16/10/2025

SPORTS THURSDAY | OCT 16, 2025

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Malaysian fans urged to get behind Hakim Danish THE debut of young Malaysian rider Muhammad Hakim Danish Ramli in the Moto3 competition at the 2025 Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix (GP Malaysia) at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) is not only eagerly awaited by Malaysian motorsports fans but also has excited Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh. events here, but when it’s here, then Malaysians don’t really want to buy tickets. “So please, it’s not often that we get to see a Malaysian riding, and so we really hope that you will buy a ticket and come out and support Hakim Danish,” she said at a press conference of the Aeon Credit SIC Racing MSI team and machinery represented by Hakim Danish in Sepang yesterday.

RESULTS

WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS EUROPE

the best example of how the corporate sector can make a big impact by not only helping riders like Hakim Danish go further, but also inspiring youth that big dreams can be realised. Meanwhile, Aeon Credit chairman Ng Eng Kiat said that the company was proud to channel a donation of RM1 million to Hakim Danish to support his appearance in his first Moto3 action. He said that the donation was also his company’s first step into the world of motorsports, thus strengthening their long-term commitment to the development of the country’s youth, community and talent. SIC chief executive officer Azhan Shafriman Hanif said that Hakim Danish’s appearance at the 2025 Malaysian GP was not just a personal success for the rider but also for the entire technical team, mechanics and partners like Aeon Credit who believed in their talent development programme. – Bernama

Group E: Spain 4 (Merino 35, 57, Chernev 79-og, Oyarzabal 90+2-pen) Bulgaria 0, Turkey 4 (Yildiz 14, Demiral 22, 52, Akgun 35) Georgia 1 (Kochorashvili 64) . Group F: Republic of Ireland 1 (Fergu son 70) Armenia 0, Portugal 2 (Ronaldo 22, 45+3) Hungary 2 (Szalai 8, Szoboszlai 90+1) . Group I: Estonia 1 (Kait 12) Moldova 1 (Bodisteanu 64) , Italy 3 (Retegui 45+2-pen, 74, Mancini 90+3) Israel 0. Group K: Latvia 0 England 5 (Gordon 26, Kane 44, 45+4-pen, Tonisevs 58-og, Eze 86) , Andorra 1 (Lopez 17) Serbia 3 (Garcia 19-og, Vlahovic 54, Mitrovic 77-pen) . AFRICA Group B: Senegal 4 Mauritania 0, Congo 1 Sudan 0. Group C: South Africa 3 Rwanda 0, Nige ria 4 Benin 0. Group E: Morocco 1 Congo Brazzaville 0. Group F: Seychelles 0 Gambia 7, Gabon 2 Burundi 0, Ivory Coast 3 Kenya 0. Group G: Guinea 2 Botswana 2, Somalia 0 Mozambique 1, Algeria 2 Uganda 1. CONCACAF: Curacao 1 Trinidad and Tobago 1, Jamaica 4 Bermuda 0, Panama 1 Suriname 1, El Salvador 0 Guatemala 1. INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLIES: Japan 3 Brazil 2, Korea Republic 2 Paraguay 0, Iran 2 Tanzania 0, Norway 1 New Zealand 1, Albania 4 Jordan 2, Russia 3 Bolivia 0, Puerto Rico 0 Argentina 6, Colombia 0 Canada 0, United States 2 Australia 1, Mexico 1 Ecuador 1. Sivasangari on fire in Silicon Valley S. Sivasangari is one step away from glory at the Silicon Valley Open in Redwood City, United States after powering into the final today (Malaysian time). The world No. 8 and third seed was in good form, sweeping aside Egypt’s seventh seed Salma Hany 3-0 in just 22 minutes in the semifinals. Sivasangari displayed her trade mark precision and composure throughout the match by sealing the victory 11-3, 11-9, 11-5 to earn a well deserved spot in the title decider. After the match, Sivasangari said: “It means a lot. Salma is a very tricky player; she’s very skilful. “I remember the last time we played I was 2-0 up and I lost the match. So today I just tried to focus on every point, every rally and try to do my best. I followed the game plan well today. “I’m pleased to be through to the final here this year after getting knocked out at this stage last year. “It give me a lot of confidence because I’m trying to challenge the top players and try to be consistent by beating those players just beneath me.” Standing between her and the championship is top seed Olivia Weaver of the United States, a famil iar rival who has triumphed in seven of their eight previous encounters. Weaver advanced to the final after defeating England’s Georgina Kennedy 3-0 (11-5, 11-3, 11-4) in the other semifinal. – Bernama MALAYSIA’S squash ace

