Sukma team to be announced this week

Wednesday, May 26, 2010
The Brunei Times

(Top) The Sultanate's top swimmer Amanda Liew Jia Xin in action. (Above Right) Jasper Yu Woon Chai is honing his skills in Indonesia. (Above Left) Brunei's most promising player Mohd Aiman Abdullah.

AFTER all the centralised training and preparations, on Friday, May 28, the athletes will finally know who have made the cut for Sukan Malaysia (Sukma) 13 in Melaka.

The Department of Youth and Sports (JBS) will finally reveal all the details which have piqued the nation's interests, before the athletes are scheduled to compete in the Games from June 10-19.

Will there be cuts made from the squad that on last count numbered 69? Are we still going to bank on the lucky 13 sports - athletics, aquatics, badminton, bowling, cycling, fencing, karate, petanque, sepak takraw, silat, squash, tennis and wushu - for medals?

Only the results from the athletes' final fitness test will tell and at this point, one could only speculate on who will make it.

Could the debut of lone petanque warrior, Abdul Wafi Awg Abd Hamid, be under jeopardy? The 22-year-old is on the verge of creating history as the first petanque player to represent the sultanate in Sukma.

Under the guidance of national coach, Somsak Juychunprasert, Abdul Wafi had already challenged for honours abroad five times.

His recent international exposure was in March, when he competed alongside teammates Mazlan Hj Yahya and Pg Hj Asmalina Pg Hj Jaya in the 2010 Pan Pacific Singapore Championship and placed third.

But this time, Abdul Wafi will have to go about it alone, gunning for the single and shooting events.

Another athlete going solo is Mohd Aiman Abdullah, the country's most promising junior tennis player. It will not be his first time at the Games, reaching the second round of the men's singles during the 2008 Sukma in Terengganu.

Last year he collected the silver in the men's open singles and bronze in the doubles during last May's Arafura Games in Darwin, Australia. He ended the year with a silver medal in the men's open singles during the 3rd Borneo Games which Brunei hosted last December.

Amanda Liew Jia Xin, the Sultanate's most prolific swimmer,will undoubtedly be picked for she was the only one to meet the benchmark set by JBS.

To be selected for the national team, all swimmers are required to better the "bronze" time of the previous edition of the Games. She will compete in the 50 metres breaststroke where her personal best is 36.06 seconds and 50m freestyle where her best time is 28.64s.

Liew will be joined by the duo of Mohd Naim Mohd Shafiee and Abd Afiq Hj Ali, who are set to compete in the 1m springboard event.

What about the young shuttlers who are currently sharpening up their skills in neighbouring Indonesia, Jasper Yu Woon Chai and Ak Halim Pg Ismail?

Last Monday Yu left for Jakarta, joining compatriot Ak Halim who had been there since December, for a training stint with the Tangkas Badminton Club. The club is well known for producing world and Olympic champions like Icuk Sugiarto, Hermawan Susanto, Joko Suprianto, Luis Ponggoh, Verawaty Fajrin, Rexy Mainaky and Lilyana Natsir.

Yu recently took part in the Yang Amat Mulia Pg Indera Mahkota Pg (Dr) Kamaluddin Al-Haj Badminton Championship Cup, which concluded on May 8.

The most promising national shuttler claimed a double in the tournament, smashing his way to both the Open Singles Under-23 and Men's Doubles A titles.

Yu and Ak Halim could be joined by Ihsan Zainuddin, Md Syahmil Fajrin Wahab and Md Sheril Shahizwan, who also competed in the tournament.

The trio are coached by JBS badminton coach, Wahab Moksin.

Jaspar's move to Jakarta a good idea: coach Wahab

Thursday, May 20, 2010
The Brunei Times

National shuttler Jasper Yu Woon Chai left Monday for Indonesia to train at the Tangkas Badminton Club.

