CLOSING EVENTS

NEWS ABC 21/9/98

NEWS ABC AND BERNAMA 20/9/98

NEWS ABC 19/9/98

NEWS ABC 18/9/98

NEWS ABC & BERNAMA (17/9/98)

NEWS ABC & BERNAMA(16/9/98)

Summary of Malaysia results for 15/9/98 (STAR)

NEWS ABC & BERNAMA & STAR (15/9/98)

NEWS ABC & BERNAMA (14/9/98)

NEWS (BERNAMA & ABC) 13/9/98 (SCORES BY STAR)

NEWS (STAR & ABC 12/9/98)

SCORES (STAR 11/9/98)

NEWS (11/9/98)

NEWS STAR 7/9/98

NEWS STAR 6/9/98

NEWS STAR 1/9/98

NEWS STAR 31/8/8

NEWS STAR 30/8/98

NEWS STAR 28/8/98

NEWS STAR 26/8/98

NEWS STAR 25/8/98

Wednesday 16 Sept 1998

Wednesday 16 September, 1998

Determined Ewe Hock Forced To Retire Early In The Game Wednesday September 16,11:46 PM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- A determined Ong Ewe Hock showed up for his second round match in the men's singles individual event of the 16th Commonwealth Games today despite being certified not fit.

Games-Hockey Men (Table) Wednesday September 16,11:38 PM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- Following are the table standings of the 16th Commonwealth Games men's hockey tournament held at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil here today:

Ong-Less Malaysia Begins Quest For Two More Gold Medals Wednesday September 16,11:35 PM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- Favourites Malaysia began their quest for two more gold medals in the badminton individual events today, without injured top shuttler Ong Ewe Hock, as other countries stake their strong claim to the remaining three gold medals.

Kenyans Go One-Two In 10km Wednesday September 16,11:16 PM

Kenyans Go One-Two In 10km Wednesday September 16,11:15 PM

South Africa Tighten Grip For Semifinals Berth Wednesday September 16,11:03 PM

Aussie swimmers grab two more gold    (11:55pm AEST) In swimming, Australia's Susie O'Neill has swum her way into the history books, equalling Michael Wenden's record for the most gold medals won at the Commonwealth Games.

Moneghetti grabs bronze    (11:26pm AEST) Australia's Steve Moneghetti has won bronze in the 10,000 metres at the Commonwealth Games in Malaysia. Kenya's Simon Mayner won gold.

McLaughlin adds silver to bag of medals    (11:21pm AEST) In the gymnastics, Australia's Zeena McLaughlin has won silver for her floor routine at the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games tonight.

Sosimenko takes hammer gold    (11:18pm AEST) Australia's Debbie Sosimenko has taken the gold medal in the women's hammer throw at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.

O'Neill rewrites record books after relay win    (11:18pm AEST) In swimming, Australia's Susie O'Neill has swum her way into the history books, equalling Michael Wendon's record for the most number gold medals won at the Commonwealth Games.

O'Neill makes history with another gold    (10:54pm AEST) In swimming, Australia's Susie O'Neill has swum her way into the history books, equalling Michael Wenden's record for the most number gold medals won at the Commonwealth Games.

Hockeyroos score 4-0 win over India    (10:05pm AEST) The Australian women's hockey team remains undefeated at the Commonwealth Games, after beating India 4-0 tonight. The Hockeyroos play Zimbabwe tomorrow.

Australia captures gold and bronze in uneven bars    (10:04pm AEST) In gymnastics, Australia's Lisa Skinner has won gold and team-mate Zeena McLaughlin has taken bronze in the uneven bars at the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games.

Klim scores bronze in 50-metres freestyle    (9:28pm AEST) In swimming, Michael Klim has taken the bronze in the men's 50-metres freestyle at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur tonight.

Malaysian's Kenny Ang won GOLD in Ten pin Bowling

Shirvington wins 100-metres heat (8:56pm AEST) In athletics, Australia's Matt Shirvington has won his 100-metres heat to qualify for the semi-finals at the Commonwealth Games in Malaysia.

Martin takes squash gold (8:53pm AEST) In squash, Australia's Michelle Martin has beaten team-mate Sarah Fitz-Gerald in the play-off for the gold medal in the women's singles event at the Commonwealth Games.

Limpert takes opening swimming final (8:52pm AEST) In swimming, Canada's Mary-Anne Limpert has won gold in the women's 200-metres individual medley at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.

Sth Africa through to cricket final (8:47pm AEST) In cricket, South Africa are through to the gold medal play-off in the limited overs competition at the Commonwealth Games.

Third gold for Aussie gymnast (8:13pm AEST) In gymnastics, Australia's Andrei Kravstov has won his third gold medal of the day, winning the men's parallel bars at the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games.

Netball team remains unbeaten (7:58pm AEST) In netball, Australia has beaten Barbados 71-36 in their match at the Commonwealth Games in Malaysia this evening. The undefeated Australian team faces Jamaica tomorrow.

Sarkisian takes silver in snatch (7:25pm AEST) In weightlifting, Australia's Yurik Sarkisian has had to settle for silver in the 62-kilos snatch class at the Commonwealth Games in Malaysia tonight.

Gymnastics bronze for Hudson (7:08pm AEST) In gymnastics, Australia's Brett Hudson has won the bronze medal in vault event at Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur. Earlier, Australian gymnast Andrei Kravtsov won gold for his individual floor routine.

Hackett in top from in distance swim (6:47pm AEST) Gold Coast teenager Grant Hackett will take the upper hand going into tomorrow night's 1500-metres freestyle final. The 18-year-old, who stormed to world championship gold eight months ago, clocked the fastest heat time today of 15:19.63, just ahead of Scotland's Olympic bronze medallist Graeme Smith

Kravtsov adds to medal haul (6:39pm AEST) Australian gymnast Andrei Kravtsov added to his gold medal haul at the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games with the men's individual gold medal for his floor routine today.

Injury worry for New Zealand badminton hope (6:36pm AEST) Li Feng, the former Chinese national squad player from New Zealand who hopes to put badminton on the map by winning a women's singles gold medal, is fighting to prevent her chances being ruined by injury.

Kookaburras to concentrate on corner conversions (6:36pm AEST) Australian men's hockey coach Terry Walsh has backed Jay Stacy as the best penalty corner hitter in world hockey and is confident the Kookaburras can overcome a poor goal conversion rate.

Aust wins weightlifting gold (5:49pm AEST) Australian has won another gold medal at the Commonwealth Games with Mehmet Yagci winning the weightlifting in the 56 kilograms class.

Australians cleared of having dengue fever (4:13pm AEST) Australian Commonwealth Games team doctor Brian Sando says two Australians suspected of having dengue fever could be out of hospital in a few days.

Tired Thomas Takes His Time Wednesday September 16, 1:44 PM KUALA LUMPUR Sept 16, (Bernama) -- Welshman Iwan Thomas is battling jetlag as he prepares for his showdown with England's Mark Richardson in the 400m at the Commonwealth Games athletic championship here.

Boldon Qualifies With Fastest-2 Wednesday September 16, 1:32 PM "I was not expecting to run this fast in the first round," Nyambek said. Competing in the Games in front of the home crowd, Nyambek felt very strong with the "spirit" of people behind him.

Boldon Qualifies With Fastest Time In Heats Wednesday September 16, 1:27 PM Kuala Lumpur, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- Trinidad's Ato Boldon led from the start in heat one to finish with the fastest time of 10.17sec to qualify for the second round of men's 100m sprint event at the 16th Commonwealth Games here.

Englishman Breaks Games Record -4 Wednesday September 16, 1:24 PM In the 1,500m, Australian Kieren Perkins who set the world record of 14:41.66s in the last Games, emerged the third best qualifier on 15:34.75s.

Malaysia Fall To Third Consecutive Defeat Wednesday September 16, 1:17 PM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- Malaysia lost 26-83 to Jamaica for their third consecutive defeat in the 16th Commonwealth Netball competition held at the Juara Stadium in Bukit Kiara here today.

Games-Swimming (Heats) Wednesday September 16, 1:13 PM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- Aging defending champion Mark Foster of England waved an early lay-off sign to his opponents when he clocked 22.68s, a Games record, in the 50m freestyle heats in the 16th Commonwealth Games here.

Englishman Breaks Games Record -3 Wednesday September 16, 1:09 PM Canada's Mark Versfeld, the world silver medallist, swerved into line for the 100m backstroke. The 22-year-old student already owns the 200m backstroke honour.

Englishman Breaks Games Record -2 Wednesday September 16, 1:08 PM In the men's 200m butterfly, another Englishman James Hickman may finally see a gold medal tonight after qualifying in the fastest time of 1:59.36s.

Englishman Breaks Games Record In 50m Freestyle Wednesday September 16,12:59 PM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- Aging defending champion Mark Foster of England waved an early lay-off sign to his opponents when he clocked 22.68s, a Games record, in the 50m freestyle heats in the 16th Commonwealth Games here.

Mascots To Give Sprinters A Run For Their Money Wednesday September 16,12:42 PM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- Top sprint stars Ato Boldon and Frankie Fredericks have stiff competition at hand in 100m sprint with furry mascots aiming for the tag of fastest runner of the 16th Commonwealth Games.

Shooters win silver (3:59pm AEST) Australia has won a silver medal in the men's pairs free rifle event at the Commonwealth Games. Michel Dion and Wayne Sorensen of Canada won the title.

Perkins to put pressure on team-mates in 1,500-metres final (3:18pm AEST) Australian swimming world record holder Kieren Perkins has warned his rivals he will be going out fast in the 1,500-metres freestyle Commonwealth Games final tomorrow night.

Aussie squash showdown (2:25pm AEST) Two of sport's great rivals meet today to vie for the first Commonwealth Games gold medal in squash and both of them are Australian.

Hackett, Perkins and Kowalski through to 1,500-metres final (2:22pm AEST) At the Commonwealth Games, Australia swimmer Grant Hackett has won his heat of the 1,500-metres freestyle, with world record holder Kieren Perkins finishing in third place.

Australian cycling under the microscope (1:12pm AEST) Australian cycling is fast running out of time to achieve a proper focus on top performance in the lead-up to the Sydney Olympics, according to team manager Michael Flynn.

