SELANGOR took a risk by fielding their young players in the women’s team final at the National Tennis Centre (NTC) in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.
But it turned out to be the right decision as Selangor retained their gold medal with ease by thrashing Pahang 2-0.
Federal Territories and Perlis, who finished runners-up in Group X and Y respectively, were the bronze medallists.
Coach S. Selvarajoo made a calculative move by resting United States-based T. Neesha in order to play his daughter Theiviya in the first singles and Alyssa Boey, a finalist atlast year’s National Hardcourt Championships,in the second individual match.
Both did not disappoint as they impressed with Theiviya beating Ti Jia Wei 6-3, 6-0 while 15-year-old Alyssa outplayed 1 4 - year - o l d Delizavernne Kaur 6-0, 6-2.
“I rested Neesha because she had problems with the humidity in previous matches. I did not want to risk fielding her in the final,” said Selvarajoo.
“Sometimes a coach has to make difficult decisions. Neesha is our best player but I had to leave her out today (yesterday). I amhappy that my other players did well in her absence.
I am sure she will be happy with the team’s s u c c e s s. ”
Selvarajoo also confirmed that Neesha will not represent the team in the women’s individual competitions which starts today.
Theiviya will team up with Adelle Boey in the women’s doubles and also partner Juan Antonio Los Santos in the mixed doubles while Alyssa and 15-year-old R. Archnaah will play s i n g l e s.
Los Santos and Colin Wong, who both received first round byes, will start their men’s singles campaign today while Hanifah Rahizam-Zaki Pauzi will play doubles.
Monday, 6 June 2011
Sunday, 5 June 2011
National Circuit now in Malacca.
THE fourth leg of the National Circuit will not be played at the National Tennis Centre in Jalan Duta. The event, scheduled for June 24-28, will now be organised in Malacca.
According to LTAM executive-secretary Ibrahim Abu Bakar, the reason behind the change of venue is to promote tennis outside the Klang Valley.
However, many part-time and full-time tennis players are contemplating to skip the tournament.
“Why should I spend my money on accommodation and transport for a tournament, which offers insufficient prize money. It is also useless playing in local tournaments as being among the top ranked players will not guarantee you a place in the national team,” said a former national player.
My crystal ball says...something is not right....
According to LTAM executive-secretary Ibrahim Abu Bakar, the reason behind the change of venue is to promote tennis outside the Klang Valley.
However, many part-time and full-time tennis players are contemplating to skip the tournament.
“Why should I spend my money on accommodation and transport for a tournament, which offers insufficient prize money. It is also useless playing in local tournaments as being among the top ranked players will not guarantee you a place in the national team,” said a former national player.
My crystal ball says...something is not right....
Faeez leads Negri to team title
FAEEZ Said (pix) led Negri Sembilan to victory in the Malaysia Games men's team tennis final by thrashing Federal Territories 2-0 at the National Tennis Centre on Saturday
The 17-year-old was in near perfect form as he hammered Sean Yip 6-3, 6-0 before compatriot Khoo Er Yang thrashed Wan Abdul Muiz 6-0, 6-2 to give Negri an unassailable 2-0 lead.
The Sabah-born Faeez said he was delighted to help his adopted state win the title.
"Sean played brilliantly but I managed to contain him throughout the match. Overall, I am happy to play an instrumental role in Negri's victory today (yesterday)," said Faeez, who represented Sabah in last year's Malaysia Games edition in Pahang.
"It is my first ever Malaysia Games medal but I hope to add another in the men's doubles together with Syed Ariffin Syed Naguib."
In the semi-finals, Negri edged Selangor 2-1 while Kuala Lumpur defeated Terengganu 3-0.
In the women's team event, Selangor and Pahang eased into the final by recording their second straight victory in their respective groups yesterday.
Selangor, the defending champions, are expected to retain their title today.
But coach S. Selvarajoo is expected to re-shuffle his team against Pahang.