BADMINTON coach of the Department of Youth and Sports (JBS), Wahab Moksin approves national shuttler Jasper Yu Woon Chai's decision to train in Jakarta.

But the coach is also wary that Yu's move to the Indonesian capital will have an effect on the team's preparation for Sukan Malaysia (Sukma) at Melaka in June.

"Since it's so close to Sukma, about three weeks, I doubt that it will help but nonetheless it is a good idea," said the coach.

Yu left for Jakarta on Monday for a training stint with the Tangkas Badminton Club, which produced world and Olympic champions like Icuk Sugiarto, Hermawan Susanto, Joko Suprianto, Luis Ponggoh, Verawaty Fajrin, Rexy Mainaky and Lilyana Natsir.

"Even I, as the coach, would encourage my charges to take the opportunity when presented but it's all about the timing and I would rather have them train together as a whole," said Wahab.

Aside from Jaspar, also carrying the flag for Brunei in the Sukma Games are Ak Halim Pg Ismail, Ihsan Zainuddin, Md Syahmil Fajrin Wahab and Md Sheril Shahizwan.

Ak Halim is also undergoing intentive trainingwith Tangkas since December last year according to Wahab.

"I'm just worried because they have a different training scheme. It might take time to get used to the new training schedule unlike here, which they are used to that's fixed and ready," said the coach.

If not for Sukma however, Yu has the coach's full support.

"It's good for him as even we (JBS) plan to send talented players for training abroad. Indonesia is a good place to train since it is one of the best countries for the sport, with better and more sparring partners.

"Rather then sending our players to countries like Europe or Japan, we could just opt for Indonesia since it is also closer," said Wahab.

The coach also shared the team's preparations for Sukma.

"So far it's been good since the team are right on track with the trainings such as speed, conditioning and agility. For now, we're more focused on match-game training though," he said.

"They're definitely ready psychologically. It won't be the first time they have fought players of calibre," replied Wahab, when asked whether the young shuttlers are mentally ready to represent Brunei at an international level.

Taking into consideration the team's training which has been going on December, the coach believes his charges can fight for a podium finish.

"I think that we can get the medal but it still depends on the situation. Unlike other sports such as atheletics, badminton is not a sport that can be measured. Anything on the court can determine whether it's a win or lose.

"Moreso Malaysia is also famous when it comes to badminton, on par with Indonesia. Yet we're not going to let it get to us, we'll try our hardest to be able to win a medal," said Wahab.

National shuttler 'moves' to Jakarta

Tuesday, May 18, 2010
The Brunei Times

National shuttler Jasper Yu Woon Chai will train with Indonesian club, the Tangkas Badminton Club, in Jakarta.

NATIONAL shuttler Jasper Yu Woon Chai wants to learn from the best in the business and yesterday left for Jakarta for a training stint.

Although Indonesia lost to China in the final of the Thomas Cup on Sunday in Kuala Lumpur, the country's capital, Jakarta, is considered a nursery for budding badminton players.

The 21-year-old Bruneian will be training with the Tangkas Badminton Club, which is run by the Suhandinata family, namely Suharso Suhandinata.

Suharso played a key role in the unification of the then split International Badminton Federation and World Badminton Federation in the 1980s.

The unification was a significant step towards badminton's inclusion in the Olympic Games.

"Tangkas is one of the best badminton clubs. The club boasts of names like Rexy Mainaky and Lilyana Natsir," said Yu.

Rexy is a former men's doubles world champion from Indonesia. He won the men's doubles Olympic gold medal in 1996 with partner Ricky Subagja.

Currently Rexy is the men's doubles coach of Malaysia.

Meanwhile, Lilyana has represented the Indonesian women's team and specialises in doubles.

Accolades she has won include mixed doubles at the Asian Championships and four World Grand Prix titles in 2006.

Other figures that the club has produced include world and Olympic champions like Icuk Sugiarto, Hermawan Susanto, Joko Suprianto, Luis Ponggoh and Verawaty Fajrin.

"I'm going to train with the club for three months. I'm aiming to improve my technique and physical fitness," said the national player before departing at the Brunei International Airport in Berakas yesterday.

"Badminton has always been my passion and because of the strong support from my family and club I am always aiming to do better. I also want to help raise the standard of the sport in Brunei," Yu added.

He is accompanied by compatriot Ak Halim Pg Ismail, who has already been there for at least 10 months.

"Most probably we will go straight from Jakarta to Melaka for the Sukma (Malaysia) Games in June," Yu added.

Yet to be confirmed, Yu mentioned that most probably he would be competing in both the singles and doubles events.

He recently took part in the Yang Amat Mulia Pg Indera Mahkota Pg (Dr) Kamaluddin Al-Haj Badminton Championship Cup, which concluded on May 8.

The most promising national shuttler claimed a double in the tournament, smashing his way to both the Open Singles Under-23 and Men's Doubles A titles.

Badminton Tourney Winners

9th & 10th May
Borneo Bulletin

Bandar Seri Begawan - HRH Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah partnering Azeez Pehin Dato Hj Jaafar lost 2-1 (21-23, 21-15, 19-21) to the duo of Zulkifli and Siti Marinah in the final of the Open Mixed Doubles category of the Pengiran lndera Mahkota Pengiran Anak Dr Kamaludin Al-Haj's Cup at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex Multi-purpose Hall in Berakas last night. Photo shows HRH Princess Fadzilah and Azeez in action last night.

Dodi Setiawan and Jasper Yu emerged victorious in the final of the Open Double `A' category of Pengiran Indera Mahkota Pengiran Anak Dr Kamaludin Al-Haj's Cup Badminton Championship when they thrashed Heru Pamungkas and Syamil Fazrin Wahab 16-21, 21-13, 21-19 at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex Multipurpose Hall in Berakas over the weekend.

In the Open Double 'B' category, Zainul Md Yusof and Hairuddin Md Yusof snatched the winning trophy after beating Ismail and Amir in straight sets of 21-17, 21-11. Meanwhile, Mohamad Osman and Dalen Foo took home the champion trophy after demolishing Burhan and Suhaili Hj Maj id in the Open Double Veteran category winning 25-27, 21-18, 26-24.

Brunei national player, Jasper Yu easily beat Syamil Fazrin in straight sets 21-14, 24-22 to win the Open Singles category. The guest-of-honour Hj Mohamad Panglima Asgar Dato Paduka Hj Abdullah, the Director of Youth and Sports gave away the prizes to the winners

National shuttler Yu made to work for title

9th May 2010
The Brunei Times

Her Royal Highness Princess Fadzillah Lubabul Bulqiah and partner Aziz PD Hj Jaafar in action in the Open Mixed Doubles final yesterday.

JASPER Yu Woon Chai powered his way to the Open Singles Under-23 title in the Yang Amat Mulia Pg Indera Mahkota Pg (Dr) Kamaluddin Al-Haj Badminton Championship Cup after beating Syamil Fazrin Wahab 21-14, 24-22 last night.

The spellbinding game at the Multipurpose Hall of the Hassanal Bolkiah Sports Complex saw national shuttler Yu in the driving seat for most of the first set but was given a run for his money in the second.

"I made a lot of mistakes, probably because I was nervous ... Too eager to win," said Yu.

"I was lucky he (Syamil) misjudged the last shot to hand me the win. I came in as the No 1 seed and so I always wanted to win.

"My ex-coach (Wu Xue Kai) came today (Saturday) especially for this and that gave me a good boost since I had not seen him in a long time," said the 21-year-old Yu, who also thanked his club Athirah Badminton Club for all their support.

In the Open Mixed Doubles, Her Royal Highness Princess Fadzillah Lubabul Bulqiah and partner Aziz PD Hj Jaafar's run to the title was stopped by Siti Marinah Mohd Salleh and Zulkifli Mohd Salleh, who won the final 23-21, 15-21, 21-19.

Though they lost the first set, they came back charging in the second and forced Siti Marinah and Zulkifli into numerous errors.

Meanwhile, in the Veterans' Doubles, Mohamad Osman and Dalen Foo triumphed 25-27, 21-18, 26-24 against the pairing of Burhan and Suhilee Hj Majid.

Zainul Mohd Yusof and Hairuddin Mohd Yusof beat Amir Hj Tudin and Ismail Hj Abdul Rahman 21-17, 21-11 to win the Open Doubles B (Intermediate) category.

Yusof brothers inch closer to doubles title

7th May 2010
The Brunei Times

BROTHERS Zainul and Hairuddin Md Yusof yesterday moved one step closer to reaching their target in the Yang Amat Mulia Pg Indera Mahkota Pg (Dr) Kamaluddin Al-Haj Badminton Championship Cup.

Favourites in the men's doubles (Category B), the siblings triumphed 21-16, 21-18 over Rahim and Ali Darwin to advance to the semi-finals.

"We're setting our target high for this tournament, so we're definitely gunning for the top spot," said the younger of the two, Zainul.

He has been training on his own since the age of 15 and is competing in the tournament for experience.

The siblings also competed at the Yonex Open in January, but did not play together in the tournament and were ousted in the early stages of their respective events.

The 19-year-old Zainul credits the chemistry with his brother for reaching the semi-finals of this tournament.

"The understanding we have of each other's playing style is one factor that has led us to this stage," said Zainul.

It was not an easy battle though, the siblings were caught off guard at various times in yesterday's match.

In the second set, they were left trailing 8-1 but rallied back to level the scores before clinching the set 21-18.

The tough part is yet to be over though and Zainul admits tougher opponents await them on the way to the title.

"Ismail and Amir probably pose the biggest threats for us," he told The Brunei Times yesterday.

In the final is probably when the fated meeting will occur.

The siblings, however, will first need to overcome the duo of Md Hashim Abdullah and Abd Hannan Hj Zulkiflee.

Md Hashim and Abd Hannan were forced to play in the rubber set after losing the first set. The pair ousted Shahrul and Nuruddin with the score of 9-21, 21-19, 21-12.

Ismail and Amir, on the other hand, will meet the other favourites of the event in the semi-finals, the duo of Burhan and Eko.

Powering over Zaini and Md Hassandin 21-10, 21-15 yesterday, Ismail and Amir have set a date with the pair for tonight's last four match.

Burhan and Eko secured their berth in the semi-finals by beating Ali Hussin and Suhif 21-10, 21-15.

All the respective semi-finals will be contested today starting at 7pm.

Sukma: Lucky 13 for Brunei?

7th May 2010
The Brunei Times


THIRTEEN may be an unlucky number to many but Brunei is banking on it to win medals at the Malaysia Games with the Sultanate confirming that it will compete in 13 sports at the June 10-19 tournament.

Hj Md Rosfazilah Hj Yusly, the Chief Secretariat of the Brunei contingent, yesterday revealed to The Brunei Times the 13 sports Brunei would be competing in.

"I can confirm the 13 sports that Brunei will be participating in at Sukma are bowling, silat, sepak takraw, fencing, petanque, karate, tennis, squash, athletics, cycling, badminton, wushu and aquatics," Hj Md Rosfadzilah said when contacted.

However, the Sultanate has yet to decide the number of athletes to be registered for each sport.

On Monday, Pg Sabri Pg Hj Mohamad, the Deputy Director of the Youth and Sports Department, announced to the Press that Brunei will be sending 75 athletes to Melaka. Talking on the sidelines of the "Jom Ke Melaka" roadshow held at the Gold Stone Ballroom of the Centrepoint Hotel in Gadong, he added that the Brunei contingent would total 113.

