MARKSMAN: Sarawak’s Bobby Gonzalez is challenged by NS Betaria’s players during their Premier League match at the State Stadium in Petra Jaya, Kuching last night. The Crocs won 7-0 to remain top in the Premier League and Bobby scored 4 goals. — Bernama photo

KUALA LUMPUR,: Although Pahang were only able to secure a 1-1 draw against Singapore’s Lions XII at the Darul Makmur Stadium, Kuantan in the Super League tonight, the result was a big contribution in preventing the league’s trophy slipping away across the causeway.

The Elephants in holding Lions XII to a draw helped Armed Force’s (ATM) Gladiators narrow the points gap to just two points from the league leaders (Lions XII). Lions XII are now with 35 points after 17 matches.

Lions XII were the more aggressive with their captain Shahril Ishak opening scoring in the 10th minute but their joy of bringing home full points was thwarted when Azammuddin Akil equalised for Pahang in the 90th minute.

At the Sultan Ismail Nasaruddin Shah Stadium, Kuala Terengganu, star-studded Johor Darul Takzim (JDT) edged T-Team 2-1 with their goals coming through Mohd Safee Mohd Sali in the 53rd minute and Leonel George Nunez in the 68th minute while T-Team’s was netted by Mohd Badrul Hisyam Morris in the 33rd minute.

Terengganu also collected three full points when they romped home to a 3-1 victory against Perak at the Perak Stadium, Ipoh.

Terengganu’s goals were scored by Abdul Manaf Mamat in the 18th minute, Mohd Fakrurazi Musa (66th) and Mohd Khairul Ramadhan Mohd Zauwawi (88th minute penalty).

In the Premier League, leaders Sarawak had a goal feast against minnows Betaria FC demolishing the club 7-0 at Stadium Negeri Sarawak, Kuching.

Zamri Morshidi opened the floodgates in the 28th while Bobby Gonzales contributed four goals (39th, 46th, 53rd and 91st).

Guy Bwele and Muamer Salibasic contributed one each in the 66th and 76^th minutes respectively.

Sime Darby also notched a massive victory in the Premier League tonight when they blasted Kuala Lumpur 5-0 at the Kuala Lumpur Stadium in Cheras.

Karlo Primorac got the prized hattrick when he hammered home in the 43rd, 48th and 67th minutes while their other two goals were netted by Syafiq Jamal and Dzulfahmi Hadi in the 82nd and 83rd minutes respectively.

Elsewhere, Johor edged Police 3-2 at the Hang Jebat Stadium, Melaka; Pos Malaysia overcame Sabah 1-0 at the Selayang Stadium; Kedah beat S.P.A Putrajaya FC 2-1 at the Darul Aman Stadium, Alor Setar, and UiTM FC defeated Perlis 2-0 at Stadium UiTM, Shah Alam. — BERNAMA

SRAS president Robert Lau Hui Yew disclosed the first leg would be held in Kuching from June 28 to 30, the second in Sibu from July 26 to 28 and the third leg in Miri from Sept 14 to 16.

Lau said the circuit is aimed at targeting new players and those players who could not make it to the CIMB National Circuit.

“We will use the Sarawak Circuit to search and recruit talents. These new talents will be groomed to take part in the next CIMB National Circuit,” he said.

Lau, who is also vice president of Squash Rackets Association of Malaysia (SRAM), reiterated that young players were needed to spearhead the country’s challenge for the squash crown in future.

“Our focus is on the 2016 Sukma when Sarawak plays host and hopefully, by then we will be able to produce a stable of players who can become champions”.

Lau was glad to note on the increasing number of young players taking up the sport, saying it augured well for the future development of the game in the country.

He said Sibu had also produced a number of outstanding squash players in recent years.

He singled out the recently crowned 2013 CIMB Rising Star National Junior Squash (RSNJS) overall champion Chris Lau as a typical example.

“Chris is going from strength to strength and as he grows, he will surely find the going getting tougher. However, if his passion for the sport remains intact, there is no reason to doubt his capabilities to win accolades for Sibu and the state when the time comes.”

To excel in squash or in any other sport, Lau admitted they had to start from young.

“We really have to build up from the grassroots. It is sort of like a pyramid where the players started from young before they gradually progressed to the top.”

Lau also encouraged young players to take up squash which had been proven to be suitable for Asian people.

“Squash depended very much on creativity and subjectivity and it is good for Asians simply because the game do not
require a player to be powerfully built.

“So long as they have the skills, commitment and passion for the sport, who knows, there may come a day when it is their term to rule the world,” he said.

The pint-sized Under 9 national No. 1 player won 3-2 in a five set thriller to become the first Sarawakian to win the RSNJS Boys’ Under 9 title.

“I am going to savor my victory for a long time to come. However, I will not rest on my laurels but will continue to train hard and improve on my skills and stamina to prepare myself for future tournaments,” said the primary two pupil of SJKC Dung Sang.

Earlier in the first and second legs, Chris effortlessly swept aside Kayden Keesham Pragasam of Negri Sembilan 3-0 on both occasions to underline his status as the rising star in the making.

In the grand final, he had to dig deep into his reserves before overcoming Chew 14-12, 15-17, 11-7, 1-11, 11-5.

Chew had earlier disposed of Kayden 3-0 in the semi-final to set up a mouth-watering final showdown with Chris.

“Because of my size and height, I have to run a lot on the court and also need to train much harder to keep improving on my fitness. Hopefully, when I am promoted to the Under 11 category next year, I will be able to continue fighting and challenge my formidable opponents to get satisfactory results.”

Over 50 players from throughout the country took part in the various age-group categories during the four-day championship aimed at tapping young talented squash players.They are expected to be groomed to take over the mantle from the seniors.

Meanwhile, Squash Racquets Association of Sarawak (SRAS) president Robert Lau Hui Yew described Chris’s performance at the CIMB RSNJS grand final as another revelation of his potential.

“He is already the top player in the country for his category and there is only one choice for him and that is to nurture a winning attitude and establish himself before he is promoted to the Under 11 category next year where bigger challenges await.”

On the performance of the Sibu players in the grand final, Lau expressed satisfaction with the overall results. He said Sarawak had 43 players who qualified for the 12 groups in the grand final.

