THE Penang Lawn Tennis Association (PLTA) received only nine entries for its annual Swee Lee Challenge Cup, which incepted in 1948.
The Challenge Cup, which is Penang’s oldest tennis, used to draw record entries but of late, it has failed to attract neither teams nor fans.
PLTA set a limit of 16 entries for the recent edition but only nine teams were registered.
Despite the poor response, fans were treated with some exciting tennis at the Penang Sports Club Tennis Complex in Jalan Utama.
The Penang Sports Club Red (PSCR) won the title for third successive time by edging 34-time champions Chinese Recreation Club Dragons 2-1(CRCD) in the final.
CRCD took the lead through Pang Zi Yang-Aaron Low, who defeated Luke Leighton-Bryant Thor 6-3, 5-4.
Andrew Tijo-Mahesh leveled proceedings for PSCR by thrashing Jason Khoo-SK Tan 6-1, 6-1 before Tan Nian Yang-Jesril Jamel defeated Johnson Ooi-Tan Kian Tat 7-6, 6-2 for the winning point
RESULTS -
Championship Cup
S-Finals — Penang Sports Club Red 3 Francis Su Tennis Services Team 0; Chinese Recreation Club Dragons 2 Bukit Mertajam Mertajam Tennis Club 1.
Final — Penang Sports Club Red 2 Chinese Recreation Club Dragons 1.
Plate
S-Finals— Chinese Recreation Club Tigers 2 Penang Sports Club Black 1; Bukit Mertajam Tennis Club 2 Penang Sports Club Yellow 1.
Final: Chinese Recreation Cl ub Tigers 2 Bukit Mertajam Tennis Club 1.
Saturday, 31 March 2012
Wednesday, 28 March 2012
Double joy for Lyn Yuen
CHOO Lyn Yuen captured the women’s singles and doubles titles in the second leg of the National Tennis Circuit in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
Lyn Yuen, the second seed, upset topseed Jawairiah Noordin 6-0, 6-1 in the women’s singles final.
Jawairiah was not at her best as she played witha wrist injury.
In the doubles final, Lyn Yuen-Ti Jia Wei edged Alyssa Boey-Aslina Chua 7-5, 4-6, 10-5.
Si Yew Ming, meanwhile, captured his first title of the season by overcoming surprise finalist Abdul Hazli Zainuddin 6-4, 6-4 in the men’s final.
Hazli, the third seed, upset the odds in Tuesday’s semi-finals when he edged topseed Elyaas Deen Hishaam 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 while Yew Ming defeated Ahmad Deedat Razak 6-4, 6-4.
In the doubles final, Hazli-Ahmad Deedat battled past Ashaari Zainal-Syed Agil Syed Naguib 6-4, 6-3.
Lyn Yuen, the second seed, upset topseed Jawairiah Noordin 6-0, 6-1 in the women’s singles final.
Jawairiah was not at her best as she played witha wrist injury.
In the doubles final, Lyn Yuen-Ti Jia Wei edged Alyssa Boey-Aslina Chua 7-5, 4-6, 10-5.
Si Yew Ming, meanwhile, captured his first title of the season by overcoming surprise finalist Abdul Hazli Zainuddin 6-4, 6-4 in the men’s final.
Hazli, the third seed, upset the odds in Tuesday’s semi-finals when he edged topseed Elyaas Deen Hishaam 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 while Yew Ming defeated Ahmad Deedat Razak 6-4, 6-4.
In the doubles final, Hazli-Ahmad Deedat battled past Ashaari Zainal-Syed Agil Syed Naguib 6-4, 6-3.
Sunday, 25 March 2012
Memorable double for Hao Sheng
From left: Foo Sherwin, Koay Hao Sheng, Aulana Shevita and Kaaviya Balasubramaniam, the Boys' and Girls' Under-14 doubles champions respectively of the 2nd Penang Asian Under-14 championships yesterday. Pic by K. Kandiah
KOAY Hao Sheng was Malaysia's saviour in the Penang Asian Under-14 tennis championships yesterday, clinching the singles title and then partnering Singaporean Foo Sherwin for the doubles crown.
Hao Sheng, who is ranked ninth by the Asian Tennis Federation, defeated Taiwan's Yu Hua-Chen 6-3, 6-3 at the Penang Sports Club Tennis Complex in George Town.
The Perlis lad, who won back-to-back titles at the Penang Open International Junior age-group championships and the Perlis Open International Junior age-group championship in Nov, was in his element as he made short work of his opponent.
Hao Sheng later partnered Sherwin to thrash the Malaysian pair of Talhah Mohamad Rahiz- Sheikh Ameer Sheikh Ahmad 6-2, 6-2.
The 14-year-old SMK Derma student said it was the first time he had partnered Sherwin, which only happened after a request from the latter via Facebook.
"I am really happy as I have never won an ATF title, although I won both the singles and doubles titles at the International Tennis Federation Group 2 championship in Vietnam earlier this year."