Hopefully the number 13 will not prove to be unlucky for Brunei, but will instead help improve on their dismal performance in the last Games. Made up of 89 athletes and officials, Brunei returned with only two silver medals after competing in nine sports at the 12th edition of Sukma in Terengganu two years ago.

The medals were delivered by karate's Md Nabil Abd Malik and Md Jamil Hj Abd Hamid who won silver in the men's kumite below 70kg category and the men's kumite 80kg and above category respectively.

Brunei is hoping a bigger contingent will translate into a better outing this year.

The Bruneians will be among the 9,000 athletes vying for 434 gold, 434 silver and 542 bronze medals offered at the Games.

The Brunei contingent, however, will have to do that without the services of 2008 silver medallist Md Jamil, who was 22 in 2008. On the other hand, fellow karateka Md Nabil, who was 20 during the Terengganu Games, could still probably make the cut.

National shuttler Md Sheril Shahizwan could also get a ticket to Melaka. Currently competing in the Yang Amat Mulia Pg Indera Mahkota Pg (Dr) Kamaluddin Al-Haj Badminton Championship Cup, Department of Youth and Sports badminton scheme coach Wahab Moksin is using the event as a build-up tournament for the Games.

Wahab has high expectations of his charges and the 17-year-old shuttler is currently meeting them. Md Sheril will be able to impress his coach further if he makes the final at the Multipurpose Hall of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas today.

Md Sheril will meet national player Jaspar Yu Woon Chai in the semi-finals today.

Silat is another sport where Brunei is expected to shine in Melaka. The national team have been training since December to prepare for the Games. Some 15 exponents were shortlisted in January by Mochamad Nasri, the national junior silat coach.

Aged between 17 and 21, they were selected based on their performances at the Youth Sports Festival (PSR) and the Brunei Darussalam National Silat Championships held last year.

Undoubtedly the return of the national fencers is the most anticipated of all after an absence of six years. In 2004, they finished with one gold, one silver and three bronze medals in Negri Sembilan. Except for one bronze medal in the men's epee team event, all of the other medals in 2004 came from the sabre events.

Their medal haul helped lead the Sultanate to its best performance in Sukma, bagging one gold, five silver and five bronze medals in Negri.

During a meeting on March 20, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports' national selection and evaluation committee agreed to support the participation of seven fencers as requested by the Brunei Darussalam Fencing Federation.

The seven fencers who could be shouldering the responsibility of recreating the 2004 feat are Ak Zaim Pg Idris, Hafizuddin Hj Awg Damit, Hafizzi Illah, Khairul Quddus Mohd Roalee, Muinuddin Hj Masri, Nur Adillah Affendy Agus and Rozana Zeze Mohd Roalee.

The same faces flew the flag for the country during the March 5-14 Asian Fencing Confederation Junior and Cadet in Pasig City, Manila, where they managed to top fencers from 15 Asian countries in the overall rankings.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud on Wednesday pledged to submit a bid to host the Sukma in 2014.

"I will hand over the task of bidding for the Sukma in 2014 to Social Development and Urbanisation Minister Datuk Seri William Mawan Ikom," he said after receiving an official invitation for the 13th Sukma from Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam at Wisma Bapa Malaysia in Kuching, Sarawak, on Wednesday.

Abdul Taib said Sarawak was ready to host the Sukma for the second time because the Games was significant to the development of sports in the country as it helps to unearth talented young sportsmen and sportswomen.

He added that for the Sukma to hosted by Melaka, Sarawak would be sending 700 athletes and officials to participate in 29 of the 33 sports contested.

Sarawak hosted the third edition of the Sukma in 1990 and wrote a new chapter in its sporting history after becoming the first State to host the Games outside Kuala Lumpur as well as becoming the overall champions for the first time.

Mohd Ali said Melaka would fully support Sarawak's bid due to its ability to host mega events.

