Golfer of the Year award a confidence booster for Mirabel
Malaysia's Mirabel Ting in action during the round 1 at the Maybank Championship at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC). — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
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The Star
6 hours ago
- The Star
12,000 expected at highway marathon in Klang Valley
(Back row, from fifth left) Lee, Wan Salwani and Wang with representatives of sponsors for the IJM Allianz Duo Highway Challenge 2025. — LOW BOON TAT/The Star THE IJM Allianz Duo Highway Challenge, touted as Malaysia's only full highway marathon, will return for its seventh edition on Aug 3. The marathon will take place on parts of the New Pantai Expressway (NPE) and Sungai Besi Highway (Besraya). Over 12,000 participants are expected to join the event with four running categories, ranging from 5km to 42km. This year's 'Highway Legend' theme aims to celebrate everyday athletes who train without seeking recognition. Allianz Malaysia chief executive officer Sean Wang, representing the event's co-title sponsor, said the event was gaining more global recognition. 'Our partnership with IJM reflects a shared commitment to health and sustainability, mirroring our global support for the Olympics and Paralympics through 2032. 'The IJM Allianz Duo Highway Challenge has earned two Malaysia Book of Records titles. It is the first full marathon held on a highway and the longest marathon course on a closed highway. 'The 2025 edition has secured certification from World Athletics, an international governing body for athletics. 'It is also recognised by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races,' said Wang during a press conference on the event at IJM Land Centre of Excellence Gallery in Pantai Sentral Park, Kuala Lumpur. IJM Corp Group chief executive officer Datuk Lee Chun Fai said the recognitions affirm that the marathon meets international standards for distance accuracy and race organisation. 'IJM's objectives go beyond constructing roads. That is why we build platforms to bring people together, to connect and challenge themselves. 'More importantly, the fully closed highway marathon experience remains uniquely ours. This is not just about speed but about community, perseverance and leaving a positive legacy.' The Works Ministry besides the police, and Malaysian Highway Authority will oversee road closures and traffic diversions to ensure public safety. IJM toll division chief executive officer Wan Salwani Wan Yusoff said a lot of behind-the-scenes efforts were required to execute the event. 'We need a lot of people and resources even for a one-day marathon. But we have gained sufficient experience after having this event for several years,' she said. Event organiser EC Pixels Asia managing director Eugene Chan, said new features this year included public recruitment for pacers and entertainment zones with live music to encourage participants along the route. 'We have launched a pacer search and the public can register with us. 'Every station along the run will offer isotonic drinks. 'The highway run can be quite tough, so we have added entertainment stations to help runners enjoy the journey. 'There will be a live DJ station at one of the stations,' said Chan. Registration for the run closes on June 30. For details, visit
New Straits Times
19 hours ago
- New Straits Times
World No. 2 Mirabel to defend title at TSM Golf Challenge
KUALA LUMPUR: The TSM Golf Challenge, one of the nation's premier junior amateur tournaments, is set to return for its 14th edition from June 16-19 at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC), with national No. 1 amateurs Mirabel Ting and Anson Yeo leading the field. For the first time, the tournament will be held biennially, as announced last year. A total of 85 players — 50 boys and 35 girls under the age of 21 — will compete in this invitation-only event. The top 10 finishers in both categories will be awarded academic scholarships worth a combined RM133,000. The previous edition in 2023, also held at KLGCC, saw Mirabel claim the women's title while Marcus Lim emerged as the men's champion. Mirabel, currently home on summer break after a standout year at Florida State University, has confirmed her participation to defend her crown. Marcus, however, will not be returning as he has since turned professional. This will mark Mirabel's first tournament on home soil since the Maybank Championship last October. She enters as the clear favourite, now ranked No. 2 on the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) — a historic achievement as the highest-ever ranking for a Malaysian golfer, male or female. Mirabel recently added another feather to her cap by becoming the first Asian recipient of the prestigious Annika Award, presented annually to the top female golfer in the NCAA Division I circuit. She captured four collegiate titles during the 2024-25 season and wrapped up the year with a runner-up finish at the NCAA Division I Women's Golf Championship last month. A successful title defence would also make Mirabel the first player to do so at the TSM Golf Challenge since Galven Green achieved the feat in 2014 and 2015. Held under the tagline "In Search of the Malaysian Tiger", the TSM Golf Challenge has played a key role in shaping Malaysia's top golfing talents. Past champions include Gavin Green, Kelly Tan and Ashley Lau. Gavin and Ashley are currently the national No. 1 professionals, competing on the DP World Tour and Epson Tour respectively, while Kelly held the mantle as Malaysia's sole LPGA Tour representative for nearly a decade until last year. All three have also proudly represented Malaysia at the Olympic Games. "This event is more than a golf tournament — it's a national movement," said Datuk Mustapha Buang, president of the Tan Sri Muhyiddin Charity Golf Foundation.
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Good news as Zii Jia makes return at Japan Open
Lee Zii Jia — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star PETALING JAYA: Men singles shuttler Lee Zii Jia is set to make his long-awaited return to competitions in the Japan Open from July 15-20 in Tokyo. Zii Jia, who suffered a right ankle ligament injury during the World Tour Finals last December, last played in the back-to-back Orleans Masters and All-England in March. The 27-year-old, who initially targeted to make his comeback in the US Open from June 24-29 decided to take a cautious approach and delay his return to avoid aggravating his injury. Zii Jia's name is among the players registered for the Japan Open and he is also likely to play in the China Open from July 22-27 in Changzhou. Malaysia will also be represented in the men's singles by Leong Jun Hao in Japan.