RESULTS (all finals) -- Boys Singles: Koay Hao Sheng (Mas) bt Yu Hua-Chen (Tai) 6-3, 6-3; Doubles: Koay Hao Sheng-Foo Sherwin (Mas-Sin) bt Talhah Mohamad Rahiz-Sheikh Ameer Sheikh Ahmad (Mas) 6-2, 6-2; Girls Singles: Cho I-Hsuan (Tai) bt Aulana Shevita (Ina) 6-0, 6-2; Doubles: Kaaviya Balasubramaniam-Aulana Shevita (Ind-Ina) bt Shamira Azzahra Shamira-Shafira Irania (Ina) 6-4, 6-3. By K. Kandiah
Thursday, 22 March 2012
Raw Deal
Delizavernne Kaur is a forgotten name in local tennis. Despite ending last season as Asia’s No 1 in the 14-and-Under category, the youngster has not been given due recognition for her efforts.
The Form Three student of SMK Sri Aman received a few calls from the National Sports Institute (NSI), for a meeting with its director Datuk Dr Ramlan Aziz following the exclusive story, which appeared in Timesports last year.
Days became months and so far her father Bhoopinder Singh is still waiting for the appointment.
“It is dumbfounding…they were so interested to meet my daughter but since then, we have not heard from Mr. Hamdan, the NSI rep,” said the disappointed Bhoopinder.
“Perhaps, someone has sabotage matters. If this is true, then please become a man and meet me.”
She topped the rankings without the help of a professional coach. Her non-playing tennis father, Bhoopindar, a businessman, has been coaching her since she first picked up the racquet six years ago.
The youngster is in her first season on the ITF Under-18 circuit but results have not been encouraging.
“I do not have targets for her as it is only her first season on the tour. It is only for exposure. I believe she will show results from next year,” said Bhoopinder.
It is dumbfounding that a young talent, who has proved herself in Asian-level Under-14 tournaments, has been left uncared and unattended.
Local tennis is not all bed of roses.
Monday, 19 March 2012
Hao Sheng and Yus, the top seeds
MALAYSIA's Koay Hao Sheng and Yus Syazlin Nabila Yusri are the boys’ and girls’ top seeds respectively in the 2nd Penang-Asian Under-14 Series Tennis Championship 2012 which starts at the Penang Sports Club tennis complex on March 20.
The competition is organised by the Penang Lawn Tennis Association (PLTA) with the cooperation of the Malaysian Lawn Tennis Association, the state government and the state sports council.
The Penang Sports Club is the venue sponsor. Hao Sheng is ranked No 1 at Under-14 and No 9 at Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) level while Yus Syazlin Nabila is the top Under-14 girl player and ranked third at the ATF level.
Yus Syazlin Nabila won the Girls' Under-14 singles title at the inaugural championship in Penang last year and is now looking forward to retaining her title before moving up into the higher age-group level next year.
Delizavernne Kaur, last year's losing finalist, was the best ever Malaysian at the ATF ranking list when she ended 2011 as the No 1 ranked player at sian level.
Meanwhile, tournament director Francis Su said apart from Malaysia, the other countries who will be competing are Singapore, the Philippines, the US, Indonesia, India, Taiwan and Switzerland.
“This competition is an opportunity for our local players to score ATF (Asian Tennis Federation) points for their age-group ranking which will enable them to play in the main draw at other ATF circuit competitions,” said Francis.
“If these youngsters don't have an ATF ranking, it will be very difficult for them to get to play in the main draw.
Francis, who is also a PLTA vice-president, said the competition will also be a stepping stone for the junior players who aspire to play at a higher level. By K. Kandiah..
The competition is organised by the Penang Lawn Tennis Association (PLTA) with the cooperation of the Malaysian Lawn Tennis Association, the state government and the state sports council.
The Penang Sports Club is the venue sponsor. Hao Sheng is ranked No 1 at Under-14 and No 9 at Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) level while Yus Syazlin Nabila is the top Under-14 girl player and ranked third at the ATF level.
Yus Syazlin Nabila won the Girls' Under-14 singles title at the inaugural championship in Penang last year and is now looking forward to retaining her title before moving up into the higher age-group level next year.
Delizavernne Kaur, last year's losing finalist, was the best ever Malaysian at the ATF ranking list when she ended 2011 as the No 1 ranked player at sian level.
Meanwhile, tournament director Francis Su said apart from Malaysia, the other countries who will be competing are Singapore, the Philippines, the US, Indonesia, India, Taiwan and Switzerland.
“This competition is an opportunity for our local players to score ATF (Asian Tennis Federation) points for their age-group ranking which will enable them to play in the main draw at other ATF circuit competitions,” said Francis.
“If these youngsters don't have an ATF ranking, it will be very difficult for them to get to play in the main draw.
Francis, who is also a PLTA vice-president, said the competition will also be a stepping stone for the junior players who aspire to play at a higher level. By K. Kandiah..
Assri, not the first Malaysian to win an ITF title
ASSRI Merzuki finally made a name on the ITF Under-18 Circuit by winning the recent Group 4 Brunei tournament.
The youngster defeated Hong Kong’s Wong Chin Hun, the sixth seed, 6-0, 2-6, 6-2 in the singles final.
In the doubles final, Assri and the United States’ Lin Carter overcame Taiwan’s Jao Chi Shan- Lin Wei De 7-6(3) 7-6(0).
