09/08/2025

SPORTS SATURDAY | AUG 9, 2025

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New Premier League signings that may catch the eye

Hoh looking forward to Danish experience

M ALAYSIA’S top men’s doubles player, Aaron Chia, is dreaming of an all-Malaysian line-up in the men’s doubles semifinals of the 2025 World Championships in Paris, which will be held from Aug 25 to 31. Aaron, who partners Soh Wooi Yik, believes the scenario is not impossible given the strong performances by top Malaysian pairs this year, including world No. 3 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, world No. 7 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun and world No. 22 Wan Arif Wan Junaidi-Yap Roy King. Should that dream come true, the 28-year-old said it would be especially meaningful as the semifinals at the prestigious tournament – to be held at the Adidas Arena – will take place just a day before Malaysia celebrates its 68th National Day. “I think Wei Chong-Kai Wun and Wan Arif-Roy King also have a chance of making the semifinals. If we have four Malaysian pairs there, we can celebrate National Day early,” he told reporters after a training session in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Based on this year’s performances, Aaron-Wooi Yik, currently ranked world No. 2, are Malaysia’s most successful pair, having won three titles – the Badminton Asia Championships, Thailand Open and Singapore Open, in addition to finishing runners-up at the Malaysia Masters and China Open. Wei Chong-Kai Wun have also captured the Indonesia Masters and Malaysia Masters titles, while Sze Fei Nur Izzuddin and Wan Arif-Roy King each secured a title at the India Open and Macau Open respectively. Aaron is hopeful that the world championships venue will once again bring him good fortune, having defended his Olympic bronze medal at N ATIO N AL men’s singles shuttler Justin Hoh is set to enjoy a true“Danish delight” as he heads to Denmark to train alongside some of badminton’s finest in Copenhagen. Fresh off a runner-up finish at the recent Macau Open, Hoh said this will be his first time training in a completely new environment – and he plans to make the most of it. The 21-year-old said among the key lessons he hopes to take home is the discipline that keeps the Danes at the top. “I feel I need to learn their discipline, both on the court and off

final the World Championships 2025 in Paris, slated to take place from Aug 25-31. The Malaysian contingent includes men’s singles Leong Jun Hao and women’s singles K. Letshanaa, both set to compete in Paris, along with Justin. Justin was also relieved that he managed to reach the final in Macau following an underwhelming season this year. He has climbed eight spots to 37th in the world rankings and hopes to maintain his momentum to achieve his mission of breaking into the top 32 by the end of the year. – Bernama build-up to

the court,” he told reporters when met after a training session in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Last Sunday, the Kuala Lumpur born shuttler’s dream of clinching his maiden Super 300 title was dashed after going down to Indonesia’s Alwi Farhan, 21-15, 21-5, in the Macau Open final. Last month, the Badminton Association of Malaysia announced that the national singles squad is set to undergo a five-day training camp with the Denmark national team in Copenhagen from Aug 18-22. The training stint is part of their

Ű BY DAMIAN SPELLMAN

made known their interest in Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, but he is a significant signing in his own right. The 23-year-old France international scored 15 Bundesliga goals last season and also provided eight assists, and the reigning champions will hope he can provide both in abundance in the English top flight. Liam Delap Manchester City Academy graduate Delap made his mark on the Premier League with relegated Ipswich last season, scoring 12 goals, but also demonstrating a direct and physical approach which suggested he has much more to offer. Chelsea activated the 22-year old’s £30m (RM170m) release clause in time for him to contribute to their successful Club World Cup campaign, and he will hope to hit the ground running when he returns to domestic action. – The Independent

THE Premier League returns with its clubs having spent the summer attempting to strengthen their squads, with some investing heavily. New faces and old will grace the English top flight as the latest arrivals attempt to make their names and those already acquainted with the top flight launch new phases in their careers. Here’s a look at five men to When Liverpool secured a million (RM580m) deal to bring Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz to Anfield, they got their hands on one of European football’s hottest properties. The 22-year-old Germany international, who was also courted by Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, could eventually cost the reigning champions a British record £116m (RM660m), but should he fulfil the potential they believe he has, it would prove money well spent. Tijjani Reijnders Manchester City were left a sizeable gap to plug when it was revealed that Kevin De Bruyne’s illustrious stay at the Etihad Stadium was to come to a close, and it is one they chose to fill in part with a £46.3m (RM260m) swoop for AC Milan’s midfielder Tijjani Reijnders. The 26-year-old Netherlands international was one of Milan’s better performers during a disappointing Serie A campaign and while he is a different player to De Bruyne, his passing ability and eye for goal could prove invaluable to Pep Guardiola’s side. Bryan Mbeumo Boyhood Manchester United supporter Mbeumo was handed the chance to fulfil a dream when Ruben Amorim offered club record £100 keep an eye on. Florian Wirtz

Merdeka in Paris?

Aaron eyes all-Malaysian semifinals in men’s doubles at World Championships

Mohammad Ahsan-Hendra Setiawan 21-19, 21-14. Aaron added that their current focus is on maintaining consistency ahead of the Paris showdown. He also identified world No. 1 pair Kim Won Ho-Seo Seung Jae as the biggest threat to the competition,

the same location during the 2024 Olympic Games. He is aiming to recreate the magic of their 2022 world title triumph in Tokyo. “We played at the same arena last year. I hope we can perform well this time – even better,” he said. In August 2022, Aaron-Wooi Yik made history as Malaysia’s first badminton world champions after defeating Indonesia’s veteran pair and three-time world champions

as the in-form South Koreans have already claimed five titles this year, including the prestigious All England in March. – Bernama

him the chance to join the club in a £70m (RM400m) switch from Brentford. Amorim will hope the 25-year-old C a m e r o o n international adds pace, creativity and goals – he scored 20 in the league last season – as he attempts to improve upon last season’s desperately disappointing 15th place finish. Hugo Ekitike Liverpool’s swoop for Eintracht

Aaron Chia. – BERNAMAPIC

Sukma 2028 in Kelantan will end rotation model: Yeoh THE Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) is considering making Kelantan the last state to host the Malaysia Games (Sukma) under the existing rotation model as it mulls introducing a new model for the biennial sports event. Its minister, Hannah Yeoh said hosting rights would be given to Putrajaya or the National Sports Council (NSC) to ensure continuity in contested sports that have been the right of host states. them a medal advantage, that’s why in every Sukma, there are sports that are dropped. “So give us room to study to ensure continuity exists and chart a path for athletes, that their development is there,” she said when met after the groundbreaking of the Olympic Council of Malaysia’s (OCM) new headquarters dubbed the Olympic House in Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, which was attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and OCM president Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria. She also urged all parties to respect the decision of Sukma 2026 host, Selangor in matters of selecting the sports contested at the event. “So, let’s give room for the decision of the Games’ host, respect them and we will discuss the hosting of non-Sukma sports,” Hannah said. She also expressed her excitement over the construction of the Olympic House, scheduled to be completed in 2028. “It is a significant milestone that signals the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Malaysian sports journey,“ she added. – Bernama “After Kelantan, the cycle where all states have hosted the Games will be complete. Previously, every host will look for sports that will offer

Frankfurt frontman Ekitike, which cost them an initial £69m (RM393m), came as they

Hugo Ekitike