FAM officials provide conflicting response.

On one corner we have FA of Malaysia (FAM) sec-gen Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad and then there's FAM competitions committee chairman Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin.

While Azzuddin (pic above) was caught off guard when asked if Malaysia's representation in the 2013 AFC Cup was affected by the inclusion of LionsXII in the M-League - that of course is should they win either the Super League or FA Cup.

Azzuddin admitted that FAM had not thought the matter thoroughly but believes that Asian Football Confederation (AFC) would still consider an appeal if the unlikely scenario were to happen.

Never mind, now that the matter has been highlighted, we will write to AFC to clarify this," he said.

pics courtesy of The Malay Mail

However, Hamidin insist the matter was a no issue and that FAM have already sorted this out. For the record, Hamidin also sits at the AFC competitions committee.

Confusing indeed. Maybe its best if officials, not just in FAM, could communicate. :)

Anyway, Mailsports has the full story.

1Malaysia?

I'm sure... in fact very sure!

I mean I'm sure it's not into play and merely a stunt. - just didn't expect it to be that obvious in sports.

The picture above is the membership rates of Kelab Golf Negara Subang (KGNS). Apparently the notice was put out by a finance company and had nothing to do with the club. Hmmm.... 

Calls to the numbers above went unanswered. 

BTW the land line above is NOT the contact number of KGNS. And rates shown on the club's website were different.

Well read The Malaysian Insider for more on this and what KGNS President Tan Sri Megat Najmuddin Megat Khas had to say.

I do sincerely hope that the club had nothing to do with this. 

All I can say is #onlyinMalaysia.

Malaysia's representation in 2013 AFC Cup affected?

Malaysia may lose a spot in the AFC Cup - that's if LionXII win the Super League or FA Cup.

Malaysia are awarded two spots. One automatic entry (Super League champions) and one play-off entry (FA Cup winner)

Here's the correspondence with an Asian Football Confederation  (AFC) spokesman :-

1. How many slots are located to Malaysia for the AFC Champions League and AFC Cup. Pls eloborate on the qualifications.

- No AFC Champions League slots are allocated for Malaysia.
- In case of AFC Cup, based on our technical standard ranking, one direct slot and one playoff slot were allocated for Malaysia.
- However, from the ACL playoff stage (EAST), two losing teams (from ACL playoff Round 2) are supposed to join the AFC Cup preliminary (Group) stage, but this time there is only one team who can join the AFC Cup after the club loses their match in ACL playoff. Therefore, the extra one slot of AFC Cup went to AFC Cup playoff teams, which means that Terengganu (Malaysia) and Ayeyawady United (Myanmar) do not have to play their AFC Cup playoff match. They got a direct entry to the AFC Cup Group Stage.

2. I'm under the impression that the winner of the Malaysian Super League and FA Cup will qualify for the the AFC Cup. Singapore's young Lions and Harimau Muda B (a FA of Malaysia team and not a football club) are also participating. What happens if the following happens:

a. If either teams win the Super League. Since they can't represent Malaysia in the AFC Champions League or Cup. Will the slot be given to the second placed teams?
b. If either teams win the FA Cup, will the runner's up be able to play in the AFC competition instead?

- If they win, they can't participate in AFC club competitions and no replacement is allowed at the moment.

C. If the runners-up of the FA Cup can take the slot, what happens if the runners up is ineligible as well? Can the the runners up of the Super League play instead?

- Basically the same rule applies. No replacement.

You can refer to Article 26 (Eligible Clubs) of the AFC Cup 2012 Competition Regulations attached herewith.

If the eligibility of club is not one of the cases stipulated in the regulations, we do not accept the club's entry and its participation is subject to the final approval of the AFC Competitions Committee. 

Read the full story in today's Mailsport. Also look out for FAM's response in tomorrow's Malay Mail.

First time since 1949?

You may be wondering what about the year 1949. It was the year the first Thomas Cup was held.

Since then Malaysia has never failed to qualify for any of the following editions. 2012 may be the first time.

Here's a look at the team that will play in the Finals qualifiers.

Singles
Lee Chong Wei - World No. 1
Hafiz Hashim - World No. 33
Liew Daren - World No. 50
Arif Abdul Latif - World No.52

Doubles
Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong - World No. 6
Lim Kim Wah-Goh V Shem - World No. 33
Hoon Thien How-Teo Kok Siang - scratch pair.

In the past Malaysia would be hoping to add their collection, having last won in 1992.

Never before has the question of not qualifying arose - this time it does.

In fact even BA of Malaysia is cautious.

There seems to be trouble in paradise and BAM are praying Malaysia will not end up in the cut-throat playoff in the qualifiers as carried by The Star.

Meanwhile Hafiz Hashim hopes the rocky road ahead will only spur the shuttlers to scoring an upset.

The Dragon has arrived! So long Rabbit, see you in 12 years.