"I may opt to drop one or two players, who have been rather erratic in the group stage, for the final. Pahang have several players with talent. We need to be careful," said Selvarajoo.
Pahang are led by Selangor-born Delizavernne Kaur, the younger sister of top junior players Pearljit Singh and Duzbionjit Singh.
Delizavernne opted to play for Pahang as she was not considered to represent Selangor.
RESULTS -- Men's s-finals: Negri Sembilan 2 Selangor 1, Federal Territories 3 Terengganu 0;
Final: Negri Sembilan 2 Federal Territories 0.
Women's Group X: Pahang 3 Federal Territories 0, Malacca 0 Federal Territories 3; Group X: Kedah 0 Selangor 3, Perlis 3 Kedah 0.
0
Colin hopes to win gold on his debut
COLIN Wong (pix) is now more confident with his tennis after making the singles semi-finals of a Barcelona circuit tournament during his recent training stint at the Albert Portas Academy.
The 15-year-old hopes it will be enough to help Selangor clinch the boys' team gold medal in the Malaysia Games tennis competition at the National Tennis Centre (NTC) in Kuala Lumpur.
Colin, who is making his Malaysia Games debut, is one of the most talented junior players in the country.
The student of SMK Kota Kemuning will decide by the end of the year whether to give full concentration on tennis.
"The stint in Barcelona has helped my game in many ways. I am physically and mentally stronger compared to before," said Colin on Friday.
"I will decide after my PMR examinations on whether I should play tennis full-time. As for now, I am just going with the flow."
Selangor coach S. Selvarajoo confirmed yesterday that Colin together with Juan Antonio Los Santos will play singles when they face the star-studded Negri Sembilan side in the semi-finals today.
Negri, led by national champion Syed Agil Syed Naguib and Khoo Er Yang, are the favourites in this tie.
In yesterday's quarter-finals, Colin clinched Selangor's winning point in their 2-1 win over minnows Johor.
Colin gave Selangor an unassailable 2-0 lead by thrashing Lukman Hakim Aziz 6-2, 6-2 after compatriot Los Santos had beaten Zulfahmi Salamat 6-2,6-0.
Negri earned their semi-final ticket by overcoming Pahang 2-1. The other semi-final pits Federal Territories, led by Marcus Chee, against newcomers Terengganu.
The gold medallist in the boys' team will also be decided today.
RESULTS
Preliminary round - Boys' Group A: Perlis 1 Perak 2, Group B: Kedah 0 Federal Territories 3, Group C: Terengganu 2 Kelantan 1, Group D: Sabah 2 Penang 1, Malacca 2 Pahang 1.
Girls' Group A: Perak 0 Federal Territories 3, Group B: Kedah 2 Malacca 1, Group C: Pahang 2 Penang 1, Sabah 0 Perlis 3.
Second round - Boys' q-finals: Selangor 2 Johor 1, Negri Sembilan 2 Pahang 1, Federal Territories 2 Perak 1, Terengganu 2 Malacca 1.
Girls' Group X: Pahang 3 Malacca 0, Group Y: Selangor 2 Perlis 1.
Friday, 3 June 2011
Los Santos aims to go pro
JUAN Antonio Los Santos is aiming to become Malaysia's most successful tennis player.
The 18-year-old will begin his professional career after the ongoing Malaysia Games, where he hopes to earn ATP ranking points before the end of the year.
"I will start pursing my dreams by competing in the Futures (lower-tier level professional events). I will give myself six years to make it big," said Los Santos, who is representing Selangor in the Malaysia Games.
"It is not important to become the national No 1 as it won't take you anywhere. "I am only interested to put Malaysia on the world tennis map."
Los Santos is feared by many players for his big serve and strong forehand and backhand.
"I've to admit that my fitness is lacking. It is something that I need to address seriously before pursuing my professional dream," he said.
Los Santos began playing tennis at 10 under the guidance of former national champion S. Selvarajoo. He soon rose to fame by becoming the No 1 ranked Asian Under-14 player before winning two ITF titles in Brunei and Singapore in 2007.
