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All the news for Friday 30 April 2010

BDO World Cup Qualifier (W) - Santiago 2010

Australia a step closer to BDO FIH World Cup

Australia is a step closer for qualification for the women’s BDO FIH World Cup after defeating Malaysia 9-0 at the BDO World Cup Qualifier in Santiago, Chile.

The second easy victory (Australia defeated Chile in earlier action) brings the Hockeyroos on top of the leader board. Captain Madonna Blyth and Ashleigh Nelson both scored three times.

The key match for Australia will be on Friday when the team of coach Frank Murray will meet Scotland. The Scottish team surprised by winning its opening match of the tournament against Ireland (2-0).

Action in Santiago continues on Friday. The final matches are scheduled for Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 May. Only the winner of this five teams single round robin event will qualify to the BDO FIH World Cup, to be played early September 2010 in Rosario, Argentina.

Please click here to follow all action from the BDO World Cup Qualifier in Santiago, Chile.

WorldHockey

Australia shows its potential

In the second game in Day 4 at this BDO World Cup Qualifier we saw mighty Australia determine to win over Malaysia who was playing their third game in this tournament.

It only took Australia  minutes of the first half to earn their first couple Penalty Corner and with a fantastic option off the top of the circle to Ashleigh NELSON allowed Australia to open the score.

The Australian attacking wave continued without slowing down.  However Malaysia challenged them in defense following the lead of Malaysia’s Siti Noor Amarina RUHANI

An excellent effort by Teneal ATTARD allowed Australia to create a new scoring opportunity that Madonna BLYTH utilized to score Australia’s second goal.

The wave continued, and Madonna BLYTH scores again after a great build up attack from the left side of the field. The last goal of Australia in the first half was of a Penalty Corner option with Kate HOLLYWOOD.

1st Half AUS v MAS (4:0)

Australia pressured Malaysia’s defense zone with great passes and generating greater numerical advantage on the ball at all times.  Malaysia, in their third game of this tournament started to show signs of their challenges arriving late to the tournament and perhaps fatigue was becoming a factor trying to keep up with the fast and determinant Australian team.

The five goals scored in the second half were result of a disciplined team that continue to work together, moving the ball very effectively along with efficient movement by all players.

Ashleigh NELSON scored their fifth goal, then a Penalty Stroke,

second for Malaysia in this tournament, was called by umpired Amy HASSICK from USA. Malaysia’s goalkeeper Farah Ayuni YAHYA had not chance against Australian’s striker Nicole ARROLD who scored with a fast high flick to the right corner of the net.

In the second last Penalty Corner of this game, Ashleigh NELSON scores in a rebound and then again her fourth goal of this game.  Only seconds left in the game and Australia was looking for more, they score their last and ninth goal of this match with an impressive attack that Madonna BLYTH utilized to score her third goal in this game

Game final score 9-0 for Australia

Official site

Scotland wins their first match of BDO World Qualifier

Today is perhaps the hottest day in Santiago, for the BDO World Cup Qualifier. Ireland just after 23 hours from their first game to earn their first win in this BDO World Qualifier.

At fifth minute of the first half Laura BARLETT with a right side circle entry, created Scotland’s first Penalty Corner, unfortunately for Scotland, it was poorly executed jet they created a consecutive Penalty Corner that again, was not well utilized.

Both Team were pressuring the ball carrier to the maximum when Aimee CLARK from Scotland was hit in her face at minute 9th .  She recover to continue to play a fast paced game.

Ireland stepped up their attack and with Emma Clarke their created an excellent opportunity that was intercepted by Katrina CAMERON, Ireland insisted and Elizabeth COLVIN had the first clear shoot on net that

17 minute Laura BARLETT with skillful play she created a Penalty Corner.  This time Laura BARLETT manages to stop the ball to allow a direct hit that unfortunately for Scotland, Emily MAGUIRE send just off the left post.

Scotland continues with a great team play by forwards  Alison BELL, Katrina CAMERON and Samantha JUDGE building an attack up the right side of the field yielding a Penalty Corner, their 4th in this half. With some changes in Scotland’s  Penalty Corner unit, they had the best scoring opportunity so far.  However, Ireland’s defense showing great composure defends perfectly lead  by Mary GOODE, their goalkeeper who made an excellent save.

Ireland’s  at 29th minute with captain  Eimear CREGAN pushes forward creating Ireland’s first Penalty Corner. Unfortunately for Ireland, after receiving a pass from the top of the circle, Michelle HARVEY took too long to release the ball and was well read by Scotland’s defender who started a fast transition into attack with Linda CLEMENT, Scotland’s team captain.

Just seconds to go in the first half Leigh FAWCETT, drives the ball into the circle to allow, after many rebound back and forth to open the score board for Scotland in their first goal of this tournament by Holly CRAM

1st Half IRL v SCO  (0:1)

The second half keep challenging umpires Soledad AGUIRRE from Argentina and Kelly HUDSON from New Zealand with this fast pace game.  They very effectively controlled the forced errors allowing players display their best Hockey.

16 minutes in the second half Ireland with a strong play by Elizabeth COLVIN passing to Niamh SMALL created a Penalty Corner.  This time, Eimear CREGAN send a faster pass to Bridget CLEALAND.  Unfortunately, for Ireland the straight shot was intercepted by an attacking player who faults it.

Scotland continued their quest to increase their lead another goal by moving the ball fast with the side to side looking for the moving forwards.  It was Vikki BUNCE who received a pass from defender Kareena MASHALL, build an successful attack from the left side of the field passing beautifully to Katrina CAMERON who penetrated the circle and then allowing the unmarked Vikki BUNCE to pick up a loose bal to score the second and last goal of this game.