Aussie gymnasts vying for artistic medals today (12:57pm AEST) Australia's gymnasts are on target to collect a raft of the individual Commonwealth Games artistic medals up for grabs today.

Spinner in impressing form at Games (12:56pm AEST) Unheralded leftarm spinner Brad Young had emerged as the find of the Australian Commonwealth Games cricket squad, according to captain Steve Waugh.

Track and field begins at KL (6:42am AEST) The Commonwealth Games focus will shift to the main stadium today for the start of track and field events. The athletics program offers gold in the men's 10 kilometre run, and in the women's hammer throw where Australia's Deborah Sosimenko rates highly.

Kookaburras victorious over Kiwis (0:57am AEST) In hockey, the Australian men's team last night defeated New Zealand 2-0 in their match at the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games.

Sparks Of Controversy Surfacing In Boxing Wednesday September 16,12:14 AM As stakes are high, emotions were evident especially among the losers. There were those holding their heads in disbelief, dropping to their knees in frustration and coaches shaking their heads. (BERNAMA)

How the Malaysians fared for15/9/98

BOXING

51kg quarter-finals: Rakib Ahmad lost to Richard Sunee (Mri) 14-14 (on countback)

54kg quarter-finals: Adnan Yusoh beat Silence Mabuza (Rsa) 16-14.

CYCLING

Men's 42km individual time trial final: Shahrulneeza Razali (57:36 to be placed 20th, Mahadzir Hamad (58:58 to be placed 24th)

Women's 28km road individual time trial: Noor Asrina Sulaiman (46:30 to be placed 18th)

HOCKEY

Men

drew 2-2 with England in Group B

Women

lost 1-2 to Scotland in Group A

LAWN BOWL

Men

Singles: Syed Mohamad Syed Akil lost 18-25 to Rowan J. Brassey (Nzl)

Pairs: Malaysia (Mohamed Aziz Maswadi-Mohamed Tazman Tahir) beat Zambia 20-15.

Fours: Malaysia (Mohamed Afendy Tan Abdullah-Jozaini Johari-Nurdin Sabli-Sazeli Sani) lost 18-21 to Wales

Women

Singles: Saedah Abdul Rahim lost 19-25 to Roma Dunn (Aus)

Pairs: Malaysia (Siti Hawa Ali-Bah Chui Mei) lost 14-24 to Scotland; Malaysia (Siti Hawa Ali-Bah Chui Mei) bt Kenya 25-14.

Fours: Malaysia (Nor Azwa Mohd Di-Siti Zalina Ahmad-Haslah Hassan-Nor Hashimah Ismail) lost 16-19 to Papua New Guinea; Malaysia (Nor Azwa Di-Siti Zalina Ahmad-Haslah Hassan-Nor Hashima Ismail) beat Cook Islands 28-13

NETBALL

lost 30-58 to Barbados in Group A

SHOOTING

Men

Centre fire pistol pairs: Mohamed Desa-Marzuki Man (1,135 for fifth place)

Skeet pairs: Teh Chee Fei-Goh Kek Chuan (173 for 10th place)

Women

Air pistol pairs: Kamisah Abdul Jalal-Suraini Othman (743 for third spot)

Sport rifle 3-position pairs: Roslina Bakar-S. Awang Akbar (1,107 for sixth place)

SWIMMING

Men

200m breaststroke: Elvin Chia (2:18.64 in the heats; 2:18.77 for eighth place in A final); Wan Azlan Abdullah (2:28.78 in the heats)

400m freestyle: Die Ung (4:03.41 in the heats; 4:01.22 to finish third in B final)

4x100m freestyle: Alan Ong, Anthony Ang, Elvin Chia, Wan Azlan Abdullah (3:36.73 in the heats; 3:32.27 for sixth place in A final)

Women

100m butterfly: Ho Hsu Ee (1:08.16 in the heats), Sia Wai Yen (1:06.34 in the heats)

100m breaststroke: Tay Li Leng (1:13.81 in the heats; 1:13.15 for first place in B final)

800m freestyle: Teo Mui Nyee (9:14.46 in the heats)

SYNCHRONISED SWIMMING

Duet free routine final: Jacquelyn Chan and Hazrina Sofian (81.277 points for fourth place)

TENPIN BOWLING

Men's singles qualifying round: Kenny Ang (2,305 for first place), Ben Heng (2,181 for sixth place)

Women's singles qualifying round: Lai Kin Ngoh (2,373 for third place), Shalin Zulkifli (2,173 for fifth place)

Tuesday 15 Sept 1998

Tuesday 15 September, 1998

Aussies to face each other in squash showdown for gold (11:15pm AEST) In women's squash, Australia's Michelle Martin tonight defeated world number four Sue Wright to advance to the gold-medal play-off against fellow Australian Sarah Fitz-Gerald.

Another golden night in the pool (10:24pm AEST) Australia has again dominated in the pool at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur tonight, winning all five gold medals on offer.

Relay team takes gold (10:19pm AEST) In swimming, Australia's men's 4 x 100-metres freestyle relay team has won gold at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.

Denman wins 100-metres breastroke (9:51pm AEST) In swimming, Australia's Helen Denman has won gold in the women's 100-metres breastroke at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.

Cowley scores gold in breaststroke (9:35pm AEST) In swimming, Australia's Simon Cowley has edged out team-mate Ryan Mitchell to clinch the gold in the men's 200-metres breastroke at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.

Australia scores gold, silver and bronze (9:07pm AEST) In swimming, Australia has taken gold, silver, and bronze in the women's 100-metres butterfly at the Commonwealth Games in Malaysia tonight.

McIntosh pleased with performance (8:55pm AEST) Australian netball coach Jill McIntosh says she is extremely pleased with her team's success so far in the Commonwelath Games in Malaysia.

Thorpe takes opening race in the pool (8:53pm AEST) In swimming, Ian Thorpe has won set a new Commonwealth Games record to win gold in the men's 400-metres freestyle at the Commonwealth Games in Malaysia tonight.

Aust advance to cricket semis (7:27pm AEST) Australia has advanced to the cricket semi-finals of the Commonwealth Games with a 145-run victory against India in Kuala Lumpur today.

Watt refuses to cop flack from cycling president (7:07pm AEST) Olympic and Commonwealth gold medal winning cyclist Kathy Watt has defended herself from criticism by Australian Cycling President Ray Godkin .

Lomu wants sevens rugby at Manchester (6:14pm AEST) Giant New Zealand winger Jonah Lomu, who helped his country win a Commonwealth Games gold medal on Monday, has pleaded with organisers to keep sevens rugby on the program for Manchester 2002.

Big names through to swimming finals (5:53pm AEST) Australia is aiming for another successful night in the pool, with Ian Thorpe, Grant Hackett and Samantha Riley all through to finals this evening.

Paralympian cyclists aiming high in Malaysia (5:36pm AEST) Australia is looking to capture up to 10 gold medals when the International Paralympic Committee's world cycling championships start on Wednesday.

Men's pistol team wins bronze (5:21pm AEST) India's master shooter Jaspal Rana claimed a another Commonwealth Games gold medal when he won the men's centre fire pistol title with Ashok Pandit.

Australian weightlifter tests positive to banned drug (5:09pm AEST) Victorian weightlifter Duncan Van Rooyen, a reserve for the Commonwealth Games team, has tested positive to a banned drug.

Hockeyroos coach defends Australia's dominance (4:43pm AEST) Australian coach Ric Charlesworth today defended the worth of the Commonwealth Games women's hockey tournament after a string of lopsided victories by his world champion team.

Men's 42km Road Individual Time Trial Final 1. Eric Wohlberg (CAN) 53:15s Gold; 2. Stuart O'Grady (AUS) 53:30s Silver; 3. David George (RSA) 53:56s Bronze

Canadian pair bag gold in synchronised swimming The Canadian pair of Jacinthe Taillon and Kasia Kulesza swept to victory in the duet free routine of the Commonwealth Games swimming competition here today.

Canada Say Medal Chase Is Not Over Yet Tuesday September 15, 6:31 PM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 (Bernama) -- Despite an unimpressive start with only eight gold medals after five days of competition, well behind their nearest rivals Australia with 23, Canada strongly believed that the medal chase has not come to an end.

Tiff Now In The Past, Fredericks Looks To For Golden Future Tuesday September 15, 6:27 PM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 (Bernama) -- Champion Namibian sprinter Frankie Fredericks has put aside a tiff with Prime Minister Hage Geingob and is now concentrating on winning gold in the Commonwealth Games 100 metres.

Dengue Fever Top Story For International Media Tuesday September 15, 6:23 PM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 (Bernama) -- The hospitalisation of two Australians with symptoms of dengue fever has been widely reported by the international press covering the 16th Commonwealth Games here over the past 24 hours.

We Have Problems In Dealing With Bigger Players - M'sia Tuesday September 15, 6:13 PM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 (Bernama) -- For the national netballers, facing players with bigger physique, has been a major problem in the 16th Commonwealth Games netball competition.

England's Law Is The Player To Watch Tuesday September 15, 2:19 PM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 (Bernama) -- England's top goalshooter, Lorraine Law, has every reason to be happy as she has so far helped put her team on a winning streak at the 16th Commonwealth Games netball competition which enters day two at Stadium Juara in Bukit Kiara.

Canada Grooms Sydney Team Through Kuala Lumpur Games Tuesday September 15, 2:16 PM Kuala Lumpur, Sept 15 (Bernama) -- Canada, home to the fastest man on earth -- the 100 metre sprint record holder Donovan Bailey, has come for the Commonwealth Games here with an aim to groom the young team for the Sydney Olympics.

England's Netballers Edge Jamaica By One Point Tuesday September 15, 1:55 PM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 (Bernama) -- England scored a narrow 52-51 win over Jamaica in their Pool A preliminary match today and is close to securing a spot in the semifinals of the Commonwealth Games netball competition.

A Second Chance For Elvin Tuesday September 15, 1:47 PM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept (Bernama) -- After failing to win any medal in the first attempt, national swimmer Elvin Chia has another chance to have a shot at the elusive medal in the pool at the 16th Commonwealth Games, here, as he marched into the men's 200m breaststroke final tonight.

Ticket Hotline No Longer Accepts Bookings For C'wealth Games Tuesday September 15, 1:27 PM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 (Bernama) -- The Ticket Express hotline number 03-4454455 no longer accepts ticket bookings for the various sports events at the on-going 16th Commonwealth Games.

Hotel Offers Incentives To Shooters Tuesday September 15,12:16 PM LANGKAWI, Sept 15 (Bernama) -- The City Bayview Langkawi Hotel is offering a RM10,000 incentive to any Malaysian shooter who breaks a world record in the ongoing the 16th Commonwealth Games shooting competitions here.

Crash fails to stop O'Grady in time trial (4:29pm AEST) Canadian Eric Wohlberg had the fastest time after the second group of riders finished in the men's 42-kilometres individual time trial road cycling event this afternoon.

Waugh makes ton at Games (4:27pm AEST) An unbeaten century from Australian captain Steve Waugh has steered Australia to 5 for 255 from 50 overs in the one-day cricket match against India.

Weightlifters preparing for Games comp (4:24pm AEST) It is show and tell time for Australia's muscle-bound weightlifters with competition starting in the Commonwealth Games here tomorrow. National coach Martin Leach told his 10-strong team they were picked because they were all medal hopes, mostly gold, and predicted a haul of 19 mementos starting with the lightweight divisions tomorrow.

O'Grady continues to lead in time trial (3:26pm AEST) Australian cyclist Stuart O'Grady is leading the men's 42-kilometres time trial. There is still another group of riders to complete the course but O'Grady is in the gold medal position, despite losing two minutes following a crash.

More criticism for Watt after time trial (3:07pm AEST) President of Australian Cycling Ray Godkin has criticised Olympic Gold medallist Kathy Watt for not being a team player. The comments follow Watt's tactics at the Commonwealth Games.

Crash doesn't upset O'Grady's lead in time trial (2:39pm AEST) In the men's cycling time trial, Stuart O'Grady has crashed but is still the best of the first 17 riders.

Third gold for women's shooting pair (2:36pm AEST) Australia's women shooters won their third gold medal in three day's shooting at the Commonwealth Games shooting range today at Langkawi Island.

Australians batting in India Games match (2:05pm AEST) India won the toss and sent Australian into bat in the Commonwealth Games cricket match at PKNS Stadium today. Australia named an unchanged line-up from the team that has defeated Canada and Antigua in the initial two group B fixtures of the Games.

Wilson wins gold in 28kms time trial (1:28pm AEST) Australian cyclist Anna Wilson is celebrating her gold medal winning performance in the women's 28 kilometre individual time trial. The win makes up for her disappointment in the road race on Sunday when her foot slipped from her pedal, costing her a gold medal.

Australian Slams Dozen Goals Against Jamaica Tuesday September 15,12:48 AM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- Australia, the undisputed favourites for the gold medal, revelled on the pitch to slam home a dozen goals in a Pool A match against Jamaica at the Commonwealth Games women's hockey competition here tonight.

Australia Rule The Floor At Gymnastics Stadium Tuesday September 15,12:45 AM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- Australian gymnasts ruled the floor at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil here today when they grabbed five of the six medals in the 16th Commonwealth Games artistic gymnastics competition.

The Real Battle Begins At The Commonwealth Games Boxing Ring Tuesday September 15,12:26 AM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- The preliminaries have ended, and now the real battle is set to begin.

Young gives Australia's best ever performance at KL (2:36am AEST) Synchronised swimming is not used to scandals, but Australian Naomi Young did her best to start one after winning a silver medal yesterday at the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games. RESULTS :VALERIE HOULD-MARCHAND CAN 93.640 2. NAOMI YOUNG AUS 90.933 3. GAYLE ADAMSON ENG 87.564 4. JUDI-ANN VAN NIEKERK RSA 82.287 5. JACQUELYN Y. CHAN MAS 82.227 6. NICOLE ESPLIN NZL 75.510

Dengue fever causes concern (2:07am AEST) Concern about dengue fever has increased at the Commonwealth Games, with fears that a woman connected with the Australian team has contracted a potentially fatal form of the disease.

Monday 14 September, 1998

Hockeyroos cruise to victory over Jamaica (11:39pm AEST) The Australian women's hockey team has beaten Jamaica 12-0 in their pool A match at the Commonwealth Games in Malaysia tonight.

Eyles out of men's singles (11:26pm AEST) Australia's Rodney Eyles has been defeated by England's Paul Johnson in the men's squash quarter-finals at the Commonwealth Games tonight.

Australia captures rugby bronze (11:22pm AEST) In rugby union, Australia has won the bronze medal after defeating Western Samoa in the sevens competition at the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games tonight.

Four golds for Australia in pool (10:48pm AEST) Australia has continued its dominance in the pool at the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games, winning four of the five gold medals on offer tonight.

Women set Games record in relay (10:24pm AEST) In swimming, Australia has set a new Commonwealth Games record to win gold in the women's 4 x 100-metres freestyle relay at the Commonwealth Games in Malaysia.

Youngster takes gold in backstroke (9:54pm AEST) Australia is continuing to dominate in the swimming pool at the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games, taking gold and bronze in the women's 100-metres backstroke.

Canadian takes out backstroke (9:46pm AEST) In swimming, Canada's Mark Versfeld has taken the gold in the 200-metres backstroke at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.

Klim returns to form to take gold (9:03pm AEST) In swimming, Australia's Michael Klim has stormed home to win the men's 100-metres freestyle at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur tonight.

Third gold for O'Neill (8:46pm AEST) In swimming, Australia's Susie O'Neill has won gold in the women's 400-metres freestyle at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur tonight.

Second gold for Honeychurch (8:28pm AEST) In tenpin bowling, the Australian duo of Frank Ryan and Cara Honeychurch has won gold in the mixed doubles event at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur tonight.

Aust to play Fiji for finals berth (8:25pm AEST) In rugby union, Australia has beaten England 49-14 to advance to the semi-final of the sevens competition at the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games.

Aust gymnast takes all-round gold (7:57pm AEST) Australian gymnast Andrei Kravtsov has won the individual all-round gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. Team-mate Brennon Dowrick won the bronze.

Martin has easy passage to squash semi-finals (6:11pm AEST) In today's third quarter-final, Australian world number two Michelle Martin had an easy passage through to the semi-finals with a 9-1, 9-1, 9-4 result over England's Linda Charman.

More gold for Aussie shooters (5:25pm AEST) Australia has won another gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, with Patrick Murray and Michaelangelo Guistiniano winning the men's pairs rapid-fire pistol event.

Aust women's badminton team thrashed by England (5:24pm AEST) Australia's women's badminton team had to settle for the bronze medal after being thrashed in their second last match at the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games today.

Wohlberg Hopes To Avenge Defeat Monday September 14, 4:50 PM SHAH ALAM, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- Canadian Eric Wohlberg is gunning for revenge in tomorrow's 42km individual time trial event after he had to settle for bronze in the 184km individual road race last Saturday.

Martin has easy passage to squash semi-finals (4:11pm MT) In today's third quarter-final, Australian world number two Michelle Martin had an easy passage through to the semi-finals with a 9-1, 9-1, 9-4 result over England's Linda Charman.

Malaysia Inches Toward Badminton Gold As India Causes Upset Monday September 14, 4:05 PM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's men shuttlers today oozed confidence when they outclassed second seeded New Zealand in a final round match of the Commonwealth Games badminton competition at the Badminton Stadium here.

Malaysia, England Post Wins Monday September 14, 3:59 PM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- Malaysia came from behind to defeat India 3-2 in the women's badminton team final round competition of the 16th Commonwealth Games here today.

It Will Be Tough In The Semis, Says Sarah Fitz-Gerald Monday September 14, 3:56 PM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- World number one Sarah Fitz-Gerald of Australia expects a tough semifinal clash against Cassie Jackman of England at the National Squash Complex here tomorrow.

Netball-Cook Islands/Wales Preliminary Monday September 14, 3:47 PM Cook Islands draw Wales 59-59. 14/09/98 15-47MST

Valerie Splash To Gold Medal In Synchronized Swimming Monday September 14, 3:35 PM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- Valerie Hould Marchand of Canada, who performed to the rendering of "Romeo and Juliet" theme song, won the gold medal in the solo event of the 16th Commonwealth Games synchronized swimming competition today.

Aust women's badminton team thrashed by England (3:24pm MT) Australia's women's badminton team had to settle for the bronze medal after being thrashed in their second last match at the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games today.

M'sia Confident Of Bagging 10 Gold Medals Monday September 14, 3:18 PM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- Malaysia are confident of bagging 10 gold medals at the 16th Commonwealth Games, Youth and Sports Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said today.

Hood Steals Limelight With Perfect Game Monday September 14, 2:53 PM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- England's Richard Hood stole the limelight on the second day of the 16th Commonwealth Games tenpin bowling competition when he emerged as the first bowler to do a perfect game at Pyramid Bowl, near here today.

Queen Elizabeth II To Visit Malaysia Monday September 14, 2:51 PM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- Queen Elizabeth II will make a state visit to Malaysia from Sept 20 to 23.

Malaysia accused of rigging hockey draw (2:20pm MT) Angry hockey coaches have accused host nation Malaysia of rigging the draw for the men's hockey at the Commonwealth Games.

Australia to take on England in rugby sevens (1:37pm MT) Australia's rugby sevens side will have to overcome the Old Enemy to have a shot at a Commonwealth Games medal here today.

Elbow injury puts Javelin star in doubt (1:24pm MT) Australian javelin star Joanna Stone could be forced out of the Commonwealth Games with an elbow injury. Australia's head coach Chris Wardlaw says Stone is a 50-50 chance of competing in the Games on Saturday after injuring her elbow while throwing a national record at the athletics World Cup in South Africa over the weekend.

Dawn Fraser criticises Commonwealth Games ticket allocation (12:38pm MT) Former Australian swimming champion, Dawn Fraser, says ticket allocation at the Commonwealth Games is poorly organised and disappointing. Fraser made the comments, after receiving complaints fans were being sent to the diving pool, despite holding swimming tickets.

Dengue fever scare in Aust Games camp (12:34pm MT) At the Commonwealth Games, Australia's team doctor Brian Sandow has confirmed that an Australian team official is being monitored to see if he has dengue fever.

Aussie netballers defeat host nation in first match at KL (12:26pm MT) Australia has recorded an easy win in netball in their opening match at the games, defeating host nation Malaysia by 68 points.

Huegill breaks Games record twice (10:07pm MT) Australia's Geoff Huegill broke the Commonwealth Games 100-metres butterfly record twice in one day on his way to winning the gold medal in the event in Kuala Lumpur last night.

Aussie boxer scores convincing win over Kenyan (10:05 am MT ) Australia saved its best boxing performance on the second day of the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games until late when Queensland light middleweight Richard Rowles scored a stunning victory in his opening fight.

Fydler qualifies fastest for 100-metres final (10:06 am MT) At the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, Australia's Chris Fydler has qualified fastest for the 100-metres freestyle final tonight, ahead of team-mates Michael Klim and Ian Thorpe.

Relay team breaks world record (9:36am MT) The Australian men's 4x200-metres freestyle relay team has broken the six-year-old world record set by the former Soviet Union team at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992.

Watt accused of not being a team rider (9:33am MT) Australian cyclist Kathy Watt is in trouble again with her team-mates following yesterday's road race at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.

Riley disappointed with time, despite win (9:29am MT ) Australian swimmer Samantha Riley has successfully defended her Commonwealth Games 200-metres breast stroke title in Kuala Lumpur. The Queenslander seemed a little disappointed with the time which was almost two seconds slower than her Games record.

Australia takes five swimming medals (7:59am MT) Australia's Commonwealth Games team has won nine gold medals on day four, including a world record in the pool to the men's four-by-200 metre relay team.

13/9/98

Sunday 13 September, 1998

Malaysia wins first gold for the Games (7:04pm MT) Malaysia won its first gold medal of the Commonwealth Games in the men's doubles event today. Tenpin Bowling: Kenny Ang and Ben Heng won the men's doubles gold, Malaysia's first in the16th Commonwealth Games. CONGRATULATIONS

Women's doubles GOLD: Cara Honeychurch/Maxine Nable (AUS); SILVER: Shalin Zulkifli/K.N. Lai (MAS); BRONZE: Gemma Burden/Pauline Buck (ENG)

Shooting: Mutalib Abdul Razak and Mohd Emran Zakaria of Malaysia won the silver medal in the men's pairs air rifle shooting event in Langkawi.

Cycling: Women's 92km Individual Road Race. GOLD: Lyne Bessette (CAN) 2:24:59.00s; SILVER: Anna Wilson (AUS) 2:24:59.00s; BRONZE: Susannah Pryde (NZL) 2:24:59.00s

Swimming: Geoffrey Huegill of Australia has broken the men's 100m butterfly Commonwealth Games record with a time of 53.34s.

Aust scores massive rugby win over PNG (9:07pm AEST) Brendan Williams crossed for three tries as Australia's rugby sevens team romped to a 59-14 win over Papua New Guinea in their match today at the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games.

O'Neill wins second gold (9:03pm AEST) In swimming, Australia's Susie O'Neill has won her second gold medal, clinching gold in the women's 200-metres freestyle at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur tonight.

Sth Africa records second win at Games (7:35pm AEST) In cricket, South Africa's brittle batting received a scare before posting a five-wicket win over Bangladesh at the Commonwealth Games today.

Gold for men's trap shooters (7:28pm AEST) In shooting, Michael Diamond and Ben Kelly have won the silver medal in the men's pairs trap event at Kuala Lumpur tonight.

All-Australian final likely in squash (7:24pm AEST) World number one squash player Sarah Fitz-Gerald has beaten South Africa's Natalie Grainger to sweep into the quarter-finals of the women's singles event at the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games today.

Swimmers look to grab more gold (6:30pm AEST) At the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, Australia has 11 swimmers in the finals on the second night of competition in the pool.

Silver medal for Australian pistol shooting pair (5:55pm AEST) David Moore and Bruce Quick joined forces to nab silver in the men's pairs free pistol for Australian shooting medal number three at the Commonwealth Games today.

Gainsford-Taylor decides not to race (4:54pm AEST) Australian sprinter, Melinda Gainsford-Taylor, has withdrawn from the 100-metres event at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur. Gainsford-Taylor, who has been battling a knee injury, will still run in the 200-metres, but has withdrawn from the shorter event because of concerns about worsening her injury.

Nguyen gearing up to make Games history (4:45pm AEST) Pint-sized Johhny Nguyen is primed and ready to make history this week by becoming the first Vietnamese refugee to win a weightlifting gold medal for Australia at the Commonwealth Games.

Trefry collects fourth gold (4:34pm AEST) There was no stopping the Australian women when top end shooter Christine Trefry and Victoria's Annette Woodward took out their country's second gold medal of the day and sixth of the Games in the women's pairs sport pistol with 1,140 points.

Flying start unnerves Glasson (4:29pm AEST) Australian Steve Glasson survived a mid-match scare to remain unbeaten after two singles matches at the Commonwealth Games lawn bowls events today.

Australia wins first Tenpin bowling gold (3:14pm AEST) Australia has won the women's double event in tenpin bowling, securing the first ever Commonwealth Games medal for the sport.

'Operation Cara' unnerving Aussie bowler (1:32pm AEST) Things are getting nasty between Australia and Malaysia as the competition hots up in tenpin bowling at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.

Wilson wins bronze in road race (1:29pm AEST) Australia's Anna Wilson has taken bronze in the women's 92-kilometre cycling road race at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.

Australia takes gold in shooting pairs event (1:29pm AEST) Two Australians have claimed the first gold medal event in shooting at the Commonwealth Games on the island of Langkawi today.

Australian breaks Commonwealth Games record in pool (12:51pm AEST) World championship bronze medallist Geoff Huegill has smashed the eight-year-old Commonwealth Games 100-metres butterfly record. The 19-year-old clocked 53.34 seconds to slash more than half a second off fellow Queenslander Andrew Baildon's former Games record (53.98) set in Auckland in 1990.

Richards wants a more Australian approach to development (12:35pm AEST) The West Indies should swallow its pride and adopt Australian methods of developing top notch cricketers, according to former Windies captain Viv Richards.

Gainsford-Taylor out of 100-metres sprint (12:19pm AEST) Australian sprinter, Melinda Gainsford-Taylor, has withdrawn from the 100-metres event at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur. Gainsford-Taylor, who has been battling a knee injury, will still run in the 200-metres, but has withdrawn from the shorter event because of concerns about her injury.

Watt trying for third win in road race (11:54am AEST) Australia aims to continue its domination of the Commonwealth Games road cycling this morning in the 92km women's road race.

Aussies top medal tally on day one of Games (6:34am AEST) Australian schoolboy swimmer Ian Thorpe has won the 200-metres freestyle at the Commonwealth Games, missing the world record by only a hundredth of a second as Australia topped the medal tally on day one.

Malaysia, India Take Centre Stage On Fourth Day Sunday September 13,10:18 AM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian women's team as well as the Indian men's and women's squads took centre stage on the fourth day of the 16th Commonwealth Games badminton competition here today.

Silver Lining For Hosts Malaysia Sunday September 13,10:15 AM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (Bernama) - Hosts Malaysia sprang a major and pleasant surprise when unfancied cyclist Nur Effandy Rosli snatched the silver from a field of big names in the 184km road race of the 16th Commonwealth Games today.

India Qualify For Final Round Sunday September 13,10:09 AM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- India qualified for the men's team final round when they topped Group B after a 5-0 upset win over favourites Scotland.

India Thrash Trinidad & Tobago Sunday September 13,10:07 AM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- Pritam Rani dazzled again with the stick to score three goals as India toyed with Trinidad and Tobago for a 7-1 win and chalked up their second successive win in Pool A.

Aussies Rout Malaysians 11-0 Sunday September 13,10:06 AM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- World champions Australia trounced Malaysia 11-0 in a Pool A match of the 16th Commonwealth Games women's hockey competition at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium here tonight.

Champion Strange Takes Centre Stage Sunday September 13,10:03 AM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- One knock-out, two walkovers and the might of Michael Strange took centre stage at Day One of the 16th Commonwealth Games boxing ring at the Shah Alam's Malawati Stadium.

Sevens Big Guns Come Out Firing Sunday September 13, 9:50 AM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- Sevens rugby's big guns blasted their way through the opening round of the Commonwealth Games tournament here today, leaving some badly shaken teams in their wake.

Kiwis Register First Win Sunday September 13, 1:41 AM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- New Zealand defeated Wales 4-0 to pick their first win in Pool A of the men's hockey tournament of the 16th Commonwealth Games at the National Hockey Stadium at Bukit Jalil here today.

Malaysia's Women Team Aims For Gold Sunday September 13, 1:37 AM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's women badminton team, who qualified for the finals after beating New Zealand today, are hungry for more glory in the badminton event of the 16th Commonwealth Games.

Aussies Rout Malaysians 11-0 Sunday September 13,10:06 AM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- World champions Australia trounced Malaysia 11-0 in a Pool A match of the 16th Commonwealth Games women's hockey competition at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium here tonight.

Malaysia's Women Team Aims For Gold Sunday September 13, 1:37 AM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's women badminton team, who qualified for the finals after beating New Zealand today, are hungry for more glory in the badminton event of the 16th Commonwealth Games.

Malaysia Receive Tremendous Crowd Support Sunday September 13, 1:14 AM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- Malaysia received the biggest crowd support on the first day of the seven-a-side rugby competition in the 16th Commonwealth Games today.

Wai Yen Steals The Limelight Sunday September 13, 1:07 AM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's swimming star Sia Wai Yen stole the thunder when she won the 400m womens individual medley B final in the Commonwealth Games swimming competition at the National Aquatic Centre today.

Stop The Aussie If Malaysia Wants Gold Sunday September 13,12:33 AM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- Australia's Kerry Saxby-Junna should be the one to beat if Malaysian walker Yuan Yufang is to win the women's 10km walk.

M'sia Studying Possibility Of Hosting 2008 Olympics Saturday September 12,10:53 PM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Malaysia is studying the possibility of bidding for the 2008 Olympics.

Malaysia Upset Kiwis In Women's Team Event Saturday September 12,10:02 PM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian women's team created an upset when they defeated topseeds New Zealand 3-2 in a tense Group W tie of the Commonwealth Games badminton competition here today.