Md Sheril advances into semi-finals

6th May 2010
The Brunei Times

MD SHERIL SHAHIZWAN beat Ihsan Zainuddin 21-16, 21-16 to advance into the semi-finals of the Open Singles Under-23 in the Yang Amat Mulia Pg Indera Mahkota Pg (Dr) Kamaluddin Al-Haj Badminton Championship Cup at the Multipurpose Hall of the Hassanal Bolkiah Sports Complex last night.

One of five shortlisted to compete at the Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Melaka on June 10-19, Md Sheril was satisfied to have reached his target.

"I'm happy to have at least reached the semi-finals. I'm taking one step at a time so hopefully I'll be able to reach the final," said the 17-year-old.

Part of the Department of Youth and Sports badminton scheme, Md Sheril was relieved with the win, "At first I was a bit nervous. Yet as the match progressed, my confidence started to grow and I just went for it. However it was a 50-50 match from the start."

When asked whether he is one of 75 athletes that are going to compete in Melaka for the 13th edition of the Games, he replied, "Actually it depends, but I don't know whether I'm going. I don't know when I'll know either."

However, Md Sheril does know one thing, and that is who presents the biggest threat in the competition. With no hesitation at all, the boy replied, "Jasper Yu (Woon Chai)."

He definitely has a point to be worried. National shuttler Yu overwhelmed Hafizul Kiprawi 21-13, 21-6 last night to also advance into the semi-finals.

The coach of the Department of Youth and Sports badminton scheme, Wahab Moksin, will be happy with one of his charges' performance at least. Earlier before the tournament started, Wahab predicted that his trainees: Ihsan, Sheril, and brothers Faiz and Md Syahmil Fajrin Wahab could make it to the final, maybe even face each other.

However, Sheril's victory last night meant that he is the sole survivor of the four. Faiz was eliminated on Tuesday while his brother was ousted last night. Md Syahmil was stopped in his tracks by Md Fairesyah, who beat him 16-21, 21-11 and 21-12 to claim a spot in the semi-finals.

Another highlight of last night's action was Her Royal Highness Princess Fadzillah Lubabul Bulqiah and partner Aziz Pehin Dato Hj Jaafar's 21-14, 19-21, 21-13 triumph in the Open Mixed Doubles.

It was a tightly contested match from the start, HRH and Aziz and opponents Pg Md Hamdilah and Shamin Fai Fai exchanging fiery blows one after another to bring the match into the rubber set.

However as exhaustion set down upon both teams that led to both teams committing its share of mistakes, it was the pair of HRH and partner that prevailed.

All semi-finals will be contested on Friday with the finals for each respective categories slated for Saturday.

75 Brunei athletes for Sukma

4th May 2010
The Brunei Times

Chief Minister of Melaka, Datuk Seri Hj Md Ali Md Rustam, delivers his speech at the 'Jom Ke Melaka' roadshow in Gadong yesterday.

THE Sultanate will send 75 athletes to compete in the 13th edition of the Malaysia Games (Sukma) to be hosted by Melaka from June 10-19.

Pg Sabri Pg Hj Mohamad, the Deputy Director of the Youth and Sports Department, announced this to the Press during the "Jom Ke Melaka" roadshow held at the Gold Stone Ballroom of the Centrepoint Hotel in Gadong yesterday.

Including the officers, the Sultanate will send a contingent totalling 135 to the Games.

Pg Sabri also said Brunei would compete in 13 of the 33 sports to be featured in Melaka.

The Brunei contingent will be led by chef de mission Hj Rosmadi Hj Md Daud, the Acting Deputy Director of the Youth and Sports Department.

Pg Sabri was attending the roadshow which guest of honour, Chief Minister of Melaka, Datuk Seri Hj Md Ali Md Rustam, was promoting.

Md Ali said the State is using the Games to venture into sports tourism.

To prepare for the Games the State has spent RM$105 million to renovate and build the venues which will be used throughout the 10-day tournament.

