24/10/2025

SPORTS FRIDAY | OCT 24, 2025

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Pope, Murphy tipped for World Cup places

RESULTS & STANDINGS

Ű BY DAMIAN SPELLMAN

THE 2025 Tun Abdul Razak Cup tournament, which concluded on Oct 11, brought good news for eight young players who caught the attention of national men’s hockey team head coach Sarjit Singh, earning them a call-up to the national training camp. The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC), in a statement yesterday, said that six of the players called up are around 20 years old, while the other two are aged 23 and 26. They will begin training with the national squad starting on Monday (Oct 27) at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil. “Based on the list of players called up, four are from Pahang – Wan Muhammad Najmi Ahmad Dzaib, Airil Abdul Razak Rahman, Aiman Safwan Hisham and Muhammad Nor Syakir Hafiz. Two players are from Terengganu – Darwisy Hamdan and Muhammad Yadiy Mohamad Saifuddin – while the other two, Zufar Saiful Marsita and Muhammad Nur Asyraf Ishak, from Melaka, have also been given the opportunity to train with the national squad,” the statement said. Meanwhile, Sarjit, in the same statement, said the eight selected players stood out in terms of technical skills, fitness, discipline, and long-term potential to fill positions in the main squad. He said the current centralised training will focus on helping the young players adapt to the intensive training and the playing system at the international level. “If they demonstrate good quality and attitude, their chances of being listed for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup are bright,” he said. The centralised training is part of the national hockey squad’s preparations ahead of two major tournaments. – Bernama Eight players earn national call-up 11 6 2 3 13 13 20 Bristol City 11 5 4 2 19 11 19 Charlton 11 5 3 3 13 9 18 Stoke 11 5 3 3 12 8 18 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Galatasaray 3 (Osimhen 3, 33, Akgun 60) Bodo/Glimt 1 (Helmersen 76) , Athletic Bilbao 3 (Guruzeta 40, 88, Navarro 70) Qarabag 1 (Andrade 1) , Chelsea 5 (Guiu 18, Caicedo 27, Fernan dez 45-pen, Estevao 45+6-pen, George 48) Ajax 1 (Weghorst 33-pen) , Atalanta 0 Slavia Prague 0, Eintracht Frankfurt 1 (Kristensen 26) Liverpool 5 (Ekitike 35, Van Dijk 39, Konate 44, Gakpo 66, Szoboszlai 70) , Sporting Lisbon 2 (Catamo 69, Santos 86) Marseille 1 (Paixao 14) , Monaco 0 Tottenham 0, Real Madrid 1 (Belling ham 57) Juventus 0, Bayern Munich 4 (Karl 5, Kane 14, Diaz 34, Jackson 79) Club Brugge 0. ENGLISH CHAMPIONSHIP Swansea 0 Queens Park Rangers 1, Watford 2 West Bromwich Albion 1, Wrexham 1 Oxford United 0, Sheffield Wednesday 0 Middlesbrough 1. TOP 6 P W D L F A PTS Coventry 11 7 4 0 31 8 25 M’brough 11 7 3 1 15 7 24 Millwall

being underestimated. “I love playing with him. I just know he’s going to play that ball every time, so I can gamble and put my head down and run because I know it’s going there so I can just tap it in.” Asked about Murphy’s England chances, Gordon added: “He’s got everything you need to be at that level. “He just needs a run of form, goals, assists for the manager to take notice of him. “I’m sure he would have been in talks last year because he was one of the best, in-form wingers in the league, so he just needs to keep doing what he’s doing and the manager will take notice.” – The Independent

that live. “I didn’t know he had it in his locker. I thought, ‘Where’s that going?’, then Barnesy gets on to it.” If Pope helped to wrap up a vital win, it was Murphy who played the supporting role for the 32nd-minute opener, receiving Bruno Guimaraes’ pass before surging forward and producing a pin-point cross for Gordon to fire home. Much has been made in the wake of Alexander Isak’s early struggle for form at Liverpool of the service he was provided by Murphy during his time at St James’ Park. Gordon said: “He’s so underestimated as a player, honestly. He can do absolutely everything any winger can do in the Premier League. I don’t know why he’s still so often

have gone unnoticed. Asked about his teammate, Gordon said: “He’s in the form of his life. That throw was outstanding – how he can throw that far is madness. “The first half is where he really, really shows his quality. He made two great saves to keep the scores level. “We’re great friends, so I hope he’s on the plane with me. It’d be lovely to be there with him and he’s a top, top guy, so he deserves everything he gets.” Pope’s delivery to Barnes, which came 19 minutes from time with the Magpies leading just 1-0, has been likened to that of an NFL quarterback. NFL fan Gordon said: “It was Tom Brady… I’ve never seen anything like

