News for 25 May 2009
Monday, 25 May 2009 06:28 | 
| 
All the news for Monday 25 May 2009
England come from behind to draw
In the second of the weekend’s two practice matches against Scotland at Belle Vue in Manchester, England’s women came from behind to draw 1-1.
Scotland had taken an early lead after a penalty corner effort from Catriona Forrest was deflected in off the stick of England defender Sam Quek but Alex Danson restored parity 15 minutes later with a reverse stick strike.
England’s women will next be in action in two fixtures against Spain on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 June 2009 at Highfields Sports Club in Nottingham.
England (w) v Scotland, Manchester, Sunday, 24 May 2009
England 1 (1)
Alex Danson 21 (F)
Scotland 1 (1)
Catriona Forrest 4 (F)
England squad for matches versus Scotland, 23-24 May 2009
Name - (Club) - Age - England Caps
Ashleigh Ball (Slough) 23 3
Alex Danson (Klein Zwitserland) 23 78
Gemma Darrington (Leicester) 22 2
Jo Ellis (Bowdon Hightown) 25 18
Susie Gilbert (University of Birmingham) 20 4
Rebecca Herbert (Kampong) 22 43
Katie Long (Leicester) 21 4
Kirsty Mackay (GK) (Bowdon Hightown) 22 0
Hannah Macleod (Leicester) 24 15
Sam Quek (Bowdon Hightown) 20 2
Chloe Rogers (Leicester) 24 52
Natalie Seymour (Canterbury) 22 11
Beth Storry (GK) (SCHC) 31 36
Chloe Strong (Pinoke) 25 4
Laura Unsworth (Loughborough Students) 21 4
Kate Walsh (SCHC) 29 137
Sally Walton (Bowdon Hightown) 24 41
Nicola White (Loughborough Students) 21 0
Kerry Williams (Leicester) 23 18
England Hockey Media release
Buenos Aires and Vancouver’s Dirty Birds in Cal Cup 2009 finals
By Jawwad Qamar
May 24, Moorpark, CA: Ignacio Manes started the scoring in the second minute for Ciudad de Buenos Aires against an stubborn yet unlucky Cougars and closed out the scoring on beautiful fast break counter, set up by Facundo Callioni, at the 41st minute in a highly charged semifinal match in front of large partisan crowd for a 3-2 victory.
After the early Buenos Aires lead, Cougars answered on Pat Harris’s amazing run from the left ending on a reverse stick shot in the 11 minute mark and then went ahead on a tap in by Rutger Wiese at the end of another long penetration from the left by Pat Harris. The Argentineans leveled the score at 2-2 one minute before the half as the veteran Juan Pablo Correa went in high on his team’s fifth penalty corner. A take down of Wiese inside the circle midway through the second half resulted in a penalty stroke signal by umpire Sumesh Putra for the Cougars but Pat Harris’ attempt was far wide much to the dismay of the crowd as a golden opportunity to even the score went away in a very physical but entertaining game that saw one green and two yellow cards for Buenos Aires and one green and three yellow cards for the Cougars.
Cougars earlier in the day were held to a 2-2 draw by the USA Juniors in a pool B encounter to decide the second semifinalist. Both teams ended with four points but the Cougars advanced on the goal difference.
In the second semifinal, the Dirty Birds had the upper hand through much of the match against the Hockey Factory on goals by Stephen Bissett and Connor Meakin and thanks to the heroics of David Carter in the goal. Carter saved a penalty stroke by Jasper Vredegoor early in the first half and denied the opposition on five penalty corners. However, Vredegoor broke Carter’s shutout with three minutes remaining in the game for a 2-1 final result.
Ciudad de Buenos Aires and Dirty Birds will meet in the championship match at 1:30 pm on Monday in what is expected to be another highly charged contest for the $5,000 Cal Cup cash.
Rush’d who have yet to concede a goal in the tournament will face Jolie Pitts for the women’s title at 12:00 pm, also on Monday.
For all scores, schedule and directions to the hockey venues, please visit www.calcup.net.
Fieldhockey.com Exclusive
Juniors will have it tough against European giants
By Ajitpal Singh
THE National Juniors, after the experience of competing in local and international tournaments, have made significant progress but it will be a tough call if they are good enough to make an impact in the Junior World Cup which will be co-hosted by Johor and Singapore on July 7-21.
The quarter-final target set by the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) is ambitious as the team, coached by K. Rajan, are still inexperienced and lack depth. None of the current players have senior team experience and this handicap will make things difficult for them.
Though the team have improved admirably under Rajan who took over the from V. Muraleedharan last October, it will be tough for them to advance to the second stage of the Junior World Cup.
Malaysia have been drawn with European giants Spain, England, South Korea and the United States in Group C and past records against these teams do not favour the hosts.
The team drew 1-1 with England and lost 2-1 to Spain in a Four-Nation Invitational in Seville in March.
Malaysia were beaten 2-1 by Korea in last year's Junior Eight-Nation tournament in Bukit Jalil.
Rajan's boys need to win at least three matches to ensure a top-two finish in their group and a place in the quarter-finals.
MHF deputy president Nur Azmi Ahmad said the players have grown in confidence and it should be enough to make an impact on the tournament.
"They have progressed and have also obtained good results against top teams," said Nur Azmi in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
"Past records don't count as we played these teams during our preparation. Our players are 100 per cent focused and determined to do well." Malaysia open their campaign against England at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru on June 7 and play Korea the next day. They then face the US on June 10 and wrap their preliminary round fixtures with Spain two days later.
Prior to the big event, the Juniors will play friendly matches against Belgium (June 2) and Pakistan (June 4).
The final-18 will be announced by MHF after the friendly against Pakistan.