“It was the largest contingent that Sarawak had ever sent. We are also one of the largest team among all the states. Quite a few are self-sponsored,” he added.

He said the overall performance of Sarawak players had improved over the last two legs compared to the previous years.

“Sarawak has three finalists with another four qualifying for the quarterfinals (finishing in top eight).”

Besides Chris, he said another Sibu player Josephine Yii also displayed tremendous potential and was a star to watch.

Josephine also made it to the grand final in the Girls’ Under 13, only to lose to Aifa Azman of Kedah in three sets. She also lost to the same girl in the second leg.

The other Sibu finalist in the tournament was former Sibu player, Tommy Lau in the Boys’ Under 11. He lost to Mohd Amir of Kelantan.

Lau, who is also Sibu Squash Association president said they were also in the process of helping Sibu team build a better and stronger squad.

“We are fortunate to discover Chris who had the rare talent but what we need is more players like Chris in order to beef up our squad. Both Josephine and Tommy are showing signs of progress and if we can continue to produce much players of such caliber, we will be able to rule the squash courts for many more years to come.”

The event is jointly hosted by Imperial Mall and Miri Weight Lifting and Bodybuilding Association. This year participants came from Limbang, Bintulu and Miri. The four categories to be contested are namely Mr Novice, Mr Miri 60 kg and below, Mr Miri 60kg to 70kg and Mr Miri 70kg and above.

Over RM4,000 worth of prizes will be given to winners and they will represent Miri City in this year’s Mr Sarawak which will be held at Sibu on May 25.

The Mr Miri Bodybuilding Championship is part Miri MayFest calendar of events and is being held in conjunction with Miri Resort City 8th anniversary.

Seven men and five women athletes were listed as candidates for the two awards at the presentation ceremony which will be held at Dewan Agong Tunku Canselor Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Shah Alam on June 1.

Deputy chairman of Masum 1, Prof Dr Anuar Hassan in a media conference in conjunction with 2012 Masum Sports Awards here today said the criteria for candidate selection included atheletes having represented the country or achieved success or obtained medals at international level.

“The shortlisted candidates are not only screened based on sports achievements but also from academic and leadership aspects,” said the deputy vice-chancellor for Student Affairs and Alumni of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu.

On not listing Pandelela Rinong, Prof Dr Anuar said the matter was discussed at length in its selection meeting yesterday.

“We are proud of the achievement of Pandelela at the London Olympic Games last year. However, she was registered as a Universiti Malaya student in September while she won the Olympic medal in August and as such we could not include her,” he said.

Apart from the two main awards, there are 12 other categories of awards including the best teams (men and women), promising talent (men and women), best manager, best coach, sports personality, appreciation award, special award, sports partner award as well as the best university athletes (men and women).

A total of seventy five nominations were received from 20 public institutions of higher learning for the 2012 Masum Sports Awards.— Bernama

SINGLES SETBACK: Sarawak’s Mohd Norhairi Khaidir lost 5-9 to Ahmad Hazeeq Ahmad Hisham of Perlis in the men’s singles of the group match yesterday. But Sarawak bounced back to finish the day with a 3 – 2 victory over Perlis.

KUCHING: Sarawak achieved a record breaking feat of some sort after qualifying for the quarterfinals of this year’s Maksak Malaysia Tennis Championship held at Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association Tennis Centre yesterday.

Sarawak beat Perak 4-1 and edged Perlis 3-2 to emerge as the top team in Group C and will take on Johor, the runners-up in Group A in today’s quarterfinals.

Sarawak had their women’s doubles pair Elmy Muliani and Chang Sie to thank for as the duo grabbed the winning point by beating the Perlis pair of Zuhannis Zahari and Nur Farhana Mohd Yussof 9-8 (8).

Earlier, Mohd Norhairi Khaidir lost the men’s singles 5-9 to Perlis’ Ahmad Hazeed Ahmad Hisham but Amin Tamel responded to level the score 1-1 for Sarawak when he thumped Hashim Taib 9-0 in the veteran men’s singles.

Zainoren Alek and Wahi Samad gave Sarawak the 2-1 lead after they beat Mohd Yussof Abdullah and Abdullah Salim in the veteran men’s doubles while it was all square again when Perlis’ Ruhil Amar Razali and Ahmad Faizal Mansor beat Kelvin Chong and Mohd Iskandar Jong 9-5.

This is the first time in 16 years that Sarawak has advanced to the quarterfinals and the last time they reached the semi-finals was in 1997.

Meanwhile, defending champions Selangor faced little problem in making into the last eight, with a 4-1 win over Johor and Prisons to top Group A.

Their opponent in the last eight is Perlis and other quarterfinals will be fought between Group B leaders and last year’s runners-up ATM and Group D runners-up Terengganu, Group D leaders Kuala Lumpur and PDRM.

One hundred and thirty-two players from 12 teams throughout the country are taking part in the competition which ends tomorrow.

State Secretary Tan Sri Datuk Amar Mohamad Morshidi Abdul Ghani will close the event and give away the prizes at Kuching Civic Centre.

LONDON: Football megastar David Beckham announced on Thursday that he is to retire after a glittering 20-year playing career in which he became one of the most widely recognised figures in world sport.

The former England captain, 38, made the announcement shortly after winning the Ligue 1 title with French giants Paris Saint-Germain, which made him the first Englishman to win league championships in four different countries.

He bowed out from the game at the same time as his former Manchester United mentor Alex Ferguson, who handed Beckham his professional debut in 1992.

Beckham went on to play for Real Madrid, Los Angeles Galaxy and AC Milan, as well as PSG, and won 115 caps for England, an unprecedented feat for an outfield player.

“I’m thankful to PSG for giving me the opportunity to continue but I feel now is the right time to finish my career, playing at the highest level,” Beckham said.

“If you had told me as a young boy I would have played for and won trophies with my boyhood club, Manchester United, proudly captained and played for my country over one hundred times, and lined up for some of the biggest clubs in the world, I would have told you it was a fantasy.

“I’m fortunate to have realised those dreams.”

