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New Straits Times
15 hours ago
- Sport
- 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.
![[Watch] [Photos] When Viktor Axelsen Traded Olympic Gold For Playground Dreams: Teaching Malaysian Kids The Love Of The Game](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.therakyatpost.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F05%2FUntitled43-2.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
![[Watch] [Photos] When Viktor Axelsen Traded Olympic Gold For Playground Dreams: Teaching Malaysian Kids The Love Of The Game](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fall-logos-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ftherakyatpost.com.png&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
Rakyat Post
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Rakyat Post
[Watch] [Photos] When Viktor Axelsen Traded Olympic Gold For Playground Dreams: Teaching Malaysian Kids The Love Of The Game
Subscribe to our FREE The energy is just beginning to surge inside the gleaming badminton hall as the late afternoon light sets on the prestigious Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club (KLGCC). Two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen, known for his towering presence both in height and achievement, is about to transform an ordinary Thursday evening (22 May) into something extraordinary. Watch closely, and you'll see the gentle giant of badminton crouch down to eye level with a nervous 12-year-old. 'Ready?' he asks with a smile that could melt Olympic ice. The shuttlecock flies, and suddenly, age, height, and achievement gaps disappear in the simple joy of a rally. This is how legends are born – not in the roaring stadiums, but in quiet moments when champions remember they were once dreamers too. Axelsen shares a special moment with a young badminton enthusiast, demonstrating proper racquet technique across the net. (Pix: Ancom Nylex) A Champion's Gift To Young Dreamers For siblings Mischa Anne and Roen Dhavin Yogendran, aged 10 and 9, this isn't their first brush with badminton royalty. As children of Yogendran Krishnan, the current men's singles coach at Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), they've grown up in the shadows of champions. But today feels different. Their father watches from the sidelines as his children, who've been wielding racquets for just two years, face off against one of the sport's most towering figures – literally and figuratively. (Video: Sugita Kunalan) 'It's about giving them exposure,' Yogendran spoke to TRP with the knowing smile of a coach who's shaped many champions. His eyes light up as both his children manage to score a point each against Axelsen, who's masterfully walking the line between being inspiring and entertaining. The Danish champion, who is also a two-time World Champion and a four-time European Champion, has a natural way with kids, making each rally feel like a grand final while keeping the atmosphere playful and light. Siblings Mischa Anne (right) and Roen Dhavin (left) showcase their achievements on the badminton court alongside a cardboard standee of Axelsen. (Pix: Fernando Fong) Falling In Love With The Game: A Champion's Gentle Touch On that special day, organised by Young badminton enthusiasts, some barely tall enough to reach Axelsen's waist, will have their thirty minutes of magic. Parents, phones raised like Olympic torches, will capture every serve, every smile, and every moment their children share court space with the Danish champion and HELM-sponsored athlete, whose own journey from young dreamer to Olympic glory has inspired millions. Axelsen signs autographs for young fans during the badminton session. His cardboard cutout is visible in the foreground while he gives personal attention to each young admirer's memorabilia. (Pix: Ancom Nylex) 'It's not about perfect form at this age,' Axelsen would later explain during the evening's formal program. It's about falling in love with the game. And fall in love they do, these young players, their faces flushed with excitement as they attempt to return his gentle serves. Each successful shot is met with encouraging nods from the champion himself. Like a rock star holding court with his tiniest fans, Axelsen takes time to inspire the next generation, posing with a group of wide-eyed kids at KLGCC. (Pix: Ancom Nylex) Legends And Leaders: An Evening of Shared Wisdom As the court activities wind down, the event seamlessly transitions into its second act at the banquet hall. Dato' Siew Ka Wei, Executive Vice Chairman of Ancom Nylex Berhad, takes centre stage, followed by Kew Hui Chin, the Managing Director and President Chemicals of HELM Asia.. Both share insights that bridge the gap between sporting excellence and corporate success. 'These partnerships aren't just for one evening — they're about building enduring relationships,' reflected Siew at the event, which was, at its heart, a celebration of partnerships between Ancom and HELM. Meanwhile, Kew emphasised how the evening's theme of celebrating partnerships deeply resonated with Helm's core values. Like our connection with Viktor, our strategic alliance with Ancom Nylex exemplifies this philosophy. Viktor's journey – his resilience, ability to inspire young athletes, and grace in handling setbacks – mirrors the principles HELM holds dear. Corporate meets court as Siew trades insights with Axelsen. (Pix: Fernando Fong) Inspiring the Next Generation: A Champion's Perspective Axelsen spoke his heartfelt words from the stage. 