The training squad -- Goalkeepers: Abdul Hakim Adnan, Asmawi Zaidi, Mohd Faizal Zalani.
Defenders: Khairil Anuar Isa, Sybrie Shamsuddin, Nor Hafiq Ghaffar, Marhan Jalil, Wong Kee Hoon, G. Kavin Kartik, Kazamarul Nasruddin.
Midfielders: Faizal Saari, Shafiq Zain, Izzat Rahim, Shaheeb Shah.
Forwards: Azzami Adabi, Harvinder Singh, R. Nadesh, Mohamed Noor Khairul Adnan, Jamil Saidin, Izwan Firdaus Ahmad Tajuddin, Ahmad Termizi Ismail.
Groupings -- Group A: Argentina, Belgium, Egypt, Pakistan, Russia; Group B: Australia, Chile, Germany, Japan, South Africa; Group C: England, South Korea, Malaysia, Spain, US; Group D: India, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Singapore.
Groups A and C will be based in Johor Baru, while Groups B and D in Singapore.
New Straits Times
Confident colts eye world title
By our correspondent
KARACHI: Pakistan are hoping to regain the Junior Hockey World Cup next month after announcing a balanced 20-man squad following two-day trials in Lahore on Saturday.
Team coach Khawaja Junaid said on Sunday that his charges are high on confidence after having won a couple of titles in Malaysia and Egypt earlier this year and will give a forceful show in the Junior World Cup to be co-hosted by Malaysia and Singapore from June 7-21.
Experienced forward Shafqat Rasool is at the helm of the national team that is eyeing the world title and according to their coach the boys are capable of doing that.
"I will not say that we will just go out there and win the World Cup but this is a capable team and if its clicks anything is possible," said the former Olympian.
Pakistan are placed in Pool A of the 20-nation Junior World Cup and will play all their initial matches in Johor Bahru (Malaysia). They are bracketed with Argentina, Belgium, Egypt and Russia. Australia head Pool B that also includes Chile, Germany, Japan and South Africa. Pool C consists of England, Korea, Malaysia, Spain and USA while India spearhead Pool D ahead of Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland and Singapore.
Pakistan will play their opening match of the tournament against Russia on June 7. The colts will face Egypt on June 8, Argentina on June 11 and Belgium on June 12.
Pakistan squad:
Goalkeepers: Imran Shah and Imran Butt
Defenders: Muhammad Ateeq, Kashif Ali and Amir Shahzad
Midfielders: Muhammad Irfan, Fareed Ahmad, Muhammad Rashid, Mohsin Bilal, Sibtain Raza
Forwards: Waqas Sharif, Shafqat Rasool (captain), Abdul Haseem Khan (vice-captain), Abbas Haider, Muhammad Zubair, Inayat Ullah, Muhammad Rizwan, Muhammad Taufeeq, Hassan Akhtar and Azlan Khan.
The News International
Shafqat Rasool to lead green shirts
PHF names 20-member squad for Junior World Cup
Staff Report
LAHORE: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Saturday named a 20-man squad for the Junior World Cup to be held in Malaysia and Singapore from June 7-21. The selectors picked the team after two-day trials here at the National Hockey Stadium. In all, 24 probables appeared for the trials. Shafqat Rasool will lead the squad whose vice captain is Abdul Haseem Khan. Striker Hassan Akhtar, son of former Pakistan captain Akhtar Rasool, had also been included in the outfit although sources revealed that the selectors and coaches had some differences over Hassan’s selection. “Head coach Khawaja Junaid was favouring centre-half Usman Tariq in his place. The coach’s point of view was seriously considered in a closed-door meeting held in the morning but Hassan got the surprising nod of the selectors when the team was named in the evening,” sources added.
Twenty teams participating in the World Cup have been divided into four pools. Pakistan are in Pool A along with Argentina, Belgium, Egypt and Russia. Pool B comprises of Australia, Chile, Germany, Japan and South Africa. Pool C has England, South Korea, Malaysia, Spain and USA while Pool D consists of India, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland and Singapore. Pakistan will play their opening match against Russia on June 7. They face Egypt on June 8, Argentina on 11 and are to play their last match against Belgium on June 12. Pool A matches will be played in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
“It is the most suitable combination that has been selected from the best available talent,” head coach Junaid told reporters. He said he was confident that the team would achieve their set objective in the World Cup by putting up a good show. “I am not making tall claims, but the way we have performed in two previous international tournaments we are confident that our team members are capable of surprising many top ranking teams.”
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Imran Shah and Imran Butt. Full-backs: Mohammad Ateeq, Kashif Ali and Amir Shahzad. Half-backs: Mohammad Irfan, Fareed Ahmad, Mohammad Rashid, Mohsin Bilal, Sibtain Raza. Forwards: Waqas Sharif, Shafqat Rasool (captain), Abdul Haseem Khan (vice captain), Abbas Haider, Mohammad Zubair, Inayatullah, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Taufeeq, Hassan Akhtar and Azlan Khan.
The Daily Times
Pakistan failed to achieve objective in Asia Cup, says Zakir Syed
By Muhammad Ali
LAHORE: Former Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) director general Zakir Hussain Syed said on Sunday that the Pakistan hockey team failed to achieve their objective in the recently concluded Asia Cup where the green shirts lost to South Korea in the final. “Pakistan’s objective in the Asia Cup 2009 was to win and qualify for the World Cup in India. This target was not achieved. And though reaching the final might be of some consolation, the end result remains the same as before the Asia Cup. We will now have to go through the qualifying round and the uncertainty that invariably accompanies any such process,” he said while talking to Daily Times.