Enter the Water Dragon!

So the much anticipated Dragon has arrived! 

Mythical creature for sure - but one that comes with strength and many beliefs.

Anyway Happy Chinese New Year folks! 

Those Dragons, like me, out there Let's get the year kicking!

Parents are the hindrance.

The future of our football scene should be a responsibility over everyone, not just the FA of Malaysia (FAM)

So is the message of FAM vice president Datuk Subahan Kamal

Well has FAM realised that they cannot do much anymore? - True we are Kings of Southeast Asia, in terms of competitions at least but where have we gone since there?

The system is still in a mess. FAM still can't get themselves out of the papers for all the bad reasons.

Well maybe FAM should clean up before expecting parents to Encourage their kids.

Click on the link and make up your own conclusions.

No sign of hope!

Let's face it - when Lee Chong Wei retires after the Olympics or some time next year, Malaysia will be no where to be seen in the badminton scene.

His replacement

Liew Daren

The 25-year-old is far from what Chong Wei is or ever was in recent years.

There is no one ready to step up, besides Zulfadli Zulkifli. But that boy is still only 18 and will need lots of nurturing despite already winning the World and Asian junior titles last year.

BAM secretary is aware of the situation and disappointingly admitted that it will take two to three for a new talent to emerged.

Well that's only singles you may say. but what about the doubles department.

Sadly, after showing all sorts of promise in the past, Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong have only showed signed of a fall and have admitted to needing soul searching.

Read Trouble in paradise in today's Mailsport for a wrap-up on the recently concluded Malaysia Open SuperSeries.

Let's not celebrate yet!

Chong Wei has won two of the two Super Series tournaments so far - the Korean Open and Malaysia Open.

Some are starting to jump on the bandwagon that he is ready to bring Malaysia her first Olympic gold medal. But let's not get overly excited.

Thankfully Chong Wei and his coach, Tey Seu Bock, are well aware there is more work to be done.

The Korean Open deserves credit as he defeated Lin Dan, arguably his only competitor for the Olympics gold medal, in the final. But what about the Malaysia Open?

Indeed he barely had to work hard, except against Chen Long, for the title despite China sending Lin Dan and Chen Jin as well. Lin Dan, as we all know pulled out his antics yet again!!! (read previous post to get an understanding.

Anyway Seu Bock had this to say 

"He is still not at 100 percent and will need to push harder. China will surely have something up their sleeves for the London Olympics..." 

Damm right! Keep up the good work Chong Wei.

Read Chong Wei: I'm not done yet and Seu Bock cautious of Chinese assault in today's Mailsport.

The Conspiracy Theory?

That's a question only Lin Dan and the rest of the Chinese national set-up can answer.

pic taken from The Malay Mail

Everyone at the press area were observing Lin Dan's match despite Lee Chong Wei playing on court 1. Only because Lin Dan lost too easily to Jans O Jorgensen.

True, sportsmen can have their off days as mentioned to me by one of my twitter followers. But I am convinced it wasn't an off day for Lin Dan - he just gave no fight and conceded defeat too easily.

We had already expected Lin Dan to concede a walkover to Chen Jin in the quarters, as he did to Chen Long last year. We just didn't expect it to be any earlier.

Maybe the Chinese decided to avoid another controvesy of withdrawing to a compatriot, some thing that has happened many times before.

Read The Chinese conspiracy in today's Mailsport 

Just a thought - the Chinese could be conspiring to let Lin Dan drop to third in the BWF ranking, letting Chen Long be in the top half of the Olympic draw, leaving Lin Dan and Chong Wei to battle it out in the semifinal. Lin Dan, at his best, can and will beat Chong Wei -  this will ensure gold and silver to China.

Just a possibility.

They surely need help.

pic taken from The Star

Once upon time the above picture gave Malaysia hope that it could rule the doubles department for years to come.

That remained a fantasy as they have failed to win the heart of fans since winning the Malaysia Open in 2010.

The 2012 edition was no different. Understandably Koo Kien Keat was utterly disappointed.

"I've been soul searching for the last one year but nothing has help me. I need help. Hopefully there is someone out there who can help me," said Koo Kien Keat.

"This can't be going on but it has and it is very frustrating."

"We have to find back our rhythm and confidence of the past. That is the only way." 

Koo-Tan, Malaysia's top ranked pair went down to Korea's third ranked pair Kim Ki Jung-Kim Sa Rang 21-16, 18-21, 21-16.

They still have time on their side but they have to act quick.... or else what started of as a fairy-tale may have a bitter ending.

Is there a Chong Wei replacement?

A big fat NOOO is the answer.

At least that's what Taufik Hidayat thinks. Even Lee Choong Wei agrees that there is no ready replacement.

Malaysia and Indonesia were long foes in badminton, this was before China emerged. While Malaysia can still rely on Chong Wei, Indonesia's Taufik and Simon Santoso are slowly fading away. They may be still in the top ten BWF ranking but they are no match for Lin Dan and Chong Wei.