Game final score 2-0 for Scotland

Official site

Hockeyroos one step closer to World Cup after 9-0 domination

The Hockeyroos appear on target to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, winning their second game of the World Cup Qualifier event against Malaysia 9-0 in Santiago, Chile this morning.

The win sees them sit undefeated on top of the points table, it would take surprise losses to either Ireland (rank 15) or Scotland (rank 23) in their last two matches to see them moved from the top of the points table.

The 9-0 victory has delivered another huge confidence boost to the Hockeyroos, with Australia controlling the entire match from the opening whistle.

While goal scoring has been an issue for the Hockeyroos in recent time that wasn’t the case today, with Ashleigh Nelson and captain Madonna Blyth scoring three goals each. After generating three penalty corners with no result in the first three minutes of play, it was Nelson who eventually converted Australia’s first goal of the match via a penalty corner deflection at the four minute mark.

The Hockeyroos were relentless in their attack during the early stages of the match, however some good defensive work from Malaysia saw them keep Australia at bay.

Eventually the class of the Hockeyroos proved too strong, with Blyth scoring Australia’s second goal at the 25 minute mark following a combination between Kate Hollywood and Ashleigh Nelson to extend the Australian lead.

The Hockeyroos continued to dominate the half, scoring twice more via Blyth and Hollywood to set up a commanding 4-0 half time lead. With their confidence high the Hockeyroos took to the field determined to continue their momentum after half time.

It didn’t take long for the trend to continue, with Nelson scoring her second goal of the match at the 40 minute mark. When veteran Nicole Arrold converted a penalty stroke at the 44 minute mark the game was put beyond complete doubt.

Australia continued to pressure Malaysia’s defensive zone with great passes, always having more numbers near the ball. Australia’s fitness shone through as the game went on, with Malaysia beginning to tire.

This resulted in complete domination in the second half, with the Hockeyroos scoring three more penalty corners to walk away convincing winners.

The Hockeyroos will next play Scotland on Saturday 1 May at 2.00am EST.

Hockeyroos 9 Malaysia 0 (4-0 half time)

Goals – Aus Nelson 4m PC/40m FG/56m PC, Blyth 25m FG/ 31m PC/67m PC, Hollywood 35m PC, Arrold 44m PS/ Eastham 64m PC.

Hockey Australia media release

Bell and Bunce on target

Scotland defied the odds to secure a comfortable 2-0 victory over Ireland, eight places above them in the world rankings, in their opening pool match of the World Cup Qualifier in Santiago.

Having suffered the consequences of the recent volcanic eruption in Iceland which severely disrupted their arrival plans, they then had to deal with the overnight withdrawal of experienced Grove midfielder Louise Baxter due to a stomach bug. They also faced probably the hottest weather conditions of the tournament to date.

Undeterred the Scots produced one of their finest performances of recent times. After a quiet opening against an Irish side much improved from the previous day, they began to take control of proceedings and were unlucky to see an early Laura Bartlett effort fly narrowly by the post following a quick self pass free hit.

The Irish tried hard to make inroads, but each time their attempts were thwarted by a well drilled Scottish defence.  However it was the Irish keeper who  was called into action when from a penalty corner she firstly had to block a Sam Judge attempt  then quickly get to her feet to push a rebound effort  wide of the post.

Just before the break Scotland took a well deserved lead when following good work down the right by Catriona Forrest and Leigh Fawcett, the ball found its way to Vikki Bunce whose initial shot was blocked, but Ali Bell was on hand to deflect home her rebound strike.

Scotland produced a commanding second half performance. The Irish had to thank their experienced  keeper Mary Goode for keeping them in the game. She had to produce a series of fine saves to defy efforts from Aimee Clark twice, Sam Judge, Ali Bell and Laura Bartlett as Scotland pushed for the elusive second goal which would secure the points.

Entering the last five minutes the Irish were becoming increasingly desperate to try and salvage something from what was proving to be a lost cause. However, as they tried to push forward, they were caught on the counter when Vikki Bunce broke free on the left, fed Ali Bell, and then took the return to fire the ball home at the second attempt following another initial great save by Goode.

The Scots were to be denied a third just before the end when ,following  umpire intervention, a Linda Clement effort was controversially disallowed as it was deemed to have hit a foot before entering the net.

The girls rightly celebrated as the full time whistle sounded but were well aware that this was only the first stage of a demanding four day schedule. Coach Gordon Shepherd said “ I am delighted with today’s result and performance considering all the difficulties the girls have faced. Each and every one of the squad can be proud of the part they played in today’s decisive win. This great start can only give us confidence as we face up to the daunting programme ahead.”

Tomorrow Scotland face the top ranked country in the tournament, Australia ,who have already breezed past the hosts Chile (5-0) and thrashed Malaysia (9-0).

Scottish Hockey Union media release

WCQ Ireland 0-2 Scotland

Ireland produced a stronger performance than Wednesday's struggle but still bowed out of the running for the one available World Cup place this afternoon in Santiago, Chile as a goal late in each half handed Scotland a 2-0 victory.

They started out better, managing to find Irish sticks with a lot greater regularity than 24 hours earlier, but the Scots regrouped after a couple of early mistakes to earn the game's first three corners in quick succession.

Neither drew a save from Mary Goode and it was Niamh Small - with her first act of the tournament - who went closest in the first quarter, using one hand to flick the ball past the last defender down the right wing and aerialling a shot which Abigail Walker palmed over the endline.

Emily Maguire clattered the Scot's third corner wide as did Kareena Marshall from their fourth effort after Emma Smyth's excellent initial block.

