LYFE LYFE WEDNESDAY | DEC 6, 2023 26 Hauntu’s terrifying rimba oDive into the heart of darkness with Hauntu’s interactive horror episode EMBARKING on another spine-chilling adventure, theSun plunged back into the captivating realm of Hauntu, eagerly anticipating the thrills that awaited within The Rimba Path of A Mother’s Wish episode. This time, our journey took a mysterious turn as we joined courageous siblings on a quest to uncover the whereabouts of their vanished mother. The stage was set at the fictitious Seri Panggung Academy, where ancient performance arts wove a tapestry of haunting mysteries triggered by a cryptic message. Having previously conquered the panggung path, we entered The Rimba Path with a false sense of confidence. Familiar with the storyline, we thought we had it all figured out — until Hauntu proved us wrong. Despite the same narrative, the intensity of scares, screams and anxiety doubled, catching us off guard at every spine-tingling twist. Unlike the panggung path, The Rimba Path led us through a forest fraught with fear, forcing us to confront mythical creatures lurking in the darkness. The eerie ambiance of the path was amplified by strategically placed sound effects, unleashing an onslaught of fear that reverberated through our every step. From the creatures that lurked within to the lights that flickered with our every move, Hauntu’s mastery of advanced technology heightened the terror to unprecedented levels. A noteworthy innovation that left us in awe was the interactive use of lights, responding to our hand gestures to create a dynamic and immersive experience. It was a testament to the creative prowess behind Hauntu, enhancing the overall thrill of navigating through the ominous Rimba Path. However, the true stars of the show were undoubtedly the actors who breathed life into this immersive horror experience. Their dedication to their roles was palpable, from impeccable dialogue delivery to nuanced facial expressions and convincing body language. Each cast member demonstrated a remarkable ability to stay in character, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the nightmarish atmosphere. If forced to choose between the two paths, Rimba undeniably emerged as the scarier option, showcasing Hauntu’s commitment to raising the bar with each episode. The meticulous attention to detail in crafting an unsettling forest setting, coupled with the exceptional performance of the cast, made The Rimba Path a standout experience. Yet, the beauty of Hauntu lies in its diversity of paths and the unpredictable twists each one offers. While Rimba may be the reigning champion in terms of sheer fright, the panggung path offers its own unique set of thrills. We discovered this firsthand, experiencing a different ending that left our screams echoing until the final second. As the relentless scares unfolded, our bravado crumbled and fear took hold. Yes, we were scared and we might have shed a tear or two in the face of the relentless frights that awaited us. But here is the clincher — would we willingly subject ourselves to the heartpounding terror all over again? Absolutely. The exhilarating combination of fear and excitement, the adrenaline-fuelled journey through The Rimba Path and the unpredictable twists left an indelible mark. Hauntu’s The Rimba Path of A Mother’s Wish is a testament to the team’s unwavering commitment to delivering a top-tier haunted house experience. It is a testament to the addictive nature of Hauntu — a place where fear becomes a thrilling companion and the only tears shed are those of exhilaration and joy. Without a doubt, we would plunge back into the haunting embrace of Hauntu, ready to confront the unknown once more. As we eagerly await more episodes, Hauntu continues to solidify its position as a trailblazer in the realm of interactive horror entertainment. Do not miss the chance to immerse yourself in the heart-pounding world of Hauntu — where fear meets innovation in the most exhilarating fashion. Book your spine-tingling experience at ihauntu.com/mystical-dance-academyhauntu-the-curve/. Seri Panggung Academy, The Rimba path. – PICS BY HAUNTU █ BY THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN The actors’ exceptional performances elevated the entire experience, making it truly memorable and enjoyable. RSC launches scholarship scheme GROWING up in a low-income household, M Jayakumar held fast to his father’s belief that education could end the cycle of poverty. The Royal Selangor Club (RSC) president cited his father’s belief as the motivating factor for his support of the idea to launch the club’s scholarship scheme for its employees’ children. “I came from a deprived home. My dad was a labourer. He stressed the importance of education. We lived in absolute poverty. My dad believed that education was important to better ourselves. This built a strong motivation in me to commit to education-related causes. “Education is like a path to a better future, but money problems often stop many people from pursuing higher education,” he said at the launch of the scholarship scheme on Nov 28. Initiated in May this year, the club has raised more than RM200,000 for the scheme, in part thanks to member donations. The collective efforts of RSC members have made it possible for the club to provide financial aid to its employees in the B40 category, ensuring that their children would receive some form of educational support. Jayakumar said 25 eligible candidates aged between 17 and 19 have been identified to receive a one-time grant and an interest-free loan to pursue tertiary education next year. In addition, those who have completed certificate, diploma or degree programmes would have the opportunity to work at the club’s various departments, including human resources, finance, maintenance and hospitality, through its internship programme. Jayakumar, together with the club’s general manager, Ramis Chandran, expressed their gratitude to members, donors and service partners for their generosity and resolute support of the worthy cause. - BY I. HANIM Jayakumar (centre) with some of the donors at the launch of RSC scholarship scheme on Nov 28. -- PICS BY ADIB RAWI/THESUN Your adventure is set to unfold within the mysterious and shadowy forest of the academy.
SPORTS SPORTS WEDNESDAY | DEC 6, 2023 27 SCAN ME WEDNESDAY | DEC 6, 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF BINAJAYA SAMUDRA SDN BHD Registration Number: 201001032151 (916076-P) (In member’s voluntary winding-up) NOTICE OF RESOLUTION At an Extraordinary General Meeting of Binajaya Samudra Sdn Bhd duly convened and held on 27/11/2023, the following resolutions were passed to approve a member’s voluntary winding up of the Company: - SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS: (i) That the Company be wound up voluntarily by way of a member’s voluntary winding up pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act 2016; (ii) That the liquidator may exercise any powers in accordance with Section 456 and the Eleventh Schedule of the Companies Act 2016; and (iii) That in accordance with the Articles of Association of the Company, the liquidator be hereby authorised to distribute to the members the whole or any part of the assets of the Company. ORDINARY RESOLUTION: That in accordance with Section 445(1) of the Companies Act 2016, Mr. Loo Hin Lam of No. 17, Elitis Dahina, Valencia, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor Darul Ehsan, be hereby appointed as the liquidator for the purposes of such winding up. LOO HIN LAM Liquidator Petaling Jaya Dated this: 06/12/2023 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF TECHNIMODE ENTERPRISES SDN. BHD. Registration No.: 198801006385 (173743-P) (In Member’s Voluntary Liquidation) At a General Meeting of the Company duly convened and held at 14th Floor, Wisma Genting, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur on 1st day of December, 2023, the following Special Resolutions were duly passed: 1. THAT, the company will be liquidated by way of member’s voluntary winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Lam Lee San and Ms. Lee Yee Ching both of Norvic Corporate Services Sdn. Bhd., Wisma Goshen, 2nd Floor, 60, 62 & 64 Jalan SS 22/21, Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan be appointed as Joint and Several Liquidators to act for the purpose of winding-up the Company’s affairs and distributing its assets. 