Nine thousand athletes from 15 States including Brunei will be competing at the Games and Md Ali expects an influx of 500,000 visitors during the 10-day period, generating a revenue of RM$250 million.

The Chief Minister also extended his invitation to the Brunei contingent to train at the Games venues, saying: "Most of the venues were built for the Games for example the swimming pool, the tennis courts and hockey fields are all new so it would be better if the athletes can familiarise themselves with the new facilities."

Md Ali, who is also the chairman of the Games' organising committee, also emphasised the State's commitment to make the Melaka Sukma a success.

"We have had a Games drill which covers everything down to the very minute detail," said Md Ali.

The Chief Minister played down news reports on new Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak in Malaysia.

It has been reported that Malaysian national badminton coach Rashid Sidek and his daughter were admitted to a private hospital on Saturday after both were certified H1N1 positive.

"Regarding H1N1, it is just a natural phenomenon. It is happening throughout the world and though there is a reason to be worried, to overeact would be another matter. We assure everyone that necessary steps to prevent an outbreak will be taken at each venue, all athletes will be thoroughly scanned and advised on H1N1."

He added that athletes participating in the Games will not be asked to take the H1N1 vaccination shots, fearing the side-effects of such a shot might hinder their performance.

There is another cause to worry though as the Games will clash with another major sporting event in South Africa the World Cup.

However, Md Ali remains unflustered and thinks the World Cup will instead boost the Games atmosphere.

"I don't think the World Cup will be one of the factors that will stop fans from travelling to Melaka. With the time difference (between Malaysia and South Africa), updates and screenings of the matches will constantly be played at venues where people can enjoy it," said the Chief Minister.

All in all, Md Ali guarantees that visitors to the 13th Sukma in Melaka will be offered the best experience.

"The State will do its best to make the experience enjoyable for everyone," he concluded.

HRH and partner go down fighting

4th May 2010
The Brunei Times

His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen (L) and Md Nazlee Pehin Dato Hj Jaafar in action at the Yang Amat Mulia Pg Indera Mahkota Pg (Dr) Kamaluddin Al-Haj Badminton Championship Cup at the Multipurpose Hall of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas last night.

THE pair of His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen and Md Nazlee Pehin Dato Hj Jaafar were ousted off the Yang Amat Mulia Pg Indera Mahkota Pg (Dr) Kamaluddin Al-Haj Badminton Championship Cup after losing lost 19-21, 20-22 at the Multipurpose Hall of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas last night.

After surviving a scare on Sunday night only to bounce back to win 2-1, lady luck was not on their side last night against the pair of Pg Anak Ghaffar Idris and Wadud Mahrub.

Competing in Men's Doubles B, the duo got off to a bad start when HRH conceded the first point.

However, their opponents also conceded unnecessary points to keep the match tight. It was then that HRH won points in succession to finally take a one-point lead at 11-10 at the interval.

After misjudging a shot to concede a point, HRH redeemed the mistake with a shot that forced his opponents to commit a mistake which restored their lead at 14-13.

Yet his opponents didn't give up, taking the match to a point away from winning the first set, 17-20. Though HRH and Nazlee scored successfully to cut the deficit, another mistake was all it took for their opponents to claim the set at 21-19.

The pair again started on the backfoot in the second set, but Pg Anak Ghaffar and Wadud recklessly conceded points, losing the lead at 4-6.

The lack of chemistry between HRH and the AM Gunners FC striker was apparent though, losing the lead as fast as they got it. But the Prince and his partner fought back to take an 11-8 lead at the interval.

The match heated up after the brief break but the ever dependable Nazlee used his overhead smash to take a 17-14 lead.

The three-point cushion was not enough though, HRH and Nazlee committing a series of mistakes that allowed their opponents to catch up before taking the set 22-20.

A total of 40 matches were contested last night in the Men's Doubles B and Veteran Doubles category. Court action will continue today, starting at 7pm.