'I'm always happy being able to inspire, especially the young generation. To see kids push forward, inspired by badminton – that's an amazing privilege. It's one of the best things about being a professional athlete,' he shared. The Dane, a father of two, spoke passionately about nurturing young talent. Of course you want the best for children. If you teach kids to treat people with respect, to be hardworking, we're not pushing them but helping them find their passion. He smiled, adding, 'I wish they find something they love to do, and it can be anything in the world. I played football when I was younger.' Axelsen also opened up about his personal journey, discussing his battles with back pain and what he considers his biggest challenge – the road to his second Olympic gold, both on and off the court. Adding to the evening's excitement, lucky draw winners received coveted Axelsen memorabilia, including signed books, jerseys and shirts. (Pix: Fernando Fong) Looking Ahead: From Scoring Systems to World Championships He offered his view when asked about the proposed The matches will be shorter. From my perspective, it might be better, though perhaps 5 sets of 11 would be preferable. I would much rather see bigger tournaments lasting over more days, like the Grand Slams. As the conversation wrapped up, Axelsen confirmed he's ready for another World Championship campaign. His sharing was followed by a video presentation of Axelsen's journey, which captured everyone's attention. It's a reminder that behind every success story, whether in sports or business, lies years of dedication and countless unseen hours of hard work. An intimate glimpse into the life of badminton's finest, as guests at the special evening witness the many dimensions of Axelsen. From Olympic glory to tender family moments, the documentary captures the essence of a champion who balances sporting excellence with the warmth of fatherhood. (Pix: Fernando Fong) Where Dreams Take Flight: Beyond The Business of Sport The evening culminates in a trophy ceremony for Ancom Nylex badminton champions, followed by eagerly anticipated photo sessions. However, the most genuine smiles were already captured during those precious court-side moments. Among those present were sporting legends: Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) singles head coach Kenneth Johansson, former two-time Malaysia Open champion Ong Ewe Hock and professional men's doubles shuttler Tan Wee Kiong. Badminton royalty and fans gathered at the Ancom Nylex x HELM event – (from right) Yogendran, Johansson and Ong shared the frame in a confluence of talent. (Pix: Fernando Fong) This isn't just another corporate event – it's where business suits and sports jerseys find common ground, where handshakes are as crucial as backhands, and where future champions might find their spark. As the night draws to a close at KLGCC, attendees leave with a mix of business cards and signed memorabilia, but more importantly, with the reminder that excellence begins with a dream and a willing mentor. Guests seized the opportunity to capture memorable photographs with the Olympic champion, creating lasting mementoes of the evening. (Pix: Fernando Fong) It's an evening when corporate Malaysia proves that sometimes the most meaningful connections aren't made across conference tables but across badminton courts. And somewhere in that badminton hall, young players will go home knowing they returned Axelsen's serves—sometimes, that's all it takes to start believing in impossible dreams. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
The Star
13-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Expect the very best of Asia and South-East Asia to come to the fore as Maybank's RM13mil golf extravaganza is back to excite the fans
In the current LPGA season, Asian players have achieved significant success, with notable wins and top-10 finishes. And expect them to shine again in this year's US$3 million (RM13 million) Maybank Championship at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC) from Oct 10-Nov 2. Japan's Mao Saigo, the 2024 LPGA Rookie of the Year, won her first LPGA Tour event and first major championship in a five-way sudden-death playoff at this year's first Major - The Chevron Championships held last month. Last weekend, Thailand superstar woman golfer Jeeno Thitikul secured her first victory of the year and fifth career LPGA title at the Mizuho Americas Open. Other Asian players like Hyo Joo Kim, Ayaka Furue, and Rio Takeda have also shown strong performance, with Hyo Joo Kim moving up the Rolex Rankings after a win. Lydia Ko of New Zealand, a big favourite with the fans here and also the reigning Olympic Games champion, also had a successful season thus far and winning at the HSBC Women's World Championship in Singapore. Expect these top players to be back again in Malaysia for the Maybank Championship and ignite the fairways of KLGCC come October 30. And expect them to be joined by other star golfers from Europe, Australia and the United States. With the record-breaking US$3 million purse, this year's tournament promises four electrifying days of world-class golf, rising stars, and purpose-driven competition - all on the iconic West Course. Now in its third edition, the Maybank Championship has quickly become a defining stop on the LPGA calendar. From Céline Boutier's dramatic nine-hole playoff in 2023 to Ruoning Yin's commanding win in 2024, the Championship has delivered unforgettable moments. Just as importantly, it has shone a spotlight on homegrown South-East Asia talents. Local favourites like Mirabel Ting and Ashley Lau proved last year that our region's next generation isn't just promising, they're ready to take on the best players in the world again. ( Tickets are officially on sale at -- Follow the action: Instagram: @maybankchampionship/ Facebook: Maybank Championship / X: @maybankchampion ) And in the horizon, the Maybank Championship ASEAN Qualifier is also back, and it's calling South-East Asia's most promising golf talents to KLGCC's West Course on 12–13 August 2025. This high-stakes showdown offers an elite field of professionals and top amateurs the chance to earn a direct slot into the Maybank Championship 2025 - which is now recognised as one of the region's most prestigious stops on the LPGA Tour. With five spots up for grabs, the competition is expected to be fierce and career-defining. In previous editions, the Qualifier uncovered standout talent from across the region, proving South-East Asia's depth and readiness to take on the world stage. 2025 is set to raise the bar even higher. In a media statement, Maybank said that the "ASEAN Qualifier is not just a gateway to global golf, it is a platform for aspiration, regional pride, and the next generation of champions.: Player registration is now open. Details and eligibility:
