THE NEW PAPER Saturday, July 30 2011 ●
55
Football
Sports SQUASH
World No. 1 David in shock exit IN AN unexpected twist, tournament England underdog Laura Massaro ousted world No. 1 and four-time champion Nicol David in the semi-finals of the CIMB Singapore Women’s Squash Masters last night. In a tight match at the glass court at VivoCity, Massaro, 27, came from two sets down to stun the fancied Malaysian (right) 9-11, 7-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-5. “It was an emotional moment for me, com-
ing back from two sets down against the world No 1 and then beating her,” said Massaro, who also stunned David in the Cleveland Racquet Classic final 11-9, 11-7, 9-11, 11-8. David said: “Massaro has beaten me before and it has given her a physiological boost. “But she played well and she played smart today. And when she is playing well the pressure is on me. Everyone on the circuit wants to beat me because I am the No 1. It gives them an
extra incentive and motivation to do so. “I am disappointed with my defeat but I will get over it. It will be back to Penang for me and work things out before the Australian Open in early August.” In the final today (5pm), Massaro will face Madeline Perry of Ireland, who downed France’s Camille Serme 11-7, 11-7, 11-3. – LAI JUNJIE
Shariff seeks salvation
LOFTY AIM: Shariff Samat aims to land the League Cup for Hougang. TNP PICTURE: KELVIN CHNG
Disgraced skipper hopes to lead Hougang to Cup glory LEAGUE CUP FINAL
ALBIREX v HOUGANG (Tonight, 7.45pm, Jalan Besar Stadium) ALI KASIM aakasim@sph.com.sg
A
S IF the prospect of playing in the League Cup final isn’t motivational enough, Shariff Samat considers the match against Albirex as his redemption point. Two months since the infamous pre-match scuffle with Etoile FC, Hougang United are eager to turn a controversial season into a positive one by winning the club’s first ever trophy at the Jalan Besar Stadium tonight. That aim drives no-one more than club captain Shariff. Returning from a five-game suspension for the May 23 fracas, the 27-year-old defender could not contain his joy after Hougang’s semi-final win over Home United last week. Said Shariff: “This final means a lot to us, especially after the incident. “The five-point deduction really cost us in the league table, so we really wanted to do well in the Cup.” This is Shariff’s first season as club captain, an experience which he said has its “ups and downs”. “My coach Aide Iskandar has been there for me. Also, my teammates Mohd Noor Ali and Fathi Yunos helped guide me during my suspension.
Mature “I’m still learning actually, but (the captaincy) has definitely made me more mature both on and off the field,” he said. Both Shariff and Aide acknowledged their team’s underdog status going into the final. Said Aide: “It’s going to be a tough game. Albirex are a quality team, I would say the best Albirex team I’ve seen. “The boys will go out and play their normal game. Hopefully, a miracle can happen.” Albirex have never won a trophy on Singapore soil since their arrival to the league in 2004. Club chairman Deisuke Korenaga said his team were determined to change that, but would have to “alter their mindset” after playing two extra-time games in six days. “We have had only two days of rest. We need to be careful,” he said. “Tomorrow’s match is not only for us, but also for our country, Japan, in light of the recent disaster that plagued the nation.” Albirex are set to field a full-strength side, while Hougang must contend with suspensions to winger Fazli Jaffar and defender Faizal Amir.
HOCKEY
Singapore set up Iran semis in AHF Cup THE SINGAPORE Under-21 side achieved their target of a top-four finish after advancing to the semi-finals of the Men’s Junior AHF Cup in Hong Kong. Solomon Casoojee’s players, who finished second in Group B, will face Group A winners Iran in the semi-finals today. Singapore lost to China 2-3 in their opening match, but bounced back to down defending champions Oman 3-1. Cassoojee, unhappy with the
team’s performance in the win over Oman, believed his players will lift their game against Iran. He said: “(Bad form) happens, but I’m sure the boys will settle down and get their game back together. “They are more disciplined now so I’m looking for better ball control and more players to come up front confidently (against Iran).” Singapore’s top-four finish gave them a berth in the Junior Asia Cup in Malaysia next year. Casoojee said the Malaysian tour-
nament would be a stepping stone to qualify for the Junior World Cup in 2013. “After this competition, we are going to focus on strength and fitness conditioning for three months,” he said. “At the moment, we are not strong enough to stand up to teams like Pakistan, so what we need to do is work a lot harder to reach a higher level.” China will take on Sri Lanka in the other semi-final. – LAI JUNJIE