Katanya, mengikut peraturan WADA, melarikan diri daripada menjalani ujian antidoping adalah satu kesalahan dan sekurang- kurangnya perlu dikenakan hukuman penggantungan selama dua tahun dan bukan sekadar diberi amaran keras.

"Pada Disember tahun lalu, saya telah menghantar laporan kepada WADA mengenai hukuman amaran keras yang dikenakan KOM kepada enam atlet yang terlibat itu kerana ia sudah menjadi tanggungjawab pihak saya.

"Hasil maklum balas yang saya terima dari- pada WADA pada Mac lalu, mereka mempersoalkan mengapa enam atlet terlibat seka- dar dikenakan amaran keras dan bukannya hukuman penggantungan seperti mana yang telah ditetapkan.

"Menerusi maklum balas itu juga, WADA meminta KOM meneliti semula kes ini dan menyelesaikannya secepat mungkin. Jika tidak, WADA akan membawa perkara ini ke CAS," kata Nishel ketika dihubungi Kosmo! kelmarin.

Menurut beliau, pihaknya telah memberi pandangan kepada KOM mengenai hukuman yang perlu dilaksanakan tetapi badan induk itu seolah-olah tidak mengendahkannya.

"Saya pasti KOM sendiri tahu mengenai perkara ini. Saya difahamkan, IAAF (Persekutuan Olahraga Antarabangsa) telah menghubungi KOM bagi meneliti semula kes ini," jelas Nishel.
Isu kontroversi membabitkan enam atlet olahraga negara yang melarikan diri daripada menjalani ujian antidoping pada 24 Mei tahun lalu kembali hangat.

Ia ekoran pendedahan yang dibuat Setiausaha Kehormat Majlis Olimpik Malaysia (MOM), Datuk Sieh Kok Chi kelmarin apabila pihaknya mendapati hukuman yang di kenakan oleh KOM ke atas keenam-enam atlet terbabit tidak mengikut peraturan WADA.

Justeru, MOM telah menghantar satu laporan khas berhubung isu tersebut kepada IAAF pada April lalu untuk mendapatkan penjelasan, selain mahu badan induk dunia itu menilai tindakan yang sewajarnya.
Enam atlet yang terlibat ialah Siti Zubaidah Adabi, Siti Fatimah Mohamed, Yee Yi Ling, Norjannah Hafiszah Jamaludin, Nurul Sarah Abdul Kadir dan Mohd. Imran Abd. Hadi.

Athletes should be going to world meet rather than Sukma, says Shahidan

KUALA LUMPUR: Six athletes have qualified for the World Junior Athletic championships in Barcelona from July 10-15 but none of them will feature in the biennial Under-19 meet.
The reason is the states are not willing to release them because of the Sukma (Malaysia Games) in Kuantan from July 7-16.

The Barcelona meet clashes with Sukma and the states are giving priority to the local competition to boost their medal haul rather than let the athletes gain from the experience of competing at world level.
The athletes who have qualified for Barcelona are Mohd Firdaus Mazalan and Noor Shahidatun Nadia Zuki of Kedah, Mohd Ajmal Aiman Mat Hassan of Terengganu, Zulkifli twins, Zaidatul Husna and Zaidatul Husniah, of Penang, and Aliff Ashraf Mohd Razali of Selangor.

Firdaus clocked 52.50 in the 400m hurdles at the Kedah Open last month to beat the qualifying mark of 53.34m.

Ajmal and Aliff clocked 14.42 and 14.57 respectively in the 110m hurdles at the Universiti Malaysia Perlis (Unimap) meet in Kangar in March to surpass the qualifying mark of 14.64m.

Triple jumper Noor Shahidatun cleared 12.99m to beat the mark of 12.90m at the FT All-Comers in March.
Husna and Husniah clocked personal bests of 11.87 and 11.95 respectively in the 100m at the Negri Sembilan Open on May 5 to beat the qualifying mark of 11.96.

Malaysian Athletic Union (MAU) president Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim, who chaired the coaching committee meeting yesterday, said he is annoyed with the states for not letting their athletes feature in the world meet.

“The priority should be the world championships as it will be a good exposure for the athletes.
“An athlete doesn’t get a chance to compete in a world meet every day,” said Shahidan.

“But the states are more interested in winning gold medals in Sukma and don’t care what the athletes need.

