Prime act! (The Malay Mail)

THE Prime Minister of Malaysia came a calling. So did Prince Edward of
England. It was indeed a very special occasion that necessitated a piece
of history at the Pyramid Bowl yesterday.
 Kenny Ang and Ben Heng responded magnificently by delivering Malaysia's
first gold of the 16th Commonwealth Games at 5.58pm to add to the women's
doubles silver Shalin Zuikifli and Lai Kin Ngoh had landed in the morning.
 Though they did not start off as the favourites, the Malaysian pair gave
Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad and the country much to cheer about at the
end of the men's doubles.
 Dr Mahathir had surprised the packed crowd at the Pyramid when he
dropped by during the fifth block to add to the atmosphere. Fixated by the
action, he left his VIP seat at the sixth block to sit among the
spectators directly behind Kenny and Beng.
 And the duo certainly felt his presence, firing on to lead the pack as
they done from the very first block.
 Ben said: "I was shocked to see the Prime Minister and when he moved to
sit behind us, I knew we couldn't let him down.
 "He certainly got me going and when we shook hands before he left, he
brought me more luck as I went on to score a 232 in the next game."
 Kenny said: "I must admit that I was under more pressure when the PM sat
behind us. But it also brought out the best in me as I didn't want to
disappoint him."
 The fans at the alley were also surprised by the PM's presence and they
gave him a standing ovation when he left after the sixth block to attend
the rugby tournament.
 Earlier, Prince Edward, the president of the Commonwealth Games
Federation, was also a witness on the opening day of the bowling
competition.
 The Malaysian pair rolled a total of 3,552 pinfalls to beat Bermuda's
Antoine Jones and Condrad Lister by 223 pinfalls into second place.
Australians Michael Muir and Francis Ryan finished third with 3,229.
 Ten minutes after Malaysia were awarded the gold, Datuk Dr P.S. Nathan,
the president of the Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress, got a call from Dr
M to convey his congratulations.
 Kenny, at 46 the oldest member of the team, and Ben, 24, had made his
day with their prime act.
                              (END)

Nerves of steel (The Malay Mail)

KL 98 Commonwealth Games

A STRONG character steered the Malaysian pair of Kenny Ang and Ben Heng to the men's doubles bowling gold at Pyramid Bowl yesterday. And Kenny could not have better described the pressure exerted on him and Ben to deliver the goods. Kenny said: "We might have acted cool and not displayed any signs of pressure but deep down, we were under tremendous stress. "I would be lying if I said I was not nervous. "And when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad came calling in the midst of our games, I had butterflies n my stomach. "We had to deliver at all costs with the Prime Minister in the audience. "And I'm glad that we managed to keep our cool and deliver," said Kenny, 45, a former Asian Bowler of the Year. Kenny was under such immense pressure that he became reserved and sullen two days ago, resul-ting in him causing great worry for national coach Sid Allen. "I was concerned because I could see the pressure getting to Kenny," said Allen. "But he went out there and it was his character and determination to do well that saw him going. "And I am very happy for Kenny because I know he has made big sacrifices to be in the game. "When I first met him six years ago, he was playing about 20 games as part of his daily training and which he paid out of his own pocket. He also spent thousands of ringgit on balls. "He has made many sacrifices and he fully deserves what he has achieved today." Ben, the more composed of the duo, also said he was jittery at the beginning. "I wanted to do honours for the country and had trained very hard to make the squad for the Com-monwealth Games," said Ben, 24, who hails from Johor. "But when the moment of truth came, I was nervous. But it was a great help that our first block saw us amassing 503 pinfalls. "That just boosted our confidence. "I have to thank Kenny for his guidance and his coolness. He was constantly a source of inspiration to me. "And when he threw a 158 game in the third block and bounced back with 237 in the next, he just got me going because not everyone could do that. "He showed steely courage and his experience was certainly a big factor." Allen said he was not so much concerned about the pressure getting to Ben because the latter was one guy who just gets going and enjoys every moment - be it a good strike or a poor throw. "His coolness is simply superb. But then again, when the whole nation is banking on you to deliver, there are no doubts about the pressure and Ben handled it magnificently." WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT OUR VICTORY KENNY ANG: This is not my victory. It was a team effort. From my partner Ben Heng, the coaches, the fans and officials. It belongs to the nation. A big thank you to all of you for making this moment. BEN HENG: We just got going today (yesterday) and everything fell into place. Shalin and K.N. Lai set the pace in the morning with the silver and we just wanted to carry on with the good run and hit it right. It is indeed a moment that I will remember for a long, long time. SID ALLEN (coach): Kenny and Ben have proven that the men's bowlers have arrived too. It was a very difficult game out there and they showed tremendous character to rise to the occasion. They have put tremendous work into these Games and they fully deserved what they have achieved. JIM PORTER (coach): There were three factors for Malaysia's victory today. A great coach in Sid Allen, tremendous fan support and great publicity from the media. That is three strikes in a row for you. BILL HALL (ball specialist): This is the first time I am involved in a team event in amateur bowling and I have never experienced such an event today in my 20 years of pro bowling. It was a tremendous effort by the bowlers and it is a moment which will register in me forever. DATUK P.S. NATHAN (MTBC president): This is a team victory. From the bowlers, the coaches, the fans, the MTBC officials, National Sports Council, the Sports Ministry, the Government, our sponsors Land & General and everybody who has been associated with the sport. SIDNEY TUNG (MTBC secretary-general): This is certainly not an overnight success or fluke. It was sheer hardwork, good planning, good support from all quarters, the dedicated coaches and bowlers and the will to seek glory at the highest level. And there is still more to come. (END)