Fijians Score Upset Win And Malaysians Start Well Saturday September 12, 9:50 PM KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- Underdogs Fiji trounced heavyweight Scotland while Malaysia got off to a flying start at the Commonwealth Games lawn bowls tournament here today.

SCORES SO FAR BY STAR 13/9/98

Commonwealth Games

AQUATICS

SWIMMING

Men

100m breaststroke: Alvin Chia (1:03.42 for seventh place in A final and 1:03.80 in heats)

200m freestyle: Wan Azlan Wan Abdullah (1:57.22 in heats for 17th place); Die Ung (1:58.99 in heats for 21st place)

Women

400m individual medley: Sia Wai Yen (4:57.24 for first place in B final and 4:59.09 in heats).

100m freestyle: Ho Hsu Ee (1:01.69 in heats for 27th position)

4x200m freestyle: Fifth place in 8:58.14.

SYNCHRONISED SWIMMING

Individual technical routine: Jacquelyn Chan finished fifth in a field of six with 80.667 points

BADMINTON

Men

Malaysia beat Canada 5-0 (Ong Ewe Hock bt Michael Beres 15-3, 15-6; Yong Hock Kin bt Bobby Milroy 15-3, 15-5; Wong Choon Hann bt Stuart Arthur 15-2, 15-2; Cheah Soon Kit-Yap Kim Hock bt Iain Sydie-Darryl Yung 15-5, 15-9; Lee Wan Wah-Choong Tan Fook bt Bryan Moody-Michael Beres 15-11, 15-9)

Womens

Malaysia bt New Zealand 3-2 (Woon Sze Mei lost to Li Feng 4-11 6-11, 4-11; Law Pei Pei bt Rhona Roberston 6-11, 11-4, 15-11; Ng Mee Fen bt Amanda Carter 11-6, 11-1; Chor Hooi Yee-Lim Pek Siah bt Rhona Robertson-Tammy Jenkins 15-5, 15-8; Joanne Quay-Law Pei-Pei lost to Nichole Gordon-Sheree Jefferson 17-14, 7-15, 6-15

BOXING

First round

51kg: Ahmad Rakib bt Diamini Roman (Swz) RSC Fifth round

63.5kg: Andrew Khamis lost to Wright Nigel (Eng) 5-15

CRICKET

Malaysia lost to Zimbabwe by 221 runs

CYCLING

Men's mass start

Nor Effandy Rosli: 4'31.56 (Silver)

Mohamed Mahazir Hamad: 4'32.19 (10th)

M. Kumaresan: 4'40.55 (30th)

Musairi Musa: 4'47.42 (39th)

Shahrul Mohamed Razali 4'47.42 (40th)

Tsen Seong Hoong: did not finish

GYMNASTICS (ARTISTIC)

Men: Malaysia 147.075 (Fifth)

HOCKEY

Women: lost to Australia 0-11

LAWN BOWLS

Men

Syed Mohamad Akil bt Cliff Richardson (Bot) 25-22

Mohamed Aziz Maswadi-Mohamed Tazman Tahir bt Leau Akeripa-Letufuga Namulauulu (Sam) 27-18; bt Jurie Calitz-Petrus Opperman (Nam) 29-10

Women

Siti Hawa Ali-Bah Chui Mei (Mas) Doreen Joan-Litia Botei (Fiji) 18-17;

Nor Azwa Mohamed-Siti Zalina Ahmad-Haslah Hasan-Nor Hashimah Ismail bt Anne Lomas-Karen Soombe-Sharon Sims-Patricia Jorgensen (Nzl) 20-16; lost bt S. Catherine Pears-Sarah Mansbridge-Gillian Miles-Elizabeth Morgan (Wal) 13-19

RUGBY

Malaysia bt Sri Lanka Sri Lanka 35-26

Malaysia lost to New Zealand 0-53

SQUASH:

Men

Kenneth Low bt Glenn Whittaker (Rsa) 9-3, 9-3, 2-9, 5-9, 9-5

Ong Beng Hee lost to Graham Ryding (Can) 9-10, 2-9, 1-9

Mohamed Azlan Iskandar lost to Craig Wapnick (Rsa) 0-9, 0-9, 1-9

Michael Soo lost to Simon Parke (Eng) 0-9, 4-9, 9-4, 0-9

Women

Sharon Wee lost to Natalie Grainger (Rsa) 0-9, 4-9, 0-9

Leong Siu Lynn bt Madeline Perry (NIr) 9-0, 5-9, 7-9, 9-5, 9-5

Sandra Wu lost to Senga Macfie (Sco) 6-9, 1-9, 2-9

Nicol David bt Melanie Jans (Can) 9-3, 9-2, 5-9, 9-5

Saturday 12 September, 1998

Gymnasts win first medal (11:52pm AEST) In gymnastics, Australia has won the silver medal in the men's team event at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.

Aussies dominate in the pool (10:56pm AEST) Australians have dominated the first night of the swimming finals at the Commonwealth Games in Malaysia, winning three gold, three silver and three bronze medals.

Thorpe wins gold for 200-metres freestyle (10:15pm AEST) In swimming, Australia's Ian Thorpe has won gold in the 200-metres freestyle event in Kuala Lumpur tonight. Fellow Aussie Michael Klim has won silver, with Daniel Kowalski taking bronze.

Gold for Cowley, silver for O'Neill (9:23pm AEST) Australia's Simon Cowley has won gold in the men's 100-metres breast stroke in Kuala Lumpur tonight. Phil Rogers won silver with England's Darren Mew in third position.

Aussies thrash Cook Islands (8:03pm AEST) In Kuala Lumpur, the Australian rugby union team has started its Commonwealth Games campaign with a 50-point thrashing of the Cook Islands. [ FULL STORY]

Fitz-Gerald deals out thrashing at KL (5:43pm AEST) Australian squash star Sarah Fitz-Gerald has lived up to her world number one status, breezing through her first Commonwealth Games match without conceding a point. [ FULL STORY]

Seven wicket victory for Aust cricketers (5:27pm AEST) In cricket, Australia has defeated Antigua by seven wickets in a group B Commonwealth Games match in Kuala Lumpur. [ FULL STORY]

Lawn-bowlers off to spirited start (5:01pm AEST) A tooth ache and botched hair dye jobs could not prevent Australia's spirited young lawn bowls team making a winning start at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur today. [ FULL STORY]

Top bowler getting big share of attention (3:10pm AEST) Cara Honeychurch may be little known at home but she has received more attention in Malaysia than traditional Commonwealth Games stars like Kieren Perkins or cricketer Sachin Tendulkar.

Antigua bowled out for 99 by Aussies (3:03pm AEST) Australian paceman Damien Fleming captured five wickets in a mesmerising spell of fast bowling as Antigua was bowled out for 99 in the Commonwealth Games cricket match at the TNB sports ground today.

Aussies geared up for finals action in pool (2:21pm AEST) All Australian swimmers have qualified for finals on the first night of competition in the pool at the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games.

Punctured tyre slows down Stephens (1:20pm AEST) Controversial Commonwealth Games cycling selection Neil Stephens had a minor setback in the 184 kilometre men's road race in Kuala Lumpur this morning when his wheel punctured.

Freestyle record broken (12:43pm AEST) England swimmer Susan Rolph today broke the Commonwealth record in the heats of the 100-metres freestyle at the Commonwealth Games, winning a psychological advantage for tonight's final.

Olympics next International Olympic Council (IOC) president Juan Antonio Samaranch visited the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil yesterday. And he was impressed enough to raise hopes of squash being included in the Olympics, hopefully when it returns to the birthplace of the Games -- Athens-- in 2004.

A spectacular evening for all Spirits soared and so did the cheers the moment the Malaysian contingent marched into the arena during the march past. Spectators gave the team a standing ovation, clapping, screaming and waving their flashlights when the team passed by.

Tough draw for Ewe Hock Favourite Ong Ewe Hock will not have an easy passage to the final of the men's singles badminton competition. The Malaysian No. 1 has been drawn to meet teammate Wong Choon Hann in the semi-finals.

Bowlers face new problem American Bill Hall and national coach Sid Allen have stumbled upon a new problem just 48 hours before the bowling competition rolls off at the Pyramid Bowl.

A hot, torrid night ahead Malaysia are understandably apprehensive while their opponents Pakistan expect a torrid time in tomorrow's Group B men's hockey match at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

Same old story again? Three traditional powers -- England, Australia and Canada -- are poised to renew their long-running Commonwealth rivalry when the artistic gymnastics competition begins today with the men's team event at the Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

Australians struggle to snuff out stubborn Wales Australia endured a 31/2-hour battle yesterday before snuffing out stubborn Wales 3-2 in a Group C tie to keep themselves in contention for a place in the final rounds of the men's team badminton competition.

Malaysia and New Zealand face moment of truth The moment of truth has arrived for Malaysia and New Zealand. They face each other in the women's badminton team competition at the Kuala Lumpur Badminton Stadium in Cheras today to decide who tops Group W.

Top keglers skip special event The KL Games may be dubbed the Friendly Games but there's nothing friendly about the bowling competition. So secretive are the bowling nations about their bowlers' form that the top teams will not be fielding their best keglers in the special mixed doubles event to be held today to mark the beginning of the

No worries over Boldon Trinidad and Tobago's Ato Boldon, the 200m gold medallist in the World Championships last year, failed to show up yesterday but team manager Ken Doldron gave an assurance that the sprinter will check in tomorrow night.

Bring on the champs The Australian netball team are in a mean mood. They scalped the Asian All Stars team 99-10 in friendly competition in Singapore barely a week ago.

Consistency the key to glory for lawn bowlers Forget the success in the pre-Commonwealth Games lawn bowls championships in July. KL '98 is a whole new ball game. Even the top stars expect an open fight when the lawn bowls competition begins in Bukit Kiara today.

Six Games later, Wood's still bowling Nearly a quarter-century ago, Scottish lawn bowler Willie Wood flew to New Zealand for his first Commonwealth Games. Now 60 years old, he's still on the team.

Musa confident despite dismal outing The national shooting camp is still confident of collecting a medal in the men's small bore free rifle three position despite the dismal performance of the shooters in yesterday's badge match.

