Sangari opts out of Asian C'ships for World Tour Finals
The reigning Asian Games champion has withdrawn from the Asian Championships taking place in Kuching, Sarawak, from June 17-21 to focus on the World Tour Finals.
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New Straits Times
4 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Pakistan pull out of Asia Cup
KUALA LUMPUR: Political tension between Pakistan and India is said to have led to the Green Shirts pulling out of the Asia Cup in Bihar from Aug 29-Sept 7. Malaysian Hockey Confederation chief executive officer V. Jayanandan said the Asian federation announced on Monday three-time champions Pakistan's withdrawal, and Bangladesh are the replacement. The eight teams for the Asia Cup, which also serves as a qualifier for the 2026 World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium, are hosts and world No. 8 India, Malaysia (No. 12), South Korea (No. 13), Japan (No. 18), China (No.22), Oman (No. 26) and Taiwan (No. 38). Malaysia are drawn with defending champions South Korea, Oman and Taiwan, while the other group has India, Japan, China and Bangladesh.
The Star
7 hours ago
- The Star
Top pairs could still be included in SEA Games team
Malaysia men's doubles shuttlers Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik in action against South Korea's Kim Young-hyuk-Wang Chan during the first round of Malaysian Masters at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil on Wednesday. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star PETALING JAYA: National doubles pairs Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah and Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei remain in the Badminton Association of Malaysia's (BAM) plans for the SEA Games in Thailand this December. National doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky said BAM have yet to finalise the 20-player list for the biennial multi-sport event following a selection committee meeting with the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. BAM have requested a one-week extension before submitting the final list to OCM, citing concerns that main rivals Thailand and Indonesia may also field strong pairs in their bid for gold. 'Thailand will be sending their strongest squad, and I understand Kunlavut (Vitidsarn) will also be competing,' said Rexy. 'We still need to discuss further, including with the singles camp led by Kenneth (Jonassen) and other coaches such as Herry (Iman Pierngadi) for the men's doubles. 'We are among the top three contenders. If Thailand and Indonesia send their strongest teams, we will do the same. If not, we will at least send a line-up capable of mounting a strong challenge. He also dismissed concerns of a scheduling clash between the SEA Games and the BWF World Tour Finals in Hangzhou, China. The badminton competition at the SEA Games will take place from Dec 8 to 14, while the World Tour Finals are scheduled for Dec 17 to 21. Earlier, Aaron expressed his intention to make way for other pairs such as world No. 7 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun or the in-form Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King, who recently won the Macau Open, to compete in Thailand. Aaron and Wooi Yik previously won the men's doubles gold medal at the 2019 SEA Games in Manila, the Philippines. Rexy said while he respected Aaron's view, a thorough discussion must be held before making any decision. 'It doesn't mean I don't support what Aaron said. I respect it, but there are many factors to consider and matters that require detailed discussion. ''We value the players' opinions, and in men's doubles, we have several other strong combinations,' he added.
The Star
7 hours ago
- The Star
Young Indonesian pair Jafar-Felisha capable of going the distance in Paris
PETALING JAYA: Watch out for fast-rising Indonesian mixed doubles shuttlers Jafar Hidayatullah-Felisha Pasaribu in the World Championships. Jafar-Felisha only combined a year ago but have clicked quickly and rose to No. 1 in the mixed doubles in Indonesia. The world No. 11 duo are set to pose a threat to their rivals in their first appearance in the world meet from Aug 25-31 in Paris. Jafar-Felisha proved their capabilities by bagging the World Tour Super 300 Taiwan Open title in May. The pair also captured bronze in their debut Asian Championships in April and reached the semi-finals of the Super 1000 China Open last month. Indonesian doubles coach Rionny Mainaky has backed Jafar-Felisha to defy the odds again and reach the final in Paris. "I have seen that Jafar and Felisha are capable of handling pressure. I want them to prove themselves in the World Championships," said Rionny in an interview posted in the Indonesian National Badminton Association (PBSI) website. "They have the skills and they are ready. Now, it only depends on their commitment and fighting spirit. "They only lost matches in Super 750 and 1000 tournaments due to small mistakes. We have analysed these and they know where they went wrong now. "If they are fully focused and can stay fit, I'm confident they can reach the final in Paris. They are young and have plenty of potential," added Rionny. Tantowi Ahmad-Liliyana Natsir were the last Indonesians to win the mixed doubles gold in the world meet when they triumphed in the 2017 edition in Glasgow. Tantowi-Liliyana also won the title in 2013 in Guangzhou. Indonesia have struggled to hit similar heights in the mixed doubles since the legendary pair's retirement. Jafar, 22 and Felisha, who only turns 20 next month, could be the ones to finally fill the void left behind by Tantowi-Liliyana. The youngsters will be keen to prove that they can follow in their seniors' footsteps with a good showing in Paris.