“I appeal to the four states (Kedah, Penang, Terengganu and Selangor) to allow their athletes to compete in Barcelona.

“Athletes who compete in the world meet will get a monthly training allowance of RM1,000 once they enrol in pre-university course but if the states want them to feature in Sukma then they will only get RM600 a month,” said Shahidan, who will call for a council meeting at the end of the month to decide the date for the long delayed MAU annual general meeting.

Under the MAU constitution, the AGM must be held by June 30.

British Open: Nicol powers into second round

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian squash queen Nicol David gave a clear signal of her intent to win back the British Open title by demolishing Pakistan qualifier Maria Toor Pakay in the first round in London.
The world No. 1 and three-time British Open champion was in control from the world go and easily took out Pakay 11-2, 11-3, 11-6 in just 20 minutes.

The 28-year-old Nicol, who last won the title in 2008 and was a beaten quarter-finalist in 2009, will next face 11th seed Samantha Teran of Mexico.

Teran, who is Nicol’s sparring partner at their Amsterdam base, was too strong for English qualifier Lauren Briggs, winning 11-9, 11-6, 11-7 in just 30 minutes.

Nicol was delighted to clear her first hurdle without too much difficulty.

“It’s the first time that we played each other in a WSA event and she came on strong with lots of confidence,” said the Penangite on www.britishopensquash.net.

“But I guess she got a little too confident and started to make errors.”

“Overall, I’m just happy that I won and will play in the glass court in the O2 arena in the next round,” said Nicol.

While Nicol barely broke sweat in the first round, national No. 2 Low Wee Wern once again suffered from cramps as she crashed to unseeded Alison Waters of England.

The 13th seeded Wee Wern managed to match former world No. 3 Waters for much of the match but suffered cramps in the crucial fifth set to lose 11-9, 10-12, 7-11, 11-8, 7-11 in 70 minutes.
Another Malaysian, Delia Arnold, also crashed out in the first round, losing to world No. 2 Jenny Duncalf.

In the men’s event, there was no joy for newly-wed Ong Beng Hee as all his experience could not save him from losing to Tom Richards in the first round.

The 32-year-old Beng Hee fought hard but was eventually outclassed by world No. 16 Richards 7-11, 12-10, 4-11, 4-11 in 49 minutes.

Bryan-Huang Qiang make it to top 10 in world rankings

PETALING JAYA: All it took was just three tournaments for the newly-paired Malaysian duo of Huang Qiang and Bryan Nickson Lomas to find their way into the top 10 in the world rankings.

Huang Qiang-Bryan are ranked seventh in the rankings for the men’s 3m springboard synchro on 37.33 points, thanks to back-to-back victories in the World Grand Prix legs in Canada and United States recently.
Germany (39.00), United States (39.33), Australia (39.33), Ukraine (39.33), Mexico (39.33), Russia (42.00) and China (43.33) are the countries ahead of Malaysia and it is certainly a good boost for Huang Qiang-Bryan as they seek to do well at the London Olympics.

Only the three best results, starting with the World Championships in Shanghai last year, are taken into account for the rankings.

Malaysia did not even field a pair for the discipline at the world meet last year and it is certainly a feather in the cap for the dynamic duo to do so well after starting from scratch.

Huang Qiang-Bryan were first paired together for the London World Cup in February and they got it right by nailing an Olympic spot for the country en route to taking the bronze medal.

Huang Qiang-Bryan had the satisfastion of finishing ahead of reigning Commonwealth Games champions Rueben Ross-Alexandre Despatie in their own backyard in the Canadian Open in Montreal in their first World Grand Prix outing.

The pair showed their potential again by striking gold in the USA Diving Grand Prix in Fort Lauderdale last Saturday ahead of 2009 World Championships silver medallist Americans Kristian Ipsen-Troy Dumais. Bryan did not expect to break into the top 10 in such a short time.

“The coach wanted us to get the exposure in front of the judges as they are also going to be there at the Olympics and to practise our moves at the same time.
“We got the consistency in place but we can’t be too overconfident as the top pairs from China, Russia and Ukraine did not compete.

“The Olympics will be the biggest challenge but there is a chance to get a medal if we repeat our World Cup performance,” said Bryan, who is ranked 15th in the men’s 10m platform individual rankings.
National Sportswoman of the Year Pandelela Rinong is placed fifth in the 10m platform individual on 37.67 points with Olympic champion Chen Ruolin of China perched firmly on top with 43.33.