After soaking up their share of pressure, though, Eimear Cregan became the game's key player. Her three-dimensional skills created a pair of chances, breaking in from the left flank. The first squeezed just away from Julia O'Halloran's stick at close quarters. And Cregan drove forward to earn her side's corner but Michelle Harvey was shut down before she could connect.

The game opened up further when Aimee Clark was sin-binned and Ireland produced a razor-sharp break through Nikki Symmons' intuition and Emma Smyth's pace played in Cregan to ghost back from the baseline and shoot, skewing across goal via a defender's stick.

But - still a player down - Scotland got the perfect sucker-punch when the influential Samantha Judge drove through a couple of tackles and shot. The rebound fell her way and she nudged it right of the goal where Alison Bell touched home for a half-time advantage.

Cregan earned another corner soon after the break but a mix-up meant no shot accrued for a second time, much to Gene Muller's frustration.

By contrast, Scotland had two bites of the cherry from their fifth corner, demanding some excellent goalkeeping from Mary Goode in the 53rd minute before also denying Ailsa Robertson and Aimee Clark.

Into the last five minutes, pushing forward, Symmons raced up from sweeper but her cross did not make passed a packed Scottish defence. And they broke at pace, creating a three-on-two which they used to perfection to eliminate the cover defence, laying up for Vikki Bunce to power home 2-0 from five yards.

Emma Clarke was sin-binned for dissent in the aftermath and it almost got worse for the Irish inside 60 seconds when Laura Bartlett scrambled home but, after a lengthy discussion, the effort was ruled out. It was academic for Ireland but goal difference could be a factor later this week for the Scots.

Speaking about the fixture, coach Gene Muller was frustrated about his side's inability to finish off the chances they created, saying: "It was a better performance than against Malaysia. I felt we had chances early on that we didn't capitalise on and I felt our execution was poor especially at corners - something we've spent a lot of time on. Two of them broke down when we could have gone ahead. When they are one up in the last ten minutes you have to go for it. We went for it, created a few chances but got caught with just two at the back so that's the way it goes."

His thoughts were backed up by captain Eimear Cregan: "We battled hard and were a lot more committed than we were against Malaysia but didn't create as many chances as we should have with the possession we had and corners didn't come off. It's a very hard lesson to learn but we go back to the drawing board, put it to bed and when we play Chile on Saturday give it all we've got".

 Ireland are now out of the running for a World Cup spot but must play Chile and Australia to confirm their final ranking place in the competition and world ranking points. The Australians, meanwhile, outlined their favourite's tag with a 9-0 thrashing of Malaysia.

Ireland 0 Scotland 2 (Alison Bell, Vikki Bunce) Women's hockey World Cup Qualifiers

Ireland: M Goode, R Flinn, C Sargent, E Cregan (capt), E Clarke, B Cleland, A Speers, J O'Halloran, N Symmons, A O'Flynn, E Smyth Subs: M Harvey, S McCay, M Frazer, L Colvin, N Small Scotland: A Walker, V Bunce, A Bell, C Forrest, S Judge, L Bartlett, A Robertson, E Maguire, L Wrightson, L Fawcett, K Marshall Subs: K Cameron, H Cram, L Clement (capt), C Dow, A Clark

Standings (played, points, goal difference) 1. Australia 2-6pts (+14) 2. Scotland 1-3pts (+2) 3. Chile 2-3pts (-4) 4. Malaysia 3-3pts (-7) 5. Ireland 2-0pts (-5)

Irish Hockey Association media release

Malaysia make up for hiccup

THE Malaysian women's hockey team made amends for their initial hiccup against Chile by blasting three goals past Ireland in the World Cup Qualifier in Santiago on Wednesday.

Malaysia, who lost 1-0 to hosts Chile in the curtain raiser, dominated against the Irish and played much better on a hot afternoon to beat the World No 15.

The Malaysians were quick in attack and utilised long passes to great effect to keep the Irish defence on their toes.

In the first half, both teams battled hard to gain control of the game. However, Malaysia were more successful at circle penetrations and creating penalty corners.

In the second half Malaysia grew stronger, and an excellent attack down the left side in the 40th minute by Juliani Mohamed Din resulted in their fifth penalty corner from which Norbaini Hashim opened accounts.

Malaysia continued to dominate with quick long passes to forwards Norazlin Sumantri, Sylvester Silin and Siti Noor Amarina but it was Rabiatul Adawiyah who got Malaysia's second just four minutes later.

Norazlin slotted in the third in the 60th minute for the three points.

Malaysia were playing Australia in a late match yesterday and wrap up the fixtures against Scotland tomorrow.

New Straits Times

England U21 men v Germany U21 men, Krefeld, Germany

BATTLING England shared the honours with hosts Germany in the first of their Under-21 international matches at Krefeld on Friday afternoon.

A strong German side caused problems for England, but they proved up to the challenge, and came away with a 3-3 draw, having also held their hosts to a 1-1 scoreline at half time.

Sheffield Hallam’s Will Hearn opened the scoring after just eight minutes when he pounced on a poor back pass to score with a reverse-stick shot.

Germany hit back on 26 minutes through Paul Pongs after a misunderstanding in the England defence, and they took the lead one minute into the second period through Julian Altenrath, who caught England napping and scored with ease from in the circle.

However, England were back on level terms six minutes later when Loughborough’s Simon Faulkner scored from a penalty corner, won after a fine run from Ben Arnold.

Chris Newman scored from free play on 63 minutes after a counter attack down the left and a good cross from Tom Carson, but Germany ensured a draw shortly after, with Tobias Matania scoring from a low drag flick from a penalty corner.

