Myanmar SEA Games Closes With a Splash of Colours

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  27th SEA Games Closing Ceremony

  Nawpyitaw, Myanmar, 21 December 2013
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  27th SEA Games Closing Ceremony

  Nawpyitaw, Myanmar, 21 December 2013
• 

  27th SEA Games Closing Ceremony

  Nawpyitaw, Myanmar, 21 December 2013
• 

  27th SEA Games Closing Ceremony

  Nawpyitaw, Myanmar, 21 December 2013
• 

  27th SEA Games Closing Ceremony

  Nawpyitaw, Myanmar, 21 December 2013
• 

  27th SEA Games Closing Ceremony

  Nawpyitaw, Myanmar, 21 December 2013
• 

  27th SEA Games Closing Ceremony

  Nawpyitaw, Myanmar, 21 December 2013
• 

  27th SEA Games Closing Ceremony

  Nawpyitaw, Myanmar, 21 December 2013
• 

  27th SEA Games Closing Ceremony

  Nawpyitaw, Myanmar, 21 December 2013
• 

  27th SEA Games Closing Ceremony

  Nawpyitaw, Myanmar, 21 December 2013
• 

  27th SEA Games Closing Ceremony

  Nawpyitaw, Myanmar, 21 December 2013
• 

  27th SEA Games Closing Ceremony

  Nawpyitaw, Myanmar, 21 December 2013
• 

  27th SEA Games Closing Ceremony

  Nawpyitaw, Myanmar, 21 December 2013

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MYANMAR UPDATED. The Myanmar SEA Games themed "Green, Clean and Friendly" came to colourul close at Wunna Theikdi Main Stadium here tonight. The arrival of Myanmar President, U Thein Sein, wife Daw Khin Khin Win and guets at the stadium were met with a fireworks display.

A large group of children who formed the 27th SEA Games logo got the closing ceremony underway.

The audience were entertained with cultural performances such as the elephant dance and the Myanmar traditional sport 'Chinlone.'

Also read : SEA Games Medals Report, 22 December 2013

The ceremony continued with the procession of athletes representing the 33 sports contested at the games held over 19 days.

The 33 sports are athletics, archery, badminton, basketball, billiards, bodybuilding, boxing, canoeing, chess, chinlone, equestrian, football, futsal, golf, hockey, judo, karate, kempo, muay thai, petanque, ping pong, rowing, snooker, swimming, sepak takraw, sailing, shooting, silat, taekwondo, volleyball, vovinam, weightlifting, wrestling and traditional boat racing.

The ceremony proceeded with lowering of the flag of the SEA Games Federation (SGF) and the flag of Myanmar as the host country.

The closing of the biennial games was officiated by Myanmar Vice President, U Nyan Tun.

The 11 participating countries are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste, Vietnam and Myanmar.

This is the third time Myanmar hosted the biggest sporting event in South East Asia after 1961 and 1969.

Malaysia's contingent of 556 athletes won 43 gold, 38 silver and 77 bronze medals to be placed fifth in the medals tally table.

Thailand were top with 107 gold, 94 silver and 81 bronze while hosts Myanmar were second place with 85 gold, 62 silver and 85 bronze.

Vietnam were third with 73 gold, 86 silver and 86 bronze while Indonesia were fourth with 65 gold, 84 silver and 110 bronze.

Singapore will host the 28th SEA Games in 2015 while Malaysia will host the 29th SEA Games in 2017. 
bernama.com

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Lawrence Wong: Preparations for 2015 SEA Games Underway

SINGAPORE UPDATED — The organisers of the 28th Southeast Asian Games to be held in Singapore in 2015 have entered a detailed phase of preparations, said Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong.

He also said that some 15,000 volunteers will be roped in for the event.

In just 18 months’ time, Singapore will play host to the region’s biggest sporting spectacle, and organisers will begin to announce details of the event from mid-February next year.

Information about the Games logo, theme and mascot will be released then.

Mr Wong also said that tenders for accommodation during the Games are already being evaluated.

Visiting delegations will be housed in hotels in the city, instead of a traditional Games village.

Mr Wong said that Singaporeans can learn from the hosts of this year’s event — Myanmar — in the way that their people embraced and took ownership of the Games.

He said: “For us, if we can have a (SEA) Games where all of Singapore comes together to cheer our athletes to support the Games, to be gracious hosts and to see the celebration of sports in Singapore in 2015, then I am confident that we will truly have a successful SEA Games.”

Mr Wong was in Myanmar to watch Team Singapore in action, and he feels that the overall medal tally achieved by Singapore athletes was good considering the smaller size of the contingent compared to previous SEA Games.

He was impressed by the surprise medals achieved in sports that Singapore is not traditionally strong in, adding that it augurs well for the 2015 edition.

He said: “Performance in the Myanmar SEA Games also shows we are getting depth in terms of our sporting teams, because we have young ones who are coming up and they are now entering the games and some are competing for the first time, and still doing very well.” 

CHANNEL NEWSASIA

Heroic Faizal Wins Malaysian's Last Gold Medal

MALAYSIA UPDATED. It was the last match of the day in muay. It was against Myanmar’s local hero. And there were thousands of volatile and intimidating home fans.
 
But Malaysia’s Mohd Faizal Ramli rose above it all when he fought bravely to silence the home crowd with a sensational 3-0 win over Aung Myint Win in the 75kg bout at the Wunna Theikdi Sports Complex on Saturday.

 
It was Malaysia’s second gold medal in muay after Mohd Lokman Akimi Mat Raji had beaten Nguyen Ngo Trieu Nhat of Vietnam 3-0.
This is the first time that Malaysia are taking part in muay competition in the Games.

Even the 24-year-old Faizal could not believe that he had pulled off the unthinkable by winning Malaysia’s last gold of the Games – the 43rd.

“Honestly, I did not doubt my capability but the thought of being a victim of biased judging did cross my mind ... after all, I was fighting against a Myanmar exponent in the last match and they had just won three gold medals,” he said.
“But I fought my heart out today and scored good marks with accurate punches and kicks.”

He admitted that the crowd was rather intimidating.