Pandelela finished runner-up in the four-leg Diving World Series recently and claimed her first gold medal in Montreal.

However, she did not compete in the individual discipline in Fort Lauderdale.
Pandelela-Leong Mun Yee remained sixth in the women’s 10m platform synchro after finishing fifth in Montreal and Fort Lauderdale.

Yoo slams BAM

 
South Korean Yoo Yong-sung has hit out at the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) for not telling the truth about his resignation as a doubles coach.

 KUALA LUMPUR: South Korean Yoo Yong-sung has hit out at the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) for not telling the truth about his resignation as a doubles coach.
A visibly hurt and upset Yong-sung slammed BAM for saying that he quit, after a six-month probation period, because he was not given a substantial pay rise.

“It has nothing to do with money. I am not a money-minded person,” Yong-sung, who was accompanied by his wife Song Eun-young, said through an interpreter in Sri Hartamas yesterday.
“I came to Malaysia because of my passion for the game and I wanted an opportunity to build my coaching career. But I was not given a chance to hone my skills here. I brought my family here after all the wonderful promises made to me but nothing much was fulfilled.”

Yong-sung, who resigned two weeks ago, also claimed that BAM even refused to extend his working visa, forcing him and his family to leave by the end of this month, although he had asked the national body to hang on until October.

He is the second prominent coach to leave the BAM set-up after Indonesian Rexy Mainaky and this has led to speculation that things are not rosy in the doubles department, with too many heads wanting to be in control.

“I was invited to coach here with the assurance that I would be helping Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong but I was hardly given a chance to do so. I reassured myself that it was all right but I grew very restless and disappointed because my role was not clearly defined,” he said.

“I am a two-time Olympic Games silver medallist and have trained the Korean national team but here I was merely a trainer. Every day, I was asked to train a different group of players. How am I to prove my credibility as a coach if I do not have a set of players to work with?

“I informed Tan Kim Her (doubles chief coach) and the matter was brought up to the BAM but nothing came out of it,” he added, highlighting an incident during the Vietnam International Challenge in March to back up his claim of not being appreciated in the coaching set-up.

“I was supposed to go with the team to Vietnam but two days before they left, BAM told me to stay back. The only pair left at home were Kien Keat and Boon Heong. But when I asked Kim Her whether I could help out, I was told not to ‘touch’ them,” he said.

Yong-sung then took matters into his own hands.

He and his wife met BAM secretary Ng Chin Chai and general manager Kenny Goh on April 25 to review his position in the national team. The meeting, however, became strained when his credibility as a coach was questioned and Yong-sung walked out.

“I went to see them because I wanted them to clarify my position. Kenny told me that I should just focus on training. He gave me the impression that I was a lazy coach. There could have been a miscommunication but I got mad. I have worked very hard every day since I came to Malaysia despite the low salary,” he said.

Yong-sung was also disappointed that his friendship with Kim Her had suffered as a result.
“Kim Her got me in but, at the end, we had our personal differences. He has not contacted me after my resignation ... it is difficult to trust (anyone) again. I just left without saying goodbye to some of the players and coaches. But I want to take this opportunity to thank them for respecting me,” he said.

SQUASH: Nicol off to a flyer

RELENTLESS: Makes light work of Pakistani opponent

Nicol David dazzled in her 11-2, 11-3, 11-6 win over Maria Toor Pakay

NICOL David made a flying start to her bid to win back the British Open title, needing only 20 minutes before hurtling into the second round with a win over a surprise opponent on Tuesday.

The record-breaking world champion from Malaysia played as relentlessly as ever against the first Pakistan-born player ever to reach the main draw, Maria Toor Pakay, who endured a tough introduction to Nicol's jet-propelled court coverage and early attacks.

Nicol's 11-2, 11-3, 11-6 success suggested that she is again in the right frame of mind for a major success, having dazzled everyone with her light-footed movement and near-perfect performances during the World Open in Rotterdam in November.

The World No 1 seemed motivated by the fact that the British Open was returning after two years.
"It's a huge bonus knowing the British Open is back, seeing it's such a big event," Nicol said.

"Once again it's all that the players are gunning for. For the last three years it was tough to know that such a prestigious event was not happening. Finally it's back and I am really happy it is on again."
Nicol next plays Samantha Teran, the first Mexican to reach a World Open semi-final.