“I think we looked a little naïve at times, but overall it was a good performance against a strong Germany team,” said Team Manager Andy Halliday.

“It’s a steep learning curve for a few players who have not played at this level before, but overall they acquitted themselves very well.”

GERMANY U21 MEN 3 (1) v 3 (1) ENGLAND U21 MEN
Germany: Paul Pongs - 26 (F), Julian Altenrath - 36 (F), Tobias Matania - 63 (PC)
England: Will Hearn - 8 (F), Simon Faulkner - 42 (PC),  Chris Newman - 63 (F)

Name Club
Ben Arnold, Beeston
Tom Carson, University of Exeter
Richard Dawson-Smith, Loughborough students
David Devey, Stourport
Simon Faulkner, Loughborough Students
Chris Griffiths, Loughborough students
Will Hearne, Sheffield Hallam Civica
Peter Jackson, University of Birmingham
Harry Martin, Old Loughtonians
Chris Newman, Reading
Chris Rea, University of Exeter
Phil Roper, Chester
Martin Scanlon, Cannock
Patrick Smith, Bournville
Ben Stoney, University of Birmingham
Ben Tibble, Surbiton
Henry Weir, Loughborough Students
Tom Woods, University of Exeter

England Hockey Board Media release

Midfielder Misron tasked with scoring goals

By AFTAR SINGH

KUALA LUMPUR: Midfielder Azlan Misron will again have to double up as a goal scorer in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament in Ipoh from May 6-16.

The Perak-born player did well in midfield in the World Cup qualifying tournament in Invercargill, New Zealand, last November and he also scored two goals.

Azlan, who has 180 international caps to his credit, said: “I am confident of carrying out the duties well again in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. In training, I take the role in midfield but the coaches also want me to deliver goals.”

Azlan, who started out as a forward and made his international debut in a Tests series against New Zealand in 2001, is also at home in defence.

“I played as a defender for KLHC (KL Hockey Club) in the MHL (Malaysia Hockey League) this year,” said Azlan, who was the skipper of the Malaysian team, who bagged the bronze medal in the Asia Cup in Chennai in 2007.

“I also marshalled the backline for Perak in the Razak Cup tournament in Kuantan last month. I can play in three different positions and can be the utility player of the team.”

Azlan added that it would be tough for Malaysia in the tournament in Ipoh as the team lacked playing in quality international matches.

“The last international tournament for us was the World Cup qualifiers. The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup will be the first tournament for us this year. However, with the strong support from the home fans, we hope to chalk up some good results,” he said.

There are 31 players in training and the final squad of 18 players will be named after a friendly match with Egypt on May 3 in Ipoh.

Malaysia will also play a friendly match against Australia on May 4 before they open their campaign against Pakistan on May 6. Their other matches are against South Korea (May 7), Australia (May 9), Egypt (May 10), India (May 12) and China (May 13).

The top two teams after the round-robin matches feature in the final on May 16.

The Star of Malaysia

New faces in Azlan Shah squad a welcome step: Halappa

NEW DELHI: The selectors did the right thing by infusing some young blood in the side for the Azlan Shah hockey tournament as it will help in building the bench strength for this year's Commonwealth Games and Asiad, said India's senior-most player in the team Arjun Halappa.

Halappa expects the youngsters to grab the opportunity in the seven-nation tournament, to be held in Ipoh, Malaysia from May 6 to 16, with both hands.

"I think this is the best opportunity for youngsters to prove their mettle ahead of the Commonwealth Games and Asia Games. It is also good for Indian hockey as it will broaden our pool of players before the two major events. I don't see any harm in resting some key players in tournaments like this (Azlan Shah)," Halappa said.

The Azlan Shah Cup, where they are defending champions, is India's first assignment after finishing eighth in the World Cup earlier this year.

India have named a relatively younger side for the event as they have dropped senior players Deepak Thakur, Prabhjot Singh, Gurvinder Singh Chandi, ace drag-flicker Sandeep Singh and goalkeeper Adrian D'souza from the Malaysia-bound squad following their poor show in the World Cup.

With an eye on future, the selectors have included untested Amit Prabhakar, Rupinder Pal Singh, Ravi Pal Singh and Vikas Pillay in the team and Halappa said he is always there to help the youngsters.

"I am always there to share my experiences. I have learnt a lot from my seniors and now it is time for me to return it back to the juniors," he said.

Asked whether Indian would feel the pinch being the defending champions, Halappa said, "There is pressure in every tournament but we don't feel additional burden. This is altogether a new tournament where almost every team is sending young squads," said the veteran forward.

"We made many mistakes in the World Cup and we have worked hard on these areas in the short camp. I hope we won't repeat those mistakes in this tournament.

"The strength of this team is that there are no superstars in it. All players are equal and raring to go," he added.

The Times of India

Koreans to present eight new players for Azlan Shah meet

By S. RAMAGURU

KUALA LUMPUR: Asian champions South Korea have made eight changes to the team who played in the World Cup Finals for their challenge in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament, which will be played in Ipoh from May 6-16.

The Koreans, who won the title in 1996, have played in 12 editions of the tournament and they are making a comeback after sitting out for the last two years.

The Koreans have experience line-up and they are tipped to make a fifth final appearance along with world champions Australia.

The new players in the team are Ro Jong-hwan, Cho Suk-hoon, Jung Hwan-uk, Oh Dae-keun, Shin Yong-ho, Yoo Min-ho, Kim Yong-bae, Lee Seung-hoon.

Former international Shin Seok-kyu remains the chief coach and manager of the team. South Korea finished sixth in the New Delhi World Cup in March.