“I couldn’t even hear the cheering and words of encouragement from my coach and team-mates. The fans were really loud and kept chanting ‘Myanmar, Myanmar’.
“I blocked out all the distractions and kept my spirits high. I remembered all the hard work and training I had put in and just kept throwing punches and striking him with my knees and elbows.

“Right now, I am just so happy to have kept the Jalur Gemilang flying high for muay,” said the full-time trainee, who thanked all the coaching and team staff for their support before being whisked off for a random dope test.

Team manager Saifulnizam Mohd Shahar said that the double gold medal success has given Malaysian muay a huge lift and that they will appeal for it to be included in the next SEA Games in Singapore.

Besides the two gold medals, muay also won three bronze medals through Mohd Sukri Hassan (48kg), Ain Kamaruddin (57kg) and Mohd Rafi Abdul Manaf (60kg).
thestar.com.my
 

Tickets for SEA Games’ Closing Ceremony Twelve-Fold on Black Market

MYANMAR UPDATED. Shortage of tickets for the closing ceremony of South-East Asian Games to be held in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar on December 22 has led a twelve-fold increase in ticket prices on the black market, sports fans told Eleven Media.

For local people, the official price of a normal ticket is Ks 3,000 (US$3) and a special ticket Ks 5,000 (US$5). However, each ticket is now priced between Ks 50,000 (US$50) and Ks 60,000 (US$60) on the black market.

“We have sold over 8000 tickets to the people. Ticket sales are not only handled by our Sports and Physical Education Department under the Ministry of Sports but also by committees of the respective ministries. Now, the tickets for the people have run out. But, it is left to sell US$30 tickets and US$50 tickets for overseas fans,” said a senior official from the ministry of sports on December 18. The ticket sales started since November 18, he added.

Football fans jostling for tickets for the women's football match in Mandalay

In fact, the Wunna Theikdi Stadium that will host the SEA Games Closing Ceremony has the capacity of 30,000 people. However, it was questionable why just over 8,000 tickets were sold out to the general public who are keen to attend this spectacular event.

The opening ceremony of 27th SEA Games took place at the Wunna Theikdi Stadium on December 11. The grandeur of the event attracted the attention of people and has caused high demand for the tickets of its closing ceremony.

“The SEA Games’ Opening Ceremony in our Nay Pyi Taw was unexpectedly grand. So, the residents in Nay Pyi Taw were keen to attend the closing ceremony. But when we inquired to buy tickets, it is learnt all the tickets have been sold out. They said they sold the tickets in Myoma market. Most of Nay Pyi Taw residents including us didn’t even know when the sold were sold out,” said Yan Naing Moe, a resident of Nay Pyi Taw.

In the opening ceremony of the SEA Games, a total of 300 tickets were arranged for local and foreign media. However, it was not enough and several media could not attend the ceremony. For the closing ceremony, 500 tickets would be arranged for the media, according to official sources.
elevenmyanmar.com

Thailand Crowned Kings of SEA Games Football for Record 14th Time

THAILAND UPDATED. Thailand clinched the men’s football gold medal of the 2013 Myanmar SEA Games with a collected 1-0 win over Indonesia in front of a vociferous crowd of 3,150 at Zeyarthiri Stadium last night. A touch of Thai magic from playmaker Pokklaw Anan put through Sarawat Masuk, who produced a deft flick over Indonesian goalkeeper Kurnia Meiga to score the winning goal in the 21st minute of the match. With the win, Thailand extend their record to 14 gold medals in the competition.

Before kickoff, after they had belted out with gusto their respective national anthems, both sets of fans were creating a din with their horns and cheer. This brought a real cup final atmosphere for arguably the showpiece event of the Games, even though it was played in a vastly empty stadium.

The Indonesian fans might have been the louder of two with the aid of their drums, but they must have also quietly known that the last time Indonesia had beaten Thailand in a SEA Games final was way back in the 1991 Manila games. That was also the last time that record gold medal winners Thailand had been defeated in the final of the men’s competition. Following that, the Thais went on an unprecedented run of eight straight gold medals, before a resurgent Malaysia put a stop to that run by winning the last two editions.

Now the Changsuk, or Thai War Elephants, were hungry to reclaim their crown. Favorites coming into the game, especially after their earlier 4-1 victory against the same opponents in the group stage in Yangon, they were in control of the game from the early stages and it came as no surprise when they took the lead after 20 minutes.

Right winger Sarawut made a lightning burst down the wing and played a brilliant one-two with Pokklaw, which played him through behind the Indonesian backline with an excellent pass. After receiving the ball, the Muangthong United player flicked the ball over onrushing Indonesian keeper, with it dropping just under the crossbar, to give the Thais a deserved lead.

Despite their silky passing which allowed them to win most of the possession in the first half, the Thais did not always have it their own way. Indonesia was finding joy down the flanks through their speedy wingers and forcing the Thais into conceding needless free kicks in the Thai defensive third. But Garuda Muda, or the Young Garudas, could not make the most of the dead ball opportunities handed to them and went into the break a goal behind.

Thailand emerged out of the halftime interval happy to sit back and let Garuda Muda come at them, and the Garuda Muda did give them a couple of scares, most notably when Rizki Ramdani’s shot on the turn from the edge of the box was deflected just narrowly wide of the far post in the 75th minute.

But as the fourth official signaled four minutes of added time, Thai fans sensed victory was just around the corner. In truth, despite the second half onslaught from the Indonesians, Thailand’s one-goal advantage was never seriously troubled. In the end, the Indonesian siege could find no gaps in the Thai fortress of blue defenders and with an acrobatic bicycle-kick clearance from one of the Thai defenders, the referee blew the final whistle to signal the return of Thailand to the top of SEA Games football.

“We worked hard and selected the right players for our team,” explained Thai coach Kiatisuk Senamuang, when asked what was the secret to the team’s triumph. “We have been training together for one year since January.”

Indonesian coach Rahmad Darmawan felt that his team was just short of luck to snatch the gold from the Thais on the day.

“Today we did not play badly and in the second half we dominated possession and had chances,” said the Indonesian coach. “We were unlucky and just could not finish.”