Blessed with an extraordinarily accurate right foot, Beckham was renowned for his dead-ball prowess and his seemingly limitless reserves of stamina.

He won six league titles, two FA Cups and the 1999 Champions League with United, creating both injury-time goals as Ferguson’s side stormed back to beat Bayern Munich 2-1 in the final. He joined Madrid in 2003, where he won the Spanish league title four years later.

Beckham moved to Los Angeles in 2007 and won two MLS Cup titles with the Galaxy, but he spent two loan spells at Milan and then returned to Europe in January this year, when he signed a short-term deal with PSG.

As an England player, he captained his country for six years and played at three World Cups.

“I knew every time I wore the Three Lions shirt, I was not only following in a long line of great players, I was also representing every fan that cared passionately about their country,” he said.

Beckham’s global celebrity turned him into a one-man marketing phenomenon with a glut of lucrative endorsements.

He has long-standing sponsorship deals with firms including Adidas, Armani and Samsung and is believed to share a £200 million (US$306 million) fortune with his wife, Victoria, the pop star turned fashion designer and mother of his four children.

But he told Sky Sports News: “I just want people to see me as a hard-working footballer, someone with passion for the game and every time I stepped onto the pitch, I’ve given everything I have, because that’s how I feel.”

Football Association chairman David Bernstein described Beckham as “an iconic figure”, while former United team-mate and close friend Gary Neville saluted his impact on English football. “He had incredible stamina and energy. He was a joy to play with,” said Neville.

“And when you think back on the way football has changed over the last 22 years, he has probably been the most influential player in that time out of England in terms of transforming football.”

England manager Roy Hodgson said he hoped Beckham would remain in the game.

“I’m rather hoping we’ll be able to keep him in football because we can really benefit from his experience, we can really benefit from his charisma and we certainly benefit from the magnificent past he has had as a football player,” he said.

Former England manager Sven Goran-Eriksson paid tribute to “a fantastic football player, a fantastic man”, while FIFA president Sepp Blatter said: “It’s the end of a chapter of an amazing story.

“David grew up as a football loving child and achieved his dreams, and unquestionably inspired millions of boys and girls to try and do the same.”

As one of Britain’s most recognisable figures, Beckham also worked as an ambassador for last year’s London Olympics and carried the Olympic flame to the opening ceremony in a glitzy speedboat ride down the River Thames.

British Olympic Association chairman Sebastian Coe said Beckham had been “a constant source of support and inspiration”.

Britain’s press, who savaged him back in 1998 when they blamed him for England’s World Cup exit after getting himself sent off, were generous in their praise Friday.

“Cheers David”, said the front-page headline of popular tabloid The Sun, paying tribute to a “True Brit hero” in a 12-page pullout.

The Daily Mail, The Times and Guardian all ran with the headline “End it Like Beckham,” playing on the title of “Bend it Like Beckham” the film that launched Keira Knightley’s career.

He is due to play his final game for PSG at Lorient’s Stade du Moustoir on May 26. — AFP

In a file picture taken on August 22, 2009, Los Angeles Galaxy’s English star David Beckham applauds the fans after a Major League Soccer (MLS) game against DC United at RFK Stadium in Washington. Beckham is to retire from professional football at the end of the season, his representative announced. –AFP

In this file picture taken on January 11, 2011 English footballer David Beckham trains for the first time with Tottenham Hotspur at their Spurs Lodge training complex in Chigwell, east London. Beckham is to retire from professional football at the end of the season, his representative announced. –AFP

A picture taken on December 1, 2013 shows David Beckham posing with his sons and the MLS Trophy after the Los Angeles Galaxy beat Houston Dynamo 3-1 in the Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup in Carson, California. David Beckham is to retire from professional football at the end of the season, his representative announced. –AFP

Just a week after Alex Ferguson announced his decision to retire, the most famous of ‘Fergie’s Fledglings’, David Beckham, revealed that he was to hang up his boots at the end of the 2012-13 season, aged 38.

Beckham, who has enjoyed a glittering playing career, bows out at the highest level, with a four-month stint at Paris Saint-Germain proving to be his swansong.

Fittingly, the former England captain managed to add one more winners’ medal to his collection in that time, making nine appearances to help PSG win the French Ligue 1 title for the first time since 1994.

But when PSG signed Beckham in January, they did so more for the value he could bring off the field than on it – he is someone who has carefully nurtured his public image ever since his days as a fresh-faced youngster at Manchester United.

Proud family man, fashion guru, friend of A-list celebrities and politicians — even gay icon — the 38-year-old midfielder is as much known for his activities off the pitch as his pinpoint passing, tireless running and deadly free-kicks on it.

Beckham has risen from a modest background in Leytonstone, east London, to become one of the most marketable figures in world sport, aided by a high-profile marriage to former Spice Girl, turned fashion designer, Victoria Adams.

As a talented youngster, he declined to sign with his local side Tottenham Hotspur and instead joined Ferguson’s Manchester United, becoming the heart of a side that included Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Phil and Gary Neville and Nicky Butt.

He made his debut at 17 and truly stamped his arrival in the English top-flight with an audacious goal from the halfway line in a match against Wimbledon on the opening day of the 1996-7 season.

In eight years at Old Trafford, he collected six Premier League crowns and the 1999 Champions League, making him one of the most recognisable — and bankable — sportsmen in Britain.

Yet his time at the top was not without controversy: he became a hate figure for some at the 1998 World Cup when he was sent off for a petulant kick at Diego Simeone during England’s last-16 defeat against Argentina in France.

His reputation was only restored with a breathtaking last minute free-kick in England’s final World Cup qualifying match against Greece in 2001 and subsequent penalty winner against Argentina at the 2002 finals.

A well-publicised bust-up with Ferguson over his commitment to the game had by that time led to a 35-million-euro move to Real Madrid, where his increasingly global reputation saw an explosion in replica jersey sales, notably in Asia.

He was even the inspiration for the hit British film “Bend It Like Beckham”, about a Punjabi-origin schoolgirl in west London who dreams of playing football like her idol, against her conservative parents’ wishes.

Beckham dropped a bombshell in 2007 when he announced a shock multi-million dollar move to LA Galaxy.