The renowned sports administrator and columnist said Pakistan played their best match against India whom they beat 4-2 to avenge the Ipoh defeat. “But I personally feel that Pakistan had the capacity and strength to beat South Korea but they failed because of a poor strategy.” Zakir Syed said Pakistan got the opportunity to take lead in the opening five minutes when they missed two penalty corners and a sitter. “Anybody associated with Pakistan hockey knows quite well that once penalty corner expert Sohail Abbas starts missing he comes under great pressure and begins to falter. Before the final Sohail had missed around eight penalty corners already. In any case, the Koreans were fully prepared for Sohail and their manager told me after the final that they even had a ‘Kamikaze plan’ in place like the Sydney Olympics where their goal-keeper and defenders made a frontal dash in the path of Sohail’s penalty corners irrespective of the injuries that they suffered making Sohail miss nearly ten shots when coach Islahuddin kept asking Sohail to take these shots.” Zakir Syed, a well-known hockey analyst who was in Malaysia to witness the Asia Cup, said in any such eventuality the best option was to try a different option or an indirect shot to surprise the opposition. “Unfortunately, Asif Bajwa repeated Islah’s folly and paid the penalty.”
He said the Koreans were considered pre-tournament favourites but he still felt that Pakistan should have won to qualify for the World Cup. “More intelligent handling could have produced success which was so essential to ensure Pakistan’s future presence in top class hockey. Asif Bajwa was the boss calling the shots, issuing instructions from the team bench. He tried the alternate option too late. I have said before and say it again that he should decide what he wants to be, a coach or an administrator. Unfortunately, both jobs just cannot be combined.” Zakir Syed was all praise for the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) for recalling the senior players. “We must give credit to the PHF for recalling senior players Wasim Ahmad, Rehan Butt, Sohail Abbas and goalkeeper Salman Akbar. It was their presence that transformed the Pakistan squad and suddenly the team that looked so ordinary in Ipoh became a different outfit altogether.”
Zakir Syed said out of the remaining lot only forwards Abdul Haseem Khan, Mohammad Irfan and Zeeshan Ashraf were impressive. “Salman’s strength under the bar was a major source of strength for the team while the collective contribution of the other three completely transformed the team.” He said the PHF should now concentrate on the future build up of the team and must give due emphasis to grooming physically strong and tall youngsters as physique does play a major role in the ultimate outcome. He came hard on coach Shahid Ali Khan. “Shahid should be asked to quit as coach of the national team. Some of his interviews like the one in which he told a Malaysian journalist that he was making great personal sacrifice being away from his family and personal obligations were really embarrassing. Have you ever heard a national coach ever saying that! Coaching a national team is a matter of honour or pride for any individual. The PHF should thank Shahid for the great sacrifice that he has made and should say goodbye to him,” Zakir Syed concluded.
The Daily Times
Skipper confident of hockey World Cup qualification
By Imran Ali Teepu
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan hockey team captain Zeeshan Ashraf is confident that his side will be able to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.
Talking to Dawn, the 32-year old fullback said: ‘The team’s performance at the Asia Cup has brightened our chances to clear the World Cup 2010 qualifying round despite tough matches.’
South Korea clinched an automatic berth to the 2010 World Cup that is to be played in New Delhi after they defeated Pakistan 1-0 in the recently-concluded Asia Cup.
The fours teams which featured in the Asia Cup including Pakistan will now play the qualifying tournaments, tentatively set to be held in November at three venues – Lille (France), Auckland (New Zealand) and Dubai (UAE).
‘We had a bit of bad luck in the Asia Cup but we are back in action and our ranking has also improved,’ he said.
‘We have started preparations for the qualifying round and intend giving a tough time to other competing teams,’ the Olympian said.
Pakistan has climbed two points on the International Hockey Federation (FIH) ranking table after displaying good performance at the Asia Cup and is now ranked at No 6 in the world.
‘The senior players are back in the team and are putting on a good show along with the young players,’ he said.
‘The upcoming international fixtures will witness a fine combination of energy and experience,’ said Zeeshan, a veteran of 295 international matches.
He asserted: ‘There is complete unity and understanding among the boys. The PHF has also hired a Dutch physical trainer and the players are undergoing good strenuous physical training.’
When asked about their strategy to clear the World Cup qualifying round, Zeeshan said: ‘PHF should also arrange matches with a few European teams such as Spain, Holland and Germany.’
Dawn
D/Force women take hockey lead
Defence Force joined Stag Malvern at the top of the T&T Hockey Board Women’s Championship Division table after beating Ventures 4-0 at the National Hockey Centre, Tacarigua on Saturday night.
Kathleen La Rode-Francois, Nicole Aming, Naila Williams and Charlene Williams scored a goal each for Defence Force, to secure its fourth from as many matches. Defence Force moved to maximum 12 points, the same as Malvern who has played five matches. Malvern missed out on a chance to keep sole possession of top spot after a shock 1-0 loss versus Paradise at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, Training Field, Bacolet.
Kelis Graham was the heroine for Paradise as she scored the lone goal in the 15th minute. In the Men’s Championship Division, Malvern and United Petrotrin both won easily over Paradise and Corona Fatima. Joshua De Four scored twice in the first-half and Colin Byron added the other for Malvern to beat Paradise 3-1 while Wayne Legerton helped himself to a hat-trick in Petrotrin’s 5-2 demolition of Fatima.
Magnolias win Under-19 girls crown
Carib Magnolias secured the first title at stake in this year’s T&T Hockey Board season when they won the Under-19 Division Girls’ crown on Saturday. Magnolias whipped Paragon 3-1 with a goal each from Tamara De Nobriga, Fiona O’Brien and Brianna Govia to end its six match campaign with maximum 12 points.