But the youngster quit the sport abruptly after last December's National Hardcourt Championships before returning to the courts in last month's National Circuit third leg, where he lost in the final to Si Yew Meng.
RESULTS
Boys' Group A-- Negri Sembilan 3 Perlis 0, Negri Sembilan 3 Perak 0; Group B - Selangor 3 Kedah 0, Selangor 1 Federal Territories 2; Group C - Johor 3 Terengganu 0, Johor 2 Kelantan 1; Group D - Sabah 2 Malacca 1, Pahang 2 Penang 1, Sabah 1 Pahang 2, Malacca 3 Penang 0.
Girls' Group A - Selangor 3 Perak 0, Selangor 3 Federal Territories 0; Group B - Negri Sembilan 1 Kedah 2, Negri Sembilan 1 Malacca 2; Group C -- Pahang 3 Sabah 0, Perlis 2 Penang 1, Pahang 2 Perlis 1, Sabah 1 Penang 2.
The 18-year-old will begin his professional career after the ongoing Malaysia Games, where he hopes to earn ATP ranking points before the end of the year.
"I will start pursing my dreams by competing in the Futures (lower-tier level professional events). I will give myself six years to make it big," said Los Santos, who is representing Selangor in the Malaysia Games.
"It is not important to become the national No 1 as it won't take you anywhere. "I am only interested to put Malaysia on the world tennis map."
Los Santos is feared by many players for his big serve and strong forehand and backhand.
"I've to admit that my fitness is lacking. It is something that I need to address seriously before pursuing my professional dream," he said.
Los Santos began playing tennis at 10 under the guidance of former national champion S. Selvarajoo. He soon rose to fame by becoming the No 1 ranked Asian Under-14 player before winning two ITF titles in Brunei and Singapore in 2007.
But the youngster quit the sport abruptly after last December's National Hardcourt Championships before returning to the courts in last month's National Circuit third leg, where he lost in the final to Si Yew Meng.
RESULTS
Boys' Group A-- Negri Sembilan 3 Perlis 0, Negri Sembilan 3 Perak 0; Group B - Selangor 3 Kedah 0, Selangor 1 Federal Territories 2; Group C - Johor 3 Terengganu 0, Johor 2 Kelantan 1; Group D - Sabah 2 Malacca 1, Pahang 2 Penang 1, Sabah 1 Pahang 2, Malacca 3 Penang 0.
Girls' Group A - Selangor 3 Perak 0, Selangor 3 Federal Territories 0; Group B - Negri Sembilan 1 Kedah 2, Negri Sembilan 1 Malacca 2; Group C -- Pahang 3 Sabah 0, Perlis 2 Penang 1, Pahang 2 Perlis 1, Sabah 1 Penang 2.
Negri, Selangor out to stake claim as the best
TENNIS fans can expect a fiery battle between Negri Sembilan and Selangor in the Malaysia Games competition in Kuala Lumpur today.
Negri Sembilan, led by national men's and women's champions, Syed Agil Syed Naguib and Jawairiah Noordin, are good for five gold medals - men's team, singles, doubles, women's singles and mixed doubles.
Selangor, spearheaded by comeback kid Juan Antonio Los Santos and T. Neesha, are favourites in the women's team and doubles competitions.
Syed Agil and teammate Khoo Er Yang, together with Los Santos and Kuala Lumpur's Marcus Chee, are expected to battle it out for the men's singles title.
In the women's singles, Jawairiah and Neesha, the top two players in the country, are the favourites for the gold medal.
Selangor coach S. Selvarajoo said his team are good for two gold medals in the competition. "We will effortlessly win the women's team event.
"The other gold medal could come from either the women's doubles or mixed doubles.
"However, I also expect my players to make an impression in other events. Overall, Negri and Selangor are favourites but KL could surprise."