Royal shuttlers through to next round

May 3, 2010

The Brunei Times

(Left) HRH Princess Fadzillah Lubabul Bulqiah in action in the first round of the Yang Amat Mulia Pg Indera Mahkota Pg (Dr) Kamaluddin Al-Haj Badminton Championship Cup at the Multipurpose Hall of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas yesterday. (Right) His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen is one of the players to take part in the first round yesterday.

THE first round of the Yang Amat Mulia Pg Indera Mahkota Pg (Dr) Kamaluddin Al-Haj Badminton Championship Cup started yesterday and His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen and HRH Princess Fadzillah Lubabul Bulqiah both survived the first hurdle.

Contested at the Multipurpose Hall of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas, the Prince and Princess triumphed against their respective opponents in their respective events to advance to the next round.

Competing in the Open Doubles B, HRH Prince 'Abdul Mateen took to the court with his partner, the AM Gunners FC striker Md Nazlee Pehin Dato Hj Jaafar, to win 2-1 against the pair of Hj Jack and Mus Sunardi.

The duo were almost ousted off the competition after losing 16-21 in the first set. However the Prince and Md Nazlee rallied back 21-16 in the second set to bring the match into the final set, in which they won 21-14 to move into the next round.

HRH Princess Fadzillah Lubabul Bulqiah, on the other hand, powered through the Open Mixed Doubles with partner Aziz Jaafar, winning 2-0.

Up against the pair of Suhif and Amal, HRH Princess Fadzillah Lubabul Bulqiah showed why she was a force to be reckoned with, clinching the first point with a neat drop shot over the net.

Playing at the front while Aziz guarded the rearcourt, the duo outplayed their opponents for a healthy lead of 11-5 at the interval.

The combination proved too deadly for Suhif and Amal, unable to reply to Aziz's powerful overhead shots.

Poor service by the couple only served to gift HRH and Aziz free points to extend their lead by nine points, at 19-10.

Towards the end of the first set, both pairs slugged it out to concede a point with each service. However the lead proved too much for Suhif and Amal, succumbing to a 12-21 loss in the first set with an Aziz smash.

The second set began with HRH's serve and this time the opponents gave it their all.

The two teams were involved in a neat exchange that took Aziz's smash to once again crush Suhif and Amal's defence to make it 11-6 at the interval.

After the break HRH and Aziz lost their impressive rhythm, committing mistakes that enabled their opponents to cut their lead to a mere two points, at 19-17. Yet that was as close as they got, stopped in their tracks with another smash to end the game 21-17.

The Open Doubles A was also contested yesterday.

Battle to the top will resume today starting at 7pm.

168 shuttlers ready for battle

2nd May 2010
The Brunei Times

SOME 168 shuttlers will hit the courts for the Yang Amat Mulia Pg Indera Mahkota Pg (Dr) Kamaluddin Al-Haj Badminton Championship Cup today at the Multipurpose Hall of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas.

Five categories will be contested in the tournament: Open Singles Under-23, Open Doubles A (Seeded Players), Open Doubles B (Intermediate), Open Mixed Doubles and Open Veteran (45 years old and above).

His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen and HRH Princess Fadzillah Lubabul Bulqiah will also be competing in the tournament.

A total of 40 matches will be played today, with HRH Prince 'Abdul Mateen taking part in the Open Doubles B while HRH Princess Fadzillah Lubabul Bulqiah will play in the Open Mixed Doubles.

The Open Singles U-23 will also kick off today and the finals will be contested on Saturday.

Winners will receive cash prizes as well as an assortment of Ashaway goodies.

The tournament aims to promote badminton in the country and fostering closer ties between players.

National junior squad Ihsan Zainuddin, Sharil Sahiziwan Tikom and brothers Faiz and Mohd Syahmil Fajrin Wahab are among the promising players expected to shine in the singles category.

The coach of the Department of Youth and Sports, Wahab Moksin, expects the quartet to face each other in the final.