Because Indonesia does not have a next generation of players ready to step in, Taufik vows to keep himself in the game as long as he can - if he can remain a top player.

"Look at Pete Gade... He's 34 but still going strong. Maybe I'll ask him what's his secret," said Taufik.

According to Taufik the Future looks dull as Malaysia and Indonesia lack depth in quality.

Meanwhile Chong Wei, agreeing wih Taufik, calls for Daren to step up

There is Zulfadli Zulkifli though. However the World and Asian junior champion will need a good few years of grooming. But let's not get carried away and hype him up. 

Goodbye Olympics

Gan Teik Chai has admitted that his pairing with Tan Bin Shen can only dream of the Olympics. The KLRC pair had lost to German pair Michael Fuchs and Oliver Roth 21-19, 21-13 at the Malaysia Open earlier.

pic taken from ssdhaliwal.blogspot.com

Shortly after the loss I spoke to Gan. Here's what he has to say.

"The Olympics dream is off. We have to face reality after losing in the first round today. It's impossible to qualify now... unless of course the extraordinary occurs (what he said it's best i leave it out)."

"I'm only getting older so I have to re-align my target."

According to Teik Chai, Bin Shen shares the same sentiments.

Only few days back I wrote about them starting their road to London at the Malaysia Open. Read it here

Anyway all the best Teik Chai and Bin Shen. and special thanks to Teik Chai for being ever so accommodating to me earlier.

Experience still holds winning hand.

It could have been the other way around... infact it should have been as well. 22-year old Arif Abdul Latiff could have shown the exit to the much higher ranked Wong Choon Hann but the veteran believes young Arif had got his tactics wrong.

Despite being years older, Choong Hann held his own after losing the first set. The match ended 22-24, 21-17, 21-14.

pic taken from The Malay Mail

The 34-year-old believes he could have easily lost the match.
"He only opened up and wasn't hesitant to attack late in the third set. If he had started earlier. He would have beaten me. 
Read all about it in today's Mailsport.
Latest: Choon Hann goes down fighting to Spaniard Pablo Abian 24-22, 21-18...
I didn't know Badminton was played there :p 

Start at home

There's no better place to resurrect one's career than at home.

That's exactly what KLRC pair Gan Teik Chai and Tan Bin Shien need to do at the on-going Malaysia Open.

pic taken from ssdhaliwal.blogspot.com

Since been dropped by BA of Malaysia from the World Championship in London last year, despite being the second ranked pair, the duo's ranking have dropped tremendously.

In a way BAM decision seems vindicated as they cited a drop of current form at that moment. 

Teik Chai and Bin Shien have fought their case to OCM, demanding there be proper guildelines for NSA to select players representing Malaysia.

Some feel that the players were victimised for leaving BAM and joining KLRC. 

Questions have not been answered yet but what a way to find resolve than putting BAM in the spot again.

For that, they will have to climb up the ranks once again and qualify for the London Olympics later this year.

Read all about it in today's Mailsport.

First their endured Shattered London dreams which lead to OCM stepping in. The pair insisted they only want to move on.

However no middle path was found and ultimately OCM left everyone guessing. The players claimed there was no beef with BAM but sources close to themrevealed they may seek arbitration - something everyone has been waiting for.

Former captain to call it quits?

by Vijhay Vick

H: HOCKEY:

KUALA LUMPUR
SAPURA coach I.Vikneswaran wants S.Kuhan to remain in the game for atleast another year despite not being at the top of his game during the Malaysian Hockey League (MHL) couple of months backs.

It is believed the Sapura skipper is toying with the idea of retiring to pave way for the younger generation to lead Sapura's future challenges.

"He still has so much to offer to the game. Of course he is not the player he used to be but he cannot be judged on last season's performance.

"But he will have to work harder than he played last year, that's for sure," said Vikneswaran.

Last season, Sapura started their campaign with an ill-prepared Kuhan. The 34-year-old had only joined their training session two days before the league kick-off as he was working offshore.

Understandably Vikneswaran attribute this to Kuhan's performance and hopes the former national player will not have work commitments offshore again come next season.

"This is the reason I don't think it's fair to judge him. Besides, he can be a good role model for the younger players. His experience can them progress as players," he added.

Kuhan, a penalty corner specialist during his heydays, donned the national colours from 1995 - 2006.

According to Vikneswaran Sapura is ready to blend youth and senoir players come next year - Hence Kuhan is needed.They target to become a top team in the next two to three years, by which of course surely Kuhan would have hung his stick.

As part of this long term goal Sapura, for the first time, will enter a team into the Malaysian Junior Hockey League (MJHL). The junior league kicks off on Jan 19.

Approximately hundred over players, as young as 13 underwent initial selections to play for Sapura. That figure has been trimmed down to 22 since.