3. THAT the said Liquidators be authorised to divide amongst the members in specie or kind, the whole or any part of the assets of the Company and may, for such purpose, set such value as they deem fair upon any property to be divided as aforesaid and may determine how such division shall be carried out as between the members. Lee Ser Wor Director Dated this 6th day of December, 2023. IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF TECHNIMODE ENTERPRISES SDN. BHD. Registration No.: 198801006385 (173743-P) (In Member’s Voluntary Liquidation) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors of the above Company are required to send in their names and addresses and the particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any), to the undersigned (the Liquidators of the said Company) at the belowmentioned address by 5.00 p.m. on 5th January 2024:- c/o Norvic Corporate Services Sdn. Bhd. Reg. No. 200201033104 (600769-D) Wisma Goshen, 2nd Floor 60, 62 & 64 Jalan SS 22/21 Damansara Jaya 47400 Petaling Jaya Selangor Darul Ehsan The creditors (either through their solicitors or personally) who do not file their debts and claims on or before the specified date and time above will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made. Lam Lee San (f) Lee Yee Ching (f) Liquidators Dated this 6th day of December, 2023. DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI KUALA LUMPUR DALAM WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN MALAYSIA (BAHAGIAN KELUARGA) NO. PETISYEN PENCERAIAN WA-33-517-10/2023 Dalam Perkara mengenai Seksyen 53 Dan Seksyen 54(1)(b) Akta Membaharui Undang-Undang (Perkahwinan dan Perceraian) 1976 LIM LEK KOON (NO. K/P: 800708-14-5156) … Pempetisyen Isteri CHIN SWEE CHOON (NO. K/P: 780514-14-5267) … Responden Suami Kepada: CHIN SWEE CHOON No. 87, Jalan Desa 4/12, Bandar Country Homes, 48000 Rawang, Selangor Darul Ehsan. AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu dalam Mahkamah Tinggi Kuala Lumpur dalam Guaman WA-33-517- 10/2023 oleh Pempetisyen yang beralamat di No. 96A, Lorong Segambut Tengah 1, 51200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur dalam mana tuntutan Pempetisyen ialah untuk: 1. Bahawa perkahwinan tersebut dibubarkan menurut Seksyen 53 dan Seksyen 54(1)(c) dan (d) Akta Membaharui Undang-Undang (Perkahwinan dan Perceraian) 1976 dengan serta merta; 2. Bahawa Pempetisyen Isteri diberikan hak penjagaan, kawalan dan pemeliharan tunggal terhadap Chin Yuk Zhen (No. Kad Pengenalan : 070126-14-0222) dan Chin Tong Lam (No. Kad Pengenalan : 130618- 14-0183); 3. Bahawa Responden diberikan akses yang munasabah terhadap anak-anak dengan sekurangkurangnya tujuh (7) hari notis kepada Pempetisyen; 4. Bahawa Responden akan membayar nafkah anak-anak tersebut sebanyak RM3,000.00 sebulan sehingga anak-anak tersebut menamatkan pengajian tinggi; 5. Bahawa Responden memindahmilik bahagian Responden kepada anakanak menurut Trust Deed bertarikh 11 April 2017 tersebut. Sekiranya Responden enggan menandatangani apa- apa dokumen yang berkenaan dengan pindahmilik ½ bahagian Responden tersebut atau enggan menjalankan apa-apa prosedur bagi pindahmilik tersebut, Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Mahkamah akan diberi kuasa bagi menandatangani dan menjalankan prosedur yang berkenaan bagi menyempurnakan dan melaksanakan pindahmilik menurut Trust Deed tersebut kepada anak-anak; 6. Bahawa kos guaman akan ditanggung oleh pihak masingmasing sahaja; dan 7. Relif-relif lain sepertimana yang dianggap wajar dan sesuai oleh Mahkamah Yang Mulia ini. Jika ingkar apa-apa kehadiran yang demikian maka penghakiman boleh dibuat terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 06 Disember 2023 …………T.T………………. Peguamcara bagi Pempetisyen NOTIS ini difailkan oleh Tetuan Han Ch’ng & Partners, Peguamcara bagi Pempetisyen Isteri yang mempunyai alamat untuk penyampaiannya di Unit 610, 6th Floor, Lobby 2, Block A, Damansara Intan No. 1, Jalan SS20/27, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan Tel: 03-7732 8266 Fak:03-7732 8366 Ruj: LIT/LC/PRAV/LLK/20230394 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016, AND IN THE MATTER OF YAYASAN WARISAN SUMBER MINERAL Co. No. 201201024409 (1008899-H) (IN MEMBERS VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 459, Companies Act, 2016, that the Final Meeting of Members of the above company will be held at Suite 1603, Tingkat 16, Plaza Pengkalan, Batu 3, Jalan Tiong Off Jalan Ipoh, 51200 Kuala Lumpur on 6th January, 2024 at 11.00 am to consider the following: 1. To receive and consider the Liquidators Statement of Accounts and any explanations therefrom. 2. To consider the disposal of the books, accounts, and documents of the company. Signed ……………………………… Taufik bin Mohd Salleh Liquidator Dated 6th December, 2023 322 Notices NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR VOLUNTARY WINDING UP OF LIMITED LIABILITY PARTNERSHIP (Section 50(4)(a) of the Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2012) Notice is hereby given that GLOBAL ONLINE MARKETPLACE PLT (LLP0012470-LGN) will be making an application to the Registrar of Limited Liability Partnerships for a declaration of dissolution pursuant to Section 50(2) of the limited Liability Partnerships Act 2012 within seven (7) days after the publication of this notice. Any partner or creditor of the LLP desiring to object to the application may do so in writing to the Companies Commission of Malaysia within thirty (30) days from the date of this notice. For and on behalf of GLOBAL ONLINE MARKETPLACE PLT .............................................. ( Compliance Officer ) ( Hor Swee Siang ) Dated this 4th day of December 2023 322 Notices 322 Notices CALL TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS MS. SHOBA T 03 7784 8888 F 03 7784 4424 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF BINAJAYA SAMUDRA SDN BHD Registration Number: 201001032151 (916076-P) (In member’s voluntary winding-up) NOTICE OF RESOLUTION At an Extraordinary General Meeting of Binajaya Samudra Sdn Bhd duly convened and held on 27/11/2023, the following resolutions were passed to approve a member’s voluntary winding up of the Company: - SPECIAL RESOLUTIONS: (i) That the Company be wound up voluntarily by way of a member’s voluntary winding up pursuant to Section 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act 2016; (ii) That the liquidator may exercise any powers in accordance with Section 456 and the Eleventh Schedule of the Companies Act 2016; and (iii) That in accordance with the Articles of Association of the Company, the liquidator be hereby authorised to distribute to the members the whole or any part of the assets of the Company. ORDINARY RESOLUTION: That in accordance with Section 445(1) of the Companies Act 2016, Mr. Loo Hin Lam of No. 17, Elitis Dahina, Valencia, 47000 Sungai Buloh, Selangor Darul Ehsan, be hereby appointed as the liquidator for the purposes of such winding up. LOO HIN LAM Liquidator Petaling Jaya Dated this: 06/12/2023 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF TECHNIMODE ENTERPRISES SDN. BHD. Registration No.: 198801006385 (173743-P) (In Member’s Voluntary Liquidation) At a General Meeting of the Company duly convened and held at 14th Floor, Wisma Genting, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala Lumpur on 1st day of December, 2023, the following Special Resolutions were duly passed: 1. THAT, the company will be liquidated by way of member’s voluntary winding up. 2. THAT Ms. Lam Lee San and Ms. Lee Yee Ching both of Norvic Corporate Services Sdn. Bhd., Wisma Goshen, 2nd Floor, 60, 62 & 64 Jalan SS 22/21, Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan be appointed as Joint and Several Liquidators to act for the purpose of winding-up the Company’s affairs and distributing its assets. 