MM back in the hunt (The Malay Mail)

KUALA LUMPUR MALAY MAIL bounced back in the running for a semifinal berth
in the FAM Cup after snapping Kedah PKNK's three-match unbeaten record
with a 2-1 win in Alor Star last Monday.
 And with Negri Sembilan BSN's shock 4-2 defeat by Kelantan JKR at home,
Group B has  been thrown wide open in the tussle for a semifinal berth.
 Coupled with a pending decision by the FA of Malaysia competitions
committee on PKNK fielding a player who had turned out for Police this
season in the M-League's Premier Two competition, further changes are on
the cards.
 Competition rules state that players can only turn out for one team at
national level in a season.
 PKNK were said to have fielded the said player in the opening match
against Malay Mail and the FA of Malaysia are expected to announce their
decision on the matter soon.
 In that match, PKNK held Malay Mail to a 0-0 draw at the KLFA Stadium.
 For Malay Mail, their saviour last Monday was last season's KL M-League
midfielder S. Saravanan who scored both goals in the first half.
 Saravanan certainly lifted the spirits of his teammates because they had
problems finding the net in their last three matches.
 On the other hand, BSN - who were supposed to have been the main
contenders for a semifinal berth - seem to have suddenly lost steam.
 Even coach Param Sivam could not explain his team's sudden drop in form.
 Their loss to Kelantan JKR was their second straight defeat after having
earlier been beaten by Kedah PKNK.
 While BSN's drop in form is a surprise, Kelantan JKR have emerged as
surprise contenders for a semifinal spot from Group B.
 In Group A, Malacca Telekom suffered a shock defeat at the hands of
Kelantan TNB, losing 2-1 in Kota Baru. However,  this is not expected to
affect their chances for a semifinal berth as they have already collected
nine points from three consecutive wins.
 Issac Kuffor, Telekom's ace striker from Ghana, continued his scoring
ways when he netted a goal to bring his personal tally to 18 goals in 17
matches.
 The win has boosted TNB's confidence to secure a semifinal berth.
 But they will face a tough challenge from Terengganu Perkasa Alam, who
are also going great guns with just a loss to Telekom.
 Sabah's Gunosukod Pangaits, in a turnaround performance from their good
run in the first round, have yet to win any of their last four matches.
 Their problem started with the explusion of their three foreign players
and the team have never been the same since.
 The fight for a semifinal berth from this group is definitely among
Telekom, Perkasa Alam and TNB.
 The competition takes a break for the Commonwealth Games and will resume
on Oct 5.