The Koreans will open their campaign on May 6 against Egypt and they will play against Malaysia the next day.

South Korea and also all the other Asian teams are also treating the seven-nation tournament in Ipoh as a run-up to the Guangzhou Asiad that offers the gold medallists an automatic berth in the 2012 London Olympics.

Malaysian coach Stephen van Huizen said that it would be interesting to see the new Korean players as this would give an indication of their strength.

“The fact that they have many experience players means they are taking the tournament seriously. This will give us the opportunity to gauge our challengers in the Asian Games,” he said.

Other Asian countries in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup are India, Pakistan and China. Pakistan and India also played in the World Cup Finals and they are expected to also make major changes to their line-ups.

The Star of Malaysia

Pakistan axe Cup flops

KARACHI: Pakistan on Wednesday dropped seven senior players responsible for an abysmal World Cup campaign, hoping to regain the glory from scratch with next month's Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia.

Pakistan, three-time Olympic gold medalists and four-time world champions, finished last in the India World Cup earlier this year in what was described as their lowest ebb.

Captain Zeeshan Ashraf, Akhtar Ali and Mohammad Waseem requested a rest while world record goal-scorer Sohail Abbas, Rehan Butt and Shakeel Abbasi were not selected.

Goalkeeper Salman Akbar, also played in World Cup, did not attend the trials.

Chief selector Hanif Khan said three senior players requested rest, while others were rested by the selection committee as they had failed to impress in the trials in Karachi on Wednesday.

"We have rested senior players Abbas, Butt and Abbasi as they looked mentally stressed in the trials, so we have selected new players in a hope that it starts a new beginning for Pakistan hockey," Hanif told reporters.

Abbas, tipped to lead the side for the Azlan Shah campaign, is the only man to score over 300 goals in the history of international hockey.

The 18-man team will be led by 30-year-old full-back Mohammad Imran.

The other competing teams in the May 6-16 tournament in Ipoh are world champions Australia, Asian champions South Korea, Malaysia, India, China and Egypt.

Hanif hoped untested players would usher in a new era in Pakistan hockey.

"We have the Commonwealth Games in India and then the Asian Games later in the year, so we hope that this new team settle soon. Don't expect medals from this team soon but, once they settle, they will win laurels, "said Hanif.

Pakistan will also have a new coach in Khawaja Junaid after Shahid Ali Khan was sacked last month.

New Straits Times

'Jaded' Abbas, Butt axed from Pak sqaud for Azlan Shah tourney

Senior players Sohail Abbas, Rehan Butt and Shakeel Abbasi were on Wednesday dropped from the 18-member Pakistan squad for next month's Azlan Shah hockey tournament in Ipoh, Malaysia.

However, the Pakistan Hockey Federation chief selector Hanif Khan said the senior players were not axed but given rest and the trio could return to the team after proving their fitness in the next training camp and trials.

"We have not dropped them we have rested them because they looked tired and jaded in this camp and not ready for an international competition," Hanif said.

The reasoning, however, did not go well with Butt and Abbasi who reacted strongly on their omission from the national team.

"This is an insult to us. The selectors should never have invited us to the camp if they were not interested in selecting us," Abbasi said.

He said the seniors had made themselves available for national duty on the insistence of PHF president after they had quit from international hockey following the World Cup debacle in India [ Images ] earlier this year.

"If they didn't want to select us they shouldn't have told us to not retire. It is disappointing to be treated like this," star forward Butt said.

Pakistan, which finished in the 12th and the last position in the World Cup, will be pitted against India, South Korea, world champions Australia [ Images ], China, Egypt [ Images ] and hosts Malaysia in the tournament to be held in Ipoh from May 6 to 16.

Incidentally, ace drag-flicker Abbas, who was tipped to be named as the captain of the side, walked out of the hockey club of Pakistan even before the squad was announced as he was apparently told before hand that he was not being selected.

Three other senior players, including captain Zeeshan Ashraf and Waseem Ahmed had already pulled out of the tournament on pretext of rest.

Hanif said the selectors had picked the best possible side and there were five or six promising youngsters in the team.

"We need to move ahead. We are not discounting the senior players out but they are not giving the performances one expects from them of their calibre and experience," he said.

Squad:

Imran Shah, Imran Butt (goalkeepers), Muhammad Imran (captain), Amir Shahzad, Kashif Ali (defenders), Muhammad Irfan, Fareed Ahmed, Muhammad Rashid, Zeeshan Ali, Muhammad Tauseeq (midfielders), Waqas Sharif (vice-captain), Shafqat Rasool, Abdul Haseem Khan, Muhammad Zubair, Muhammad Rizwan, Abdul Qayyum Dogar, Muhammad Kashif, Umar Bhutta (forwards).

Rediff Sport

Selectors leave seniors seething

KARACHI: Former captains Shakeel Abbasi and Rehan Butt said that the way the federation has rested them was wrong, as they have performed well in the National Championship as well as in the training camp.

Chief selector Hanif Khan told reporters after one-day trials at the Hockey Club of Pakistan that that besides Abbas, former captains Rehan Butt and Shakeel Abbasi have been dropped from the 18-man squad because it was ‘visible that they needed rest’.

“My team (Wapda) won the National Hockey Championship and I performed well throughout the tournament, so it is not right to say that our body language showed we need rest and we have not fully recovered from World Cup trauma,” Rehan Butt said.

“I believe I can play international hockey for the next two or two and a half year. But it was the federation’s decision, we cant do much about it,” Rehan added.

Meanwhile, Shakeel Abbasi said that it was not right on the part of the federation to call them for the camp and disgrace them like that.