3. THAT the said Liquidators be authorised to divide amongst the members in specie or kind, the whole or any part of the assets of the Company and may, for such purpose, set such value as they deem fair upon any property to be divided as aforesaid and may determine how such division shall be carried out as between the members. Lee Ser Wor Director Dated this 6th day of December, 2023. IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF TECHNIMODE ENTERPRISES SDN. BHD. Registration No.: 198801006385 (173743-P) (In Member’s Voluntary Liquidation) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors of the above Company are required to send in their names and addresses and the particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any), to the undersigned (the Liquidators of the said Company) at the belowmentioned address by 5.00 p.m. on 5th January 2024:- c/o Norvic Corporate Services Sdn. Bhd. Reg. No. 200201033104 (600769-D) Wisma Goshen, 2nd Floor 60, 62 & 64 Jalan SS 22/21 Damansara Jaya 47400 Petaling Jaya Selangor Darul Ehsan The creditors (either through their solicitors or personally) who do not file their debts and claims on or before the specified date and time above will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made. Lam Lee San (f) Lee Yee Ching (f) Liquidators Dated this 6th day of December, 2023. DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI KUALA LUMPUR DALAM WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN MALAYSIA (BAHAGIAN KELUARGA) NO. PETISYEN PENCERAIAN WA-33-517-10/2023 Dalam Perkara mengenai Seksyen 53 Dan Seksyen 54(1)(b) Akta Membaharui Undang-Undang (Perkahwinan dan Perceraian) 1976 LIM LEK KOON (NO. K/P: 800708-14-5156) … Pempetisyen Isteri CHIN SWEE CHOON (NO. K/P: 780514-14-5267) … Responden Suami Kepada: CHIN SWEE CHOON No. 87, Jalan Desa 4/12, Bandar Country Homes, 48000 Rawang, Selangor Darul Ehsan. AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu dalam Mahkamah Tinggi Kuala Lumpur dalam Guaman WA-33-517- 10/2023 oleh Pempetisyen yang beralamat di No. 96A, Lorong Segambut Tengah 1, 51200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur dalam mana tuntutan Pempetisyen ialah untuk: 1. Bahawa perkahwinan tersebut dibubarkan menurut Seksyen 53 dan Seksyen 54(1)(c) dan (d) Akta Membaharui Undang-Undang (Perkahwinan dan Perceraian) 1976 dengan serta merta; 2. Bahawa Pempetisyen Isteri diberikan hak penjagaan, kawalan dan pemeliharan tunggal terhadap Chin Yuk Zhen (No. Kad Pengenalan : 070126-14-0222) dan Chin Tong Lam (No. Kad Pengenalan : 130618- 14-0183); 3. Bahawa Responden diberikan akses yang munasabah terhadap anak-anak dengan sekurangkurangnya tujuh (7) hari notis kepada Pempetisyen; 4. Bahawa Responden akan membayar nafkah anak-anak tersebut sebanyak RM3,000.00 sebulan sehingga anak-anak tersebut menamatkan pengajian tinggi; 5. Bahawa Responden memindahmilik bahagian Responden kepada anakanak menurut Trust Deed bertarikh 11 April 2017 tersebut. Sekiranya Responden enggan menandatangani apa- apa dokumen yang berkenaan dengan pindahmilik ½ bahagian Responden tersebut atau enggan menjalankan apa-apa prosedur bagi pindahmilik tersebut, Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Mahkamah akan diberi kuasa bagi menandatangani dan menjalankan prosedur yang berkenaan bagi menyempurnakan dan melaksanakan pindahmilik menurut Trust Deed tersebut kepada anak-anak; 6. Bahawa kos guaman akan ditanggung oleh pihak masingmasing sahaja; dan 7. Relif-relif lain sepertimana yang dianggap wajar dan sesuai oleh Mahkamah Yang Mulia ini. Jika ingkar apa-apa kehadiran yang demikian maka penghakiman boleh dibuat terhadap kamu. Bertarikh pada 06 Disember 2023 …………T.T………………. Peguamcara bagi Pempetisyen NOTIS ini difailkan oleh Tetuan Han Ch’ng & Partners, Peguamcara bagi Pempetisyen Isteri yang mempunyai alamat untuk penyampaiannya di Unit 610, 6th Floor, Lobby 2, Block A, Damansara Intan No. 1, Jalan SS20/27, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan Tel: 03-7732 8266 Fak:03-7732 8366 Ruj: LIT/LC/PRAV/LLK/20230394 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016, AND IN THE MATTER OF YAYASAN WARISAN SUMBER MINERAL Co. No. 201201024409 (1008899-H) (IN MEMBERS VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 459, Companies Act, 2016, that the Final Meeting of Members of the above company will be held at Suite 1603, Tingkat 16, Plaza Pengkalan, Batu 3, Jalan Tiong Off Jalan Ipoh, 51200 Kuala Lumpur on 6th January, 2024 at 11.00 am to consider the following: 1. To receive and consider the Liquidators Statement of Accounts and any explanations therefrom. 2. To consider the disposal of the books, accounts, and documents of the company. Signed ……………………………… Taufik bin Mohd Salleh Liquidator Dated 6th December, 2023 322 Notices NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR VOLUNTARY WINDING UP OF LIMITED LIABILITY PARTNERSHIP (Section 50(4)(a) of the Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2012) Notice is hereby given that GLOBAL ONLINE MARKETPLACE PLT (LLP0012470-LGN) will be making an application to the Registrar of Limited Liability Partnerships for a declaration of dissolution pursuant to Section 50(2) of the limited Liability Partnerships Act 2012 within seven (7) days after the publication of this notice. Any partner or creditor of the LLP desiring to object to the application may do so in writing to the Companies Commission of Malaysia within thirty (30) days from the date of this notice. For and on behalf of GLOBAL ONLINE MARKETPLACE PLT .............................................. ( Compliance Officer ) ( Hor Swee Siang ) Dated this 4th day of December 2023 322 Notices 322 Notices CALL TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS MS. SHOBA T 03 7784 8888 F 03 7784 4424 End of Commonwealth Games? Future in doubt as Gold Coast withdraws bid AUSTRALIA’S Gold Coast has dropped its bid to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, citing a lack of government support. Gold Coast mayor Tom Tate had floated holding a “stream-lined” Games with Western Australia state capital Perth but conceded the vision did not “align” with state and federal governments. “We did our best and that’s all people can expect,” Tate said in a statement. “Our dual proposal with Perth would have saved Australia’s tarnished reputation, delivered billions into the national economy and given athletes, and paraathletes, a clear pathway towards other international competitions including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and Paralympics and then on to the 2032 Games in Queensland.” Australia’s southern state of Victoria pulled out of hosting the 2026 event in July, citing a projected cost blow-out. The future of the Games more broadly remains up in the air, with Canada’s Alberta province also withdrawing its support for a bid for the 2030 event. A u s t r a l i a ’ s Commonwealth Games boss Craig Phillips said in September the 2026 Games could be pushed back a year to allow another Australian host time to step in. However, on Monday he said it was more likely they would end up outside Australia. “The people we spoke to in the Commonwealth Games family, I believe that the sentiment is very much still that the first priority is there is a solution here in Australia,” he told Australian Associated Press. “But if that doesn’t materialise, then other options are certainly very much on the table.” Australia, by far the Games’ most successful competing nation, has hosted five of the previous 22 editions. Any future Commonwealth Games will surely have to be smaller and cheaper to survive. Assuming, of course, there is a future. Insiders insist preliminary talks have been held with four regions about hosting in 2026 and they will give an update in the new year. But crucially India, the biggest fish in the Commonwealth outside of the UK and Australia, does not appear inclined to take the bait, according to a report in The Guardian. There are two major reasons for this. First, there is still a lot of lingering resentment between India and the Commonwealth Games Federation after the Games in Delhi in 2010 were mired in allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement. A parliamentary report in India on those Games also found “complete management failure” within the organisation and said the Indian government “nearly defaulted” on staging the event. More recently, India threatened to pull out of the 2022 Games over the absence of a shooting event. To most observers, Narenda Modi’s government is now more focused on a far bigger target – hosting the Olympic Games in 2036. In fairness to the Commonwealth Games Federation deserves credit for frequently trying to innovate the Games, including by introducing eSports in Birmingham. It