logo
Malaysian pro Winnie on cloud nine after scoring ace in Chengdu

Malaysian pro Winnie on cloud nine after scoring ace in Chengdu

The Star24-05-2025

Feeling good: Winnie Ng is all smiles after scoring her first-hole-in-one in Chengdu.
PETALING JAYA: It was a memorable outing in Chengdu for Malaysian golfer Winnie Ng as she notched her first hole-in-one as a professional in the just concluded China LPGA's China Women Golf Legacy.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Goh-Izzuddin fall in Indonesian Open quarters but will still reign as world No. 1
Goh-Izzuddin fall in Indonesian Open quarters but will still reign as world No. 1

The Star

time21 minutes ago

  • The Star

Goh-Izzuddin fall in Indonesian Open quarters but will still reign as world No. 1

National men's doubles shuttlers Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzuddin Rumsani. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani bowed out of the Indonesian Open quarter-finals but they will continue to reign as the world No. 1 pair for now. Professionals Sze Fei-Izzuddin fought tooth and nail but it was not good enough to beat Sabar Gutama-Moh Reza as they went down 19-21, 21-9, 19-21 in a fast-paced 57-minute quarter-final match on Friday (June 6). The Indonesians, who had the full support from their boisterous home fans at the Istora Senayan in Jakarta, prevented Sze Fei-Izzuddin from making it an all-Malaysian affair in the semi-finals. Earlier, Sze Fei-Izzuddin's younger compatriots Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun had booked a spot in the semis with a superb win against Indians Satwik Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty in another quarter-final match. It was certainly a good day for Indonesia as their top pair Fajar Alfian-Rian Ardianto made it to the semis after beating Huang Di-Liu Yang of China 21-19, 23-21. They will next play the winners of the match between South Koreans Kim Won-ho-Seo Seung-jae and Takuro Hoki-Yugo Kobayashi of Japan.

Hevel hopes to be on another level with Malaysia
Hevel hopes to be on another level with Malaysia

The Star

time2 hours ago

  • The Star

Hevel hopes to be on another level with Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: For Hector Hevel, it's more than just a game. It's a moment to honour his heritage, solidify his place in Harimau Malaya, and push Harimau Malaya closer to 2027 Asian Cup qualification. The midfielder, who is set to join Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), is expected to play a key role in Malaysia's 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier against Vietnam next Tuesday at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil and he's buzzing with excitement. "Honestly, I'm happy to be back," said Hevel during a press conference at the Hyatt Place here yesterday. "The team are working well, the coach has a clear idea, and we're building on the structure and style we developed in the last camp. Every day, things are improving. We're more comfortable with the way we play." Hevel, 28, is part of the recent wave of Malaysian heritage players brought into the national set-up. His roots trace back to Melaka through his grandfather, and while he's yet to visit the state, the connection was enough to initiate conversations about representing Malaysia. "It came from my grandfather's side," said the Dutch-born player. "From there, discussions began, and we did the paperwork. People close to the national set-up helped, and now I'm here to contribute. I hope to visit Melaka soon and learn more about where my family came from." Since his debut against Nepal in March, where he scored and impressed, Hevel has quickly become a fan favourite. But he remains grounded, refusing to buckle under the weight of expectations. "Of course, scoring in your first game creates expectations, but I don't feel pressure like that. I just try to help, whether it's scoring, assisting, organising play or just executing the coach's plan. Football isn't only about goals, it's about doing your part to get the result." Malaysia's recent struggles against Vietnam, which they haven't won in the last few meetings, have been a talking point in the camp, and Hevel sees it as motivation, not a burden. "We know it's been a long time since we beat them. That's our trigger. They're a good team, but so are we. We've done the analysis. We know our weapons. Now, it's all about execution." With five newcomers - Facundo Garces, Imanol Machuca, Rodrigo Holgado, Jon Iranzabal and Joao Figueiredo - from overseas joining the squad this window, Hevel is playing a mentor's role, helping others adapt quickly to the system. "Adapting is key. The match is coming fast, so the guys have to feel comfortable as soon as possible. The rest of us are helping them settle in. It's not about pressure on the new boys, we all carry the responsibility. The goal is clear - win on Tuesday."

Dos Santos' familiarity with Vietnam could be key to good result for Malaysia
Dos Santos' familiarity with Vietnam could be key to good result for Malaysia

The Star

time2 hours ago

  • The Star

Dos Santos' familiarity with Vietnam could be key to good result for Malaysia

Malaysia's Endrick Dos Santos in action against Taiwan during the World Cup qualifier match at Bukit Jalil National Stadium last night. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: Naturalised playmaker Endrick dos Santos is entering familiar territory when Malaysia take on Vietnam in a crucial 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil next Tuesday. The 30-year-old Dos Santos' ties with Vietnam run deep. Currently on loan from Johor Darul Ta'zim to Ho Chi Minh City FC in 1, he has strong relationships with his club teammates and coaches. And that comes with some valuable inside knowledge which he hopes to utilise and help the Harimau Malaya gain an advantage. Malaysia have yet to beat Vietnam in their last few outings but Dos Santos believes this time around, things are different, not just because of home advantage but due to the meticulous preparation and unity in the camp. "We've analysed the Vietnam team with our analysts. They're fast, strong, and they fight. But like every team, they have weaknesses. We've trained hard to follow the coach's plan. I trust the team and the process 100 percent, this will be a good game." Dos Santos still has two more matches left on his contract in Vietnam before discussions about his future take place. But for now, his focus is fully on Malaysia. With several new Malaysian-heritage players joining the squad, Endrick's multilingual background, where he is fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, English, and some Malay, has made him a natural bridge in the dressing room. "We speak a bit of everything to help each other. I try to make the new guys feel comfortable. The staff and players are all walking in the same direction now. That's very important. We think alike, we move as one and we're focused only on the win." While Vietnam will be a tough test, Dos Santos is confident Malaysia can rise to the occasion - especially with the home crowd behind them. "It's 11 vs 11, but we're playing at home. That changes things. The fans give us a big push and we need them. We'll do everything to get the three points."

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store