As for his counterpart, the legendary Thai striker, nick-named “Zico” for his goal-scoring prowess, can now add to the four SEA Games gold medals he already won between 1993 and 1999 as part of the Changsuk.

“This is very exciting for me because the four before were as a player and now this is my first as a head coach,” added the 40-year old.

“I feel very proud of our boys and for our country.” 
27seagames2013.com

Thailand Crowned Overall Champions at SEA Games 2013

THAILAND UPDATED. Kingdom complain about biased judging in taekwondo and muay on penultimate day.
Thailand have won the overall title but failed to reach their goal of taking home 110 gold medals at the 27th SEA Games.

On the penultimate day of the biennial event, Thailand had 107 gold medals to hosts Myanmar's 84.

There are only two golds up for grabs in sepak takraw on the final day today and Thailand did not take part in the event.

Thailand targeted 110 gold medals from a total of 460 on offer.

In yesterday's action, Thailand complained of foul play in taekwondo and muay (Muay Thai).

Panipak was leading 5-4 when her opponent was awarded three points for a head kick in the dying moments to win 7-5.

The decision was booed by Thai fans at the stadium. Thailand coach Choi Young Seok lodged a protest but the result stood.

A tearful Panipak, 16, said the kick landed on her shoulder. A kick on the opponent's head or face is three points while a kick on other parts is one point.

"It hit my shoulder and not head or face," said the Grade 10 student from Thepleela school. "I was really disappointed by the decision."

She said she felt under pressure throughout the fight because she was afraid of possible biased judging.

"Some people told me that the hosts really wanted this gold medal," she said. "I knew what I would face in the final. But it is hard to accept such officiating because I worked so hard for this tournament but was treated unfairly."

Ruengrit Saengkaew, secretary-general of the Taekwondo Association of Thailand, insisted the kick did not land on Panipak's head.

The incident came two days after Myanmar's Yamin Kline took gold in the women's poomsae singles event in dubious circumstances.

In yesterday's other matches, Ramnarong Sawekwiharee beat Francis Agojo of the Philippines 11-9 to win gold in the men's 54kg division, while Nattapat Tantramart got bronze in the men's over 80kg.

In all, Thailand took home six out of 21 gold medals in taekwondo with the other titles going to Vietnam (five), Myanmar (four), the Philippines (four), Laos (one) and Cambodia (one).

In muay, Thailand also complained about biased judging in their own martial art normally known as Muay Thai.

Panupun Panjad lost on points to Myanmar's Maung Too in the men's 67kg final as the Thai camp was upset by the decision.

Earlier in the Myanmar Games, Thailand threatened to stage a walkout from the tournament following what they claimed to be unfair treatment.

There were 14 gold medals up for grabs in the sport and Thailand won four from their six finals.

The Thai winners were Pisal Iamsiri (men's 56kg), Sirisopha Sirisak (women's 57kg), Ronnarit Boontri (men's 60kg), and Panupong Tanjad (women's 63.5kg).

Nattawut Bor-ngern lost to Kienkay Singsavath of Laos in the men's 48kg.

Having targeted five golds, the muay team was one short of their goal

5 Players & 3 Officials of KLFA Receive Punishment for Match-Fixing

MALAYSIA UPDATED. Eight Kuala Lumpur FA members, including five players have been suspended for life from playing football after being found guilty in a match-fixing scandal

The Kuala Lumpur FA has been hit with huge news as the disciplinary Committee of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has decided to punish three officials and five players of Kuala Lumpur after they have been found guilty of match-fixing.


According to Datuk Taufik Adul Razak, the president of the disciplinary committee, there will be no tolerance when it comes to match-fixing scandal.

Speaking to the reporters, he said “When we found out that this issue is still going on here in Malaysia, we decided to follow the principal of prevention is better than cure.”

The three officials that got suspended are including head coach Stanislav Lievkosky, assistant team manager Rosdi Omar and Officer Shaari Jani.
Meanwhile the players that are also suspended for life are Jeremy Danker, Khairul Anuar Shafiee, Hafize Roslee, Fadhulah Yunsifar and Phoo Kai Lun.

The FAM has also informed that they cannot make any appeals and the fate of another seven players who have also being charged will know their fate this 27^th of December.
goal.com 
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Malaysia Bags 43 Gold Medals in SEA Games Myanmar

MALAYSIA UPDATED. Malaysia's tally at the SEA Games rose to 43 after Mohd Faizal Ramli beat Myanmar's Aung Myint Win in the Muay 75kg category with a close 2-1 win. Mohd Faizal  defeated Myanmar's Aung Myint Win  this evening.
  
Mohd Faizal, who beat Indonesian Angga in the semi-finals on Thursday, left no room for doubt among the judges and silenced the stadium when he knocked down Myint Win twice in the final round of the fight.
    
Mohd Lokman Akimi Mat Roji had earlier clinched gold in the men's 51kg class with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Vietnam's Ngo Trieu Nhat Nguyen in the decider.

Earlier, the country's team achieved the 40-gold medal target through Ooi Tze Liang-Nazreen Abdullah in the men's 10m platform synchro event.

Tze Liang-Nazreen amassed a 386.28 total for the country’s first gold medal in the discipline since the 2001 Kuala Lumpur edition.

Malaysia bagged their 41th Sea Games gold medal in men's hockey in Yangon.
 
Also read : Medal tally 21 December 2013   

Tai Beng Hai's side, comprising seniors and youngsters, hammered Singapore 5-0 in the final.

Meanwhile, the 42nd gold medal came from Leong Mun Yee-Nur Dhabitah Sabri who ensured a clean sweep in diving by winning the women’s 10m platform synchro today.

The pair posted 281.64 points for the title.

Mun Yee officially set a record of becoming the first Malaysian to make nine straight appearance in the Sea Games.

In football, two early goals by Hariss Harun saw Singapore down Malaysia 2-1 in the Sea Games men's football bronze medal playoff at the Zeyar Thiri Stadium today.

Hariss struck in the 13th and 15th minutes before Malaysia replied through A. Thamil Arasu's opportunistic goal in the 68th minute.