“If they had decided to give us rest then they should have told us. It all came as a big shock as we have performed well in the national championship and in the training camp.”

“I believe I am fit to represent Pakistan.

“Everybody else in the camp were also surprised when they heard that I have been dropped,” Shakeel said.

The News International

Junaid back selectors for picking young team for Azlan Shah Cup

KARACHI - Chief coach Khawaja Junaid backed selection committee on opting for young blood while picking Pakistan squad for Azlan Shah Cup.

“These are right options by selectors to test the skill and talent of youngsters in Malaysia with an eye on the future event,” he told APP in an interview here on Thursday.

“It was inevitable as selector wanted to introduce youngsters in the team after World Cup debacle in New Delhi,” he said.

“Personally we respect all the senior players and I believed like Zeeshan, Waseem, Akhtar - Rehan, Abbasi, Nasir and Sohail Abbas should have taken the rest,” he pointed.

He said these top players were in the team for nearly 10-12 years and they now must win back their places in the team with top form and fitness.

“Seniors looked fatigued and selectors decided to rest them to field promising youngsters,” he said. “This will be big test the young lot and if they delivered it will be great for future of Pakistan hockey.” Khawaja Junaid maintained.

He said in presence of Australia, China, Egypt, India, Korea and host Malaysia it will be very tough and learning event for his new-look team.

“Pakistan team will be going through a vital phase in Azlan Shah and performance of the junior lot will decide future course of national hockey,” he stressed.

“This was our best option to test these boys ahead of Commonwealth and Asian Games to raise best possible team for Asian Games,” he said.

He said teenage full-back Muhammad Touseeq will be used a penalty corner striker in place of axed Sohail Abbas and in addition he said in forward line Abdul Qayyum Dogar and Muhammad Ali Kashif Ali are players to watch.

Chief coach, who had also been given responsibility of manager said these boys got individual skill and he would with fellow coaches will be trying to make them good team-men.

Pakistan will launch the campaign in the event when the clash host Malaysia in the opening match at Ipoh on May 6 following day they will be up against India on May 9 they will clash China.

Pakistan play Australia on May 12 and meet Egypt on May 13 and their last league outing will against Korea on May 15.

Khawaja Junaid said top two teams after the league will qualify for May 16 finals.

Associated Press of Pakistan

Captain Imran backs youngsters to excel in Ipoh

By Our Sports Reporter

KARACHI: Fullback and former vice captain Mohammad Imran, Pakistan hockey team’s newly-named skipper, has said that he will try his best to make the new side play as a unit in the forthcoming Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

Addressing a press conference soon after being named the team’s new captain in place of Zeeshan Ashraf who decided to skip the event, the 30-year-old fullback from Faisalabad said that his team will try to do their best during the high-profile event in Ipoh, Malaysia.

“It is a great opportunity for me to exercise my leadership skills. I will strive to make the team play as a unit where each player’s game should complement his teammate’s actions,” said Imran.

“We promise you that we will play to the best of our abilities but we also request you to not associate too many hopes from us as we are only just recovering from the debacle in the World Cup and are slowly regaining our confidence,” he announced.

About how well the other boys are coping with the stress of the World Cup loss in New Delhi, Imran said the team’s coaches had helped the boys to overcome the stress with some positive moves.

“Our coaches Khawaja Junaid and Ahmed Alam have been very supportive. They talk to us daily and have been trying to ease the pressure that we are feeling after the debacle,” disclosed Imran. “There are days when we feel extremely low about what happened in New Delhi, but then we are encouraged not to look back at our failures but focus and concentrate on playing our natural good game.”

About going to Malaysia with two new goalkeepers, he said: “Yes, both Imran Shah and Imran Butt are completely new to the senior side but from what I have seen, they are both brilliant at blocking goals. They will surely prove their worth at the event.”

Commenting on the absence of the seniors, especially fullback and penalty-corner specialist Sohail Abbas, Imran said: “Well, you know what, I’m not that bad a fullback myself. Me and our other fullback Kashif Ali are lucky to have practised a lot with Sohail Abbas. As for the rest of our seniors, it remains to be seen how well we do without them. But Azlan Shah begins on May 6. We still have a week before that and plenty of practice, so I feel confident that we’ll be able to click as a unit.”

Dawn

Monkstown's play-off hopes are slim

JOHNNY WATTERSON

THE FIFTH and final round of the men’s Irish Hockey League takes place this weekend with just Pembroke Wanders assured of a place in the weekend finals at Grange Road on May 15th-16th.

Pembroke sit on top of Pool A with 15 points with Monkstown making the trip to Serpentine Avenue on Saturday.

For Monkstown, a match against Pembroke represents a good work-out as they will contest the Irish Senior Cup final on May 9th against Glenanne.

The south Dublin team’s chances of qualifying for the IHL play-offs are mathematically possible but slim.

If they win against Pembroke with a bonus point, they would have 10 points and have to hope that the matches involving Instonians, Banbridge and Corinthians all end in low-scoring or scoreless draws.

There is really a lot to play for in Pool A with a number of outcomes still possible. Instonians, on eight points, are in the driving seat for second place.

A bonus point win for the Ulster side at Whitechurch against Corinthians would ensure safe passage. That’s no easy task as a win for the home side could also see them claim a place in the semi-finals.

Pool B is equally open to change in the final round of matches.

Lisnagarvey and Glenanne are level on 11 points at the top with the Ulster side edging it on goal difference. Those two teams are tipped to advance as they are not playing each other.

Glenanne have a tasty fixture in Dublin against Annadale, who are at the bottom of the table and completely out of the running. Glenanne could win and bag some goals.