Yeoh said she not only wants to see Hakim Danish’s ride but also wants to see the Terengganu rider rock the SIC by winning the 2025 Malaysian GP Moto3 competition, scheduled to take place from Oct 24-26. In this regard, she called on Malaysians to support Hakim Danish, who will be competing on a wildcard, by immediately grabbing tickets that are still on sale. “We urge every Malaysian to buy a ticket and come out and support MotoGP. A lot of times we hear people want us to bring international

Hakim Danish’s mentor, Muhammad Zulfahmi Khairuddin emerged as the best national representative in the Moto3 race at SIC by finishing second in the 2012 season. Yeoh at the same time said that the participation of the 18-year-old rider symbolises Malaysia’s confidence in the great potential that can be achieved when the government, private sector and motor sports community work together. She said that the support from Aeon Credit is

Harimau Malaya maul Laos

271/25

15/10/2025

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8501 + 4279 6938 + 4279 4279 + 6938

8501 + 6938 6938 + 8501 4279 + 8501

Malaysia’s Harith Haiqal (right) in action against Laos. – BERNAMAPIC

RM118,250.72

M ALAYSIA produced a stunning sec ond-half comeback to crush Laos 5 1 in their fourth Group F match of the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday night. The first half saw the Harimau Malaya domi nating possession but failing to convert their chances, as Laos goalkeeper Kop Lokphathip stood firm to deny several clear opportunities from the home side. Malaysia were stunned in the 20th minute when Chanthavixay Khounthoumphone’s long-range strike deflected off Shahrul Saad and beat goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi Mohamed, giving Laos a surprise 1-0 lead. The national side, however, came roaring back after the break, with Mohamad Faisal Abdul Halim curling in a superb free kick in the 59th minute to level the score. Romel Morales then combined with Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi for Malaysia’s second in the 65th minute before slotting in his second of the night six minutes later off a Dion Cools assist. A Khammanh Thapaseut own goal in the 79th minute and a late strike from substitute Paulo Josue three minutes later sealed the 5-1 rout, maintaining Malaysia’s unbeaten record after four matches and keeping them top of Group F with 12 points, followed by Vietnam (nine), Laos (three) and Nepal (none). Head coach Peter Cklamovski said the Harimau Malaya performance in the first half was rather blunt after conceding the opening goal but the versatility in achieving a perfect fin ish was successfully executed by his players in the second half to stage a comeback. “It was a good challenge, I give credit to the players. Stay patient and believe in our game. “First half a bit blunt, not sharp performance

while Laos kept working out,” he said at a press conference after the match. The coach praised his players for maintain ing focus amid external distractions, com mending their unity despite the absence of seven mixed-heritage players suspended by Fifa. “It shows the mentality of the players,” he added. Cklamovski dismissed suggestions that he is facing the toughest coaching challenge of his career. Instead, the Australian said he takes pride in leading Harimau Malaya. “I don’t even think about that (being the toughest coaching challenge). I don’t look back. It’s a simple process – connect to what’s impor tant today,” he said. “That’s a life philosophy I try to instil in the players, and focus on the day and get better every day.” Laos coach Ha Hyeokjun acknowledged the quality of the Harimau Malaya squad, stating that the Malaysian team was better in all aspects. “We felt like we played according to our plan in the first half, but in the second half, the men tality and focus were not there until we lost 5-1. “I believe my players are improving but compared to them, they have a league with more quality,” he said. Malaysia is scheduled to face Nepal on Nov 18, and will conclude the group stage against Vietnam in Hanoi next March. Cklamovski hails players after spirited second half fightback

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