In the United States, his popularity helped drive up interest and attendances at Major League Soccer, which the Galaxy won in 2011 and again last year.

During his time in the States, Beckham had two loan spells at AC Milan before a serious Achilles injury deprived him a chance for a last appearance at the World Cup in 2010, leaving his caps total on 115 — a record for an outfield English player.

According to the Sunday Times’ rich list, Beckham’s estimated net worth in April 2012 was £190 million ($300 million, 220 million euros) yet even then, at an age when he could understandably retire, he was still being coveted by clubs the world over.

Beckham missed out on playing for the Great Britain team at the Olympics he helped bring to his home city last year but still played a starring role, driving a speedboat with the Olympic flame to the stadium before a global audience of millions.

Desperate to improve their own international image, PSG jumped at the chance to be associated with the Beckham brand, and the possibility of him extending his stay for another year was floated before he decided the time was right to call it a day. –AFP

David Beckham poses with his jersey at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on January 31, 2013. –AFP

David Beckham announced his retirement from professional football on Thursday, after a memorable career in which he won league titles in four different countries and played at three World Cups.

Here, AFP Sports looks at how the world has reacted to news of his retirement, which will come into effect after Paris Saint-Germain’s final game of the season at Lorient on May 26:

“Best wishes as David Beckham retires. His magical free-kicks for MUFC and England will live long in the memory of all football fans.”

- British Prime Minister David Cameron

“It’s the end of a chapter of an amazing story. David grew up as a football loving child and achieved his dreams, and unquestionably inspired millions of boys and girls to try and do the same.”

- FIFA president Sepp Blatter

“I am sad that he is retiring. I would have liked him to continue for another year with us. It has been a great privilege for me and PSG that we were his last club.”

- Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi

“He played in the greatest midfield I’ve ever played with: David, Ryan Giggs, Roy Keane and Paul Scholes. David was a crosser of the ball, a passer of the ball. He had incredible stamina and energy. He was a joy to play with.”

- former Manchester United team-mate and close friend Gary Neville

“He is an iconic figure in the game and produced wonderful performances for his clubs, particularly Manchester United. He is a real loss to the game and I am sure the FA will want to embrace him and to get him closely associated with the organisation.”

- Football Association chairman David Bernstein

“A fantastic football player, a fantastic man; probably the biggest sports personality in the world. If you talk about David Beckham, all over the world they know who that it is.”

- Former England manager Sven Goran-Eriksson

“David Beckham has retired. A wonderful player, global superstar and a magnificent ambassador for England and football.”

- former England striker Gary Lineker

“David is a man of many talents and a lot of people now will be wanting him for different jobs and roles, some of which could take him away from us in football. But I’m rather hoping we’ll be able to keep him in football because we can really benefit from his experience, we can really benefit from his charisma and we certainly benefit from the magnificent past he has had as a football player.”

- England manager Roy Hodgson

“It is impossible to think about the success of the London 2012 Games and not reflect upon the extraordinary commitment made by David Beckham. At every stage of the London 2012 journey — from the bid phase, to planning for the Games, to the torch relay and the unforgettable summer of sport in 2012 — David was a constant source of support and inspiration.”

- British Olympic Association chairman Sebastian Coe

“He adds an incredible intensity. He brought the focus to play each and every game. He taught our young players the little things you need to do to win games. He was an important part of the LA Galaxy being champions. I’ve never seen a player with his ability.”

- former Los Angeles Galaxy coach Bruce Arena

“He has been very special in that right midfield position. He was an unbelievable passer, crosser of the ball, and he could score goals as well. My lasting memory of David Beckham is him continuously being the last off the training pitch and always practising those trademark free-kicks.”

- former England manager Steve McClaren

“He came over to put MLS (Major League Soccer) on the map. That’s really what David did. He was one of those few athletes that transcended the game. He was a global icon by that stage. People around the world heard of MLS because of David Beckham.”

- American former Premier League goalkeeper Kasey Keller

“Thanks for everything, Becks. You’re a true legend.”

- Major League Soccer –AFP

TOP SCORER : State Premier League squad striker is eager to score his 15th goal of the season to fulfil the target which was given when he first join the team. Presently the Sabahan had scored 13 goals in the Premier League and three in the recent FA Cup matches.

KUCHING: State Premier League squad striker, Bobby Gonzales is looking forward to scoring his 15th goal of the season to fulfill the modest target given when he was first recruited.

The Sabahan had so far scored 13 goals in the Premier League and three during the recent FA Cup competition. The 19 total goals scored in the two competitions had made him the Crocs’ top striker at the moment.

“Earlier this year I was given a target of 15 goals and now I just need to score two more in order to achieve that,” he told The Borneo Post in a telephone interview recently.

Bobby’s scoring skills had contributed a lot to the Crocs’ fine running in the ongoing league and the team had scored a total of 31 goals from 17 matches played and conceded only 10 goals so far.

With five more matches to go, there is the possibility for him to over exceed the target and may become one of the state’s highly regarded strikers. Tonight’s match against minnows NS Betaria at State Stadium, Petra Jaya is also a good avenue for him to achieve the target.

“So far I am very happy… I don’t feel tired or feeling any pressure, I am ok,” he enthused.

When asked to comment on his future plans, Bobby said his existing contract will only expire in November and at the moment he is in no hurry to go anywhere.

“At the moment I am happy to be here…my contract will only expire in November and it is up to the management whether they still want me next year,” he said.

According to him, he was satisfied with the incentives which were given to the team each time they won their matches but there is still much work to be done before the league comes to an end.

“Football is like that…there are times when we can go up or down but I am alright with what I have right now and see how it goes later on,” said the modest striker who has the support of family members when making any decisions on his football career.

GOOD LUCK: State Education Department director, Abdillah Adam (second left) presenting the MSSS flag to Tan Kiang Tuang (second right) as Ellen (left) and others look on during the sponsorship and flag presentation ceremony at SM St Anthony in Sarikei on Monday.

SARIKEI: Defending champion Sarawak is capable of winning the Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM) Track and Field Championship for a record 17th time when the event kicks off in Kuantan, Pahang this Sunday.