Saturday’s Results
Men’s Championship
Petrotrin 5 (Wayne Legerton 3, Atiba Whittington, Michael O’Connor) vs Corona Fatima 2 (Shane Newallo, Quinn Clarke)
Stag Malvern 3 (Joshua De Four 4th, 10th, Colin Byron 28th) vs Paradise 1 (Jarel Thompson 56th).
Women’s Championship
Paradise 1 (Kelis Graham 15th) vs Stag Malvern 0.
Defence Force 4 (Kathleen La Rode-Francois, Nicole Aming, Naila Williams, Charlene Williams) vs Ventures 0.
Trinity Men
Stag Malvern 0 vs Paradise 0
Under-19 Boys
Paradise 2 (Theron Stoute, Desmond Archer) vs Stag Malvern 1 (Teague Marcano).
Notre Dame 11 (Aaron Mc David 7, Aidan De Gannes 2, Isaac Pernell, Danil Trancuso) vs Paragon 2 (Kern Lee, Justin Oxley).
Under-19 Girls
Carib Magnolias 3 (Tamara De Nobriga, Fiona O’Brien, Brianna Govia) vs Paragon 1 (Nikita Cudjoe).
The Trinidad Guardian
MHL to decide on dates in July
By Ajitpal Singh
THE new dates for the Premier Division of the Malaysia Hockey League will be fixed after the International Hockey Federation (FIH) releases the groupings for the World Cup Qualifiers.
The FIH will only make the draw sometime in July and Malaysia could be in any one of three qualifying tournaments involving six teams each -- in Lille (Oct 31-Nov 8), Auckland (Nov 7-15) and a yet-to-be-named venue (Nov -TBC).
MHF competitions committee head Datuk Rahim Mohamed Arif said FIH will release the draw after the Champions Challenge II in Dublin on July 6-12.
"If Malaysia are drawn to play in Lille then the committee will scheduled the MHL Premier Division somewhere in November.
The two-month long league will only start in December if Malaysia are grouped either in the second or third qualifiers," said Rahim, after chairing the competitions committee meeting at MHF headquarters in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
"We cannot hold the league right after the Champions Challenge II as the local calendar is packed with tournaments and also the national team will be playing test matches abroad."
The Premier League may also feature a foreign team as Singapore have been invited to send their top club for the competition.
So far, four teams -- defending champions Ernst & Young, Sapura, Maybank and Tenaga Nasional -- have confirmed their entries while Nur Insafi, Universiti Kuala Lumpur and Jurutera, Letrik dan Jentera (JLJ) have yet to reply.
Meanwhile, Malacca City Council maintained their lead in the Division One standings after winning 5-2 against Air Force in Sungai Petani.
Malacca CC's scorers were Hanif Rahim (17th and 45th minutes), Syafiq Amir (10th), Syakir Kamaruddin (61st) and Mirhardy Nawawi (69th).
Air Force replied through Fattah Jalaluddin (42nd) and Azwar Hafiz (55th).
Malacca CC, who are tipped to win the title, will face Armed Forces Juniors on Friday.
RESULTS: Air Force 2 Malacca CC 5, UNIMAP 0 UiTM 2.
New Straits Times
MHL unable to confirm start of Premier League
By S. RAMAGURU
KUALA LUMPUR: The national hockey team’s preparations for the World Cup qualifying tournament will get priority over the domestic competition.
The Malaysia Hockey League’s (MHL) Premier League will only start after the national team’s participation in the qualifying tournament for next year’s Finals, which will be hosted by India.
The Malaysia Hockey Federation (MHF) competitions committee chairman, Datuk Abdul Rahim Mohamed Ariff, said that the dates of the qualifying tournament had not been finalised but it is expected to be held in either later October or in November.
“We are not able to fix the dates for the Premier League. But it was agreed today that the national team’s preparations will not be disrupted. The Premier League will begin only after the qualifying tournament,” he said after a three-hour meeting yesterday.
There will be three World Cup qualifying tournaments and two of the venues have been confirmed — Lille (Oct 31-Nov 8) and Auckland (Nov 7-15). Dubai are down to host the other tournament but the International Hockey Federation (FIH) have not made a final decision.
“We believe that the FIH will select the teams for the three tournaments after the Champions Challenge II, which will be held in Dublin from July 5-12. That is a ranking tournament and will provide a clear picture on the teams involved in the three qualifiers,” said Rahim.
Each tournament will have six teams and only the winners will make the cut for the Finals in New Delhi.
Malaysia are the second seeds in the Champions Challenge II involving eight teams. The other teams in the fray in Dublin are Japan, Ireland, Poland, Chile, Russia, Austria and France.
The Star of Malaysia
Malacca side extend lead to three points
PETALING JAYA: Malacca City Council (MCC) moved three points clear at the top of the Malaysia Hockey League Division One standings after a 5-2 win over Air Force at the Sungei Petani Hockey Stadium here yesterday.
The Malacca side have 10 points after four games while second-placed Armed Forces Airod are on seven points with one game in hand.
It was an easy win for the MCC yesterday with youngster Mohamed Hanif Rahim, who also played in Division Two, scoring a brace in the 17th and 45th minute from penalty corners.
Mohamed Ariffin Dollah had put MCC in the lead in the 10th minute. The other scorers for MCC were Mohamed Syakir and Mihardy Nawawi in the 61st and 69th minutes respectively.
The scorers for the Air Force were Abdul Fattah Jalaluddin in the 42nd minute and Azwar Hafiz Zulkifli in the 55th minute.
At the Kangar Hockey Stadium, UiTM beat Unimap 2-0 to move into fourth place.
A goal in each half gave them their second win in three matches. Nazmi Kamaruddin scored the opening goal in the 19th minute off a field attempt while Jazahanim Ahmad flicked home from the penalty corner in the 48th minute.