Pint-sized Azlan walks tall He is only 1.65m tall and on Thursday was one of the two shortest players on the field against the towering Kenyans in the men's hockey competition. But fullback Nor Azlan Bakar walked tall after Malaysia's 4-0 win in their opening Group B match at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

All eyes on drug-tainted Stephens in the road race All eyes will be on Australian rider Neil Stephens in the men's mass start 184km road race which will begin at the Shah Alam circuit today. Stephens has been chosen for the road race despite testing positive for excessive EPO as a member of the Festina team during the Tour de France.

Aussies on drugs doubled in a year Elite Australian athletes caught using banned substances have virtually doubled in number in the past 12 months, the Australian Sports Drug Agency (ASDA) said in Sydney yesterday.

India banking on young lifters for glory India may have won three weightlifting gold medals in Victoria '94 but here, in KL '98, they know things won't be the same. That's because the duo who delivered the three gold medals in Victoria -- E. Athisekahr and D. Murugesan -- will be missing from their line-up.

There's going to be a rumble in Kelana Jaya It looks like there will be quite a rumble in rugby. Six giants -- Fiji, South Africa, Samoa, New Zealand, England and Australia -- will be out to win the gold when the sport makes its Commonwealth Games debut at the MPPJ Stadium in Kelana Jaya today.

Canadian coach looks for improvement Canadian swim coach Dave Johnson rates the rival Australian men's team the best in the world on Thursday ahead of their Commonwealth Games battle.

Asia's best will find it tough Nicol David may reign supreme among women squash players in Asia but it will take some doing for her to upstage some of the world best players in KL '98.

Jackman wants two gold medals Cassie Jackman wants the squash singles and doubles gold medal. The 25-year-old English lass is seeded third in the singles and second in the doubles with Sue Wright.

Serious Sepeng It will be all work and no play for South Africa's Hezekiel Sepeng until he completes his job in KL '98. Sepeng, the silver medallist at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, is putting full concentration on the 800m. He wants to better the silver-medal effort at the last Games in Victoria.

A mammoth task for Zaki Malaysian long jumper Mohamed Zaki Sadri faces a mammoth task in KL '98. It was decided at the Games athletics team managers meeting yesterday that 7.9m would be the event's cut-off mark for the final.

Mother Modahl aims for gold England's Diane Modahl aims to make a memorable return to the Commonwealth Games. And the 32-year-old Modahl, a mother of a two-year-old daughter, is determined to return home with a KL '98 medal, hopefully a gold in the 800m.

Double trouble from Jamaica's Pitterson The Jamaican netball team have a double international in professional basketball player Oberon Pitterson. Team manager Marva Bernard said Oberon was one of four players retained from the 1995 World Netball Championship team who finished fifth in Birmingham.

Segaran out to make amends Opening batsman V. Segaran was hoping for strong debut against Sri Lanka on Wednesday. But instead the right-handed batsman went out by a wicked yorker on the first ball.

Commonwealth Games (STAR 11/9/8)

All eyes on us This narrowest of victories was a great challenge to us and we never lost sight of the fact that some countries, particularly the larger ones, were in some doubt as to our ability to stage the Games, believing perhaps that only the larger countries could cope. We were not treated too kindly by certain gentleman in the press in the countries where the previous Games had been held...They picked on us constantly and over emphasised the smallest things. They were ungracious to say the least, and the nonsense and downright falsehoods they published were a poorer reflection on them than on us."

Hockey joins ticket saga as vendor fee is scrapped The Ticket express saga took a few more twists and turns yesterday as the vendor fee of RM1 was scrapped, the Youth and Sports Minister criticised the agents -- and hockey joined in the act.

Today's the day and we're all set!

The big one beckons ... The successful hosting of the commonwealth Games by Malaysia will have a great influence on its chances to be the host for the Olympic Games, International Olympic Committee (IOC), president Juan Antonio Samaranch said yesterday,

Crushing wins for Malaysia Like the previous day, Malaysia hardly raised a sweat as they crushed Northern Ireland and Trinidad & Tobago 5-0 in the men's and women's badminton team events respectively at the Kuala Lumpur Badminton Stadium last night.

Six Kenyans gunning for world records Kenya's middle distance athletics coach Samuel Kipsang expects his charges to create new world records in KL '98.

Australians breathe easy Australia, led by veteran David Campese, should be able to avoid sevens rugby world champions Fiji in the early rounds of the competition following a re-draw of the rugby fixtures.

Alwi: Stop your sabotaging act Alwi Ahmad, the father and coach of Malaysian veteran cyclist Rosman, believes there are officials out to sabotage the efforts of him and his son.

Bridesmaids not complaining Lai Kin Ngoh does not mind playing the bridesmaid's role for now. The 22-year-old kegler, forced to play second fiddle to all the publicity around former World Bowler of the Year Shalin Zulkifli, is unperturbed.

Nable respects Honeychurch Maxine Nable of Australia did what many a man has failed to do in recent times. She defeated teammate Cara Honeychurch for the South Pacific Classic in Australia last week.

Harris bowls 'em over Medium pacer Chris Harris did the most damage on the Kenyans as New Zealand notched up a five-wicket win at the PKNS pitch yesterday.

Lissek's lads off to winning start Malaysia began their men's hockey campaign in the Commonwealth Games with a convincing 4-0 win over Kenya in a Group B match at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday.

Evergreen Hall can pull off surprises Four years' ago, Darren Hall of England was ruled out by a back injury for the last Commonwealth Games in Victoria.

England cry foul over New Zealand's seeding New Zealand have provided prompt answers both with words and deeds to those suggesting they have been lucky to have had both teams seeded in the top two at KL '98.

Romzi aims to dip below 47s Malaysian quarter-miler Romzi Bakar is obsessed with running faster than 47 seconds in the one-lap race. The only time the 23-year-old Romzi, the Jakarta SEA Games 400m champion, has done so was four years ago in the Vietnam Open -- a hand-timed 46.8.

Lewis looking good for heptathlon gold It was only drizzling yesterday. But England's heptathlete Denise Lewis scurried for shelter at the National Sports Council (NSC) pitch in Bukit Jalil.

Nanda on the road to recovery Middle distance runner R. Nanda Kumar is expected to recover in time and compete in the Commonwealth Games.

Girls from Down Under set a high target Seven-time world champions Australia want to go down in history as the first netball gold medallists when the sport makes its Commonwealth Games debut.

Aussies forced to cut short training The Australian netball team had to cut short their training schedule after arriving almost two hours late at the Netball Indoor Stadium in Bukit Kiara yesterday.

Hackett fails to make relay team World 1,500m champion Grant Hackett missed a chance to make Australia's 4x200m freestyle relay team for KL '98 at a time trial yesterday. The Australian relay team beat the United States to claim the world title in January when Hackett was a member.

Azlan's target is to rub shoulders with the best Another of Malaysia's United States-based swimmer Wan Azlan Abdullah wants to rub shoulders with the best in KL '98.

Malaysian artistic gymnasts being shielded like champs They have been declared no-hopers but the Malaysian artistic gymnasts are being shielded from all distractions like champions before Saturday's competitions.

Our girls go on rampage Welsh too sick to play The Welsh women's hockey team's Commonwealth Games match against Canada was called off at the last minute yesterday after eight of the Welsh team went down with suspected food poisoning.

Kopeck's finger tip re-attached Hardy Canadian hockey player Laurelee Kopeck is ready for action after the top of her finger was sliced off in a freak mishap on Wednesday.

Seniors did well, says Indian coach India's new coach M.K. Kaushik is convinced that it was not a mistake retaining some of the seniors who played in the World Cup for KL '98.

Brazil keeper sent off Brazil's international goalkeeper Claudio Taffarel was sent off in a friendly match between a Turkish side and a world eleven on Wednesday.

Ryding high after emphatic win Canadian Graham Ryding is aware of the threat posed by world junior squash champion Ong Beng Hee in the second round tomorrow.

No lack of moral support for Azlan Parental support counts a lot, especially when an athlete gets to represent the country in a biggie like the Commonwealth Games.

Latest News (STAR 7/9/98)

Commonwealth Games

Busy bee Ganesh Youngster R. Ganeshwaran will be the busiest man in the Malaysian athletics squad for KL'98. The 21-year-old Pahang athlete has been entered for three events -- 100m, 200m and 4x100m.

Please watch your steps Coach V. Subramaniam has warned the Malaysian walkers to watch their steps at the KL '98. The former Asian champion, who is also the coach of Annastasia Karen, K. Pushparajan and Shahrulhaizy Abdul Rahman said that Malaysian walkers had earned a reputation to 'float'.

Sevens magician Serevi to lead Fiji rugby challenge Waisale Serevi, rated the best rugby sevens player in the world, will lead Fiji's bid for gold in KL '98. Seven-a-side rugby will be staged at the Games for the first time and reigning World Cup and Hong Kong Sevens champions Fiji will go into the tournament as favourites.

Shooter Irina to skip today's warm-up matches Shooter Irina Maharani will skip the warm-up badge matches which begins today at the Langkawi International Shooting Range of Malaysia (Lisram). Badge matches are a warm-up competiton for the shooters. Team manager Musa Omar said yesterday they have decided not to include Irina.

Scots send out SOS for quencher The Scotland contingent are in dire straits as a supplier failed to fulfil an order for specialised drinks to refuel the competitors during the duration of the Games. The Scottish team had worked with England's Sports Specific Beverages for more than a year to develop rehydration and regenerative drinks only to be let down at the 11th hour. The company ran into trouble when their suppliers in Australia went bankrupt.

Springboks can't roam freely on local turf The mighty South African rugby team have difficulty adapting to the local pitch. South African coach Deon Oosthuysen said their players were not used to playing sevens rugby team as well as the playing conditions in Malaysia.

Aitken aims to finish among medal winners South Africa may have been the World Cup champions in 1994, but bowling has never been given due recognition at home. With just 1,000 registered bowlers and only 18 centres, the game has been on a virtual standstill for more than a decade.

Bowling stars under wraps With just five days to go before the Commonwealth Games begin, the national bowling squad have chosen to make full use of the little time they have. Kenny Ang, Ben Heng, Shalin Zulkifli and Lai Kin Ngoh were already up long before the sun came out and made their way to the Pyramid Bowl to put in valuable practice session.

