Can Asean All-Star players impress their way to Old Trafford?
KUALA LUMPUR: Running onto the hallowed turf of Old Trafford in Manchester United colours would be a dream come true for most players from Southeast Asia.
And players from the Asean All-Stars squad that will face United in the Maybank Challenge Cup in Bukit Jalil tomorrow (May 28) might just make that dream become a reality if they can impress United boss Ruben Amorim.
Amorim said he is always on the lookout for top talent from all corners of the world.
"If I see someone with real value and he performs, he could be in our list," said Amorim during a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today (May 27).
"We are a club from around the world. You will have a space in the team if you are one of the best players in the world."
Meanwhile, Asean All-Stars coach Kim Sang Sik said his players have been working hard in training and are looking forward to the clash.
"All the players are very serious about winning the game so they are working hard. We have to prepare well and we are looking forward to a good match," said Sang Sik who guided Vietnam to AFF Cup glory last year.
There are five Malaysian players in the Asean All-Stars side - Azam Azmi Murad, Adib Abdul Ra'op, Haziq Nadzli, Declan Lambert and Sergio Aguero.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Seasoned Soon Huat-Shevon show no signs of slowing down
KUALA LUMPUR: Age is just a number, and Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai are proving it with every step they take on court. In a sport where the physical demands are relentless and younger rivals emerge every year, the Malaysian mixed doubles duo continue to defy expectations with their consistency and class. On Thursday, the world No. 5 turned in another composed performance, dispatching Indonesia's Amri Syahnawi-Nita Violina Marwah 21-12, 21-17 to book their place in the Indonesia Open quarter-finals. This sets up an all-too-familiar clash with Thailand's world No. 6 Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Supissara Paewsampran — a sixth meeting this year between the two pairs — with the Thais having won four, including last week's Singapore Open en route to the title. While another showdown looms, what stands out most is not just the tactical battle ahead — but how Soon Huat, 34, and Shevon, 31, have managed to remain among the elite for so long. Having partnered since 2016, the duo have quietly built one of the most enduring and successful partnerships in world badminton. Their on-court chemistry is no surprise — the pair are also husband and wife — having tied the knot last year. That bond, built over years of competition and shared goals, has been the foundation of their longevity and success. Their recent record is a reflection of their remarkable consistency. With Thursday's win, Soon Huat-Shevon have now reached at least the quarter-finals in 15 of their last 21 tournaments over the past 12 months. In that period, they have also clinched the 2024 Malaysia Masters title, finished runners-up at the 2024 China Open and were semi-finalists on five occasions, including a standout run at the 2024 World Tour Finals. "It's not easy to maintain this level," said Soon Huat. "It really comes down to our commitment and discipline. We've got to be smart and specific with our training — on court, off court, our recovery, even our diet and rest." Shevon added: "We can't be like before — sleep at 2 or 3am and still wake up like a tiger the next morning. Now it's different!" Their secret weapon? A coach who understands the nuances of keeping veteran athletes in peak shape. "We're lucky to have Teo Kok Siang as our coach," said Shevon. "He doesn't stick to one kind of training. He's always thinking of new methods, studying how other teams improve, and tailoring things to suit us. That innovation has really helped us evolve and mature in our game." Despite the inevitable physical toll, the duo are showing that age can bring not just experience, but results. "We don't just aim to win," said Shevon. "We focus on being consistent in every game. That mindset helps us stay grounded, to enjoy the process, not just chase results." Soon Huat-Shevon will need every bit of that experience and mindset when they next take on Dechapol-Supissara in what promises to be another high-stakes encounter. "We lost to them last week, but we'll prepare and fight again," said Soon Huat.
Daily Express
3 hours ago
- Daily Express
Soon Huat-Shevon cruise into Indonesia Open quarters
Published on: Thursday, June 05, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 05, 2025 By: FMT Reporters Text Size: Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie wrapped up their second-round match at the Indonesia Open in just 32 minutes. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA: Mixed doubles pair Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai Jemie cruised into the quarter-finals of the Indonesia Open after defeating home duo Amri Syahnawi-Nita Violina Marwah today. The world No 5 defeated the 25th-ranked Indonesian pair 21-12, 21-17 in a match lasting 33 minutes. A tougher challenge now awaits the Malaysian husband-and-wife team, who have booked a last-eight clash with Thailand's world No 6 Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Supissara Paewsampran tomorrow. Dechapol-Supissara have been in strong form at all the BWF tournaments this year. Soon Huat and Shevon are still chasing their first title of the season, having fallen short in the early rounds at most tournaments. Their best result so far was reaching the semi-finals of the India Open in January. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
New Straits Times
5 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Soon Huat-Shevon reach Indonesia Open quarter-finals
KUALA LUMPUR: Independent mixed doubles Goh Soon Huat-Shevon Lai stormed into the quarter-finals of the Indonesia Open in Jakarta today. The world No. 5 Malaysian pair defeated Indonesia's world No. 25 Amri Syahnawi-Nita Violina Marwah 21-12, 21-17 in 33 minutes. Soon Huat-Shevon will meet Thailand's world No. 6 Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Supissara Paewsampran in the last eight.