The defeat means Malaysia, champions in 2009 and 2011, failed to win a medal for the first time since 2007.
nst.com.my

SEA Games Highlights – 20 December 2013

VIETNAM UPDATED. Friday was an unfruitful, if not unhappy, day for Vietnam at the 27th SEA Games Myanmar 2013 as they sustained three defeats against Thailand in futsal and football, while adding only two gold medals into the collection.

Vietnam faced Thailand in three finals of the day in men’s and women’s futsal and women’s football, but failed to win any of the three.

Thailand trounced Vietnam 8-1 in the men’s futsal, and 5-0 in the women’s event. In the women’s football final later, the Thai girls continued to grab another gold medal by beating Vietnam 2-1.

The Vietnamese athletes only managed to won two golds by martial artists Le Huynh Chau (taekwondo) and Nguyen Thi Quyen Chan (vovinam).

They meanwhile took home as many as 12 silver medals.

By the end of Friday, Vietnam slipped to the second place behind leader Thailand and host Myanmar with 66 golds, 72 silvers, and 74 bronzes.

Below are some highlights of Friday’s competitions compiled by the official website of the event.

Futsal
In men’s futsal Futsal Stadium, Thailand grabbed the gold medal win an 8- 1 win over Vietnam who never really challenged in the match. Vietnam got the silver and Indonesia won the bronze medal, beating Myanmar 6-5 on penalties after both teams ended regulation and extra time tied 3-3.

In women’s play, Thailand took a 2-0 lead over Vietnam into the dressing room at halftime and scored three unanswered goals in the second half to win the gold medal 5-0. Vietnam got the silver.

Traditional Boat
In traditional boat race at Nga Lite Dam Myanmar continued its winning ways, the mixed 10-crew taking gold in 2 minutes, 13.837 seconds over 500m. Thailand won the silver in 2:14.817 and finishing nearly 5 seconds ahead of bronze medalists Indonesia.

In the mixed 20-crew, Indonesia again surprised the hosts – they won a gold yesterday – by taking the gold medal in 1:50.952, more than a second ahead of silver medalists Thailand.

Myanmar got the bronze another half second behind Thailand.

The host country returned to the top podium step in the men’s 5-crew, finishing in 1:55.895, more than 7 seconds ahead of silver medalists Thailand and bronze medalists Indonesia.

In the day’s final race, the women’s 5-crew, Myanmar again stepped onto the top of the medals platform, winning gold in 2:15.713. Thailand got silver in 2:24.516 and Singapore got its first medal in traditional boat with a2:27.139 for bronze.

So far, Myanmar has lost the gold medal only twice in 14 races.

The last races are to be paddled tomorrow over 2000m.

Taekwondo
Taekwondo at Wunna Theikdi Indoor Stadium, Nuttawee Klompong (THA) won gold in the men’s 58kg. Ong Stevanus Ariosuseno (INA) took the silver and Doungsivilay Phammasone(LAO) and Rozaimi Rozali (MAS)won bronzes.

At 63kg, Huynh Chau Le (VIE) fought to the gold, beating Ryan Chong Wy (MAS) down to silver. Paul Romero (PHI) and Sornsart Poolpong (THA) got the bronze.

In women’s 49kg, Phannapa Harnsujin (THA) won the gold, Thi Huong Giang Doan (VIE) the silver and Eaimdra Aung (MYA) and Luisa Dos Santos Rosa (TLS) took bronzes.

At 53kg, Sarita Phongsri (THA) grabbed the gold, Thanh Thao Nguyen (VIE) the silver and Puthearim Chhoeung (CAM) and Pauline Louise Lopez (PHI) won bronzes.

Hockey
In hockey at Hockey Stadium, Yangon Indonesia beat Cambodia 8-0 in the final round-robin match before Myanmar played a hard defensive match against a complacent Singapore to win the bronze medal 1- 0.

In the gold medal match, Malaysia made no mistakes in taking the gold medal 8-1 over Thailand, who had settle for silver.

Kempo
In kempo at National Indoor Stadium, Yangon, the men’s randori 50kg went to Than Win (MYA), the silver to Joao Fernandes (TLS) and bronzes to Saren Phat (CAM) and Suea Thammaksone (LAO)

At 60kg, Kyaw Lin Oo (MYA) won gold, Dethsavanh Zaiavong (LAO) silver and Ronald Huiyanto (INA) and Duy Chung Nguyem (VIE) bronze.

At 65kg, Yules Umbu Hamba Pulu Umbu (INA) won gold, Khonesavanh Soundala (LAO) the silver and Kiri Sovan (CAM) and Francisco Pereira (TLS) the bronzes.

In Kumi embu pair kyu kenshi, Antonio Manuel/Julianto Pereira gave Timor-Leste the gold, Anggi Prasetia/Muhammad Qbal (INA) got silver and Aung Naing Tun/Tun Lin Aung (MYA) won bronzes.

In dantai embu, Indonesia took gold, Timor-Leste silver and Laos bronze.

In women’s dantai embu, Indonesia won gold, Vietnam silver and Myanmar bronze.

Volleyball
In volleyball at Zeyarthiri Indoor Stadium Indonesia beat Myanmar 3-0 for the women’s bronze medal

In men’s play, Laos outlasted Malaysia 3-2 to finish 5th. Vietnam beat Myanmar 3-0 to win the bronze medal.

Vovinam
In vovinam at Zeyarthiri Indoor Stadium in men’s Song Luyen Ma Tau, Hlwan Aung/Than Htike (MYA) took gold, Dong Vuong Lam/The Thuong Tran (VIE) silver and Chin Piseth/Chrin Bunlong (CAM) bronze.

In Da Luyen Vu Khi Nam, Indonesia got gold, Vietnam silver and Myanmar bronze.

Among the women, at 55kg, Thi Quyen Chan Nguyen (VIE) won gold, Paloy Barckkam (LAO) silver and Hay Man Soe (MYA) and Ni Luh Kadek Apriyanti (INA) won bronzes.