RESULTS
GROUP A
Kelantan TNB  2  M'cca Telekom  2
T'ggu P Alam  3  Sabah G'kod    0
GROUP B
Kedah PKNK    1  KL Malay Mail  2
NS BSN        2 Kelantan JKR    4
                           (END)

Best foot forward (The Malay Mail)

THE Malaysian Commonwealth Games contingent were treated to the lighter
side of Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at Universiti
Tenaga Nasional (Uniten) yesterday afternoon.
 Anwar laced his speech with humour but drove home the point that the
nation comes first. And that the athletes will have to put their best foot
forward.
 Anwar was accompanied by his wife, Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Also present were Sports Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, chef-de-
mission Datuk Khalid Yunus, Olympic Council of Malaysia vice-president
Datuk Alex Lee and TNB executive chairman Datuk Dr Ahmad Tajuddin Ali.
 Anwar did not waste anytime getting into the groove of things.
 When the motivational song Barisan Kita was sung, Anwar couldn't resist
joining the athletes and officials.
 Anwar said later that his spirits soared when he heard the song.
 He explained: "It was the theme song when I was in Universiti Malaya.
Whenever we staged rallies to protest against issues, we would sing this
song.
 "At that time, every undergraduate knew the song which signifies a
struggle.
 "The song instils fighting spirit in those who listen and sing it."
 Anwar advised the athletes to be resilient. He reminded them to use the
opportunities provided so that the country would prosper.
 "Nobody will be faulted for not winning because winning and losing are
part and parcel of sports. But what we won't and cannot accept and forgive
are those who concede defeat even before the competition begins," he said.
 Anwar said since the Games have attracted the attention of the world,
the athletes should give their best so that a Malaysian winner would
emerge every day.
 He also said that he had actually come prepared to train with some of
athletes. Hence, he had come attired in track suit, as was his wife.
 "But when I saw the Sports Minister in tie, I knew it was not going to
be.
 "I have my views on sports and I'm proud to say that I had been an
active sportsman.
 "Perhaps, with the exception of fencing, swimming and boxing, I should
be able to compete in all the other sports.
 "At times I regret not having taken up boxing because I could have used
that skill on others.
 "I still keep active and that's the secret for my youth. It helps that I
have a young wife too," added Anwar, to the amusement of those present.
 Anwar presented incentive awards to several outstanding athletes,
including bowling sensation, Shalin Zulkifli, and squash ace, Ong Beng
Hee.
 Shalin was the biggest winner, collecting RM124,500 for two golds and
two bronze medals at the recent FIQ World Youth Championship in South
Korea.
 Beng Hee received RM52,000 for being crowned world junior champion in
New Jersey, USA, recently.
 Anwar was presented with a pair of Malaysia's official track suit for
the Games on Sept 11-21.
 During the presentations, Anwar spoke with some of the recipients. When
sprinter Watson Nyambek came forward, Anwar held his hand up high to the
cheers of the other athletes.
 He also felt weighlifter Muhammad Hidayat Hamidon Arbi's well-toned
forearms and biceps.
 After the ceremony, Anwar mingled with the athletes while cameras
clicked away.
 During high tea, he sat with Watson, Hidayat, Zaki Sardi and Beng Hee.
                               (END)

All for the nation (22/07/1998 - The Malay Mail)

