KUALA LUMPUR: The world’s wall-bashing queen Nicol David is eager to win back the crown which she lost last year when she competes in this year’s KL Open.

The US$53,500 (RM177,780) championship, the second Wispa World Tour Gold event of the year, will get underway at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil on Thursday, leading to the final on an all-glass court at Berjaya Times Square on Saturday.

PETALING JAYA: Like never before, this year's Maybank Malaysian Open will offer something for everyone
at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC) when the event tees off tomorrow.

Golfing fans will not only enjoy four days of action packed play on the West Course, they will also be able to step away from the greens and enjoy the fringe activities for their family.

PETALING JAYA: Her English may not be as good as her tennis but if the horrid times continue for China's ace Zheng Jie, she might as well hang up her racquet.

Tournament's third seed Zheng Jie suffered an embarrassing 6-2, 6-3 loss to unseeded Chang Kai-chen of Taiwan in the second round of the WTA Malaysia Open at the Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Country Club yesterday.

PETALING JAYA: Most Westerners often find Asia the ideal getaway destination due to its variety of good food, friendly faces and the tan. However, German Tatjana Malek is fast finding other reasons to smile about with regards to Asians.

KUALA LUMPUR: The names Azidan and Zidane may sound similar but Kuala Lumpur's Azidan Sarudin and France's Zinedane Zidane have different hairstyles.

Azidan, who spots a braided hair-do, is fast making a name for himself in terms of composure, style, technique and vision — just as Zidane.

His form and performances this season in the Super League has drawn praises from many quarters. In admiration, many of his fans are calling him Zidane, something which Azidan said is an accolade.

KUALA LUMPUR: Fate has its own way of handling things. When V. Saravanan walked into the National Sports Council building about five years ago, little did he know that a cupid was lurking somewhere along the rehabilitation corridors waiting to shoot an arrow which would forever alter his life — for the better.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Asian Games this year may well be Che Chew Chan's last chance to win gold and add another medal to her colourful career in the sport.

The gutsy athlete, who has been with the national team since 2001, has experienced patches of bad luck through injury.

KUALA LUMPUR: If there's one man who can epitomise the saying "been there, done that", it would definitely be Malaysia's ageing shuttler Wong Choong Hann.

The city-born, who celebrates his 33rd birthday on Feb 17, has been a familiar face in the international circuit for 13 years.

KUALA LUMPUR: Sapura's "Mr. Versatile" Jiwa Mohan is confident his side are capable of upsetting the odds when they take on favourites Kuala Lumpur Hockey Club (KLHC) in the twoleg Malaysian Hockey League (MHL) semifinals this weekend.

Jiwa, who tied the knot last month, has been a busy man this season. He has been flying back and forth from Perth, where he lives, to assist Sapura's title ambitions. However, things have not been smooth-sailing for his team.

KUALA LUMPUR: After proudly delivering the gold from the keirin event at the World Cup Classic in Beijing last weekend, Azizulhasni Awang insists it was only the beginning of more to come.

The athlete, who will be marrying long-time lover Athiah Ilyana Samat on Saturday, said he has a firm eye on winning Malaysia's first ever Olympic gold.

Over the years, there have been many pretenders vying for that glory. But Azizul believes he's capable of doing it. He's been touted by many as one of the brighter prospect capable of winning an Olympic gold medal.

KUALA LUMPUR: The young tigers finally came of age yesterday after getting their first victory of the season with a 3-2 win over Sabah at the Likas Stadium.

Following two consecutive stalemates (1-1 v Armed Forces and 2-2 v Muar), the Young Tigers were forced to fight tooth and nail against the East Malaysian team who were bent on preventing their visitors from getting a win. With three points in the bag, it was a big relief for Harimau Muda head coach Ong Kim Swee.

KUALA LUMPUR: National swimmer Daniel Bego is tipped to win the prestigious OCM Olympian-of-the-Year award. Daniel gave a spectacular performance in the Laos Sea Games last December by winning five gold medals.

Honorary secretary Datuk Sieh Kok Chi said Daniel's five-gold achievement in Laos that comes with a new Games and national record puts him as the clear favourite to win the 17th annual award.

“To be declared the best athlete at the Laos Sea Games is a milestone. It is really a big deal and he is only 20-years-old," said Kok Chi.

PETALING JAYA: Selangor underlined their dominance in the 23rd Malaysian Inter-State Bowling Championships with victories in the Women's and Men's Doubles.

Kuala Lumpur won their second gold medal and Sabah their first, in the Girls' and Boys' division at the Sunway Megalanes yesterday.

Singles bronze medallist, Jacqueline Jenelee Sijore partnered her national youth teammate Dayang Khairuniza to give Sarawak the lead in the opening game with 452 pin falls, followed by the Selangor's pair of Zandra Aziela and Siti Safiyah in second.

KUALA LUMPUR: It will be men versus boys today as young Harimau Muda players brace themselves for the experienced and no-nonsense Armed Forces team at Selayang Stadium.

Harimau Muda are the reigning Premier League champions but with virtually one-third of their players promoted to the National U-21 squad, head coach Ong Kim Swee said it would be naive to place high expectation on his young guns this season.

KUALA LUMPUR: Negri Sembilan are ready to prove that their Malaysia Cup win last season was no fluke when they and Selangor lock horns in the Charity Shield (also the opening Super League match) at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi on Saturday.

The Red Giants won a historic treble last season but Negri coach Wan Jamak Wan Hassan believes his side are fully capable of blowing winds of change as they seek to emulate their opponents' remarkable feat.

KUALA LUMPUR: Former national hockey captain S. Kuhan reckons that current national team custodian S. Kumar has what it takes to win the "Best Player" award which will be announced by the Asian Hockey Federation next year.

Kumar, who's been winning plaudits from coaches and players, has shown time and time again, that he is the safest keeper. On many occasions, he has almost single-handedly helped the national team win matches with some scintillating displays.

KUALA LUMPUR : Ask any Malaysian about squash and the first thing that comes to mind is Nicol Ann David. Nicol is arguably the best sportswoman the country has ever produced.

A jewel in the crown, the Penangite has been a revelation ever since “graduating” from the age-group categories over a decade ago. Now she is the undisputed world No 1 for the fourth year running.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Sunway Mega Lanes must surely be a happy hunting bowling centre for Girls Under-15 and Masters champion S. Nivashini at the Milo International Junior All-Stars Bowling Championship.

Yesterday’s win was the third time Nivashini finished among the top three in the last 10 days. The Form Three SMK Seafield student won the SportsUnite, Maggi and Sunway Mega Lanes women’s graded doubles called U R My Sis, partnering teammate Natasha Roslan, the Sunday before.

VIENTIANE: Taekwondo exponent Che Chew Chan delivered Malaysia's first gold medal yesterday when she defeated Vietnam's Nguyen Ha Thi 3-2 in the final of the women's below 73kg at the Booyong Gymnasium, National University.