In Long Ho Quyen, Khaing Wha Phue (MYA) took gold, Le Cam Xuan Hua (VIE) silver and Pal Chhorraksmy (CAM) bronze.

In Song Luyen Kiem, Arista Dewi Luh Gede/Ratna Dewi Ni Made (INA) won gold, Le Cam Xuan Hua/Thi Kim Thuy Mai (VIE) silver and Nay Zar Win/Nway Oo Khin (MYA) bronze.
tuoitrenews.vn

Skor 0-1, Indonesia Gagal Sumbangkan Emas

INDONESIA UPDATED. Harapan menambah medali emas Sea Games 2013 dari cabang sepak bola dipastikan gagal, setelah tim nasional Indonesia tumbang dari Thailand 0-1, dalam pertandingan final yang digelar di Zeyar Thiri Sports Stadium, Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Sabtu.

Dengan hasil ini Tim Garuda Muda harus puas dengan medali perak seperti yang didapat pada SEA Games 2011 di Jakarta dan memperpanjang catatan buruk tidak pernah meraih emas sejak SEA Games 1991 di Manila.

Untuk medali perunggu SEA Games 2013 direbut oleh Timnas Singapura setelah dipertadingan perebutan ketiga mengalahkan Malaysia dengan skor 2-1.

Anak asuh Rahmad Darmawan mengambil berinisiatif melakukan tekanan terlebih dahulu ke pertahanan Thailand sejak awal babak pertama.

Fandi Eko Utomo dan kawan-kawan berusaha menguasai lini tengah demi melancarkan umpan-umpan terobosan yang mengarah ke gawang lawan yang dikawal oleh Kawin Thamsachanan.

Namun, Thailand juga tidak mau ketinggalan. Berbekal kondisi pemain yang lebih bugar, anak asuh Kiattisak Senamuang ini menerapkan pola permainan cepat kombinasi dari tengah menuju sayap. Gawang Kurnia Meiga beberapa kali terancam.

Penjaga gawang Arema Indonesia itu cukup piawai dalam menghadang bola. Namun, pada menit 21 Kurnia Meiga harus memungut bola dari gawangnya sendiri setelah pemain Thailand, Sarawut Masuk melesatkan tendangan ke gawang Timnas Indonesia.

Kondisi tertinggal 0-1 anak asuh Rahmad Darmawan langsung meningkatkan tempo pemainan. Bahkan pemain belakang Diego Michiels juga membantu dalam penyerangan. Namun, upayanya belum membuahkan hasil.

Tekanan demi tekanan sebenarnya terus dilakukan. Hanya saja, serangan selalu dipatahkan oleh barisan pertahanan Thailand yang dimotori Praweenwat Boon Yong. Kondisi tertinggal 0-1 bertahan hingga pertama usai.

Memasuki babak kedua Timnas Indonesia tidak henti-hentinya melakukan tekanan. Namun, Thailand juga tidak tinggal diam. Tim Negeri Gajah Putih itu tidak memberikan kesempatan Indonesia untuk berkembang.

Kesulitan menerobos pertahanan lawan membuat pemain Indonesia emosi. Bahkan dalam waktu yang bersamaan dua pemain Tim Garuda Muda yaitu Dedi Kusnandar dan Alfin Tuasalamony mendapatkan kartu kuning dari wasit.

Masuknya Ferinando Pahabol menggantikan Yandi Sofyan mengubah ritme permainan. Beberapa serangan juga langsung mengarah ke gawang Thailand meski belum mampu menyamakan kedudukan.

Demi meningkatkan daya serang, Rahmad Darmawan memasukkan Dendi Santoso untuk menggantika Rizky Pellu yang mulai kekelahan. Masuknya pemain Arema Indonesia membuat daya serang meningkat. Peluangpun banyak didapat. Hanya saja hingga peluit panjang tanda pertandingan usai ditiup wasit kedudukan tetap 0-1 untuk kemenangan Thailand.

Soccer-Life Bans Handed Out in Malaysia Match-Fixing Case

Five players and three team officials from a Malaysian lower league soccer club have been handed life bans after being found guilty of match-fixing, local media reported.

The eight who represented Kuala Lumpur were also fined 20,000 Malaysian Ringgit ($6,100) by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) who will hold a disciplinary hearing on Friday for seven more players from the club, the Malaysia Star reported.

The paper said coach Stanislav Lieskovsky, assistant manager Rosli Omar and kitman Shaari Jani were the officials disciplined with the Slovak manager having already returned home to Europe in July.

The five Malaysian players named were 29-year-old defender Jeremy Danker, 28-year-old right back Hafizi Roslee, 26-year-old centreback Fadhulah Yunsiar, 31-year-old midfielder Khairul Anuar and 22-year-old goalkeeper Phoo Kai Lun.

The paper did not say which games had been fixed. The three-times Malaysia Cup winners have suffered back-to-back relegations from the top-flight and will compete in the third tier next year.

Hafizi had been charged by the FAM disciplinary committee in September and suspended for six months after 'failing to play to a level that is considered satisfactory' in a 5-0 league loss to Sime Darby in May.

He was the first player to be charged under the unsporting behaviour law by the FAM after he was adjudged to have acted unprofessionally by 'giving' the ball to an opponent.

Banners with the words 'Bookie detected' were seen at the match which was investigated by local police..

Malaysia, like much of Southeast Asia, has fought a long battle with match-fixing in sport with poorly paid players and officials routinely punished for wrongdoing.

 The FAM said last month they were considering employing Sportradar, the Swiss-based supplier of sports and betting-related data, to help detect rigging in top-flight matches.

Sportsradar were employed by the Asian Football Confederation to monitor their matches last month after proving instrumental in unearthing a match-fixing syndicate in Australia, which led to four players and one official being banned by world governing body FIFA.

Kuala Lumpur FA (KLFA) president Astaman Abdul Aziz said he hoped all stakeholders in Malaysian football would continue to strive to clean up the local game.