Garvey have an equally comfortable meeting with Cork C of I at home in Hillsborough.

Two other teams in the pool, C of I and Cookstown, still have mathematical possibilities of qualifying but as with the top sides in Pool A, semi-final places for both Glenanne and Lisnagarvey are in their own hands.

Garvey’s weakness is that they seem to blow hot and cold, performing well in the Irish Hockey League but falling short in the Ulster league to the extent that they have been forced into the wildcard play-offs to ensure a spot in next year’s Irish Hockey League.

The Irish Times

Do or die for BJSS

Jugjet Singh

TWO title contenders clash this weekend with the victors earning a clearer path to the Division One title in the MHF-Milo-NSC Junior Hockey League.

Leaders UniKL and defending champions Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) will square off on Sunday and one team's title dream will vaporise. But if the match ends in a draw, the advantage will move to Bandar Penawar Sports School Thunderbolt.

BJSS coach S. Prakash said this will be do-or-die weekend.

"First we must beat PJCC (Petaling Jaya City Council) tomorrow (today) and I don't think it will be an easy match as they have picked up momentum after their first three defeats," said Prakash.

"We will have to take control from the start as PJCC will also be looking for points to play in the quarter-finals. "And if we beat PJCC, then UniKL will be the big test as our title will be on the line."

BPSS-Thunderbolt also have one match this weekend against BJSS Juniors which they should win to prepare themselves for the clash against UniKL the following weekend.

In Division Two, the title race is turning into a lottery involving Ipoh City Council, Sabah and Pahang.

All three are unbeaten, with Ipoh CC and Sabah clashing first today with the Ipoh side enjoying home ground advantage. Sabah are the surprise item, and it looks like their recent outing in the Razak Cup has boosted team spirit.

TODAY -- Division One: Petaling Jaya City Council v Bukit Jalil Sports School (Tun Razak Stadium, 9pm).

Division Two: Pahang v Penang Frees (Kuantan Stadium, 5pm); Johor v Matri (Johor Baru, 5pm); Ipoh City Council v Sabah (Azlan Shah Stadium, 5pm).

New Straits Times

Sunday will be a big day for BJSS

KUALA LUMPUR: It will be a crucial weekend for double champions Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS) in Division One of the MHF-Milo-NSC Junior Hockey League (MJHL).

BJSS have two tough matches – against former champions Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) today and against title favourites and leaders UniKL on Sunday. Both matches will be played at the Tun Razak Stadium.

BJSS have maximum points from four matches in the nine-team competition. UniKL also have maximum points but they have played five matches.

“Anything less than a win in the two matches could affect their hopes to of retaining the league title,” said BJSS coach S. Prakash.
http://thestar.com.my/archives/2010/4/30/sports/fixtures.jpg
He added that he was concerned over the scoring ability of forward Dangerous Lee, who is a member of the Project 2013 squad.

“Last year, he scored 13 goals for us in the league but this year he has only managed to score one in four matches.” Prakash conceded that they would face their toughest test against UniKL.

“UniKL are overall a solid team with the services of 10 Project 2013 players and we will start as the underdogs,” he said.

Meanwhile, the match between BJSS Juniors and Bandar Penawar Sports School (BPSS)-Thunderbolt at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium on Friday has been postponed because of upgrading works at the stadium. The match will be played at the same venue on May 21.

The Star of Malaysia

USA Field Hockey Announces Roster for Argentina Series

USA Field Hockey and Head Coach Lee Bodimeade announced the names of the players who will represent the USA in a five-game test series against Argentina, scheduled from May 13 to 19 at American University in Washington DC.

The team features eight members of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team for Women's Field Hockey, including team captain Carrie Lingo and Amy Tran, regarded as one of the top women's goalkeepers in the world. The team also features five members of the 2009 Womens Junior World Cup Team. Lauren Crandall and Keli Smith have been named vice captains for the series.

The athletes selected for the Argentina test series are:

USFHA media release

Women to Walk in Breath of Hope 5K


Members of the USA Women's National Team will participate in the 2nd Annual San Diego Breath of Hope 5K Lung Cancer Walk this Sunday. Managed by the Lung Cancer Alliance, the event seeks to raise lung cancer awareness, show support for patients and their families, and raise funds for lung cancer education, support and advocacy.

"I've always had close contact with this particular non-profit organization," said Carrie Lingo, "but as a team, we all really got involved after Barb Barber passed away."

Barbara Barber, mother of former Women's National Team captain Kate Kinnear, passed away from lung cancer in December of 2006. The team is walking in honor of Barb and other family members lost as a result of lung cancer.

"This terrible disease affects so many of the girls on the team and coaching staff and everyone involved in the association," said Lingo. "We always try to do everything we can to raise awareness for organizations like these."

Held at the Cancer Survivors Park in Downtown San Diego, this 5K walk will begin at 9:00am on Sunday, May 1.

"A bunch of the girls will be out there on Sunday helping to raise awareness," said Lingo.

Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) is the only national non-profit organization dedicated solely to providing patient support and advocacy for people living with or at risk for the disease. The LCA leads the movement to reverse decades of stigma and neglect by empowering patients, elevating awareness and changing health policy.

To support the USA Field Hockey Women's National Team and Breath of Hope, visit the team's donation page.

USFHA media release

Politics stoops to new low each passing day

K. Arumugam

“Let me admit it. The Indian Hockey Federation is in a complete mess owing to some officials’ lust for power and the parochial approach surpassed the epic battle of Mahabharata. This undoubtedly throttle Indian hockey”.

This is what the former president of the FIH, René Frank, said while evaluating India’s national game’s affairs after it got the fluke Moscow Olympics gold.