can also point to the way the event attracts a wider variety of athletes from superstars to enthusiastic amateurs. Yet it will be a challenge to find a host for 2026 in such a short time. And given most international sports federations have already booked in events for that year, attracting big names might be harder than usual. No wonder some close to the Commonwealth Games fear the worst. “I always thought the Games would continue until the centenary in 2030 and then stop,” said an the. “But my genuine view is we have seen the last Games under this format. At best it will look dramatically smaller in size, scale and interest.” – The Independent/ Agencies USMAN KHAWAJA jumped to the defence of his opening partner David Warner yesterday after stinging criticism of the veteran batsman from Australian great Mitchell Johnson. Former fast bowler Johnson hit out after Warner kept his spot in Australia’s squad to face Pakistan in the first Test later this month despite a poor run of red-ball form. The three-match home series against Pakistan is expected to be Warner’s farewell to Test cricket. The decision to keep faith with Warner provoked a strong response from Johnson, who questioned why his former team-mate should be given a “hero’s send-off” in light of his poor Test form. “Can somebody please tell me why?” he wrote in The West Australian newspaper at the weekend, also bringing up Warner’s central role in the notorious “Sandpapergate” ball-tampering scandal in 2018. Steve Smith and Warner were both banned for a year for their part in the scandal, but Khawaja told reporters yesterday: “Davey Warner and Steve Smith are heroes in my mind. No one’s perfect. “Mitchell Johnson isn’t perfect, I’m not perfect, Steven Smith isn’t perfect, David Warner isn’t perfect. “What they’ve done for the game from a positive point of view… far outweighs anything else they’ve done. “So for (Johnson) to imply that Davey Warner or anyone else involved in the sandpaper (scandal), is not a hero, I strongly disagree with that.” The first Test against Pakistan in Perth starts on Dec 14, before the traditional Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, then Sydney, beginning Jan 3. – AFP Khawaja defends ‘hero’ Warner hawaja defends ‘hero’ Warner █ BY IAN RANSOM Khawaja (left) and Warner. – REUTERSPIX
SPORTS SPORTS WEDNESDAY | DEC 6, 2023 28 ... but former coach fires warning to Djokovic and Alcaraz ahead of comeback FORMER world No. 1 Rafael Nadal said yesterday he expects “nothing” from himself before his return to the courts next month. Nadal, 37, has been out with a hip injury since last January but is set to feature at Brisbane in the near year. The Spaniard will use the tournament as a warm-up to the Australian Open in Melbourne having slumped to 663rd in the world before starting his final year before his expected retirement. “I think I’m ready and I trust and hope that all goes well and it gives me the opportunity to enjoy myself on the court,” Nadal said in a video on social media. “I expect from myself to expect nothing. To have the ability not to demand myself what I have demanded myself throughout my career,” Nadal added. Since being sidelined Nadal has been overtaken in the number of Grand Slam tournaments won by Serbian world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, who now has 24 major titles. Nadal will try to return to the highest level in Australia with the aim of competing at the French Open which he has won a record 14 times. He is in line for a busy final season with the Grand Slams and the Olympic Games, where he won singles gold in Beijing in 2008 and doubles gold in Rio in 2016. “I believe I’m in a different moment, situation. I am in an unexplored terrain,” Nadal said. “I have internalised what I have had throughout my life, which is demand myself the maximum. “Right now what I really hope is to be able not to do that, to a c c e p t t h i n g s a r e going to be very difficult at the beginning and give myself the necessary time,” he added. But Nadal’s uncle Toni believes that the 22-time Grand Slam champion won’t disappoint when he returns to tennis, even though it will be his m o s t difficult comeback yet. And if Toni’s words are anything to go by, Nadal won’t let his fans down when it comes to challenging Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz. After a few successul months on the practice court, Nadal is now heading to his academy in Kuwait for one last big training block before heading home for Christmas and then flying to Australia. With his comeback looming, Nadal’s uncle and former coach has shared his expectations. “Very excited to see @rafaelnadal compete again,” Toni wrote on Instagram. “Even knowing this time will be ‘the hardest one yet’, I have great faith in him and believe he won’t disappoint.” It comes as something of a warning to Nadal’s big rivals, with his uncle backing him to challenge the top players once again. Even Djokovic is relishing the chance to face his long-time rival one last time. Speaking after Nadal announced that he would be able to return to competition, the 24- time Major winner said: “I think it would be nice for the sport to have at least one more match between Nadal and me. “That’s the biggest rivalry in terms of the amount of matches played that this sport ever had. Hopefully that can happen.” – A F P / E x p r e s s Newspapers Tiger vault draws scrutiny to world rankings IN WHAT is sure to further rankle LIV Golf players, Tiger Woods vaulted 430 spots in the Official World Golf Ranking after finishing 18th out of 20 golfers in his invitational Hero World Challenge. Woods, who was making his first start since withdrawing from the Masters in April, had fallen to a career-low 1,328th in the OWGR by last week. He made his return at the Bahamas and while the 47-year-old surprised many with his solid play, Woods bested only two players in the field. That didn’t prevent Woods from climbing to 898th in the OWGR, his highest since before withdrawing from the 2022 PGA Championship. That also doesn’t speak to the fact that the Hero World Challenge is an unofficial PGA Tour event. LIV had its application to earn OWGR points denied earlier this year, largely due to the fact that its events are limited to 48 players competing in a three-day shotgun start format with no cut that also includes a team aspect. But that Woods could climb 430 spots in an unofficial event in which he finishes third to last will almost certainly draw ire from those who believe LIV players should be earning rankings points. Woods finished ahead of only reigning US Open champion Wyndham Clark and Will Zalatoris, who made his own return from a back injury that sidelined him the past nine months. Zalatoris remained at No. 33 in the world despite finishing last by nine shots. Scottie Scheffler, who won the Hero World Challenge following runner-up finishes each of the past two years, strengthened his hold on the No. 1 ranking ahead of Rory McIlroy. Jon Rahm, who is reportedly weighing an offer of around US$600 million (RM2.8b) to join LIV, is third. – Field Level Media CHRISTIAN HORNER has warned his team against complacency as Red Bull look to make it three consecutive Constructors’ Championship titles. He predicted that Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren would pose the biggest threat to that achievement next season. The Milton Keynes-based team dominated the 2023 season from start to finish, winning 21 of the 22 Grands Prix as Carlos Sainz’s triumph on the streets of Singapore prevented Red Bull from becoming the first team in F1 history to win every single race in a season. With the RB19 proving to be arguably the strongest machinery in F1 history, Max Verstappen broke records left right and centre as he claimed an unprecedented 19 Grand Prix victories on his way to a third successive Drivers’ Championship crown, including ten in a row between the races in Miami and Monza. Asked by Sky Sports about any changes to the RB19 over the winter, Horner replied: “I mean nobody stands still so you know we’ve got a great basis so it’s more evolution than revolution. “But I’m sure it’s going to converge a bit next year so we can’t rest on our laurels.” The Red Bull team principal was then asked who he deems to be the biggest threat to his team’s dominance in 2024, responding: “They’re all great teams. “I mean McLaren’s form at the back end of the season (was strong), Ferrari, Mercedes. I think those big teams are going to be coming out all guns blazing next year.” Red Bull have a considerable advantage over the three teams mentioned by Horner, given that they have been focusing 100% on the RB19’s successor since the Singapore GP in mid-September. Despite shifting their development focus at that point, they still maintained a comfortable gap to the likes of McLaren, Mercedes and Ferrari come the season finale in Abu Dhabi. Verstappen claimed his final win of the campaign at the Yas Marina Circuit, crossing the line with an advantage of just under 18 seconds to second-placed Charles Leclerc. These concerns were echoed by Lewis Hamilton after the race. He said: “For Red Bull to win by 17 seconds in the end and they haven’t even developed their car since August is definitely a concern. “But we’ve learned a lot about the car and it’s just down to the team now. They know what they need to do. Whether or not we will get there, we will see.” – Express Newspapers Horner issues warning to Red Bull Leclerc signs 5-year extension at Ferrari CHARLES LECLERC has signed a five-year extension with Ferrari that puts the Frenchman under contract with the team through the 2029 season, according to a report by Italy’s La Gazetta dello Sport. Leclerc’s contract had been set to expire at the end of 2024. The extension includes an annual raise of more than US$27m (RM124m) and then US$54m (RM248m) in the final year, according to the report. The agreement also includes performance-related exit clauses that could enable Leclerc to negotiate an exit after 2027 if he’s not satisfied with the Scuderia’s performance in Formula 1. The 26-year-old is coming off his fifth season with Ferrari’s F1 team, tying for fourth in the drivers’ standings with 206 points. That was six points ahead of teammate Carlos Sainz, who finished in seventh, with McLaren’s Lando Norris splitting the two with 205 points. Ferrari also finished third in the constructors standings, just three points behind Mercedes and 104 clear of McLaren. While Sainz’s contract is set to expire after next season, the La Gazetta dello Sport report said that Ferrari is also engaged in extension talks with the Spaniard. Sainz won this year’s Singapore Grand Prix. … as Verstappen huge salary revealed MAX VERSTAPPEN’S Formula 1 salary for the season has been revealed – and it shows a staggering bonus payment of US$25m (RM115m). The driver has won his third consecutive World Championship this year and he is taking in more in bonuses than some drivers make in two years. While the Dutch driver’s exploits on the tarmac helped him to assert his dominance as the top driver of the year, he is also ahead of the pack when it comes to getting paid. Following the season’s end, Forbes revealed its annual Formula 1 highest-paid drivers list with Verstappen miles ahead. Verstappen’s salary, according to the report, comes in at a total of US$70m (RM322m) – a base salary of US$45m (RM207m) with US$25m earned in bonuses. Coming in a close second is Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton with a cool US$55m (RM253m) to his name following the end of the year. Hamilton’s salary is £7m (RM32m) more than his rivals, but he was awarded no bonus payments in a season that saw him finish third with six podium finishes and no wins. Rounding off the top three is Aston Martin’s veteran driver Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard enjoyed eight podium finishes and was awarded US$34m (RM156m) for his efforts – a base salary of US$24m (RM110m) and a further US$10m (RM46m) in bonuses. SHORTS Nadal plays down expectations Nadal. – AFPPIX
SPORTS SPORTS WEDNESDAY | DEC 6, 2023 29 I T WAS Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s last stand, a game from another era but a day that only delayed the inevitable. Manchester United’s first two scorers were Cristiano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani, their combined age then a mere 70. They won 3-0 at Tottenham and the fading, failing manager sacked instead was Nuno Espirito Santo. Solskjaer never won another match in charge of United. More than two years later, Oct 30 2021 still stands out for another reason: it remains the last time United defeated anyone vaguely resembling a leading team in the Premier League anywhere other than Old Trafford. They lost at St. James’ Park on Saturday, a result that – their hosts’ injury crisis notwithstanding – felt doubly predictable. Since Solskjaer’s increasingly seismic triumph over Tottenham, United have played 17 Premier League away games at Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Brighton without prevailing in any. Those 17 games have produced just five points; their return under Erik Ten Hag is worse again. Only two of those points have come in the Dutchman’s reign, one against a Chelsea side bound for a bottom-half finish, the other against a Tottenham team managed by Ryan Mason. It gives him two points from a possible 33. A 7-0 defeat at Anfield may have been the nadir; a 6-3 at Manchester City last season flattered United, who were 6-1 down. Then, at least, they were scoring. Now they have one goal in three defining away games this season, drawing a blank in five of the last seven. They may have nine away goals in their Champions League group – and only one point to show for it – but they have been impotent in England. And, on many an occasion, awful. Ten Hag could cite decent performances away at Arsenal both last season and this; but they have been outclassed at the Etihad Stadium, embarrassed at Anfield, dreadful on both of their last trips to St James’ Park. Ten Hag described his team as “resilient”, though there is little to support that assertion. There were times last season when United seemed a genuinely fine team who just needed to secure a statement result on the road. For much of the current campaign, they have looked a very poor one. Either way, there has been insufficient resilience. His United have conceded 31 goals in those 11 matches; in some, they have been beaten from the start; in others, they have been on course for a draw before conceding costly late goals. If resilience is supposed to come from senior players, serial winners and supposedly strong characters, in theory United should have had a host over the last 15 months: David de Gea, Andre Onana, Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford. Yet there has been a fragility. For a while, it could be camouflaged. United were excellent in three-quarters of their League games under Ten Hag last year: those at Old Trafford, those away against bottom-half teams. A generous fixture list meant they were able to go to St James’ Park fortunate to be occupying sixth place. Not any more and now four of their next five matches, and seven of the next 10, are against possible top-half finishers, assuming Chelsea and West Ham both end up in the upper part of the standings. They are the sort of matches they are not winning. Their next trip is to Anfield, a return to the scene of the 7-0. It was United’s worst result in 91 years. A repeat should be avoidable but there is little to suggest Ten Hag’s timid travellers can deliver the kind of result they have not got since Solskjaer’s reign. – The Independent Contact theSun's Sales & Marketing team to book your advertising space. Malaysian Paper 03-7784 6688 [email protected] Advertise with us on Chinese New Year Special on JAN 26, 2024 Chinese New Year SPECIAL Let’s welcome the Year of the Dragon with us! In the Chinese culture, the dragon represents good luck, strength and health, and those are what we wish for you, while you check out our Chinese New Year supplement, to let yourself be aware of the current and upcoming festive sales, deals and promotions. PUBLICATION DATE 26 JANUARY, 2024 (Friday) BOOKING DEADLINE 12 JANUARY, 2024 (Friday) Timid travellers HARRY MAGUIRE has warned Manchester United their need to be more aggressive if they are to achieve their ambitions for the season. Erik ten Hag’s men slipped to a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle on Saturday – their third successive loss in all competitions against the Magpies – and were decidedly seco nd-best until they very nearly snatched a point they really