The Star of Malaysia
England come from behind to draw
In the second of the weekend’s two practice matches against Scotland at Belle Vue in Manchester, England’s women came from behind to draw 1-1.
Scotland had taken an early lead after a penalty corner effort from Catriona Forrest was deflected in off the stick of England defender Sam Quek but Alex Danson restored parity 15 minutes later with a reverse stick strike.
England’s women will next be in action in two fixtures against Spain on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 June 2009 at Highfields Sports Club in Nottingham.
England (w) v Scotland, Manchester, Sunday, 24 May 2009
England 1 (1)
Alex Danson 21 (F)
Scotland 1 (1)
Catriona Forrest 4 (F)
England squad for matches versus Scotland, 23-24 May 2009
Name - (Club) - Age - England Caps
Ashleigh Ball (Slough) 23 3
Alex Danson (Klein Zwitserland) 23 78
Gemma Darrington (Leicester) 22 2
Jo Ellis (Bowdon Hightown) 25 18
Susie Gilbert (University of Birmingham) 20 4
Rebecca Herbert (Kampong) 22 43
Katie Long (Leicester) 21 4
Kirsty Mackay (GK) (Bowdon Hightown) 22 0
Hannah Macleod (Leicester) 24 15
Sam Quek (Bowdon Hightown) 20 2
Chloe Rogers (Leicester) 24 52
Natalie Seymour (Canterbury) 22 11
Beth Storry (GK) (SCHC) 31 36
Chloe Strong (Pinoke) 25 4
Laura Unsworth (Loughborough Students) 21 4
Kate Walsh (SCHC) 29 137
Sally Walton (Bowdon Hightown) 24 41
Nicola White (Loughborough Students) 21 0
Kerry Williams (Leicester) 23 18
England Hockey Media release
Buenos Aires and Vancouver’s Dirty Birds in Cal Cup 2009 finals
By Jawwad Qamar
May 24, Moorpark, CA: Ignacio Manes started the scoring in the second minute for Ciudad de Buenos Aires against an stubborn yet unlucky Cougars and closed out the scoring on beautiful fast break counter, set up by Facundo Callioni, at the 41st minute in a highly charged semifinal match in front of large partisan crowd for a 3-2 victory.
After the early Buenos Aires lead, Cougars answered on Pat Harris’s amazing run from the left ending on a reverse stick shot in the 11 minute mark and then went ahead on a tap in by Rutger Wiese at the end of another long penetration from the left by Pat Harris. The Argentineans leveled the score at 2-2 one minute before the half as the veteran Juan Pablo Correa went in high on his team’s fifth penalty corner. A take down of Wiese inside the circle midway through the second half resulted in a penalty stroke signal by umpire Sumesh Putra for the Cougars but Pat Harris’ attempt was far wide much to the dismay of the crowd as a golden opportunity to even the score went away in a very physical but entertaining game that saw one green and two yellow cards for Buenos Aires and one green and three yellow cards for the Cougars.
Cougars earlier in the day were held to a 2-2 draw by the USA Juniors in a pool B encounter to decide the second semifinalist. Both teams ended with four points but the Cougars advanced on the goal difference.
In the second semifinal, the Dirty Birds had the upper hand through much of the match against the Hockey Factory on goals by Stephen Bissett and Connor Meakin and thanks to the heroics of David Carter in the goal. Carter saved a penalty stroke by Jasper Vredegoor early in the first half and denied the opposition on five penalty corners. However, Vredegoor broke Carter’s shutout with three minutes remaining in the game for a 2-1 final result.
Ciudad de Buenos Aires and Dirty Birds will meet in the championship match at 1:30 pm on Monday in what is expected to be another highly charged contest for the $5,000 Cal Cup cash.
Rush’d who have yet to concede a goal in the tournament will face Jolie Pitts for the women’s title at 12:00 pm, also on Monday.
For all scores, schedule and directions to the hockey venues, please visit www.calcup.net.
Fieldhockey.com Exclusive
Juniors will have it tough against European giants
By Ajitpal Singh
THE National Juniors, after the experience of competing in local and international tournaments, have made significant progress but it will be a tough call if they are good enough to make an impact in the Junior World Cup which will be co-hosted by Johor and Singapore on July 7-21.
The quarter-final target set by the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) is ambitious as the team, coached by K. Rajan, are still inexperienced and lack depth. None of the current players have senior team experience and this handicap will make things difficult for them.
Though the team have improved admirably under Rajan who took over the from V. Muraleedharan last October, it will be tough for them to advance to the second stage of the Junior World Cup.
Malaysia have been drawn with European giants Spain, England, South Korea and the United States in Group C and past records against these teams do not favour the hosts.
The team drew 1-1 with England and lost 2-1 to Spain in a Four-Nation Invitational in Seville in March.
Malaysia were beaten 2-1 by Korea in last year's Junior Eight-Nation tournament in Bukit Jalil.
Rajan's boys need to win at least three matches to ensure a top-two finish in their group and a place in the quarter-finals.
MHF deputy president Nur Azmi Ahmad said the players have grown in confidence and it should be enough to make an impact on the tournament.
"They have progressed and have also obtained good results against top teams," said Nur Azmi in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
"Past records don't count as we played these teams during our preparation. Our players are 100 per cent focused and determined to do well." Malaysia open their campaign against England at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru on June 7 and play Korea the next day. They then face the US on June 10 and wrap their preliminary round fixtures with Spain two days later.
Prior to the big event, the Juniors will play friendly matches against Belgium (June 2) and Pakistan (June 4).
The final-18 will be announced by MHF after the friendly against Pakistan.
The training squad -- Goalkeepers: Abdul Hakim Adnan, Asmawi Zaidi, Mohd Faizal Zalani.