Team manager Hassan Wa’Gani expressed his optimism for the state’s athletes to make Sarawak proud once again in the five-day event which ends on May 23.

“We have done our preparations well and we are all set for the challenge in Kuantan. We have even prepared our athletes for night competitions,” he told the Borneo Post yesterday.

While predicting on the possibility for the state team to capture between 17 and 20 gold medals, Hassan admitted that it may also be tough for Sarawak this year when other teams are looking forward to defeat local athletes.

“This is because other states have taken action to field strong teams to break our dominance in the championship after being “given a warning” by the Education Ministry director-general Tan Sri Abd Ghafar Mahmud last year,” he said.

He predicted states like Johor, Perak and Pahang were the ones to watch out for and they may give Sarawak a hard time in Kuantan.

Hassan had visited state athletes who were training at Sarikei Stadium for the past 11 days and was happy to see that they were in good health and high spirit.

“They have been training very hard and are looking forward to going all out and giving their counterparts a good challenge come this Sunday,” he said.

Cash incentives are said to be offered for athletes who break records and win medals during the five-day national meet.

For every record broken, RM100 will be offered and they will get RM100, RM50 and RM40 each for every gold, silver and bronze won. On top of that Bank Rakyat will also give RM50, RM30 and RM20 respectively for each of the medals won.

Apart from that, the chef de mission Tan Kiang Tuang and State Education Department director Abdillah Adam will also be giving out incentives to the medallists.

Hassan said Sarawak’s main strength is that it has a very balanced track and field team.

“Our U15 boys and U15 girls teams are quite okay and I am confident that Norris Foo, Grace Wong, Shelma Sharon Anthony James, Quek Lee Yong, Faradillah Raznie and Johnathan Tinggang can deliver gold medals for the state team,” said Hassan.

He is also expecting a few gold medals from hammer throw, shot put and discus and triple jump and maybe some surprises in the relay events.

Meanwhile, chief coach Lim Eng Hooi is also optimistic for Sarawak to win the championship once again.

“There is a very good chance for us to become champions again but I must admit that it is getting more difficult every year because we need to better every year to stay ahead of others,” he said.

He added “We have got a pool of good athletes but we do not know the strengths of other teams.”

“We are going in for a good fight and I hope the athletes can all rise to the occasion and win more glory for the state,” said Lim, adding that the coaches had been very cooperative and united in working towards a common cause.

“We are looking for another good performance and there is a very good chance of our athletes cracking a few national records too,” he said.

He is assisted by Rasia Lutang while the coaching line-up include Donny Dahlan, Wan Almizan, Philip Nyepa, Mustapa Hassan, Sharon Keezia, Apong Abib, Chang Siang Seng, Mat Assan, Mawan Lalen, Noor Hisham, Samawi Manang, Julietine, Liong Shuen Keong, Ling Neng Thung, Arefelani, Spencer Eddy and Jasmine Ling.

Team officials comprised of State Education Department’s Human Resource Development Sector head Ellen @ Manium Engang who is also MSS Sarawak secretary, contingent leader Tan Kiang Tuang who is Bintulu District Education Officer, Sports Unit coordinator Apo Latit, Sports Unit assistant director Johnny Rasit, MSS Sarawak athletics technical and development chairman Ting Siew Nguong and chaperon Sho Lina Sakai.

The competition will start at 2pm on Sunday with the first gold medal of the championship to be won is in the Girls U18 shot putt event.

Kuching District Education Office (PPD Kuching) Sports Unit assistant supervisor, Mohd Rashid Ibrahim told The Borneo Post yesterday the event is on from May 18 to 20 and is targeted at students aged between 13 to14 and 15 to16.

This is the first time youngsters from Sarawak were given the opportunity to participate in the nationwide football talent search programme organised by Telekom Malaysia in cooperation with National Sports Council (NSC), Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), the Manchester United Football Club (MUFC) and Frenz United Football Academy.

“This is the first time Kuching had been selected to become one of the selection venues and we at PPD Kuching are helping out to promote it among the schools,” he said in a telephone interview.

According to him, parents should take the opportunity to bring their children and try out for the selection which will be conducted by Frenz United Football Academy coach, Ahmad Fairuz who was a former state Bujang Senang player.

He said Ahmad is also expected to be joined by coaches from FAM in view of the large number of students involved.

The opening day trials will start at 9am and players together with their parents were urged to come early at 8am to register.

“Those who are interested to join are encouraged to come early and parents should also bring along the necessary documents needed to enrol their children in the programme,” he enthused.

Backed by popular demand, TM is organising its ‘Search for Ramli’ programme following the success of last year’s event where winners had now created waves in local football scene.

Adam Nor Azlin and Mohammad Arif Farhan were last year’s two winners who are now with national Harimau Muda youth squad under chief coach Ong Kim Swee who was also a former Sarawak midfielder.

This year’s nationwide selection is conducted at 12 different locations including Sabah and Sarawak where only the top 30 will be selected for the final round to be held in Kuala Lumpur.

At the end of the day, three winners will be selected whereby two will be given excellence awards and one will be given a promising player award.

They will get the opportunity to take part in a two-week intensive training session to be held at Manchester United Soccer Schools (MUSS) in the UK and during the stay there, they will get to see their favourite Manchester United heroes play at Old Trafford Stadium.

On top of that, each of the three winners will receive a three-year football scholarship provided by Frenz United Football Academy.

Currently there are three Sarawakian junior players undergoing training there.

Those interested to join the event are invited to contact Mohd Rashid Ibrahim at 013-5652881 or Johnny Rasit at 019-8592905.

More information about TM’s “Search for Ramli 2” can also be found at www.tm.com / teammalaysia or on Facebook Team Malaysia, www.facebook.com / TeamMalaysia.

The Italian Yamaha star currently sits at fourth in the world championship, 18 points behind surprise leader Marc Marquez on a Honda.

Rossi is in the middle of an alarming winning drought with his 79th and last triumph coming in Malaysia in October 2010 before he switched to his unsuccessful two-year spell at Ducati.

But his career statistics are still beyond the reach of his title rivals.

Dani Pedrosa, the Spanish Honda rider who won in Jerez last time out, is next on the list of all-time winners on 23.