did not deserve amid a late rally. England defender Maguire, who was one of their better players on the night, admitted as much in the wake of a disappointing display and called for a reaction against Chelsea at Old Trafford tomorrow (4.15am Malaysian time). “We know we’ve got to do better, we’ve got to play better, the team’s got to perform better,” he told the club’s official website. “We’ve got to play with a lot more intensity and tempo. We’ve got to win more duels – I feel that in the first half, we lost far too many duels. Every 50-50, we got beat in. “We’ve got to be aggressive, we’ve got to play on the front foot, we’ve got to play at a big tempo and we just didn’t do that well enough. “We grew into the game in the second half and maybe could have got the point. “We put a lot of pressure on them in the last 10 or 15 minutes but it wasn’t enough and, in the end, you’ve got to say Newcastle deserved it. “We allowed them to get into our box far too easily, so it’s something that we need to work on – all of us as a team.” – The Independent Maguire wants Devils to be more aggressive █ BY RICHARD JOLLY Manchester United desperately need solution to Ten Hag’s awful big-game record █ BY DAMIAN SPELLMAN Erik Ten Hag. – REUTERSPIX Maguire. – AFPPIX
SPORTS SPORTS WEDNESDAY | DEC 6, 2023 30 MAURICIO POCHETTINO believes Enzo Fernandez has the confidence to begin showing his best form for Chelsea after the World Cup winner netted his first Premier League goals against Brighton. The 22-year-old headed in his team’s first after 17 minutes b e f o r e adding a second f r o m t h e penalty spot after the break, as the hosts weathered the loss of captain Conor Gallagher to a red card in the 45th minute to claim a 3-2 victory at Stamford Bridge. It was a first win in six attempts in the Premier League against Roberto De Zerbi’s side and saw the Argentina international, who signed from Benfica for a then British record £107 million (RM620m) in January, finally break his scoring duck in the League on his 31st appearance. Pochettino, who also saw defender Levi Colwill score his first for the club, predicted Fernandez’s first league goals will only accelerate his progress. “It’s important that different players can score,” said the manager. “It was Enzo’s first and second in the Premier League, it’s important to build confidence. “Players sometimes need one season, six months, 10 months to start to show their real quality. Why would it be different at Chelsea? “So happy that different players can score. It’s a good thing for the team.” The win was just Chelsea’s second at home in the League this season and their fourth of 2023, lifting them into the top half of the table following the previous weekend’s 4-1 rout by Newcastle. The game finished amidst confusion as Brighton were awarded a penalty in the ninth minute of stoppage time by referee Craig Pawson after the ball struck Colwill in the face inside the box. A pitch-side VAR check overturned the decision, but emotions boiled over with players of both sides squaring up to each other as the final whilst went. “Football is emotional, no?” said Pochettino. “It’s normal, our reaction and the reaction from Brighton. You are playing for a lot of things. It’s really important there three points for us (or) one point for Brighton. “There’s massive confusion at the end of the game. It was exciting, people were upset. That’s what happened when we were in the middle all together. “You create this type of relationship where it becomes massive confusion.” – The Independent ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta insists he is not interested in what happens at title rivals Manchester City – either on or off the pitch. The Gunners sit two points clear at the top of the Premier League after their narrow 2-1 win over Wolves on Saturday. Liverpool are their nearest challengers as City were held to a draw for the third League game in a row – with Tottenham sealing a thrilling share of the spoils at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Defending champions City will still be in the shake-up come the end of the season and pipped Arsenal to the title last season en route to winning the treble. Asked if he has seen a drop-off from that City side that swatted away all comers last year, Arteta replied: “I don’t look at those things. I have enough looking at my team. “I think about how we’re going to play better tomorrow and be more consistent and be more difficult to beat and the things that we need to tweak and how we can use our players in the best possible ways to win. It’s still a huge marathon ahead of us. “The encouragement comes from watching the team play, watching them behave every day and how hungry and willing they are to approach every training session. “That’s what gives me encouragement. What the others do is something that we cannot control.” Arteta was also name-checked by friend and former colleague Pep Guardiola in the aftermath of City’s 3-3 draw with Spurs. Guardiola refused to be drawn on the decision of Simon Hooper not to play an advantage late in the game as City broke through on goal – saying he would “not do a Mikel Arteta comment”. “On to the next one (question) please,” Arteta replied when asked about Guardiola’s jibe. Asked if he was aware of the sort of mind-games Premier League managers have utilised in the past, he added: “If I am good at mind games, maybe you don’t notice.” Questioned about keeping Aaron Ramsdale – the Arsenal boss refused to rule out the England goalkeeper leaving in January. Ramsdale lost his position as Arteta’s first-choice goalkeeper earlier this season following the arrival of David Raya on loan from Brentford. Since Sept 3, Ramsdale has made just three appearances – two of which came in the Carabao Cup, with his one Premier League game in that time coming with Raya ineligible against the Bees. With his place at Euro 2024 in the balance as he continues to warm the bench at the Emirates Stadium, Ramsdale’s future is seemingly up in the air. Asked if he would be open to selling Ramsdale to Newcastle, Arteta replied: “I want Aaron with us. “I am very happy to have two very, very good goalkeepers and Aaron is staying with us. “We want to be better, so we want to add to what we already have. That’s the intention that we have.” But, when pushed on whether he would categorically rule out a January switch for Ramsdale, the Spaniard added: “I won’t do that to any player. Any player. “I cannot guarantee that nobody is going to be leaving in January. For Newcastle or any other club. So it is a no.” – The Independent @thesundaily FOLLOW ON Malaysian Paper INSTAGRAM Gunners load up for long haul Arteta says Arsenal face ‘huge marathon’ to try and dethrone City We should have killed the game, says Silva BERNARDO SILVA feels Manchester City suffered a “very, very bad” decision against Tottenham but admits the team also need to do their own job better. City’s players, and particularly Erling Haaland, reacted furiously when they were denied the chance to play advantage in the closing moments of a thrilling 3-3 draw on Sunday after the Norwegian striker had been fouled. “It is a bad decision and everyone saw it,” said the Portuguese midfielder. “But at the end we are all humans. “The referee probably is the first one to know it was a very, very bad decision because he (Grealish) was one on one with the keeper and it could have given us the three points. “It is a tough one to take, but in the end it is what it is, it’s football, and sometimes people make mistakes.” City also had themselves to blame after spurning a hatful of chances to claim what could have been a comfortable victory, with Haaland among the guilty parties. City led 2-1 at the break thanks to a Phil Foden goal after Son Heung-min had scored at both ends in the opening nine minutes. Jeremy Doku and Julian Alvarez also hit the woodwork in the first half, while Haaland missed an open goal after one of numerous Spurs errors. Spurs recovered to level through Giovani Lo Celso, but it seemed Grealish had won it in the 81st minute, only for Dejan Kulusevski to equalise again in the 90th minute. It was City’s third successive draw and saw them slip to third in the Premier League. Silva said: “We have been conceding late goals against Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and