Defenders: Khairil Anuar Isa, Sybrie Shamsuddin, Nor Hafiq Ghaffar, Marhan Jalil, Wong Kee Hoon, G. Kavin Kartik, Kazamarul Nasruddin.
Midfielders: Faizal Saari, Shafiq Zain, Izzat Rahim, Shaheeb Shah.
Forwards: Azzami Adabi, Harvinder Singh, R. Nadesh, Mohamed Noor Khairul Adnan, Jamil Saidin, Izwan Firdaus Ahmad Tajuddin, Ahmad Termizi Ismail.
Groupings -- Group A: Argentina, Belgium, Egypt, Pakistan, Russia; Group B: Australia, Chile, Germany, Japan, South Africa; Group C: England, South Korea, Malaysia, Spain, US; Group D: India, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Singapore.
Groups A and C will be based in Johor Baru, while Groups B and D in Singapore.
New Straits Times
Confident colts eye world title
By our correspondent
KARACHI: Pakistan are hoping to regain the Junior Hockey World Cup next month after announcing a balanced 20-man squad following two-day trials in Lahore on Saturday.
Team coach Khawaja Junaid said on Sunday that his charges are high on confidence after having won a couple of titles in Malaysia and Egypt earlier this year and will give a forceful show in the Junior World Cup to be co-hosted by Malaysia and Singapore from June 7-21.
Experienced forward Shafqat Rasool is at the helm of the national team that is eyeing the world title and according to their coach the boys are capable of doing that.
"I will not say that we will just go out there and win the World Cup but this is a capable team and if its clicks anything is possible," said the former Olympian.
Pakistan are placed in Pool A of the 20-nation Junior World Cup and will play all their initial matches in Johor Bahru (Malaysia). They are bracketed with Argentina, Belgium, Egypt and Russia. Australia head Pool B that also includes Chile, Germany, Japan and South Africa. Pool C consists of England, Korea, Malaysia, Spain and USA while India spearhead Pool D ahead of Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland and Singapore.
Pakistan will play their opening match of the tournament against Russia on June 7. The colts will face Egypt on June 8, Argentina on June 11 and Belgium on June 12.
Pakistan squad:
Goalkeepers: Imran Shah and Imran Butt
Defenders: Muhammad Ateeq, Kashif Ali and Amir Shahzad
Midfielders: Muhammad Irfan, Fareed Ahmad, Muhammad Rashid, Mohsin Bilal, Sibtain Raza
Forwards: Waqas Sharif, Shafqat Rasool (captain), Abdul Haseem Khan (vice-captain), Abbas Haider, Muhammad Zubair, Inayat Ullah, Muhammad Rizwan, Muhammad Taufeeq, Hassan Akhtar and Azlan Khan.
The News International
Shafqat Rasool to lead green shirts
PHF names 20-member squad for Junior World Cup
Staff Report
LAHORE: The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Saturday named a 20-man squad for the Junior World Cup to be held in Malaysia and Singapore from June 7-21. The selectors picked the team after two-day trials here at the National Hockey Stadium. In all, 24 probables appeared for the trials. Shafqat Rasool will lead the squad whose vice captain is Abdul Haseem Khan. Striker Hassan Akhtar, son of former Pakistan captain Akhtar Rasool, had also been included in the outfit although sources revealed that the selectors and coaches had some differences over Hassan’s selection. “Head coach Khawaja Junaid was favouring centre-half Usman Tariq in his place. The coach’s point of view was seriously considered in a closed-door meeting held in the morning but Hassan got the surprising nod of the selectors when the team was named in the evening,” sources added.
Twenty teams participating in the World Cup have been divided into four pools. Pakistan are in Pool A along with Argentina, Belgium, Egypt and Russia. Pool B comprises of Australia, Chile, Germany, Japan and South Africa. Pool C has England, South Korea, Malaysia, Spain and USA while Pool D consists of India, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland and Singapore. Pakistan will play their opening match against Russia on June 7. They face Egypt on June 8, Argentina on 11 and are to play their last match against Belgium on June 12. Pool A matches will be played in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
“It is the most suitable combination that has been selected from the best available talent,” head coach Junaid told reporters. He said he was confident that the team would achieve their set objective in the World Cup by putting up a good show. “I am not making tall claims, but the way we have performed in two previous international tournaments we are confident that our team members are capable of surprising many top ranking teams.”
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Imran Shah and Imran Butt. Full-backs: Mohammad Ateeq, Kashif Ali and Amir Shahzad. Half-backs: Mohammad Irfan, Fareed Ahmad, Mohammad Rashid, Mohsin Bilal, Sibtain Raza. Forwards: Waqas Sharif, Shafqat Rasool (captain), Abdul Haseem Khan (vice captain), Abbas Haider, Mohammad Zubair, Inayatullah, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Taufeeq, Hassan Akhtar and Azlan Khan.
The Daily Times
Pakistan failed to achieve objective in Asia Cup, says Zakir Syed
By Muhammad Ali
LAHORE: Former Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) director general Zakir Hussain Syed said on Sunday that the Pakistan hockey team failed to achieve their objective in the recently concluded Asia Cup where the green shirts lost to South Korea in the final. “Pakistan’s objective in the Asia Cup 2009 was to win and qualify for the World Cup in India. This target was not achieved. And though reaching the final might be of some consolation, the end result remains the same as before the Asia Cup. We will now have to go through the qualifying round and the uncertainty that invariably accompanies any such process,” he said while talking to Daily Times.
