Liyana shows she's ready to soar higher by winning gold in Thailand Open
PETALING JAYA: National woman high jumper Norliyana Kamaruddin showed age is just a number when the veteran soared to the country's first gold medal in the Thailand Open.
The 34-year-old cleared 1.75m at the National Athletics Centre in Pathumthani, Thailand yesterday, which is a strong result as she eyes a return to her personal best of 1.82m.
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The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Time for mixed pairs to deliver goods, says Nova
Malaysia mixed doubles shuttlers Hoo Pang Ron and Cheng Su Yin. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star PETALING JAYA: The men's and women's doubles have set the bar this year and now it is time for the mixed doubles to raise theirs. Mixed doubles coach Nova Widianto wants his charges, including top pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei to draw inspiration from the success of the men's and women's pairs this year and start delivering titles. The men's doubles department has been particularly impressive, with Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun capturing the Indonesian Masters and Malaysian Masters, while Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik have added the Asian Championships, Thailand Open and Singapore Open to their collection. The women's doubles have also stepped up, with Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah winning the Thailand Open. Now, Nova hopes his mixed doubles pairs can follow suit and secure at least one title, whether at the Japan Open (from July 15-20), China Open (from July 22-27), or any tournament before the World Championships in Paris this August. Besides Tang Jie-Ee Wei, the other BAM pair to compete in the Japan and China Opens are Hoo Pang Ron-Cheng Su Yin. They will be joined by professional pairs, Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie and Wong Tien Ci-Lim Chiew Sien. "Preparation has been okay. We've had about a month to prepare since the Indonesian Open," said Nova when met at the Academy Badminton Malaysian on Friday (27 June) "Previously, starting from the Singapore Open, things didn't go well for us, the results in Singapore weren't great, and it was the same in Indonesia. "Now we're heading into the Japan and China Opens, and hopefully, we can produce strong results. The success of the men's and women's doubles should serve as motivation for us in the mixed doubles to also win. Ideally, one title, or even both, in Japan and China. "Previously, we had a few issues, but now I feel that communication has improved. However, in terms of game play, I don't think we're at our best yet. But communication-wise, they're in a much better place now." He also believes the retirement of China's dominant duo Zheng Siwei-Huang Yaqiong has created a golden opportunity for other pairs to rise. "Ever since Siwei-Huang stopped playing, I feel the chance for all pairs to win titles is more open. So whoever is well-prepared and mentally strong has a real shot at becoming champions. "That's why we also have a good opportunity at the World Championships, and we must make the most of it. "Even the current Chinese pairs (Feng Yanzhe-Huang Dongping and Jiang Zhenbang-Wei Yaxin) aren't stable yet. I think they're still uncertain because they've suffered a few defeats. Maybe it's because they're still trying out different combinations," he added.
The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
Successful doubles players treat teammates to a retreat in Genting
Standing tall: Men's doubles champions Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun (in dark blue attire) and runners-up Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik posing with their coaches Herry and Miftakh after the final at the Malaysian Masters this year. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star PETALING JAYA: National men's doubles pairs Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik and Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun had a unique way of celebrating their recent title wins by treating the entire men's doubles squad to a short retreat in Genting Highlands. The initiative was a show of appreciation from the two top pairs, who acknowledged the contributions of their teammates in the men's doubles camp as an important part of their success. It was confirmed by national doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky, who said the retreat was aimed at strengthening team spirit, providing a chance for the players to relax, and motivating each other ahead of upcoming tournaments. Last month proved to be a memorable one for the national badminton camp. Aaron-Wooi Yik, fresh from being crowned Asian champions, carried their momentum into the Thailand Open, where they captured the title. A week later in Kuala Lumpur, the pair reached the final of the Malaysian Masters, only to be denied by Wei Chong-Kai Wun in an all-Malaysian showdown, with the world No. 7 pair emerging victorious. Aaron-Wooi Yik continued their impressive form by lifting the Singapore Open crown the following week in the Lion City. Earlier in January, Wei Chong-Kai Wun had already made their mark with a title win at the Indonesian Masters at Istora Senayan. "Aaron-Wooi Yik and Wei Chong-Kai Wun actually expressed their appreciation to the back-up men's doubles players for their support in helping them win their recent titles. "Instead of treating them to lunch or dinner, the men's doubles group decided to go for a relaxing retreat together for some team-building and to motivate one another," said Rexy when contacted. However, Rexy did not join the retreat this time as he was unwell. The session was instead overseen and managed by head coach Herry Iman Pierngadi. The players are expected to return to a packed schedule starting next month, with the focus on the Japan Open from July 15–20, followed by the China Open from July 22–27.
Barnama
4 hours ago
- Barnama
Nova Wants Mixed Pairs To End Title Drought Before World Meet
KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 (Bernama) -- The impressive achievements of the national men's and women's doubles pairs should spur the mixed doubles camp to clinch their first title this year, said national mixed doubles head coach Nova Widianto. He hopes the mixed doubles pairs can win at least one title before the 2025 World Championships, which will be held in Paris from Aug 25 to 31. 'Men's and women's doubles are doing well … Only the mixed doubles (national squad) have yet to win a title this year. bootstrap slideshow 'Hopefully, we can get the best results and emerge victorious in at least one tournament, either the Japan Open or China Open,' he told reporters after a training session here today. The Japan Open is scheduled to take place from July 15 to 20 in Tokyo, while the China Open will run from July 22 to 27 in Changzhou. Former world men's doubles champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik have already secured three titles this season, beginning with the Badminton Asia Championships in April, followed by victories at the Thailand Open and Singapore Open last month. Their compatriots Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun also clinched two titles this year — the Indonesia Masters in January and the Malaysia Masters last month. Top national women's doubles pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah won the Thailand Open and finished runners-up twice — at the Indonesia Masters and the Indonesia Open earlier this month. Nova expressed satisfaction with the positive development shown by top national mixed pair Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei, particularly in terms of communication, since being reunited in April.