now Tottenham. “At the end it is seven points. We could be four points ahead on top of the league if we did our job properly, which is kill the game, or at least don’t concede in the last minute. At this level those little details matter. “We need to demand more from ourselves, each one of us.” – The Independent █ BY MARK MANN-BRYANS █ BY ROBERT O’CONNOR Premier League announces record domestic TV deal THE Premier League announced yesterday it had agreed a record £6.7 billion (RM39b) domestic television rights deal for a four-year period starting from the 2025/26 season. The current deal is reported to be worth around £5b (RM29b) over a threeyear cycle and covers 200 matches per season. The English top flight hailed the agreements shared between different broadcasters as the “largest sports media rights deals ever concluded in the UK”. Sky Sports and TNT Sports have retained their rights to show live matches, with Amazon, currently showing 20 matches per season, not part of the next cycle. Sky will screen a minimum of 215 live matches per season while TNT will broadcast 52. BBC Sport will continue to broadcast highlights via its Match of the Day programme. A Saturday afternoon blackout, designed to protect attendances in the lower leagues, will remain but for the first time all matches outside of those scheduled for 3pm (local time) on Saturday will be screened live. The Premier League boasted of a 4% increase in live rights value compared with the previous process but the broadcasters will be paying significantly less per game because they will be showing more matches each season. “The outcome of this process underlines the strength of the Premier League,” said the Premier League’s chief executive, Richard Masters. “It is testament to our clubs, players and managers who continue to deliver the world’s most competitive football in full stadiums, and to supporters, who create an unrivalled atmosphere every week.” The deal will maintain the huge financial advantage Premier League clubs enjoy over their European competitors thanks to far more lucrative domestic and international TV rights deals. International rights for the English top flight overtook the value of domestic rights for the first time last year and are estimated to bring in £5.3b (RM30b) between 2022 and 2025. – AFP Poch wants Enzo to ‘build confidence’ Enzo Fernandez
SPORTS SPORTS WEDNESDAY | DEC 6, 2023 31 FORMER Manchester United and Spain goalkeeper David de Gea, 33, is open to joining Newcastle as the Magpies consider bringing in the free agent as cover for injured England stopper Nick Pope, 31. POPE’S England teammate Aaron Ramsdale would also consider a move to Newcastle, but the Magpies are reluctant to meet Arsenal’s £50m (RM294m) valuation of the 25-year-old. MANAGER Erik ten Hag is battling to retain the support of some of his Manchester United players after Saturday’s 1-0 Premier League defeat at Newcastle. MAN UNITED players are said to be questioning Ten Hag’s playing style and treatment of England winger Jadon Sancho, 23. NEWCASTLE and Man United are vying to land Guinea forward Serhou Guirassy, 27, from Stuttgart in January. ARSENAL are willing to listen to offers for England striker Eddie Nketiah, 24, in January. FORMER France defender Raphael Varane, 30, has expressed a desire to remain at Manchester United beyond the January transfer window. THE Red Devils, Arsenal and Chelsea are keeping tabs on France goalkeeper Mike Maignan, 28, with him stalling on signing a new deal at AC Milan. BRIGHTON will not stand in manager Roberto De Zerbi’s way should he decide he would like to leave the club in the future. BAYERN MUNICH face a battle to hold on to French forward Mathys Tel, 18, with several Premier League clubs interested. JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA is seeking a move away from Crystal Palace in January and Eintracht Frankfurt could offer the 26-year-old French striker an exit route. TOUCHLINES Stay grounded Rexy advises Hon Jian-Muhammad Haikal to keep feet firmly on the ground after tasting success AKADEMI Badminton Malaysia (ABM) coaching director Rexy Mainaky has reminded men’s doubles players Choong Hon JianMuhammad Haikal Nazri to keep their feet planted firmly on the ground despite clinching their maiden title in the 2023 Syed Modi International badminton championships in Lucknow, India on Sunday. Rexy said they should feel contented with winning the Super 300 tournament at the Babu Banarasi Das Indoor Stadium and challenged them to continue to perform consistently in future tournaments. “We are afraid that when they are heaped with praises, they will become big-headed. Don’t be so satisfied that you lose your focus and come up with excuses when you lose. “Instead, I want them to remain consistent not only in terms of their performance but also how they think and take care of themselves,” he said when met after a training session yesterday. Rexy, however, is impressed to see Hon Jian-Muhammad Haikal, who were only paired up in August, produce such a positive impact by bagging their first title in such a short time, in addition to stunning higherranked opponents. In the Syed Modi International final, the unseeded Hon Jian-Muhammad Haikal bounced back from a first-game defeat to stun top seeds Akira Koga-Taichi Saito of Japan 18-21, 21-18, 21-16. Asked if the achievement of Hon JianMuhammad Haikal would give him a headache in choosing the best combination for the 2024 Thomas Cup Finals in Chengdu, China, Rexy said they would first have to prove to him that they can play well under pressure in other higher ranked tournaments. “Many areas need to be looked at when it comes to selection, not just the results... we need to see if they can handle the pressure when playing in Super 1000 tournaments. “Since they won on Sunday, I want to see if they can handle the pressure when they play in the Super 100 (2023 Guwahati Masters) after this,” he said. – Bernama NATIONAL singles shuttler Ng Tze Yong can make life easier for himself (and the national coaches) if he can use the four tournaments he’s been entered for early next year to confirm his place in the 2024 Paris Olympics. National men’s singles coach Hendrawan said that if Tze Yong, 23, can achieve positive results in these four tournaments, he will brighten his chances of making his Olympic debut in Paris. “There are many tournaments he will have to compete in but the main focus is to qualify for the Olympics first. If he can win (one or two), he will have a better chance to make the Olympics,” he said after the team’s training session yesterday. Tze Yong is set to begin his 2024 campaign by playing in the Malaysia Open on Jan 9-14, the India Open (Jan 16-21), the Indonesia Masters (Jan 23-28) and the Thailand Masters (Jan 30-Feb 4). Hendrawan said they would take steps to ensure the 23-year-old can get good results in the four tournaments, besides drawing up plans to ease his workload after that so that he will be in good shape for the Olympics. So far, the Johor-born shuttler is in 13th with 57,080 points in the Race to Paris ranking, three places behind national professional shuttler Lee Zii Jia (10th at 62,126 pts). According to the format, each country is allowed to field two representatives in the singles event at the Olympics, provided both shuttlers are in the top 16 of the Race to Paris ranking. The Race to Paris Qualifiers, which began in May, will end next April and the 2024 Paris Olympics will be from July 26- Aug 11. – Bernama Testing time ahead for Tze Yong Special incentives for Qabil THE Terengganu state government is providing special incentives for national young motorcycle racing sensation, Qabil Irfan Azlan, who successfully clinched the overall championship title at the 2023 MiniGP World Series in Valencia, Spain, on Nov 23. State Youth Development, Sports, and NonGovernmental Organisations Committee chairman Hishamuddin Abd Karim said that the cash incentives would be announced by Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar next Wednesday in a special ceremony that includes race performances by young Terengganu racers. He said that the incentives will serve as a catalyst to inspire and contribute to the continuous efforts of the Terengganu-born racer in achieving more success in the future. “Alhamdulillah, the state government is very proud