“Le Mans is a good track for me, also because in the last two years I was able to arrive on the podium in the dry and also in wet conditions,” said Rossi, who has won three times at Le Mans in the elite class.

“We hope to do the same and also better with Yamaha because this is a good track for the bike. In Le Mans the weather will be very important, because usually the weather is quite bad. It can be cold and wet so we will see. We will have to work well like always and try to understand the weather and the conditions of the track. We will try to do the maximum as always.”

Rossi was second at the circuit in 2012 and third the year before — performances which represented his best rides during his ill-fated stay at Ducati.

This year, he has been in the shadow on world champion teammate Jorge Lorenzo who captured the season-opener in Qatar and is third in the championship.

Lorenzo is a three-time winner at Le Mans, including in 2012 when victory was achieved in torrential rain.

Marquez, the 20-year-old Spaniard who only graduated to MotoGP from Moto2 this season, admits Friday practice will be key to his chances.

“We go to Le Mans and again we arrive there starting from zero, as I haven’t done any tests there,” said Marquez, the winner in Texas last month.

“I’ll do my best and I’ll try to make the most of the situation. I hope it doesn’t rain so we can prepare the bike on a dry track; this is very important in order to find the right set-up.”

Pedrosa, meanwhile, has tasted victory at the famous French track, but only in the 125cc and 250cc classes. — AFP

Sarawak Automotive Racing Sport Association (Sarsa) committee member Alex Yong Siaw Long together with Sarawak Motorcross Club chairman Kong Shan Nyan led a group of motorcross sports representatives made a courtesy call to Assistant Minister of Sports and Communication Datuk Dr Lee Kim Shin at his office recently.

“Young people in Miri who loves racing around on motorcycles can do so safely at our purpose-built (motor racing) track here, without having to risk their lives like Mat Rempits on public roads,” said Lee.

He encouraged motor racing buffs to take up the sports legally and safely where they can always book the racing tracks through Ministry of Social Development (KPSU) office near St Columba school.

“I understand there will be a famous woman participant at this event, and hopefully this will inspire more women to take up this sports too,” said Lee who noted that so far no woman had taken up the sports locally.

The event was organised by Sarsa in collaboration with Miri City Council and Miri Resident Office, supported and endorsed by KPSU, and sanctioned by Automobile Association of Malaysia (AAM).

The event is divided into five categories namely the MX Open (Malaysian Series), MX125 (Malaysian Series), MX Veteran (Borneo Series), MX Open (Sarawak Closed Club Series), and Rookies Invitation Challenge Cup (Brunei Club Series).

According to Yong, between 80 to 100 entries were expected from Sabah, Sarawak, West Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and Singapore.

“A famous Kelantan lady taking part in the sports will be here who will be an inspiration for women to take part, and it’s not a dangerous sports because we have all the safety procedures like suits, helmets, and the best permanent racing track facilities in Malaysia right here,” he added.

The first day will be for track inspection, trials and registration while the second day will be for official trials, warm up, competitions and podium ceremony.

ROME: World number two Andy Murray admitted Wednesday that he could miss the French Open after a long-term back injury forced him to quit the Rome Masters.

“I’d be very surprised if I was playing in Paris,” a subdued Murray said after retiring from a second-round start at the Foro Italico, handing a 6-3, 6-7 (5/7) win to Spain’s Marcel Granollers.

Murray, who was celebrating his 26th birthday on Wednesday, said that pain in his lower left back, which has bothered him since late 2011, has been flaring recently, bringing on the Rome pullout.

“I felt pain today, the same as in Madrid. I hit yesterday and played some points. But I was still sore today,” added Murray, with the French Open due to start on May 26.

There were no such problems for Madrid Masters champion Rafael Nadal who began laying the groundwork for a dream seventh Rome title, hammering Italian Fabio Fognini 6-1, 6-3.

Nadal owns five titles since making his return after seven months out with a knee injury.

The Spaniard, who has now won his 32nd match of the season against two defeats, will next play Ernests Gulbis, a winner over Serb Viktor Troicki 6-1, 6-1.

“Tomorrow I play against an opponent who is very dangerous,” said Nadal.

“He’s having a great season and we had a tough match in Indian Wells this year.

“He’s aggressive with a big serve, big shots from the baseline. I have to be playing great if I want to have any chance.”

Murray said the back problem is the same one which required him to take a pain-killing injection last spring in order to play Roland Garros in 2012 where he reached the quarter-finals.

“We will have to wait and see on Paris. I’ll try to make a decision after the next five days or so. I need some days off for it to hopefully settle down,” added the world number two.

Murray, the US Open and Olympic champion, said he was loathe to take another injection since the one in 2012 still did not leave him feeling 100 per cent.

The Briton has not quit a match since May, 2007, in Hamburg when he suffered a wrist injury which took three months to heal.

The defeat marked the second straight year in Rome that Murray, a 2011 semi-finalist, has gone out early, following a third-round exit a year ago.

Murray, who has never clinched a claycourt title, has won just three matches on the surface this season, alongside as many defeats.

“(The back) has not been perfect for a long period, I want it to start feeling good again. Everyone goes into matches with niggles, but this is very frustrating,” added Murray.

“Some shots hurt more on clay because the movement is so exaggerated. There is not a lot of power on the ball so you have to generate power and pace yourself.

“I don’t want to go into details, but I’ve got a disc problem, it changes week to week. It’s been an issue for a while, but I want to make sure it goes away.

“I don’t want to be playing with it long-term, it’s not enjoyable at all.”

Murray was joined on the sidelines at the Foro Italico by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, with Polish underdog Jerzy Janowicz ripping off his shirt in celebration seconds after clinching a 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) win over the eighth seed. — AFP

MADRID: Real Madrid will hope to end a difficult season on a high when they face Atletico Madrid in today’s Copa del Rey final, with Los Blancos aiming to continue their long-running dominance in meetings with their city rivals.

An acrimonious campaign marred by on-pitch failure and behind-the-scenes unrest is set to end with manager Jose Mourinho leaving Madrid, but the Portuguese will hope to bow out with one more piece of silverware.