Thirty years have passed since Frank’s frank view on Indian hockey, and we still feel the situation has not changed a wee bit.

If at all things have changed its from bad to worse.

One lobby which belittled the National Championships when it was in power – famous quote: Nationals are mediocre versus mediocre – and broke the annual event’s continuity with immunity is, now, all of a sudden, fanatic lover of the National Championship. This lobby claims to hold Nationals, and we know it is for media.

This lobby also now loves transparency, and even believes the concept of Right to Information. And would you believe each year an AGM!

This lobby now looks like a Non Governmental Organization fighting for basic things -- much the way the right thinking people did the last one and half decade -- which they denied to public at large when they ruled all along.

However, it is a nice lesson that time has taught them, forcing them to think and talk of transparency and understand the significance of Nationals, on public stage at least.

This group is damn sure a court case is going to be delivered in their favour, and hence, as gossip goes, renewed activity, breaking tie with the once tormentors, Hockey India.

Anybody has a right to dream, fight for rights and be in contention for chair. So also the disgraced the former outfit. We are no sore on that score.

If the nationally disgraced outfit is alive today and dreams of coming back, it was because the same set of people who vowed to clear up the hockey mess, has indeed further messed up.

Not to be undone, the FIH made a merry by handing over the key to the thieves, so to say, and dreamt, or pretended so, everything will fall in line.

What has ultimately fallen was its own reputation of a global body, as it is now being seen as a confused benefactor, nothing less.

FIH was not only ill-advised but also thoroughly ill-timed to implement its reform policy, especially the merger of men and women federations.

This has opened the floodgates of manipulative politics. A third element, State Olympic Associations, made a back entry to hockey’s electoral college, leading to a spate of court cases.

Anybody who is somebody in the sports now dream of hockey chair. At ground level, that is grass root level, the things are in worst shape, and each passing day another set of manipulation takes place. People are stooping too low. The fight for vote has stooped to unheard levels of dishonesty, impropriety and even inhuman.

Take for instance, look at a recent development, a copy book case of inhuman ways of snatching power. Husband of a lady secretary of a State unit died recently. Even this tragedy was turned into some lobby’s lust for power.

As we all know the just widowed lady would not come out of home for two weeks as per the custom. Using this as a chance, one faction called a meeting and elected themselves, and then sent a caveat to her. Even a death of a former colleague’s husband had been made out to be a chance to go one up! Things are so nasty, rotten at state level.

Those who tasted power are not ready to relinquish it. It is applicable to those who lost it and those who usurped it.

The situation in hockey today is a lot many people are getting elected themselves, and some of them are definitely going to elect the central body. We can only pity on hockey, the national game which did not have honest people in majority.

René Frank from heavens must be wondering why in India nothing changes. He would have certainly felt things were better in the 80s, the battle was like Mahabharata where at least some decency and ethics were followed.

Stick2Hockey.com

S. Railway poised to win

Chennai: Southern Railway is well poised to take the cup in the all-India Basheer Ahmed Memorial hockey tournament after scoring its second successive win in the semifinal league on Thursday at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium.

Southern Railway, which beat Indian Bank 3-2 needs only a draw on Friday against SAI South.

The results: (semifinal league):

ICF 4 (Ashok Kumar, Sathya Raj, Ramesh Babu) bt SAI South 2 ( Mariya Stalin, Manoj).

Southern Railway 3 (Ganesh, Lakshman Karan, Divakaran) bt Indian Bank 2 (Nishanth).

The Hindu

Dutch hockey consultant returns

Rob Haantjes, a member of the Dutch consulting team working with the T&T men’s hockey, returned to this country yesterday to resume his training sessions with both senior and junior men’s teams from today. The training sessions will incorporate the Under-18, U-21 and senior men’s teams.

Haantjes will also be conducting a number of teacher’s workshops throughout the country, in an effort to improve teachers’ knowledge and coaching of the sport, thus serving to strengthen the T&T Hockey Board’s overall Development Programme. Haantjes conducted a training camp from April 1-3 in the UK with all the T&T players now playing in the English Hockey League.

Remaining schedule for Rob Haantjes

Today
National men’s (U-18, U-21, Senior), 6 pm - 8 pm

Tomorrow
Development Coaching workshop for Teachers in East West Corridor, National Hockey Centre, Tacarigua, 8.30 am.
National men’s training (U-18, U-21, Senior), 6 pm - 8 pm

Saturday
National Men’s training, 6.30 am - 8 am
T&T vs Barbados assembled (to be confirmed), 6 pm

Sunday
Morning training with Under-18 and Under- 21 men’s teams
T&T vs Barbados, 2 pm (to be confirmed)

Monday
Development coaches visit to schools in North, East and Central to assess Development Coaching programme.
Meet with National Team Technical committee

Wednesday
National men’s senior team training, 6.30 am - 8 am

The Trinidad Guardian

Showing support



Reigning champions Wanderers Hockey Qatar show their support to Qatar’s 2022 bid by sporting the bid web address on their team jerseys. Wanderers are fielding a team in the inaugural 6-a-side Field Hockey Tourney in Bahrain to be played over the coming weekend. Top teams like Lusitanians from Dubai, Compenaro’s from Mumbai and other leading teams from Oman, UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain. The team comprise ex-junior India international  Savio Nayak, former Maratha Warriors left-half Juned Coutinho and Qatar Hockey League MVP Rohit Charles, Fabian Faleiro, Manoj Suttar, Siddanth Saldanha, Stephen Menezes, Ronald Symss and Bosco Menezes.

Gulf Times