The renowned sports administrator and columnist said Pakistan played their best match against India whom they beat 4-2 to avenge the Ipoh defeat. “But I personally feel that Pakistan had the capacity and strength to beat South Korea but they failed because of a poor strategy.” Zakir Syed said Pakistan got the opportunity to take lead in the opening five minutes when they missed two penalty corners and a sitter. “Anybody associated with Pakistan hockey knows quite well that once penalty corner expert Sohail Abbas starts missing he comes under great pressure and begins to falter. Before the final Sohail had missed around eight penalty corners already. In any case, the Koreans were fully prepared for Sohail and their manager told me after the final that they even had a ‘Kamikaze plan’ in place like the Sydney Olympics where their goal-keeper and defenders made a frontal dash in the path of Sohail’s penalty corners irrespective of the injuries that they suffered making Sohail miss nearly ten shots when coach Islahuddin kept asking Sohail to take these shots.” Zakir Syed, a well-known hockey analyst who was in Malaysia to witness the Asia Cup, said in any such eventuality the best option was to try a different option or an indirect shot to surprise the opposition. “Unfortunately, Asif Bajwa repeated Islah’s folly and paid the penalty.”
He said the Koreans were considered pre-tournament favourites but he still felt that Pakistan should have won to qualify for the World Cup. “More intelligent handling could have produced success which was so essential to ensure Pakistan’s future presence in top class hockey. Asif Bajwa was the boss calling the shots, issuing instructions from the team bench. He tried the alternate option too late. I have said before and say it again that he should decide what he wants to be, a coach or an administrator. Unfortunately, both jobs just cannot be combined.” Zakir Syed was all praise for the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) for recalling the senior players. “We must give credit to the PHF for recalling senior players Wasim Ahmad, Rehan Butt, Sohail Abbas and goalkeeper Salman Akbar. It was their presence that transformed the Pakistan squad and suddenly the team that looked so ordinary in Ipoh became a different outfit altogether.”
Zakir Syed said out of the remaining lot only forwards Abdul Haseem Khan, Mohammad Irfan and Zeeshan Ashraf were impressive. “Salman’s strength under the bar was a major source of strength for the team while the collective contribution of the other three completely transformed the team.” He said the PHF should now concentrate on the future build up of the team and must give due emphasis to grooming physically strong and tall youngsters as physique does play a major role in the ultimate outcome. He came hard on coach Shahid Ali Khan. “Shahid should be asked to quit as coach of the national team. Some of his interviews like the one in which he told a Malaysian journalist that he was making great personal sacrifice being away from his family and personal obligations were really embarrassing. Have you ever heard a national coach ever saying that! Coaching a national team is a matter of honour or pride for any individual. The PHF should thank Shahid for the great sacrifice that he has made and should say goodbye to him,” Zakir Syed concluded.
The Daily Times
Skipper confident of hockey World Cup qualification
By Imran Ali Teepu
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan hockey team captain Zeeshan Ashraf is confident that his side will be able to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.
Talking to Dawn, the 32-year old fullback said: ‘The team’s performance at the Asia Cup has brightened our chances to clear the World Cup 2010 qualifying round despite tough matches.’
South Korea clinched an automatic berth to the 2010 World Cup that is to be played in New Delhi after they defeated Pakistan 1-0 in the recently-concluded Asia Cup.
The fours teams which featured in the Asia Cup including Pakistan will now play the qualifying tournaments, tentatively set to be held in November at three venues – Lille (France), Auckland (New Zealand) and Dubai (UAE).
‘We had a bit of bad luck in the Asia Cup but we are back in action and our ranking has also improved,’ he said.
‘We have started preparations for the qualifying round and intend giving a tough time to other competing teams,’ the Olympian said.
Pakistan has climbed two points on the International Hockey Federation (FIH) ranking table after displaying good performance at the Asia Cup and is now ranked at No 6 in the world.
‘The senior players are back in the team and are putting on a good show along with the young players,’ he said.
‘The upcoming international fixtures will witness a fine combination of energy and experience,’ said Zeeshan, a veteran of 295 international matches.
He asserted: ‘There is complete unity and understanding among the boys. The PHF has also hired a Dutch physical trainer and the players are undergoing good strenuous physical training.’
When asked about their strategy to clear the World Cup qualifying round, Zeeshan said: ‘PHF should also arrange matches with a few European teams such as Spain, Holland and Germany.’
Dawn
D/Force women take hockey lead
Defence Force joined Stag Malvern at the top of the T&T Hockey Board Women’s Championship Division table after beating Ventures 4-0 at the National Hockey Centre, Tacarigua on Saturday night.
Kathleen La Rode-Francois, Nicole Aming, Naila Williams and Charlene Williams scored a goal each for Defence Force, to secure its fourth from as many matches. Defence Force moved to maximum 12 points, the same as Malvern who has played five matches. Malvern missed out on a chance to keep sole possession of top spot after a shock 1-0 loss versus Paradise at the Dwight Yorke Stadium, Training Field, Bacolet.
Kelis Graham was the heroine for Paradise as she scored the lone goal in the 15th minute. In the Men’s Championship Division, Malvern and United Petrotrin both won easily over Paradise and Corona Fatima. Joshua De Four scored twice in the first-half and Colin Byron added the other for Malvern to beat Paradise 3-1 while Wayne Legerton helped himself to a hat-trick in Petrotrin’s 5-2 demolition of Fatima.
Magnolias win Under-19 girls crown
Carib Magnolias secured the first title at stake in this year’s T&T Hockey Board season when they won the Under-19 Division Girls’ crown on Saturday. Magnolias whipped Paragon 3-1 with a goal each from Tamara De Nobriga, Fiona O’Brien and Brianna Govia to end its six match campaign with maximum 12 points.