Madrid will finish a distant second behind champions Barcelona in La Liga and once again failed in their bid to win that elusive 10th European Cup, losing to Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals, so all that is left is the chance to win back the Copa del Rey, which they also won in Mourinho’s first season in charge two years ago.

Both clubs wanted this game to be played in Madrid and Real’s Santiago Bernabeu home, with its 80,000 capacity, got the nod over Atletico’s smaller Vicente Calderon.

That would appear to give Mourinho’s side even more of an edge but, when the clubs last contested the final, Atletico beat Real 2-0 at the Bernabeu in 1992, with Bernd Schuster — the German who later coached Los Blancos — and Paulo Futre scoring the goals.

Madrid also lost 2-1 to Deportivo in the 2002 final despite the Spanish federation allowing them to stage the game at the Bernabeu to mark Real’s centenary.

However, Atletico, the club of the grimy working-class quarters of southern Madrid, have endured over a decade of misery against their wealthier neighbours, from the upmarket Chamartin district to the north.

Remarkably, they have not won any of the last 25 meetings between the teams since a 3-1 win at the Bernabeu in October 1999, a season in which they were relegated.

In a sense, though, there is no disgrace in that — figures reported recently by sports daily AS indicated that Real’s budget for this season is 517 million euros (US$665 million) compared to 123 million euros (US$158 million) for Atletico.

“It’s going to be a strange final because we’re playing in our stadium but the fans will be divided 50/50,” Real’s Cristiano Ronaldo, whose majestic header in extra-time secured victory in a tense final against Barcelona in 2011, told Real Madrid TV.

“That isn’t going to take away our ambition to win this Cup. We know that the stadium will be divided. Let’s hope that the best team wins. If we go out on the pitch strong and we play as we know how, we’re going to win.”

Mourinho has lost the support of key players in the dressing room this season, especially due to the tension between him and goalkeeper Iker Casillas which has seen the Spain captain frozen out of the side.

Losing against Atletico — something that has not happened to any Madrid coach since John Toshack — would be the worst possible way to bow out, and Mourinho’s preparations for the final have not been helped by an injury to young French defender Raphael Varane.

Despite that, Real, whose run to this season’s final included eliminating holders Barcelona in the last four, remain the favourites, but Atletico are hoping to end their derby hoodoo when it matters most. — AFP

The game in Amsterdam seemed destined for extra time after Fernando Torres’ superb 60th-minute opener for Chelsea was cancelled out by an Oscar Cardozo penalty, only for Ivanovic to net a dramatic winner with a looping header in stoppage time.

Club captain John Terry sat the game out with an ankle injury, but just as he had done after last season’s Champions League final, which he missed through suspension, he donned his full kit to lift the trophy alongside fellow Chelsea stalwart Frank Lampard.

“It’s a great feeling,” said Ivanovic. “This team deserved this, because we have had a very difficult season and a lot of games.”

Victory made Chelsea the first team to simultaneously hold the Champions League and Europa League titles, although they will relinquish their Champions League crown in 10 days.

More lasting is the statistic that they are only the fourth club to have claimed Europe’s three major trophies – including the now-defunct Cup Winners’ Cup – after Ajax, Bayern Munich and Juventus.

Chelsea’s interim manager Rafael Benitez, meanwhile, joins Giovanni Trapattoni as one of only two coaches to have won the trophy with two different clubs, following his 2004 success with Valencia.

“That was a great performance in the second half, against a very good team,” said the Spaniard, who has already fulfilled his primary objective of qualifying the club for next season’s Champions League, despite lingering opposition from fans.

“The players have worked so hard, all season. I am proud – it was not easy. I’m really pleased, really proud.”

The manner of defeat was cruel on Jorge Jesus’ enterprising side and means that Benfica have now lost seven consecutive European finals since claiming their last major continental crown in 1962.

“The Benfica fans were better than the Chelsea fans,” said Jesus. “They deserved a Benfica victory for their passion and their feelings and the patriotism they showed.

“This defeat is difficult for me because of the Benfica fans. For most of the 93 minutes, Benfica was always better than Chelsea.”

Benfica had seen their Portuguese title hopes seriously compromised in a 2-1 stoppage-time loss to Porto in their previous game, but they banished any fears about their mental state with an assured start to the game that bordered on insouciance at times.

Indeed, so authoritative were Benfica, and so lacklustre Chelsea, that only an apparent inability to shoot at the appropriate moment prevented Jesus’ side from taking the lead before half-time.

In the second half, Petr Cech’s long throw down the centre was helped on by Juan Mata and Torres showed superb strength and composure to hold off Luisao and then round Artur, delaying to send the goalkeeper down before rolling the ball home.

It was a Chelsea smash-and-grab goal plucked straight from last season’s Champions League textbook, but the lead was to last only eight minutes.

Cesar Azpilicueta handled Salvio’s header just inside the Chelsea penalty area and Cardozo drilled his spot-kick into the middle of the goal to claim his seventh goal in this season’s competition. Cech had to produce a finger-tip save to prevent a half-volleyed lob by Cardozo from dipping beneath the crossbar, before Lampard almost gave the game a fairytale late finish with a 25-yard pile-driver that hit the bar.

Extra time beckoned when the fourth official raised his board to show three minutes of injury time, only for Ivanovic to send a header arcing over Artur from Mata’s corner and break Benfica’s hearts. — AFP

Philippine boxing icon Manny Pacquiao prepares to speak to supporters upon his arrival at Manila’s international airport, on December 12, 2012. Pacquiao and a music company have settled a US lawsuit over allegations he broke a promise to record songs for the the firm, court papers show. –AFP

Philippine boxing hero Manny Pacquiao and a music company have settled a US lawsuit over allegations he broke a promise to record songs for the the firm, court papers show.

RBM Group International claimed that Pacquiao agreed in September 2009 to record a dozen tracks, and that they paid him $40,000 for the first two songs.

Given “his already existing international popularity, RBM seized the opportunity to be the first recording company to sign Pacquiao to a contract,” said the lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court in November 2010.

But Pacquiao struck deals with other people despite his contract with RBM and recorded various songs, including a cover of Dan Hill’s “Sometimes When We Touch,” said the lawsuit.