The Selangor team comprise Muhd Zaki Pauzi, Joshua Jordan, Los Santos, Colin Wong, Hanifah Rahizam (boys), Neesha, S. Theiviya, Adelle Boey, Alyssa Boey and R. Archnaah (girls).
The men's and women's team competition start today.
GROUPINGS - Boys' Group A: Negri Sembilan, Perlis, Perak; Group B: Selangor, Kedah, Federal Territories; Group C: Johor, Terengganu, Kelantan; Group D: Sabah, Malacca, Pahang, Penang.
Girls' Group A: Selangor, Perak, Federal Territories; Group B: Negri Sembilan, Kedah, Malacca, Group C: Pahang, Sabah, Perlis, Penang.
Negri Sembilan, led by national men's and women's champions, Syed Agil Syed Naguib and Jawairiah Noordin, are good for five gold medals - men's team, singles, doubles, women's singles and mixed doubles.
Selangor, spearheaded by comeback kid Juan Antonio Los Santos and T. Neesha, are favourites in the women's team and doubles competitions.
Syed Agil and teammate Khoo Er Yang, together with Los Santos and Kuala Lumpur's Marcus Chee, are expected to battle it out for the men's singles title.
In the women's singles, Jawairiah and Neesha, the top two players in the country, are the favourites for the gold medal.
Selangor coach S. Selvarajoo said his team are good for two gold medals in the competition. "We will effortlessly win the women's team event.
"The other gold medal could come from either the women's doubles or mixed doubles.
"However, I also expect my players to make an impression in other events. Overall, Negri and Selangor are favourites but KL could surprise."
The Selangor team comprise Muhd Zaki Pauzi, Joshua Jordan, Los Santos, Colin Wong, Hanifah Rahizam (boys), Neesha, S. Theiviya, Adelle Boey, Alyssa Boey and R. Archnaah (girls).
The men's and women's team competition start today.
GROUPINGS - Boys' Group A: Negri Sembilan, Perlis, Perak; Group B: Selangor, Kedah, Federal Territories; Group C: Johor, Terengganu, Kelantan; Group D: Sabah, Malacca, Pahang, Penang.
Girls' Group A: Selangor, Perak, Federal Territories; Group B: Negri Sembilan, Kedah, Malacca, Group C: Pahang, Sabah, Perlis, Penang.
Sarawak will not defend Games title
DEFENDING champions Sarawak have withdrawn from the Malaysia Games tennis event, which starts today, at the National Tennis Centre (NTC) in Kuala Lumpur.
It is a surprise move by the Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) considering that they won the overall title last year in Malacca quite easily.
The SLTA development programme is also one of the best in the country as it has been producing junior players with potential of late.
SLTA president Datuk Patrick Liew said it would not have been cost-effective if the association brought back its overseas players for the Malaysia Games.
"We prepare our players on a two-year cycle. As we had won the overall title in last year's edition, we were looking forward to defend it next year," said Patrick when contacted in Kuching on Tuesday.
"The Malaysia Games is an important affair for sports development.
"However, our main goal for now is to help our state-level players attain international exposure."
Ariez Elyaas Deen Heshaam, who won the men's singles title in last year's Malaysia Games and Chong Zhia Hwa are with the national Davis Cup team while Kuching-born Assri Merzuki is based in the United States.
It is a surprise move by the Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) considering that they won the overall title last year in Malacca quite easily.
The SLTA development programme is also one of the best in the country as it has been producing junior players with potential of late.
SLTA president Datuk Patrick Liew said it would not have been cost-effective if the association brought back its overseas players for the Malaysia Games.
"We prepare our players on a two-year cycle. As we had won the overall title in last year's edition, we were looking forward to defend it next year," said Patrick when contacted in Kuching on Tuesday.
"The Malaysia Games is an important affair for sports development.
"However, our main goal for now is to help our state-level players attain international exposure."
Ariez Elyaas Deen Heshaam, who won the men's singles title in last year's Malaysia Games and Chong Zhia Hwa are with the national Davis Cup team while Kuching-born Assri Merzuki is based in the United States.
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