"We will provide any form of assistance to the relevant authorities to fight corruption. We want the game to be clear of this disease," said Astaman.

sports.yahoo.com

Thailand Siapkan Gol Cepat & Penalti Untuk Gulung Indonesia

INDONESIA UPDATED. Thailand optimis bisa mengalahkan Indonesia di laga final SEA Games 2013, Sabtu (21/12) malam waktu Myanmar. Pelatih Thailand, Kiatisuk Senamuang, bahkan mengaku kalau skuad asuhannya sudah berlatih adu penalti demi final di Zeyar Thiri Stadium.

"Kami akan terus menekan pertahanan mereka dan mengandalkan kecepatan untuk membongkar pertahanan. Fisik mereka pasti tidak lebih baik dibanding kami karena Indonesia harus bermain lewat adu penalti untuk menundukkan Malaysia," sahut Kiatisuk. 

"Babak penalti? Tidak masalah. Sebenarnya kami sudah mempersiapkan diri selama sebulan untuk menghadapi penalti di Chiang Mai."

Thailand merasa percaya diri karena di fase grup sempat mengalahkan skuad U-23, 4-1. Pelatih yang akrab disapa "Zico dari Thailand" itu memprediksi kalau pemain Thailand akan bisa kembali menciptakan gol cepat seperti saat menaklukkan Indonesia.

"Thailand akan bermain dengan gayanya sendiri," kata Kiatisuk. "Kami harap bisa mencetak gol cepat agar bisa memenangkan pertandingan dengan mudah. Saya yakin tim ini bisa menundukkan Indonesia di 90 menit."
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Thailand: Let's Destroy the Indonesian Squad!

THAILAND UPDATED. Thailand Under-23 coach Kiatisuk Senamuang is confident that his team will end their SEA Games title drought when they take on Indonesia in the final at the Zeyar Thiri Stadium on Saturday night.

Thailand were eliminated in the group stages in the last two tournaments in 2009 and 2011 but they will be the overwhelming favourites to regain the men’s football title after defeating Singapore 1-0 in the semi-finals on Thursday.

Kiatisuk’s men have been the hot favourites since starting their Group B campaign with aplomb – beating Timor-Leste 3-1. They then whipped Indonesia 4-1 before drawing 1-1 with Myanmar and 0-0 with Cambodia.

The Thai legend said that his team had done well to advance to the final and that they are on the right track to reclaim the gold medal.

‘’Our aim is to win the gold medal in the SEA Games,’’ said the 40-year-old coach fondly called Zico.

‘’However, we still have to work hard to win it ... the fight is not over yet and our win against Indonesia in the first round is irrelevant.’’

Indonesia, meanwhile will try to end their SEA Games jinx after going more than two decades without winning the gold in the biennial tournament.

Indonesia coach Rahmad Darmawan has urged his players to continue showing the same kind of consistency that has seen them come this far.

“It will be a hard-fought match but I believe we have it in us to beat Thailand ... if we play according to our game plan,” said Rahmad.

Thailand One Win Away From Football Gold

THAILAND UPDATED. Kiatisak's men to meet Indonesia in decider. Thailand will be heavy favourites to regain the men's football title after defeating Singapore 1-0 in the semi-finals at the SEA Games on Thursday night.

Praweenwat Boonyong's 23rd minute penalty kick sent Thailand to their first final since 2007.

In tomorrow's final, Kiatisak Senamuang's men will meet Indonesia who stunned Malaysia 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in yesterday's other semi-final.

Thailand hammered the Indonesians 4-1 in the first round of the Myanmar Games.

Thailand were eliminated in the last two tournaments in 2009 and 2011 and Kiatisak is confident that his men will end the title drought.

''Our aim is to win the gold medal,'' said Kiatisak.

''But we have to work hard to win the title. Our win against Indonesia in the first round is irrelevant.''

At Zeyar Thiri Stadium in the country's new capital, Singapore were the better side in the opening minutes but once Thailand found their rhythm they dominated for long periods.

The Thais broke the deadlock after 23 minutes when Thai-Swiss midfielder Charyl Chappuis won a penalty after he was tripped in the area.

Bangkok Glass FC defender Praweenwat made no mistake from the spot.

The Young Lions then piled the pressure on Thailand but failed to break their defence marshalled by captain Theerathon Bunmathan.

Thailand started the second half strongly forcing Singapore goalkeeper Muhammad Mahbud to make a couple of saves.

But the game then became uneventful and the Thais chose to defend their lead.

The match became lively again in the final 10 minutes as Singapore threw everything at Thailand but could not beat goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan.

In yesterday's first semi-final, Indonesia beat Malaysia 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 stalemate, avenging their defeat to their arch-rivals in the 2011 final in Jakarta.

The game finished 1-1 in normal time with a late goal from forward Thamil Arasu cancelling out a spectacular strike from Bayu Gatra after 30 minutes of a game which the Indonesians dominated.

Extra-time was a dour affair with both teams flagging on the large pitch.

The win was sweet revenge for the Indonesians, who lost on penalties to their neighbours in the final of the 2011 Games.

The Malaysians were bidding for their third straight SEA Games gold in the showpiece event of the hotly contested competition.

Indonesia, who broke the hearts of local fans with a narrow 1-0 win over Myanmar to progress from the group stage at their expense, will play Thailand in the final of the under-23 tournament.

Against Thailand tomorrow, Indonesia will try to end their SEA Games hoodoo after going more than two decades without winning gold in the biennial tournament.
bangkokpost.com

Kiatisuk: It Will Not Be An Easy Match for Indonesia.

THAILAND UPDATED. Kiatisuk anticipates tough match in final despite victory in group stage.

Thailand will be bidding to end a barren run in men's football when they meet Indonesia in the final on Saturday.

Thailand completely dominated the SEA Games' men's football when they won the title eight times in a row from 1993-2007. But they were embarrassingly eliminated in the first round in the last two tournaments. 

Also watch video recording Indonesia vs Malaysia and Thailand vs Singapore.



Coach Kiatisuk Senamuang's men are heavy favourites against the Indonesians at Zayar Thriti Stadium in Myanmar's new capital as the Thais thrashed them 4-1 in the group stage earlier in the 2013 Games.

Kiatisuk should know how to win the title as he won several gold medals during his playing days. He was on target when Thailand beat Myanmar in the 1993 final to begin their eight-title run.