Publication : MM
Date : 22/07/1998
Headline : All for the nation


WITH 51 days left for the Commonwealth Games, it is about time everyone
involved pay heed to the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad's
call to work as one.
Dr Mahathir made the call when opening the National Sports Complex in
Bukit Jalil a fortnight ago, but judging from the developments since, not
many are taking his call seriously.
The Pre-Games held as a test run have revealed that there are many
things that need to be attended to, to ensure the Games go on smoothly.
The main problem are the several associations that are trying to impress
instead of getting on with the job of organisation.
Sukom Ninety Eight Bhd, Minsitry of Sports, National Sports Council,
Olympic Council of Malaysia, national sports associations, athletes,
volunteers and even the public have a role to play, and they have to work
as one to ensure success of the Games.
A lot of time, money, planning and effort has been put in since winning
the bid in 1992 to host the Games.
We have constructed some of the best sporting facilities in the world.
About 6,000 athletes and 70,000 visitors from 68 countries are expected
for the Games and we certainly need to put our best foot forward and not
allow the Games to be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
To make matters worse, we have associations still bickering over the
selection of athletes and making a mockery of sports.
We certainly do not need the bad publicity with the Games round the
corner.
If we cannot get our house in order, how are we going to play host to
the several thousands of visitors expected to arrive for the Games?
And the last thing we need is to wash dirty linen in public.
More often than not, we have been critical of flaws in organisation of
major events by other countries, and now we will be judged.
This is a Malaysian affair and everyone involved should work hand in
hand.
And there is nothing wrong in admitting mistakes just to have it
rectified.
Although Sukom chief operating officer Lt Gen (R) Datuk Seri Abdul Manap
Ibrahim said that the pre-Games was a success, he did admit that there
were problems.
Although Manap declined to go into details or reveal the problems, he
did admit that the main problem was that volunteers were not familar with
the new facilities.
The last thing we need is our own personnel being in the dark when we
are supposed to be guiding visitors to ensure that everything runs
smoothly.
Manap said that the problem was rectified while a debriefing will be
held to uncover any other problems encountered.
At this point, time is not on our side.
Whatever needs to be rectified, needs to be done immediately and
effectively.
There needs to be co-ordination from all quarters and unless everyone
brings himself to the ground and work sincerely, we are bound to encounter
more problems as the Games draw even nearer.
It is hoped that everyone realises that the dignity of the country is at
stake here.
On Sept 21 when the Games comes to a close, it is hoped that Malaysia
will be on the lips of every visitor, be it an athlete or a tourist, that
we are ready to host even bigger events because otherwise all the
facilities built would have been just for an one off event - the
Commonwealth Games.
Lets us all join hands in the name of Malaysia and get our act right.

Dial Kuffour for goals (The Sunday Mail)

A 17-YEAR-OLD from Ghana is blasting a trail of goals in the FAM Cup
competition.
Issac Kuffour, the hired gun of Malacca Telekom, hit 17 goals in 16
matches in his first season last year.
Kuffor, who only turns 18 on Dec 30, is again in scorching form this
year, plundering 12 goals in seven matches so far.
And last Monday, Kuffor scored his first hattrick in his team's 9-2 win
over Selangor Wilayah Maju.
Surprisingly, none of the M-League teams have spotted this precocious
African talent though Kuffor has a desire to see M-League action.
Kuffor ended up signing with Malacca Telekom when a groin injury stopped
him from making the final squad of the Ghana Junior World Cup squad.
He had come here with the Ghanaian team to train for the Junior World
Cup which was hosted by Ma-laysia last year. The team's training stint
were sponsored by Telekom Ma-laysia.
Kuffour was among the Ghanaian squad of 25 players, of whom seven were
professionals based in Europe. The average-built striker, who stands at
1.78m and weighs 68kg, succumbed to injuries after the team's earlier
stints in Germany and Korea.
By the time Kuffor recovered, the final Ghanaian team for the Junior
World Cup had already been named. Team doctors then advised him to rest
for a month before playing competitively again.
The team officials from Malacca Telekom were impressed with Kuffour's
skills after watching him in training and invited  him to play for their
team against the Ghanaian youth team in a friendly at KLFA Stadium.
After the game, Malacca Telekom wasted no time in signing Kuffor, the
youngest in a family of seven.
"It is my ambition to play in the M-League," said Kuffour, who played
for Okwau United in Ghana before he was spotted for the Junior World Cup
squad.
"Do not get me wrong. I love playing for Malacca Telekom and they are a
great team. But I just want to play at a higher level.
"I hope to be noticed this year and fulfil my dream of playing in the M-
League. If I do not find a team, I am definitely heading for Europe," said
Kuffour, whose cousin Samuel Kuffour is a defender with Bayern Munich.
Indeed, Kuffour is M-League material and it goes to show that State
coaches would do well to spot talents, local and foreign, in the FAM Cup
League.
Apart from Malacca Telekom's other foreign signing in Oleg Burov,  the
other imports playing in the FAM Cup are Sabah Gunosukod Pangait's
Scottish defender Derek Wemyss, Brazilian  midfielder Edilson Cesar De
Araujo, French striker Joel Lahon, Kuala Lumpur Malay Mail's Australian
defender Taso Notaras, Wilayah Maju's Nigerian striker Mohamed Mohamed and
Terengganu Perkasa Alam's Ghanaian striker George Al Hassan Ibrahim.
Meanwhile, the top four teams in each group of the FAM Cup qualify for
the final round, where they will be divided into two sections and play a
two-round league of six matches each.
In Group A, Gunosukod and Negri Sembilan BSN have confirmed their berths
having gone unbeaten after seven matches. They have 19 points and another
three matches to complete their first round fixtures.
This leaves Kelantan JKR, Johor City Hall and Kedah PKNK in a tussle
for the other two berths.
In Group B, Malacca Telekom have secured a final round berth while the
fight for the other spots is keenly contested between Perkasa Alam, Kuala
Lumpur Malay Mail, Kelantan TNB and Kedah JKR.