of Qabil Irfan’s achievement, which not only has brought honour to the country but has also lifted the name of the state of Terengganu. “Since Qabil Irfan has succeeded in becoming a world champion, the state government has agreed to provide special incentives that will be presented by the Menteri Besar next Wednesday,” he said yesterday. The 11-year-old expressed his gratitude for being able to present victory to both the country and his home state. “This is my second participation in the MiniGP World Series. The first time last year, I only managed to secure fourth place overall. “I didn’t expect to become the champion. My target was to qualify for the finals, and I was already grateful for that. But, alhamdulillah, I managed to overcome all obstacles even though the weather was very cold, causing the road to be wet and slippery,” he said. – Bernama Germany get off to a cracking start SIX-TIME champions Germany got their 2023 Men’s FIH Hockey Junior World Cup (JWC) campaign off to a winning start when they beat South Africa 5-3 in a Group B match at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday. However, 2021 runners-up Germany did not have it easy against the much-improved South Africans in a match that saw German striker Liam Holdermann hogging the headlines after rushing straight back from a check-up after complaining of chest pain at the National Sports Institute (NSI) to get his name on the scoresheet. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Germany coach Rein Van Eijk admitted that his men, who began aggressively, let their guards down for a while, adding that they were surprised by South Africa’s all-out attack and high-pressing game. “Correct to say that this was a hard-fought victory. A lot of juggling (as) the first game is always very messy. We slipped for a while but managed to regain our focus quickly. We have a couple of players who are injured and one who came on straight from the hospital. “He (Holdermann) complained of some chest pain. We wanted to be certain that there was no infection, so we had to send him to the hospital. After the checkup, he was fine, that’s why he arrived late. “It was a quick in-and-out… happy everything is okay, grateful with the Malaysian people who helped us in such a way, to check him in quickly,” he said, adding that his charges are trying to acclimatise to the hot weather ahead of matches against France and Egypt. Malaysia is a happy hunting ground for Germany as they have won three JWC titles each time it was held here – 1982 (Kuala Lumpur), 1989 (Ipoh) and 2009 (Johor Bahru & Singapore). Earlier, in another Group B fixture, reigning bronze medallist France defeated Egypt 3-1 ahead of their games against the mighty Germans today. – Bernama SRAM lauds Sivasangari’s impressive rise SQUASH Racquets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) heaps praises on national women’s squash player, S. Sivasangari following her breakthrough into the top 15 of the Professional Squash Association World Rankings, her career high so far. This is considering the fact that Sivasangari faced a career-threatening car crash last year and SRAM coaching director Major (Rtd) S. Maniam described the 24-year-old’s great determination and effort to come back stronger as nothing short of remarkable. “In such a short time, she’s proven herself beyond any shadow of a doubt with the quality of her play. What now, the challenge ahead is to try and retain that position for a while. “And while being there, to move up to top 10 and beyond is going to be a slow, tedious process, which we have to take one step at a time. And it is very tough,” he told reporters at National Sport Council in Bukit Jalil yesterday. The 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games champion moved up to two spots in PSA World Rankings (Nov 27) and eclipsed her best position at No. 16 in July 2022. The road accident in June 2022 saw Sivasangari sustained head injuries and missed out actions for almost eight months before making a return in Ivy Squash League at New York. Her world ranking even slipped further down to No. 50 in June this year, her lowest since 2017 (ranked 61st). – Bernama South Africa’s Mthalane Ayakha (right) in action during the 2023 Junior Hockey World Cup group stage match against Germany at the National Hockey Stadium yesterday. – BERNAMAPIX.
theSun is published and printed by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd (221220-K) of Lot 6, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7783 7435 • Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: [email protected] • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [email protected] MANCHESTER CITY have been charged by the FA for failing to control their players after Erling Haaland and teammates surrounded the referee in anger towards the end of Sunday’s clash with Tottenham Hotspur. City players were incensed as referee Simon Hooper appeared to initially play advantage after a foul on Haaland by Emerson Royal but then pulled play back for the freekick just when Jack Grealish was through on goal with a chance to score the winner. Instead, the reigning Premier League champions could only draw 3-3 in an enthralling encounter to lose further ground to Arsenal in the title race and players surrounded Hooper following the incident, berating his decision. The FA has now announced that the club will be charged for failing to stop their players doing that and they have three days to respond. An FA statement read: “Manchester City have been charged with a breach of FA Rule E20.1 after their players surrounded the match official during the Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday Dec 3 2023. “It’s alleged that, during the 94th minute of the fixture, the club failed to ensure their players do not behave in a way which is improper. Manchester City have until Thursday Dec 7 2023 to respond to the charge.” Haaland had to be restrained at fulltime after leading the protests and the Norweigan striker later took to social media to react to a clip of the incident, posting “***”. There was speculation that he would be fined or charged by the FA for his post but he has avoided any sanction. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said he would not “do a Mikel Arteta” by criticising referees, in an apparent dig at his former assistant and Arsenal boss. Arteta was charged by the Football Association last month following his criticism of Premier League referees and VAR. After a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle, Arteta said the decision to award Anthony Gordon’s winner was an “absolute disgrace” and “embarrassing”. But Guardiola said he would not go down the same route and although the Spaniard said he did not “understand” why play was brought back, he refused to go any further. When asked about the incident, he said: “Next question. I will not do a Mikel Arteta comment.” “I don’t want to criticise the referees,” he admitted. “Sometimes on the touchline I lose my mind, but here I don’t like to comment. We didn’t draw because of that.” Guardiola however defended Haaland’s angry reaction to the late controversy by claiming if Haaland was punished then 10 players should have been sent off. “His reaction was the same for 10 players with the referee,” said the Man City manager after the match. “Of course he’s a little bit disappointed. Even the referee, if he played for Man City today, he would be disappointed,” he added. Asked about Guardiola’s remarks (via the Mirror), Arteta simply laughed them off, adding he has “enough” on his own plate without getting sucked into a discussion about comments by his old boss. – The Independent/Agencies City harged SCAN ME WEDNESDAY | DEC 6, 2023 or download app from the App Store or Google PlayTM . www.thesun.my Free access to iPaper PDF Download SCAN ME Malaysian Paper Read iPaper at Malaysian Paper Malaysian Paper Nadal plays down expectations -Story on page 28 City harged Man City’s Erling Haaland (right) and teammates appeal to English referee Simon Hooper during the English Premier League match againstTottenham at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. – AFPPIX █ BY LUKE BAKER … after Haaland and teammates’ anger at referee in Tottenham game Gunners load up for long haul -Story on page 29 -Story on page 30 Timid travellers