However, he warned his players not to underestimate Indonesia in today's showdown.

"It will not be an easy match," he said yesterday.

"Although we beat them 4-1 in the first round, today's game will be different. I hope my players will be eager to beat them again. We must do our best and not make mistakes. I believe we can win the gold medal."

Injured Pakorn Prempak is definitely out while 'Messi Jay' Chanathip Songkrasin and Thai-Swiss Charyl Chappuis need late fitness tests.

Kiatisuk, affectionately called by his nickname 'Zico', welcomes back Pokklaw Anan who was sidelined due to injury in Thailand's 1-0 win against Singapore in the semi-finals on Thursday.

Kiatisuk's men are captained by defender Theerathon Bunmathan, a starter for the full national team. They also have other full national team players, including goalkeeper Kawin Thamasatchanan.

As for Indonesia, they have improved considerably after the defeat against Thailand.

They eliminated hosts Myanmar with a 1-0 win in their final group game and stunned defending champions Malaysia on penalties following a 2-2 draw in the semi-finals.

The Indonesians are led by Alfin Tuasalamony, Andri Ibo and Diego Robbie Michiels who could break the Thais' hearts.

PROBABLE THAILAND LINE-UP
Goalkeeper: Kawin ThamasatchananDefenders: Arthit Daosawang, Theerathon Bunmathan, Sakolwach Sakonlah, Praweenawat Boonyong
Midfielders: Charyl Chappuis, Pokklaw Anan, Thitiphan Puangjan
Strikers: Kroekrit Taweekarn, Sarawut Masuk. Adisak Kraisorn
bangkokpost.com

Skuad Indonesia Dalam Momentum Kebangkitan

INDONESIA UPDATED. Pasca mengkandaskan Malaysia di semifinal Sea Games 2013 Myanmar, Timnas Indonesia U23 akan kembali berhadapan dengan Thailand di partai final. Kedua tim sempat bertemu di babak penyisihan, dimana ketika itu Garuda Muda kalah 1-4 dari Gajah Putih.

Jika Indonesia lolos ke final setelah membungkam Malaysia, sementara itu Thailand lolos ke final setelah dipertandingan semifinal mengalahkan Timnas Singapura dengan skor tipis 1-0.

Menghadapi Thailand bukan perkara mudah bagi pelatih Indonesia, Rahmad Darmawan (RD). Kendati demikian pelatih ia mengaku optimistis anak asuhnya mampu bermain maksimal.

"Thailand merupakan tim kuat dan telah menganut sepak bola modern, kita juga sudah bertemu sebelumnya. Sekarang tinggal bagaimana kita untuk meraih yang terbaik," ungkap RD seusai pertandingan menghadapi Malaysia.

Sementara itu pelatih Timnas Thailand, Kiatisuk Senamuang mewaspadai kebangkitan Batu Gatra Cs. Indonesia menurut Kiatisuk, merupakan tim yang terus menanjak setelah mengalahkan tuan rumah Myanmar dan Malaysia.

Namun di luar itu semua, final sepak bola SEA Games XXVII antara Indonesia vs Thailand (Sabtu, 21/12/13) menyimpan cerita menarik dari kedua tim. Pasalnya laga itu akan menjadi pertarungan antara mantan polisi dan marinir.

Seperti yang diketahui jika RD sebagai pelatih, merupakan anggota Marinir aktif TNI Angkatan Laut. Dirinya sukses menjadi salah satu pelatih papan atas Indonesia, setelah menangani klub-klub besar nasional.

Jika RD adalah anggota marinir, sementara pelatih Kiatisuk Senamuang merupakan mantan anggota kepolisian Thailand, Royal Thai Police. Kiatisuk berkarier di sepak bola antara tahun 1989 hingga 2007.

Sejak 2013, Kiatisuk menjadi pejabat pelatih Tim Nasional Thailand menggantikan Winfried Schaefer. Dalam sebuah pertandingan persahabatan, dia berhasil membawa timnas Thailand menggilas Cina 5-1 pada Juni 2013.

Disisi lain, Timnas Indonesia U-23 siap memenuhi target yang ditetapkan yaitu merebut medali emas sepak bola pesta olahraga terbesar di Asia Tenggara, SEA Games 2013 Myanmar.

Peluang untuk meraih emas ini cukup terbuka karena hanya menyisakan satu pertandingan melawan Thailand pada final SEA Games 2013 di Zeyar Thiri Stadium, Naypyitaw, Sabtu (21/12).

"Mereka (pemain) punya keinginan kuat untuk memenangi pertandingan. Pertandingan nanti bukan hanya masalah teknik dan strategi, tapi juga mental," kata pelatih Timnas Indonesia U-23, Rahmad Darmawan, setelah  memimpin latihan di lapangan Wunna Theikdi, Jumat (20/12).

Demi meraih target yang telah ditetapkan, pelatih Rahmad Darmawan telah menyiapkan formasi terbaik. Bahkan, pelatih yang akrab dipanggil RD ini juga telah mengetahui kekuatan dan kelemahan calon lawan.

Secara statistik, Timnas Indonesia kurang beruntung jika berhadapan dengan Thailand. Dari 17 kali pertemuan sejak 1977, Thailand menang sebanyak 12 kali dan Indonesia hanya satu kali menang.

Salah satu kekalahan yang didapat Timnas Garuda adalah saat menjalani pertandingan penyisihan Grup B SEA Games 2013 Myanmar. Saat itu Alfin Tuasalamony dan kawan-kawan harus mengakui keunggulan Tim Gajah Putih itu dengan skor 1-4.

"Thailand merupakan tim kuat dan telah menganut sepak bola modern. Kita juga sudah bertemu sebelumnya. Sekarang tinggal bagaimana kita untuk meraih yang terbaik," kata Rahmad Darmawan.

Saat menghadapi anak asuh Kiatisuk Senamuang di partai final, kemungkinan besar Rahmad Darmawan akan memperkuat lini tengah Tim Garuda Muda itu dengan skema 4-5-1 atau hanya menyiapkan satu penyerang.