ANTHONY GORDON has backed Newcastle teammates Nick Pope and Jacob Murphy to follow him into the England squad. The 24-year-old, who starred in his club’s 3-0 Champions League victory over Benfica on Wednesday, is dreaming of a trip to the World Cup finals next summer after working his way into Thomas Tuchel’s team and scoring in a 5-0 qualifier win in Latvia earlier this month. In the run-up to the Benfica game, goalkeeper Pope spoke of his hopes of returning to the England fold, and his display against the Primeira Liga side, which included a remarkable assist – a 65-yard throw – for the first of Harvey Barnes’ two goals, will not

From game to career, how Mobile Legends revolutionised local gaming industry B EHIND its calm exterior lies a virtual world that is loud, fast-paced and filled with strategy. Bright future for esport for esport

legitimate and respected industry. Beyond creating opportunities for youth, MLBB has also empowered women in a field once dominated by men, with more female players, casters and team managers emerging in the scene – including Mariah Ahmad, who now serves as an analyst for CG Esports.

to esportschart.com . Since its introduction in 2018, MPL MY, now in its 16th season, has continued to elevate the country’s esports scene, attracting millions of online viewers while filling arenas and stadiums nationwide. The league has not only

players or athletes, but also professionals in fields like broadcasting, coaching and nutrition,” he said. Moonton Games Malaysia’s Head of Business Development, Krystal Tan, said MLBB’s success in Malaysia stems from a community culture that resonates deeply with local players. “MLBB is one of the most popular games in Malaysia because it’s easy to play and easy to love. You just need a phone and some friends – that’s how most Malaysians started. “What’s beautiful about MLBB is how it connects people – friends, families, entire communities – who come together through the game,” she said. Tan said that since its introduction nine years ago, MLBB has become a household name in Malaysia through strong grassroots development strategies. “We’ve built clear pathways for talent to build sustainable careers not just as athletes, but as coaches, casters, production teams and community leaders,” she said. Today, MLBB is no longer just a digital pastime – it stands as a symbol of social and economic transformation, representing a new generation of Malaysians who see esports as their future. – Bernama

The fingers of 23-year-old Muhammad Danial Fuad move swiftly across his smartphone screen as his eyes remain fixed on the movements of the characters in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB). For Muhammad Danial, better known as CikuGais, MLBB is more than just a game; it has completely transformed his life. “It started with small tournaments, and slowly I began earning some income. That’s when I realised MLBB isn’t just a game, but a career path that can actually make money,” said the professional player, who is now the owner of the MLBB professional team, CG Esports. Launched in 2016 as a Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) game, MLBB has since become a global phenomenon and a driving force behind the growth of Malaysia’s esports industry. From small cybercafe tournaments, MLBB has grown into a premier professional league – the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Malaysia (MPL MY) – with an estimated value exceeding RM1 million, according

produced local stars but also paved the way for Malaysian youths to c o m p e t e internationally and pursue esports as a full-time career. One of the league’s biggest success stories is Selangor Red Giants (SRG), which made Malaysia proud by winning

“In MLBB, gender is not a problem as long as you’re good at what you do. That’s what makes the game special. “The stereotypes

still exist, but if you’re strong and skilled, there’s no discrimination,” said Mariah.

Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim (pic) previously said that the government’s support for MLBB is not merely because of its popularity, but because of its significant contribution to youth development and the digital economy. “It’s not just a game – it stimulates the digital economy, enhances youth participation and provides a platform for the public to engage with and understand the esports ecosystem. “We’re not only producing

the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Mid Season Cup (MSC) in 2024 and emerging as runner-up in the 2025 edition – transforming public perception of esports. “In the early days, people said playing esports was a waste of time. But now, it’s recognised as a career, and I no longer feel embarrassed to explain what I do,” said professional MLBB player Mohammad Zul Hisham Mohd Noor. He added that MPL MY had a huge impact in reshaping how society views esports, particularly as more people now see it as a