Dial Kuffour for goals (The Sunday Mail)

A 17-YEAR-OLD from Ghana is blasting a trail of goals in the FAM Cup
competition.
 Issac Kuffour, the hired gun of Malacca Telekom, hit 17 goals in 16
matches in his first season last year.
 Kuffor, who only turns 18 on Dec 30, is again in scorching form this
year, plundering 12 goals in seven matches so far.
 And last Monday, Kuffor scored his first hattrick in his team's 9-2 win
over Selangor Wilayah Maju.
 Surprisingly, none of the M-League teams have spotted this precocious
African talent though Kuffor has a desire to see M-League action.
 Kuffor ended up signing with Malacca Telekom when a groin injury stopped
him from making the final squad of the Ghana Junior World Cup squad.
 He had come here with the Ghanaian team to train for the Junior World
Cup which was hosted by Ma-laysia last year. The team's training stint
were sponsored by Telekom Ma-laysia.
 Kuffour was among the Ghanaian squad of 25 players, of whom seven were
professionals based in Europe. The average-built striker, who stands at
1.78m and weighs 68kg, succumbed to injuries after the team's earlier
stints in Germany and Korea.
 By the time Kuffor recovered, the final Ghanaian team for the Junior
World Cup had already been named. Team doctors then advised him to rest
for a month before playing competitively again.
 The team officials from Malacca Telekom were impressed with Kuffour's
skills after watching him in training and invited  him to play for their
team against the Ghanaian youth team in a friendly at KLFA Stadium.
 After the game, Malacca Telekom wasted no time in signing Kuffor, the
youngest in a family of seven.
 "It is my ambition to play in the M-League," said Kuffour, who played
for Okwau United in Ghana before he was spotted for the Junior World Cup
squad.
 "Do not get me wrong. I love playing for Malacca Telekom and they are a
great team. But I just want to play at a higher level.
 "I hope to be noticed this year and fulfil my dream of playing in the M-
League. If I do not find a team, I am definitely heading for Europe," said
Kuffour, whose cousin Samuel Kuffour is a defender with Bayern Munich.
 Indeed, Kuffour is M-League material and it goes to show that State
coaches would do well to spot talents, local and foreign, in the FAM Cup
League.
 Apart from Malacca Telekom's other foreign signing in Oleg Burov,  the
other imports playing in the FAM Cup are Sabah Gunosukod Pangait's
Scottish defender Derek Wemyss, Brazilian  midfielder Edilson Cesar De
Araujo, French striker Joel Lahon, Kuala Lumpur Malay Mail's Australian
defender Taso Notaras, Wilayah Maju's Nigerian striker Mohamed Mohamed and
Terengganu Perkasa Alam's Ghanaian striker George Al Hassan Ibrahim.
 Meanwhile, the top four teams in each group of the FAM Cup qualify for
the final round, where they will be divided into two sections and play a
two-round league of six matches each.
 In Group A, Gunosukod and Negri Sembilan BSN have confirmed their berths
having gone unbeaten after seven matches. They have 19 points and another
three matches to complete their first round fixtures.
 This leaves Kelantan JKR, Johor City Hall and Kedah PKNK in a tussle
for the other two berths.
 In Group B, Malacca Telekom have secured a final round berth while the
fight for the other spots is keenly contested between Perkasa Alam, Kuala
Lumpur Malay Mail, Kelantan TNB and Kedah JKR.