Hal ini dilakukan untuk menghalau serangan dari pemain Thailand yang terkenal dengan memiliki kecepatan dan keterampilan individu yang mampuni. Selain itu lawan selama ini sudah haus akan emas SEA Games.

Sebelumnya pelatih Timnas Thailand, Kiatisuk Senamuang mengatakan untuk menghadapi Indonesia pada partai puncak bukan perkara mudah meski di pertandingan penyisihan mampu dikalahkan.

"Indonesia tim yang kuat, terbukti mampu ke final. Sebelumnya juga mengalahkan tuan rumah Myanmar dan Malaysia," katanya.

Thailand melangkah ke final SEA Games 2013 setelah di semifinal mengalahkan Singapura di Zeyar Thiri Stadium, Kamis (19/12) dengan skor tipis 1-0.
 

RD: Final Saja Nggak Cukup! (Video)

INDONESIA UPDATED. Medali emas sudah ada di depan mata. Pantang bagi tim nasional sepak bola Indonesia tidak membawa pulang juara ke Tanah Air. Garuda Muda pun bertekad terbang tinggi pada partai final SEA Games 2013 melawan Thailand di Stadion Zeyar Thiri, Sabtu (21/12) malam.
 
Timnas U-23 melenggang ke final dengan mendepak Malaysia melalui babak adu penalti. Namun, Andik Vermansah dan kawan-kawan tak punya waktu lama untuk bersenang-senang. Mereka harus segera melanjutkan perjuangan untuk mengakhiri 22 tahun puasa emas Indonesia dalam cabang sepak bola SEA Games.

Simak video cuplikan pertandingan Indonesia vs Malaysia dan Thailand vs Singapore:




Pelatih Timnas U-23 Rahmad Darmawan menyadari masyarakat Indonesia tak hanya berharap tim asuhnya melangkah ke final, tapi juga dituntut menjadi juara. "Final saja tidak cukup,” kata Rahmad di Naypyitaw, Jumat (20/12).

Juru taktik yang akrab disapa RD itu sama sekali tak gentar meskipun akan melawan tim yang pernah mengalahkan Indonesia di fase grup dengan skor telak 1-4. Ia cukup optimistis bisa membalaskan kekalahan itu.

RD sudah mempelajari gaya permainan tim berjuluk Gajah Putih itu. Thailand diakuinya memiliki transisi permainan yang cepat dari bertahan ke menyerang. Berkaca dari pertemuan pertama melawan Thailand, Kamis (12/12), RD kini meminta anak asuhnya tak lagi bermain terbuka.
republika.com

Bad Report Card for Malaysian Athletics at SEA Games

MALAYSIA UPDATED. Thailand have shown progress in the track and field competition by winning 17 golds and breaking five SEA Games records to become overall champions for a record eight consecutive time.
 
While 39 Malaysians, comprising 26 men and 13 women athletes, struggled to win four golds – one short of their target.

A total of 45 gold medals were at stake in athletics and Malaysia had a haul of 4-6-3 here, which is their worst ever performance in the history of the Games since 1959.

Malaysian Athletics Federation (MAF) set a target of seven golds in July but reduced it to five last month and yet they failed to achieve even that.

MAF should take the blame for failing to achieve the target.

SEA Games Athletics Medal Tally
	Gold	Silver	Bronze	Total
Thailand	17	13	9	39
Vietnam	10	11	12	33
Indonesia	6	4	7	17
Philippines	6	4	3	13
Malaysia	4	6	3	13
Myanmar	2	4	7	13
Singapore	2	3	3	8
Laos	0	0	2	2

Team manager Datuk Wan Hisham Wan Salleh denied that they had failed in the Games, saying MAF cannot be blamed for failing to achieve the target.

“We are just unlucky to not be able to achieve the five gold medal target,” said Wan Hisham.

“Some of our athletes did really well by breaking four national records but, unfortunately, of that only one managed to win the gold.

“The four are young athletes and they definitely have a bright future. We will be banking on them to deliver the golds in the next SEA Games in Singapore in two years’ time,” said Wan Hisham, who is also the MAF deputy president.

However, Wan Hisham admitted that countries like Thailand and Vietnam have improved a lot and have also broken SEA Games records.

“Thailand and Vietnam are up to the Asian standards while our athletes are still struggling to win golds in the Games.

“We will review the whole training programme structure and also evaluate the athletes’ performance to see how we can help them improve their standard,” said Wan Hisham.

Judging by the performance of the Malaysian athletes in Naypyitaw, none of them can qualify for next year’s Asian Games in Incheon in September.

However, four young male athletes did exceptionally well in Myanmar.

Debutant Mohd Irfan Shamsuddin, at only 18, broke the men’s national discus record by more than three metres to win the gold medal. He hurled a distance of 53.16m, erasing his previous mark of 49.90m to qualify for next year’s World Junior Championships in Oregon, United States.

The 19-year-old Iskandar Alwi of Johor, who made his debut, also rewrote his record in the men’s pole vault with a jump of 5.10m, to improve his old record by nine centimetres to win the silver.

Sarawak’s Jackie Wong Siew Cheer, 21, shattered his own record in the men’s hammer throw with 59.75m, erasing his old mark of 58.52m to bag the bronze.

The 22-year-old Mohd Hakimi Ismail of Perak did exceptionally well to break the 24-year national record of 16.29m in the men’s triple jump with a leap of 16.44m. He also had to settle for the silver.

Nauraj Singh Randhawa, 20, also did well to win gold in the men’s high jump with a height of 2.17m.

But, the toast for Malaysia in athletics was 27-year-old Mohd Jironi Riduan, who did not even qualify for the Games. He did really well to win his first two gold medals in the Games – the men’s 800m and 1,500m.

However, MAF have to look for a replacement for him as Jironi has quit from competing in the middle distance races.

He wants to feature in the marathon from next year.

Malaysia used to dominate the athletics competition in the Games but now they are very far behind their neighbours.

MAF must start cracking their heads to find ways to improve the athletes’ standard in the Games.

They must buck up and learn from neighbours Thailand the ways to improve in athletics.
thestar.com.my