For the record, Assri is not the first Malaysian to win an ITF title, but nonetheless his performance is still an achievement.
The youngster defeated Hong Kong’s Wong Chin Hun, the sixth seed, 6-0, 2-6, 6-2 in the singles final.
In the doubles final, Assri and the United States’ Lin Carter overcame Taiwan’s Jao Chi Shan- Lin Wei De 7-6(3) 7-6(0).
For the record, Assri is not the first Malaysian to win an ITF title, but nonetheless his performance is still an achievement.
Sunday, 18 March 2012
SLTA to groom Assri for doubles
KUCHING: The Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) is planning to make some adjustments to groom Sarawak’s rising tennis star Mohd Assri Merzuki as a doubles player.
Its president Dato Patrick Liew felt that the 17-year-old boy from Kampung Semariang Baru can play better in the doubles than in the singles.
“I have observed in the past few days of competition in the on-going 19th Sarawak Chief Minister Cup (I) ITF Junior Tennis Championship that his standard has improved tremendously to the level where he can beat any top 100 ITF junior player in the world,” Liew said yesterday.
He also observed a tremendous change in Assri after 24 and a half months of training in Romania, Spain and the US.
“In terms of physical condition, he’s already in top condition despite only being 17 years old and I strongly believe that he’s now in the growing stage and can improve and grow stronger in the future,” added Liew.
“He has become more respectful, disciplined and humble, which I think we have done justice to make him a better person in future.”
Liew said SLTA had made the right decision to develop Assri when he was only nine years old and that he was very sure that the player would become more matured when he turned 18.
“I am also convinced that we have made a right choice to work with Romanian Doru Sorin Murariu as Assri’s personal coach. Murariu spotted Assri’s talent when he was 11 years old in 2005,” said Liew.
Murariu, who formerly worked with Higueras Academy and the Niagara Academy of Tennis, Canada as a director, now owns and manages the Tennis Players Fitness Institute and Young Guns Elite Tennis Academy in Florida.
The academy trains mainly high performance and professional players from throughout the world.
Liew said SLTA remained focused in raising Assri’s level to be in the world ITF junior top 100 rankings before the third quarter of this year to qualify for the US Junior Open grand slam.
He has also worked out with Murariu to arrange more top level junior tournaments this year for Assri to boost his rankings.
Assri reached the semi-finals of the boys singles and boys doubles final of the 5th Melaka ITF International Tennis Championship earlier this month and won the boys singles title of the Brunei ITF Junior Group 4 event and finished runners-up with Carter Lin of the US in the boys doubles. At the 19th Sarawak Chief Minister’s Cup (I) ITF Junior Tennis Championship (Grade 1) here this week, he made an early exit in the first round of the boys singles but reached the boys doubles quarterfinals with Carter Lin.
Assri’s will next play in the 23rd Mitsubish-Lancer International Junior Grade One tournament in Manila next Tuesday.- www.theborneopost.com
Its president Dato Patrick Liew felt that the 17-year-old boy from Kampung Semariang Baru can play better in the doubles than in the singles.
“I have observed in the past few days of competition in the on-going 19th Sarawak Chief Minister Cup (I) ITF Junior Tennis Championship that his standard has improved tremendously to the level where he can beat any top 100 ITF junior player in the world,” Liew said yesterday.
He also observed a tremendous change in Assri after 24 and a half months of training in Romania, Spain and the US.
“In terms of physical condition, he’s already in top condition despite only being 17 years old and I strongly believe that he’s now in the growing stage and can improve and grow stronger in the future,” added Liew.
“He has become more respectful, disciplined and humble, which I think we have done justice to make him a better person in future.”
Liew said SLTA had made the right decision to develop Assri when he was only nine years old and that he was very sure that the player would become more matured when he turned 18.
“I am also convinced that we have made a right choice to work with Romanian Doru Sorin Murariu as Assri’s personal coach. Murariu spotted Assri’s talent when he was 11 years old in 2005,” said Liew.
Murariu, who formerly worked with Higueras Academy and the Niagara Academy of Tennis, Canada as a director, now owns and manages the Tennis Players Fitness Institute and Young Guns Elite Tennis Academy in Florida.
The academy trains mainly high performance and professional players from throughout the world.
Liew said SLTA remained focused in raising Assri’s level to be in the world ITF junior top 100 rankings before the third quarter of this year to qualify for the US Junior Open grand slam.
He has also worked out with Murariu to arrange more top level junior tournaments this year for Assri to boost his rankings.
Assri reached the semi-finals of the boys singles and boys doubles final of the 5th Melaka ITF International Tennis Championship earlier this month and won the boys singles title of the Brunei ITF Junior Group 4 event and finished runners-up with Carter Lin of the US in the boys doubles. At the 19th Sarawak Chief Minister’s Cup (I) ITF Junior Tennis Championship (Grade 1) here this week, he made an early exit in the first round of the boys singles but reached the boys doubles quarterfinals with Carter Lin.
Assri’s will next play in the 23rd Mitsubish-Lancer International Junior Grade One tournament in Manila next Tuesday.- www.theborneopost.com
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