Not medals but better marks for Jaspal India's Jaspal Rana, the 1994 Commonwealth Games double gold medallist, is aiming for better marks instead of medals at the Kuala Lumpur Games. "I never think of medals or try to beat somebody else when I'm shooting," he said.

Allen's playing mind games, says Buck Former FIQ World champion Chris Buck says that Malaysian coach Sid Allen is playing mind games to divert the attention away from the Malaysian bowling squad. "He has the A-team with him but he prefers to say others will dominate the bowling competition," said Buck yesterday.

It's a family affair for the Tomlins The Tomlin family from Guernsey has been a permanent feature in the Commonwealth Games since 1990. It began with three members -- father Derek, son John and daughter Michelle. And this all in the family saga has increased to four since the Victoria Games in 1994.

Friends turn foes in quest for personal fame Two good friends -- one just starting out and the other a veteran -- will be battling for personal fame when the women's artistic gymnastics event gets underway on Sunday. While pretty Annika Reeder and Lisa Mason hope to bring glory to fancied England, they also have a point to prove.

A family get-together It's almost a family affair for the Namibian lawn bowls team. In their squad of 14 are three couples, a father-son pair and a mother-son combination. Team manager Jean van den Berg said yesterday that the team were picked on merit.

Heat not a problem for the Aussies The scorching heat will not affect the Australians much when the lawn bowls competition begins at the Bukit Kiara Lawn Bowls Complex on Saturday. Team manager Don Sherman said they should be able to get acclimatised to the weather and would have only themselves to blame if they fail to overcome it.

English girls want to start with a bang England want nothing less than three points in their opening match against New Zealand in the women's hockey event at the Lembah Pantai Stadium on Wednesday. "We want to start off with a bang," said team manager Sue Sutton yesterday.

Tobagans want cycling medal Trinidad and Tobago cycling coach Ian Atherly wants his riders to end his country's 24-year medal drought in the sport. "I was the last rider to win a medal in the Games back in 1974 when I won a bronze in the men's 200m sprint in Christchurch," said Atherly, who is also the team manager.

Richards: RSC ideal for international competition Former West Indies cricket great Viv Richards gave the thumbs-up to the Royal Selangor Club (RSC) in Bukit Kiara, although it was dropped as one of the venues for KL '98. Ranjan Madugalle, the International Cricket Council (ICC) official, ruled last month that the RSC was not up to the mark.

System passes test with flying colours The two-day testing of the technology system for KL '98 went on without a hitch. Youth and Sports Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said yesterday that another test would be carried out today.

Foster gunning for the gold and record England veteran Mark Foster aims to kill two birds with one stone in the 50-metre freestyle swimming event in the Commonwealth Games. He wants to break the eight-year-old Games record en route to winning the gold medal in the event.

Jamaicans don't like it hot and spicy The Jamaican women's hockey team, dead tired after their gruelling 25-hour journey from Kingston, are finding the spicy food being served at the Games Village in Bukit Jalil a little too hot for them to handle.

Snippets

Scots wary of Indians Fourth seeded Scotland will have to contend with India in both the men's and women's team badminton competitions. Team manager Fiona McEwan views India as their main threat to their bid to advance into the semi-finals.

End of double act in England England, now coached by Asger Madsen of Denmark and Park Joo-bong of South Korea, will no longer have the same coaching partnership after this year. Madsen, who is currently the English head coach, will take up an appointment with the German Badminton Association as their head coach after Christmas.

Two Hansens meet up again Two coaches from the same country share the same surname and are on the same mission. That's the story of Morten Frost Hansen, the Danish coach in charge of the Malaysian badminton squad, and his compatriot Finn Traerup Hansen, the head coach of the Australian badminton team.

Kiwi women shuttlers confident of doing well after China stint Former Chinese national player Li Feng flew in with her New Zealand fellow shuttlers after a two-week acclimatisation in China on Saturday night and sweated out with a heavy strapped right knee at the Kuala Lumpur Badminton Stadium in Cheras yesterday. New Zealand team manager Robyn MacFarlane turned down request from local reporters for an interview with her, citing that she would want all the players, including Li Feng, to stay focus.

Malaysia cheering squad for Aussie tie The Malaysian Netball Association (MNA) may form a cheer-leading squad to support the national team when they play their opening game against seven-time world champions Australia on Sept 14. "We need all the support we can get. The MNA have thought about it but I am not sure whether they will pursue the idea," said natioal coach Enid Browne of Trinidad and Tobago.

One last shot from Wapnick Craig Wapnick of South Africa will bid goodbye to professional squash after the KL Games. The world number 49 from Johannesburg said that he would quit the circuit to concentrate on his career as a copywriter.

Cool relief at last for players It was much cooler at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil yesterday. By 4pm, the air-conditioning at the venue had returned to normal. On Thursday and Friday, the air-conditioners failed to function properly because of the low water pressure.

Volunteers rise to the occasion at weightlifting venue Nadi, the volunteer group for the Kuala Lumpur Games, wasted no time in getting the weightligting venue at the Mines Convention Centre ready immediately after the four-day Malbex '98 exposition ended last Friday. "We want the venue to be the best ever for weightlifting in the Games series," the sport manager for weightlifting, Kamaruzaman Kadir, said yesterday.

STAR 6/9/98

The rage of Humayun Asian squash championship singles semi-finalist Muhammad Humayun Khan is seething. He has been caught unawares by a last-minute switch in Pakistan's Commonwealth Games line-up.

Not the best of draws for our girls Malaysia happily avoided England but came up against top seeds New Zealand in the draw for the women's badminton team championships at the Kuala Lumpur BA Stadium yesterday.

Our batsmen still facing problems The friendly cricket match between Malaysia and Bangladesh at the Royal Selangor Club, Bukit Kiara, yesterday evening was called off when rain came.

'Rough-house' tactics in squash They bump and crash into each other. Their racquets clash. And they are caught in indecisions on who should retrieve a shot. These are common sights in the squash "rough-house" from new partners in the doubles game. But national women's team skipper Sharon Wee prefers to look at the lighter side.

Walker will be running Scotland's Dougie Walker has recovered from a knee surgery and he is not about to give the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games a skip.

Shanmuganathan hopes to dip below nine minutes Malaysian 3,000m steeplechase runner N. Shanmuganathan may be young but he certainly doesn't lack ambition. In fact, the youngster has set himself an ambitious target in the KL Games -- to become the first Malaysian to dip below nine minutes in steeplechase.

It's back to studies for Tong Lean after the Games Malaysian women walker Cheng Tong Lean will walk another path after KL '98. Tong Lean, who will compete in the 10km walk, said she would like to continue her studies.

Free movement for the journalists After four days of constant changes, arrangements for the media to perform their duties in the International Zone of the Games Village returned to normal yesterday.

Canadians not hit by airline strike About 100 Canadian athletes, who have yet to arrive for the Commonwealth Games, are not affected by the strike by Air Canada pilots.

Bring on the hockeyroos Going up against the world's best can be an unnerving experience. But not for Malaysia's women hockey goalkeepers Gan Lai Ling and S. Seyamala.

Pakistan bring on a new sting Pakistan, who have struggled against top European men's hockey sides in recent years, have promised a more attacking style of play at the Commonwealth Games.

Jumbo the biggie of Canada Canadian women's hockey skipper Laurelee Kopeck is called "Jumbo". Rightly, too. She is huge. "My teammates call me jumbo because of my muscular body," said the 29-year-old Kopeck, who is still single.

Aussies want another change Australia have got their wish. They will not have to play any of their men's hockey matches at 4.05pm.

From ripples to splashes Kenya have never won a medal in Commonwealth Games swimming but it won't stop them from trying. They will be making their third attempt but are unlikely to return home from KL '98 with a medal.

Malaysia's rhythmic team are best bets for medal The Malaysia Gymnastic Federation (MGF) are hopeful the country's first medal in the Commonwealth Games gymnastics will come from its rhythmic team, ranked among the top four in the competition.

The English are all fired upto win artistic medals Favourites England are all fired up to grab the artistic gymnastics medals in the Commonwealth Games.

Snippets

No high hopes from N. Ireland It's sad but true. The Northern Ireland swimming team have resigned themselves to the fact that they will be returning home empty-handed from the Commonwealth Games.

Crash worries for Conor Northern Ireland cyclist Henry Conor, who crashed in the men's mass start event in Victoria four years ago, is praying that the nightmare will not happen to him again in Kuala Lumpur.

Tight schedule for Prince A tight schedule awaits Prince Edward, who is the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) president, when he arrives in Kuala Lumpur on Monday.

From a hustler to a ball specialist He used to hustle others in bowling for a quick buck. But a freak accident cut short his "lucrative" career.Today, American Bill Hall is acknowledged as the best ball specialist in the business.

Allen: Malaysia's right to play on competition lanes Foreign teams are unhappy that Malaysian keglers have been getting the best out of the Pyramid Bowl in Bandar Sunway.

English horse around, our keglers sweat it out The powerful English bowling squad returned scores below 60 in practice yesterday. And Malaysian Kenny Ang, after a high first game of 269, failed to cross the 200 mark in his subsequent games.

Malaysians have motivation to reap success Looking for a leader in the Malaysian bowling squad? Well, take your pick. Shalin Zulkifli, Kenny Ang, Beng Heng and Lai Kin Ngoh are all inspirational in themselves, says national coach Sid Allen.

Strangers in the midst Should teamwork let the Cook Islands rugby team down, the islanders from Polynesia have a ready excuse. They never had a single session of training together until they got to Kuala Lumpur.

Fan our fire, says boxer Muruguthevan The national boxers want a helping hand from the fans to fire them up in their bouts in the Commonwealth Games.

Canadian netball team fly in after just two days of training For sheer guts, give the Canadian netball team full marks. They have come to Malaysia with just two days of preparation. And coach Ann Willcocks was still exuding confidence.

(STAR 1/9/98)

Commonwealth Games

10 is fine Practice makes perfect. And the national keglers have had all the opportunity to practise as much as they want to at the Pyramid Bowl. Yet, they have chosen to bowl only a limited number of games during their centralised training sessions for the Commonwealth Games.