Low Wee Wern, the national No 2, suffered her fourth first round exit in as many WSA Tour tournaments this year after going down in five tough games to former World No 3 Alison Waters of England.
Alison narrowly avoided going two games down during a 9-11, 12-10, 11-7, 8-11, 11-7 victory over Wee Wern, the 13th seed who also lost all three of her matches at the World Series Finals in London earlier this year.

Although Wee Wern was the seeded player, Alison started as the favourite having won three titles and beaten three top 10 players recently on her return from a one-year absence after undergoing a bone spur operation.

"It's the first time I played Alison, obviously, she is one of the top players, and I knew I had to be at my best just to match her, not even talking about beating her," said Wee Wern.
"I'm happy with the way I played, every game was very close, including the fifth. I think I gave her a bit too much in the centre, and gave her too much time on the ball.

"I'm still disappointed that I lost in the first round of the British Open though. Just my luck. I never ever played a wild card, and I've got to draw Alison."

National No 3 Delia Arnold took a game off struggling World No 2 Jenny Duncalf of England but could not sustain the momentum in an 11-6, 10-12, 11-8, 11-6 defeat.

Newly-wed Ong Beng Hee perhaps had other things on his mind as he too made a swift exit, going down 11-7, 10-12, 11-4, 11-4 to England's Tom Richards in the men's first round.

Beng Hee's defeat ended Malaysian interest in the men's section after Nafiizwan Adnan, Ivan Yuen, Kamran Khan and Asyraf Azan failed to make it out of the qualifying rounds.

Money was never the issue

DISAPPOINTED: Yong Sung clears the air regarding his resignation from BAM

Yoo Yong Sung was frustrated he never really got to work with the players he was paid to coach.

HIS salary has never been an issue with Yoo Yong Sung but he slammed  the BA of Malaysia (BAM) for using it as the reason the South Korean resigned as the national men's doubles coach two weeks ago.
Yong Sung was hand-picked by men's doubles chief coach Tan Kim Her to help check the slide of Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boo Heong but the former claimed he had not been allowed to work with the top pair over the last six months.

His job, claimed Yong Sung, only lasted three days where he assisted Kien Keat-Boon Heong for about 10 minutes during their warm-up sessions and was then only required to monitor their progress.
Yong Sung was frustrated that he never had a group of players to guide and was only utilised about 20 minutes two to three days a week to spar with the other pairs.

The number of pairs and groups will keep changing on a daily basis despite the fact BAM and Kim Her had stated his expertise would be utilised to not only assist Kien Keat-Boon Heong but also other back-up pairs.

Yong Sung said he had repeatedly requested Kim Her to give him a set of players to work with on a regular basis and also met with BAM secretary Ng Chin Chai and general manager Kenny Goh in March to discuss the issue. They initially agreed to his suggestion.

But things remained the same and after his second meeting where his wife Sung Eun Young accompanied him, the two-time Olympic silver medallist called it quits.

"Salary was never an issue in the first place. This is the first time I have accepted a coaching offer in a foreign country and I wanted the chance to work with a set of players so that I could help them progress. The BAM management didn't agree with it so I quit," said Yong Sung through an interpreter in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

"I feel it was not right for BAM to highlight that I asked for an increase in salary and not explain the entire issue. I never asked US$10,000 (RM30,000), as was reported in the media and during our meeting (on April 26) with Chin Chai and Kenny, I had already told them I was quitting before they could even discuss about my salary.

"I am a two-time Olympic medallist and have won so many international honours and I feel my pride has been battered. Even until today, I don't know why BAM hired me or what future plans it had for me.
"It was so frustrating being given 20 minutes, two or three days a week, to train at times about eight pairs. The players would keep changing every day.

"I raised this with Kim Her almost daily and requested a few select players to work with but he didn't do anything. I have completely lost faith in him as he didn't help my cause at all. He had also said that I could not train Kien Keat-Boon Heong even when I was available."
His wife Eun Young said Yong Sung only wanted to have a specific position in the men's doubles squad and never demanded a higher salary.

"I was in the meeting with Chin Chai and Kenny and after a lengthy discussion where his request to train a group of players didn't get any feedback from them, Yong Sung stood up and said he was quitting and walked out of the room," said Eun Young.