Pacquiao “went on to ignore the agreement and perform both publicly and privately, on television, at concerts and after the conclusion of successful boxing matches,” it said.

The boxer’s lawyers denied any wrongdoing. Last week attorneys for RBM filed a request for the case to be dismissed. Settlement terms were not disclosed, although RBM had sought $200,000 in damages and $10 million for lost profits.

Pacquiao, once considered the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter, is battling back from two straight defeats. He’s slated to fight American Brandon Rios in Macau in November. –AFP

Chelsea’s Branislav Ivanovic (R) and Fernando Torres pose with the Europa League trophy after defeating Benfica on May 15, 2013. Chelsea won a second consecutive European title after last season’s Champions League triumph. –AFP

Branislav Ivanovic (L) celebrates with teammate Oscar after Chelsea won the Europa League final against Benfica on May 15, 2013. The London club stunned Benfica with a stoppage-time goal from Ivanovic in Wednesday’s final to record a 2-1 win. –AFP

Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez celebrates his team’s victory at the end of their Europa League final against Benfica on May 15, 2013. Benitez claims he did not need to win the Europa League to prove that he has done a good job during his six-month spell as interim manager of Chelsea. –AFP

Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic jumps to head the winning goal during their Europa League final against Benfica on May 15, 2013. Chelsea stunned Benfica with a stoppage-time goal from Ivanovic. –AFP

Rafael Benitez claims he did not need to win the Europa League to prove that he has done a good job during his turbulent six-month spell as interim manager of Chelsea.

The London club stunned Benfica with a stoppage-time goal from Branislav Ivanovic in Wednesday’s final to record a 2-1 win that gave them a second consecutive European title after last season’s Champions League triumph.

With Champions League qualification also secure, barring a statistical fluke on the final day of the Premier League season, Benitez has fulfilled the objectives that he was given when he arrived in November.

However, the Spaniard, who has had to contend with outright opposition from sections of the Chelsea support, said Wednesday’s result had not turned him into a successful manager in one fell swoop.

“I think it’s sad to say this. You do your job in six months and it changes nothing if you win or lose the final, in terms of what you’re trying to do,” said Benitez, who has now won three continental titles.

He added: “With a team in transition, with young players, it was really difficult. But we are still winning and you saw the commitment of the players on the pitch.

“When you have a manager who is going to leave at the end of the season and they still fight on the pitch, you have to be pleased.”

Ivanovic’s winner, in the third minute of stoppage time, saw him leap to meet a Juan Mata corner with a looping back-post header that left Benfica goalkeeper Artur flat-footed.

The goal, after Fernando Torres’ opener had been cancelled out by an Oscar Cardozo penalty, left Jorge Jesus’ men no time to react and Benitez said his side had been given some inside knowledge on the Portuguese team’s defensive shortcomings by former Benfica player David Luiz.

“The second goal we had practised, as we know they have a weak point on corners,” Benitez said.

“The technical staff worked on this but David Luiz also said they had problems there, so we tried to take advantage from all of this.”

Benitez also claimed credit for the improved form of both Torres and Frank Lampard, although he said he did not know if the latter’s contract, which expires at the end of the season, would be extended.

“I will say nothing about Frank except that he’s a great professional and is working hard in every training session,” said the Spaniard.

“Now you can see he has improved. People are surprised but he has scored a lot of goals in this time and maybe it’s because we have been managing him well and keeping him fresher.”

On Torres, who blossomed under Benitez at Liverpool, he added: “We have had a lot of players improve during the season. Fernando was one of these players.

“People said Rafa was appointed to get the best out of Fernando, and I think he’s improved a lot. He’s worked a lot with the fitness coaches and I was happy for him to score.”

Benfica coach Jorge Jesus claimed his team would have been “worthy winners”, after a second agonising stoppage-time defeat in the space of five days.

Benfica’s Portuguese league title hopes were seriously jeopardised by a 2-1 loss to Porto on Saturday, and Jesus said he was at a loss to explain the pattern.

“In the 93rd minute, once again, we suffered a goal like last week,” he said. “It’s not usual for a team like Benfica.

“I can’t say we were unlucky. We had to do something and we didn’t do it in that minute. But I want to congratulate the Benfica players for an excellent game.”

Jesus, who hinted that he was close to renewing his contract, said he had found solace in the words of a Dutch football great.

“I was more proud when Johan Cruyff hugged me and said Benfica were a great team,” he said. –AFP

GOOD FORM: Norris Foo (left) training in the sprints with teammates at the Sarikei Stadium yesterday. Foo has been showing good form in the Girls U15 100m recently. — Photo by Teo Chi Wei

SARIKEI: The centralised training for the Sarawak contingent for the Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM) Track and Field Championship is going on smoothly at the Sarikei Stadium and will end today.

MSS Sarawak technical chairman Ting Siew Nguong said training for the 80 athletes started on May 6 and everything has been going well for the athletes and their coaches.

“Although this year’s centralised training was a bit short, I am still quite confident the athletes can do well in at Darulmakmur Stadium in Kuantan, Pahang from May 19 to 23,” he said yesterday.

The state athletes have been training for two sessions daily, from 2pm to 4pm and from 6:30pm to 8pm.

“We are training the athletes at night because many events, especially the track events, will be held at night so we need to get them adapted to the conditions,” said Ting, adding that this is the first time in MSSM history that competitions are also held at night.

Ting admitted that it would be a tough task for Sarawak to defend the overall championship title as other teams especially Perak, host Pahang, Sabah and Kedah are all keen on giving Sarawak a good run for their money.

“Perak have set a target of winning 17 gold medals and they really mean business because they have started their preparation by training their athletes since last July and I heard they have already undergone several phases of training,” added Ting.

Ting felt that Sarawak is capable of winning 20 gold medals provided all the athletes perform up to expectations and maintain their form at the MSS Sarawak Track and Field Championship in Bintulu recently.

He is also hoping that three athletes namely Queenie Ting Kung Ni, Norris Foo and Grace Wong Xiu Mei can repeat their record-breaking feats in Kuantan.

The trio had surpassed MSSM records in Girls U18 discus, Girls U15 100m and Girls U14 shot put at the recent state meet in Bintulu.