Saturday’s Results
Men’s Championship
Petrotrin 5 (Wayne Legerton 3, Atiba Whittington, Michael O’Connor) vs Corona Fatima 2 (Shane Newallo, Quinn Clarke)
Stag Malvern 3 (Joshua De Four 4th, 10th, Colin Byron 28th) vs Paradise 1 (Jarel Thompson 56th).
Women’s Championship
Paradise 1 (Kelis Graham 15th) vs Stag Malvern 0.
Defence Force 4 (Kathleen La Rode-Francois, Nicole Aming, Naila Williams, Charlene Williams) vs Ventures 0.
Trinity Men
Stag Malvern 0 vs Paradise 0
Under-19 Boys
Paradise 2 (Theron Stoute, Desmond Archer) vs Stag Malvern 1 (Teague Marcano).
Notre Dame 11 (Aaron Mc David 7, Aidan De Gannes 2, Isaac Pernell, Danil Trancuso) vs Paragon 2 (Kern Lee, Justin Oxley).
Under-19 Girls
Carib Magnolias 3 (Tamara De Nobriga, Fiona O’Brien, Brianna Govia) vs Paragon 1 (Nikita Cudjoe).
The Trinidad Guardian
MHL to decide on dates in July
By Ajitpal Singh
THE new dates for the Premier Division of the Malaysia Hockey League will be fixed after the International Hockey Federation (FIH) releases the groupings for the World Cup Qualifiers.
The FIH will only make the draw sometime in July and Malaysia could be in any one of three qualifying tournaments involving six teams each -- in Lille (Oct 31-Nov 8), Auckland (Nov 7-15) and a yet-to-be-named venue (Nov -TBC).
MHF competitions committee head Datuk Rahim Mohamed Arif said FIH will release the draw after the Champions Challenge II in Dublin on July 6-12.
"If Malaysia are drawn to play in Lille then the committee will scheduled the MHL Premier Division somewhere in November.
The two-month long league will only start in December if Malaysia are grouped either in the second or third qualifiers," said Rahim, after chairing the competitions committee meeting at MHF headquarters in Bukit Jalil yesterday.
"We cannot hold the league right after the Champions Challenge II as the local calendar is packed with tournaments and also the national team will be playing test matches abroad."
The Premier League may also feature a foreign team as Singapore have been invited to send their top club for the competition.
So far, four teams -- defending champions Ernst & Young, Sapura, Maybank and Tenaga Nasional -- have confirmed their entries while Nur Insafi, Universiti Kuala Lumpur and Jurutera, Letrik dan Jentera (JLJ) have yet to reply.
Meanwhile, Malacca City Council maintained their lead in the Division One standings after winning 5-2 against Air Force in Sungai Petani.
Malacca CC's scorers were Hanif Rahim (17th and 45th minutes), Syafiq Amir (10th), Syakir Kamaruddin (61st) and Mirhardy Nawawi (69th).
Air Force replied through Fattah Jalaluddin (42nd) and Azwar Hafiz (55th).
Malacca CC, who are tipped to win the title, will face Armed Forces Juniors on Friday.
RESULTS: Air Force 2 Malacca CC 5, UNIMAP 0 UiTM 2.
New Straits Times
MHL unable to confirm start of Premier League
By S. RAMAGURU
KUALA LUMPUR: The national hockey team’s preparations for the World Cup qualifying tournament will get priority over the domestic competition.
The Malaysia Hockey League’s (MHL) Premier League will only start after the national team’s participation in the qualifying tournament for next year’s Finals, which will be hosted by India.
The Malaysia Hockey Federation (MHF) competitions committee chairman, Datuk Abdul Rahim Mohamed Ariff, said that the dates of the qualifying tournament had not been finalised but it is expected to be held in either later October or in November.
“We are not able to fix the dates for the Premier League. But it was agreed today that the national team’s preparations will not be disrupted. The Premier League will begin only after the qualifying tournament,” he said after a three-hour meeting yesterday.
There will be three World Cup qualifying tournaments and two of the venues have been confirmed — Lille (Oct 31-Nov 8) and Auckland (Nov 7-15). Dubai are down to host the other tournament but the International Hockey Federation (FIH) have not made a final decision.
“We believe that the FIH will select the teams for the three tournaments after the Champions Challenge II, which will be held in Dublin from July 5-12. That is a ranking tournament and will provide a clear picture on the teams involved in the three qualifiers,” said Rahim.
Each tournament will have six teams and only the winners will make the cut for the Finals in New Delhi.
Malaysia are the second seeds in the Champions Challenge II involving eight teams. The other teams in the fray in Dublin are Japan, Ireland, Poland, Chile, Russia, Austria and France.
The Star of Malaysia
Malacca side extend lead to three points
PETALING JAYA: Malacca City Council (MCC) moved three points clear at the top of the Malaysia Hockey League Division One standings after a 5-2 win over Air Force at the Sungei Petani Hockey Stadium here yesterday.
The Malacca side have 10 points after four games while second-placed Armed Forces Airod are on seven points with one game in hand.
It was an easy win for the MCC yesterday with youngster Mohamed Hanif Rahim, who also played in Division Two, scoring a brace in the 17th and 45th minute from penalty corners.
Mohamed Ariffin Dollah had put MCC in the lead in the 10th minute. The other scorers for MCC were Mohamed Syakir and Mihardy Nawawi in the 61st and 69th minutes respectively.
The scorers for the Air Force were Abdul Fattah Jalaluddin in the 42nd minute and Azwar Hafiz Zulkifli in the 55th minute.
At the Kangar Hockey Stadium, UiTM beat Unimap 2-0 to move into fourth place.
A goal in each half gave them their second win in three matches. Nazmi Kamaruddin scored the opening goal in the 19th minute off a field attempt while Jazahanim Ahmad flicked home from the penalty corner in the 48th minute.
The Star of Malaysia