"They then asked me if he wanted a salary hike but I was upset as well and said maybe US$10,000, I don't know. My husband was not negotiating for a salary hike but just wanted players to work with.
"We also made a request after that to allow us to stay here until the contract with our house owner expires in October but BAM has cancelled our work permit and visa and we now need to return home at the end of the month."

No chance for Annuar

SHUT: FAM says Arbitral Tribunal not an option

Tan Sri Annuar Musa was suspended on April 4 for criticising the national team.

NOT only are the doors shut tight on FA of Malaysia (FAM) deputy president Tan Sri Annuar Musa, who is suspended from all football activities, to appeal, but he will also not be accorded 'VIP' privileges for the FA Cup final on Saturday.

FAM disciplinary board chairman Datuk Taufik Ismail said Annuar's request on the setting-up of an Arbitral Tribunal to listen to his case will not be entertained.

"The Arbitral Tribunal is for settling disputes between FAs, committees and individuals within the association. It is also an alternative avenue for those whose appeals have been rejected by the Appeal Board," said Taufik after chairing the board meeting at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya yesterday.

"Annuar was handed a 30-month sentence without the possibility of appealing. He also cannot bring it up to the Court of Arbitration (CAS) as this can only be done if the case is first heard by the tribunal.
"It is also not possible for him to bring it up to the civil court as this is an internal matter protected by our rules."

Annuar was suspended by the board on April 4 for violating FAM statutes when he was deemed to have criticised the national team.
The Kelantan FA (KAFA) president could be handed a harsher punishment if he continues to be involved in football activities.

"We have been informed that Annuar is still directly involved in football activities and attends functions related to the sport. Annuar cannot do this as he has been suspended since April 4.
"If Annuar continues, we will punish him severely and also recommend to the executive committee to sack him from his position.

"It is tough for organisers as some believe he should be given special privileges at their functions as he is a former minister.
"We will remind him first that he is suspended from all football activities and also inform KAFA about not inviting him to official functions," said Taufik.

On whether Annuar could attend Saturday's FA Cup final between Kelantan and Sime Darby FC, Ismail said he could do so in his personal capacity.
FAM general-secretary Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad added that the association will not invite him as that would amount to defying the board's orders.

The board, meanwhile, lifted the empty-stadium ban on Sarawak after it was satisfied with the report submitted by its state police chief.

The board had ordered Sarawak to play four matches in an empty State Stadium because of their fans' unruly behaviour during a Super League match against Kelantan on April 7.

"Fans will be allowed to watch the June 16 match against Selangor. We, however, will monitor the situation and if we are still not happy. Sarawak will have to serve out their sentence."

Kecewa Dengan BAM, Jurulatih Korea Letak Jawatan

KUALA LUMPUR, 16 Mei (Bernama) -- Selepas pengunduran ketua jurulatih beregu wanita negara, Rexy Mainaky, bulan lepas, kini giliran jurulatih beregu lelaki dari Korea Selatan, Yoo Yong Sung pula berbuat demikian atas alasan kecewa dengan Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM).

Yong Sung berkata beliau telah menghantar surat peletakan jawatannya kepada BAM awal bulan ini semasa berlangsungnya Kejohanan Badminton Grand Prix (GP) Emas Terbuka Malaysia 2012 di Johor Baharu.

"Saya tidak mempunyai hak dalam persatuan dan saya amat kecewa dengan itu. Apabila saya datang ke Malaysia, BAM telah mengadakan banyak mesyuarat...mereka ada pelan A tetapi kemudian mereka mahu saya buat pelan B," katanya.

Yong Sung berkata apabila baru tiba di sini, beliau sungguh bersemangat mengenai prospek melatih pemain tetapi mendakwa beliau tidak diberi sebarang peluang untuk melatih mana-mana pemain tertentu.

Yong Sung berkata keputusan meletak jawatannya tidak kena mengena dengan soal gaji.

Terengganu Government To Reward Five State Hockey Players From Junior Asia Cup Squad

KUALA TERENGGANU, May 16 (Bernama) -- The Terengganu state government will reward RM5,000 each to four players who were part of the victorious National Junior hockey team that won the Junior Asia Cup, last Sunday.

Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said said the four players are Mohd Nor Faez Ahmad Sobri, Mohd Firham Ashaari, Faizal Saari and Fitri Saari.

"The state government is very generous in rewarding Terengganu athletes who are successful in their respective sports, weather at national or international level," he told reporters after chairing a state exco meeting here Wednesday.

