No medal for University boys..

By Ajitpal Singh

JONAS Fuerste's goal two seconds before the final hooter ended Malaysia's gallant performance as Germany won 4-3 for the men's hockey bronze medal at the World University Games yesterday.
Germany opened accounts through Matthias Kneupfer in the third minute before national player Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Abdul Jalil levelled proceedings a minute before half-time.
In the second half, penalty corner specialist Razie Rahim netted in the 49th minute for his fourth goal in the tournament to give Malaysia the lead.
However, Anton Ebeling equalised in the 56th minute before a lapse of concentration in the Malaysian back-line allowed Germany to take the lead through Tim Haase two minutes later.
Not to be deterred, Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin sounded the board in the 65th minute but just as Malaysia were preparing for a shoot-out to decide the outcome, Fuerste netted the winner two seconds from time.
Despite the defeat, Malaysia should be proud of their achievement as they finished ahead of other Asian teams at fourth in the tournament.
National junior trainee Dangerous Lee emerged as Malaysia's top scorer with five goals followed by senior international Razie on four.
Coach Nor Azlan Bakar said his players could not hold on in the final minutes.
"We let the bronze slip away due to mistakes in crucial moments. Anyway, we should not be too disappointed as performance wise, we played well but it could have been better," said Nor Azlan in Kazan yesterday.
In the final, Russia beat France 2-1.

TM: Support Revington

By Ajitpal Singh
ajitpalsingh@mediaprima.com.my
MALAYSIAN Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah has reminded those in the hockey fraternity to give undivided support to national coach Paul Revington ahead of next month’s Asian Cup, which is a World Cup Qualifier.
The South Africa coach decided to serve out his two-year contract after having a heart-to-heart talk with Tengku Abdullah in Ampang on Tuesday.
Revington had threatened to quit before the recent World League Semi-Finals in Johor Baru after claiming that "outside interference," and a threatening email had made his stay in Malaysia uncomfortable for the past six months.
He had received the email from 1Mas project director Lim Chiow Chuan on March 23, while he claimed that Juniors coach K. Dharmaraj have been interfering in his job scope.
However, Revington relented and continued to coach the team for the World League but refused to commit his future not before the meeting on Tuesday.
“I hope everyone will cooperate with Revington as he is determined to see Malaysia qualify for the World Cup,” said Tengku Abdulllah after the FA of Malaysia executive council meeting in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
“Revington did not state conditions. He will continue with no added clause. It proves he is totally committed to his job.”
Tengku Abdullah now hopes everyone will forget about the issue and focus on the future.
“What is important is that Revington has decided to stay on and is focused on his job. Everyone is happy including the national trainees,” he said.
Under Revington, Malaysia have made progress in the game and may not even have to win the Asian Cup to qualify for next year’s World Cup in the Netherlands if those, who have qualified through the World League win their respective continental competitions.
His service is crucial as the team are likely to make their first appearance in the World Cup since 2002. Malaysia last played in the Olympics in the 2000 Sydney edition.
“Revington is confident with his team. He felt, if he had left, it would be tough for the team to prepare for the Asian Cup,” Tengku Abdullah added.