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New Straits Times
19-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Malaysia handed France test in Universiade badminton last-16 showdown
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's hopes of securing a medal in the badminton mixed team event at the World University Games (Universiade) have received a major boost following a favourable draw for the round of 16. The national team, who topped Group D, will face Group C runners-up France at the Westenergie Sporthalle in Berlin, Germany on Sunday. Victory over the French will see Malaysia progress to the quarter-finals, where they will meet either the United States or India. The team, led by former national shuttler Jacky Kok advanced to the last 16 after a commanding 4-1 win over Canada. Malaysia hope to improve on the two bronze medals won at the 2023 Russia Universiade and are hoping to secure at least a silver this time. Meanwhile, national swimmer Khiew Hoe Yean booked his spot in the semi-finals of the men's 200m freestyle in Berlin after clocking 1:48.68s to finish third in Heat Six. He had earlier won silver in the men's 400m freestyle on Thursday. Hoe Yean will be joined by compatriot Arvin Shaun Singh Chahal, who qualified by finishing sixth in Heat Eight with a time of 1:49.66. Both will compete in the semi-finals later on Saturday. In taekwondo, the national men's poomsae trio of Randy Owen Augustine Linggi, Chin Ken Haw and Jason Loo finished sixth in the final, a commendable result in Malaysia's debut appearance in the event. South Korea bagged the gold, with China taking silver and Taiwan settling for bronze.
The Star
17-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Rashid calls on his men to beat Canada to ensure smooth passage to knockout round
PETALING JAYA: The national badminton squad are all geared up for their medal-hunting mission at the World University Games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany. Men's singles player Jacky Kok ( pic ) will be one of the players spearheading Malaysia's challenge in the mixed team event starting today at Westenergie Sporthalle. The University Malaya student said the harmonious atmosphere and high team spirit among the players would give them an advantage. 'All my teammates are ready to go and we are spending a lot of time together, everywhere. We have been building this camaraderie from the central training camp. I think this is something very good for future team events,' said Jacky. 'If we can bring out the best in the game, anything can happen, especially since the competition point format is only 15 points. 'We just have to do our best and support each other,' he said. For the mixed team event, Malaysia are drawn in Group D with only Canada. Head coach Datuk Rashid Sidek said his men would have no excuse for failing to beat Canada. 'We have to win against Canada to become group champions so that we can have an easy passage to the knockout round. No matter what, we have to play our best, don't underestimate them and play as usual,' he said. Apart from Rashid, former national men's doubles player Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif also acts as the national team coach with the aim of improving the medal tally from the last edition. The shuttlers contributed two bronze medals, one each in the men's doubles and mixed team events in the last edition in Chengdu, China. — Bernama