Badminton: National Doubles Coach From South Korea Decides To Quit, Blames BAM

KUALA LUMPUR, May 16 (Bernama) -- National men's doubles coach Yoo Yong Sung from South Korea became the second doubles coach to tender his resignation after women's doubles coach Rexy Mainaky had done so last month.

Yong Sung who claimed that he was unhappy and disappointed with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) said he had tendered his resignation early this month after the Malaysian Open Grand Prix 2012 in Johor Baharu.

"I've no right in the association and I'm very disappointed with that. When I came to Malaysia, BAM had set up so many meetings...they had plan A but later they wanted to do plan B," he said.

Yong Sung said when he first came here, he was passionate about the prospect of training the shuttlers but claimed that he was not given any chance to teach any specific player.

"So, I've decided to resign," he told reporters through an interpreter here, Wednesday.

Football: Annuar Musa Can Be Sacked If Terms Of Suspension Not Adhered - FAM

PETALING JAYA, May 16 (Bernama) -- The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) today reminded its suspended Deputy President Tan Sri Annuar Musa that breaching terms and conditions of his 30-month suspension could lead to his sacking.

Following the 30-month ban, Annuar cannot take part in any football activities at state or national level, effective April 4, after being found guilty for allegedly criticizing the national team.

FAM Disciplinary Committee chairman Datuk Taufik Abdul Razak said action can be taken against Annuar who is also the President of the Kelantan Football Association (KAFA) if he failed to adhere to the terms and conditions.

"If Annuar continues to defy the directive of the Disciplinary Committee, he can be referred to the FAM exco for further action and probably be sacked from the exco," he told reporters after chairing a Disciplinary Committee meeting at Wisma FAM here Wednesday.

Chong Wei Nekad Berjuang Habis-habisan Di Wuhan

SEPANG, 16 Mei (Bernama) -- Pemain badminton nombor satu dunia, Datuk Lee Chong Wei meminta peminat badminton negara tidak menaruh harapan tinggi pada skuad Piala Thomas negara kali ini namun tetap bertekad akan berjuang habis-habisan di kejohanan di Wuhan, China hujung minggu ini.

Chong Wei yang juga ketua pasukan Piala Thomas negara berharap skuad tersebut mampu melakukan kejutan dan menunjukkan peningkatan seperti yang dilakukan di peringkat kelayakan Piala Thomas di Macau Febuari lepas.

"Memang bukan sasaran utama kita di Piala Thomas, tapi saya harap pasukan akan buat yang terbaik, masa kelayakan di Macau sebelum ini, ramai yang bercakap pasukan kita tidak boleh layak tapi akhirnya kita berjaya membuktikan kemampuan kita.

"Kali ini kita sasar mara ke separuh akhir. Saya akan jalani latihan bersama pasukan di Guangzhou sebelum bertolak ke Wuhan. Pasukan akan beri yang terbaik tidak kira bertemu siapa terutamanya ketika bertemu Denmark nanti," katanya kepada pemberita ketika ditemui di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur (KLIA) di sini hari ini.

Chong Wei berlepas ke Guangzhou bersama jurulatih perseorangan negara Tey Seu Bock. Turut sama hadir mengiringi beliau ialah Pengurus Besar Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM) Kenny Goh dan Pengarah Prestasi Tinggi BAM Datuk James Selvaraj.

Chong Wei To Join Thomas Cup Squad In Guangzhou Before Heading To Wuhan

SEPANG, May 16 (Bernama) -- World number one Datuk Lee Chong Wei, skipper of the Malaysian Thomas Cup squad, said the team would fight till their last drop of sweat during the Thomas Cup final held in Wuhan, China from May 20-27.

Chong Wei however, urged local badminton fans to not place very high hopes on the squad since the team for this edition was not the strongest.

"Many critics wrote us off during the Asian Zone Thomas & Uber Cup Qualifiers in Macau but we made it against the odds. For the Thomas Cup final our target is to reach the semifinals.

"I will undergo training with the team in Guangzhou, China before leaving to Wuhan. We (team) will give our best against any opponent we meet, including Denmark," he told reporters at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) here today before leaving to Guangzhou.

Chong Wei who was down with flu when the rest of the squad left to Guangzhou, China, left today with coach Tey Seu Bock, Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) general manager Kenny Goh and BAM High Performance Director Datuk James Selvaraj.