Shalin and Ben first choice pairing Alley queen Shalin Zulkifli and Ben Heng are the first choice combination for the mixed doubles bowling competition at the KL Games.

Eyeing the apex at Pyramid Malaysia can count on tenpin bowling for honours in the Commonwealth Games. The bowlers are probably the second best bets after the men's badminton players to strike gold for the country in KL '98.

Frost supports Kim Hock's decision to retire The impending retirement of shuttler Yap Kim Hock will not affect Malaysian performance in the Commonwealth Games.

Heat's not a problem for English players After a long flight and a night's rest, the English men's and women's hockey players got down to their first work-out at the Universiti Sains Malaysia AstroTurf yesterday.

Triple gold on Rolph's mind The Australian swimmers may be awesome but Susan Rolph of England can stem their tide in the Commonwealth Games. The 20-year-old from Newcastle is set to splash her way to glory and she will aim for records as well.

Kiwi Loader peaking in time for Games New Zealand's Olympic swimming champion Danyon Loader is approaching his best form -- in time for a showdown with his Australian rivals in the Commonwealth Games.

Canadians the first to check in The Canadian men's artistic gymnasts are the first to check into the Commonwealth Games Village in Bukit Jalil.

Holmes on the right track England's Kelly Holmes proved her fitness before KL '98 with an impressive comeback to international competition over the mile on Sunday.

Things are not rosy in Australian athletics squad The Australian athletics team are having a tumultuous build-up to the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games.

One final 'Test' for our hockey boys The 16 hockey players selected for the Commonwealth Games will have one final ''Test" before they can be sure of their places in the team.

England sending the best England are sending a formidable squash squad for the KL '98 Games. World number six Simon Parke leads the men's challenge and he is accompanied by eighth ranked Paul Johnson who came within a whisker of beating the world number one Peter Nicol of Scotland last Friday.

Kok Four-Sandra can make last eight The mixed doubles pair of Yap Kok Four-Sandra Wu must get past the New Zealand pair of Glen Wilson-Sarah Cook to ensure a quarter-final berth in the KL '98 squash event.

Bowling

Third title for Mustafa National junior Mustafa Yasin grabbed his third title in the SportExcel-NSC-Milo National Junior Bowling circuit yesterday.

Football

Excuses and bungles come easy for Hatem Malaysia's latest debacle at the Tiger Cup in Vietnam should not be a surprise considering that coach Hatem Souissi is good at messing up things.

Intentional own goal ends bizarre match Yusuf Ekodono scored an intentional own goal with less than a minute left as Thailand unwillingly beat Indonesia 3-2 yesterday in a farcical Tiger Cup Group A football match that neither team wanted to win.

Malaysians end campaign without a win and a goal Malaysia ended their Tiger Cup football competition in embarrassing fashion at the Hanoi Stadium here last night.

STAR (31/8/98)

The difference in standard among the top bowlers in the world is so minute that any small advantage would make a big difference. And to safeguard such advantages, national coach Sid Allen is keeping a close guard on the vital details of the Pyramid Bowl.

Rosman keeps faith with ancient wheels For veteran cyclist Rosman Alwi, an oldie is a goodie. The 37-year-old Rosman, who has don national colours for the last 22 years, will ride an old bicycle in the Commonwealth Games.

Sore eyes scare Swimmer Tay Li Leng caused a scare when she reported for centralised training for the KL '98 Games at the University Tenaga (Uniten) yesterday with conjunctivitis.

Aussie swimming camp in Singapore hit by flu bug An influenza scare has hit the Australian swimming team in the lead-up to the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.

Victory in Paris just the right tonic for Hickman England's 'butterfly' king James Hickman is ready for a splashing time in the pool in the Commonwealth Games.

Saedah is the best bet for a lawn bowls medal The national lawn bowls team are expected to boost Malaysia's medal collection in the Commonwealth Games based on the draw for the events announced by the Malaysian Lawn Bowls Federation (MLBF) yesterday.

Jamil perplexed over drop in form National 1km time trial cycling champion Jamil Kadiron's performance has declined since he broke the national record in the Jakarta SEA Games last year.

Watch out for Gopi India's P. Gopichand can derail Malaysian hopes of a clean sweep of the men's singles badminton medals in the Commonwealth Games.

Cricket live from two venues Only two venues have been chosen to provide live coverage for cricket matches in KL '98. Matches at the Kelana Jaya PKNS and Kilat Club, Bangsar will be shown live for the duration of the cricket competition from Sept 9-19.

Spotlight on Emma While world class sprinters Frankie Fredericks of Namibia and Ato Boldon of Trinidad and Tobago will be the top attractions in the track events, all eyes will be on Australian lass Emma George in the field events at KL '98.

Funtime for trainees The national athletes preparing for KL '98 will be treated to a cultural show inconjunction with the National Day celebrations at the University Tenaga here (Uniten) tonight.

Praying for a miracle to play against idol Rohan Vishnu Suppiah, the youngest member of the national cricket squad for the KL '98, hopes that he will get to face his idol, Michael Bevan of Australia.

Getting it right from the left Left-handed bowlers will be a rarity at the Commonwealth Games. However for the Malaysians, left is the key word.

Song Lip on song in athletics and studies Athlete Chai Song Lip's ability to shuttle between studies and excellence in sports is being tested as well.

A tall order for our gals Although the national women's hockey team have had three years of preparation, 135 practice matches and a foreign coach to boot, they are not expected to provide any major surprises in the Commonwealth Games.

FIH give Lembah Pantai Hockey Stadium the nod The International Hockey Federation (FIH) have given the nod to the Lembah Pantai Hockey Stadium as the venue for the women's competition.

No placing playoffs for hockey There will be no classification matches for the men's and women's hockey competitions at the Commonwealth Games.

Rosmimi: Let's play hard Rosmimi Jamalani has 13 years of international hockey behind her but she has not lost any zest for action.

Sandra's absence not a bother to Kok Four National squash player Yap Kok Four is confident that the absence of his mixed doubles partner Sandra Wu during the training sessions will not affect their performance in KL '98.

Squash

Harvey says aye to Beng Hee Ong Beng Hee has landed himself a chance of a life-time. Fresh from winning the world junior crown, his coach in London, Neil Harvey, has agreed to take him in under his stable and he will manage, train and monitor Beng Hee's progress as soon as the youngster arrives in Chingford on Oct 4.

Kelvin downs Aaron for U-16 crown Kelvin Ho of Selangor defeated teammate Aaron Chee 9-3, 9-2, 9-4 to claim the boys' Under-16 SportExcel-NSC-Milo squash title at the National Squash Centre in Bukit Jalil here yesterday.

Football

Indons want to finish ahead of champs Thais Indonesia are bent on wrapping up their Group A fixtures against defending champions Thailand on a victorious note even though they have qualified for the semi-finals of the Tiger Cup football competition.

Samy's death a blow to Malacca The sudden demise of S.G. Samy, the director of the Malacca Football Academy, is a blow to the development of the game in the state and the local FA.

Golf

Ramayah out of golf tourney Malaysia's top professionals will compete in the Andersen Consulting Golf Challenge at the Kota Permai Golf and Country Club in Kota Kemuning on Sept 3 and 4.

Darts

Australians win darts title Asia Cup champions Australia One defeated Sharpees of the Philippines 8-6 in the team event final of the 19th Anchor Malaysian Open Darts Championships on Saturday.

Latest News (STAR 30/8/98)

Kim Hock's swan-song Doubles specialist Yap Kim Hock's debut at the Commonwealth Games will also be his international swan-song. The 28-year-old shuttler, bugged by a nagging shoulder injury, has decided to quit after the KL Games and will not play in the Asian Games in December.

Four young players make the cut for Lissek's lot Four new young players have been included in the final 16 of the hockey team for the Commonwealth Games. Goalkeeper Roslan Jamaluddin, Chua Boon Huat, Suhaimi Ibrahim, and K. Logan Raj are the juniors given the chance to don national colours for the KL Games.

England concede defeat to Aussies The English are a realistic lot. The Australians, they admit, are too good for them and should finish winners of the 16th Commonwealth Games. And second placing will do just fine for England, for now at least.

Sports-Local

Sunday, August 30, 1998

STAR NEWSPAPER

Commonwealth Games

Kim Hock's swan-song Doubles specialist Yap Kim Hock's debut at the Commonwealth Games will also be his international swan-song. The 28-year-old shuttler, bugged by a nagging shoulder injury, has decided to quit after the KL Games and will not play in the Asian Games in December.

Four young players make the cut for Lissek's lot Four new young players have been included in the final 16 of the hockey team for the Commonwealth Games. Goalkeeper Roslan Jamaluddin, Chua Boon Huat, Suhaimi Ibrahim, and K. Logan Raj are the juniors given the chance to don national colours for the KL Games.

Times that are a changing German chief coach Paul Lissek has been known as the man with the Midas touch. And he proved it when he took over as Malaysian hockey coach. In a space of three months, he turn around the team, taking them from international punching bags to a respectable side.

England concede defeat to Aussies The English are a realistic lot. The Australians, they admit, are too good for them and should finish winners of the 16th Commonwealth Games. And second placing will do just fine for England, for now at least.

Yellow's the official colour Yellow is the colour of the Malaysian contingent and there will be no squabbles about it. National Sports Council (NSC) director general Datuk Mazlan Ahmad said yesterday that the outfit of all athletes at KL '98 will use yellow as their base colour.

Tee Kui out to break own record National hammer thrower Wong Tee Kui wants to prove his worth at the Commonwealth Games despite his late inclusion in the athletic team.

Fans can reduce odds: Maniam The odds are stacked against the Malaysians winning any medals in squash at the KL '98. National coach S. Maniam however thinks the odds can be reduced with support from the Malaysian fans.

Ben bent on burning up the lanes Ben Heng had never even expected to be taking part in the Commonwealth Games. But now that he is in, look out! The 24-year-old Ben is on a roll. And to prove the point, he even scored a perfect game during training a few days ago.

Stiff opposition for Syed Mohamed Only two rivals stand between national lawn bowls ace Syed Mohamed Syed Akil and a medal in the men's singles event at KL '98. The draw, released by the World Bowls Board on Thursday, has pitted Syed in Group B with two top ranked players -- Willie Wood of Scotland and Rowan Brassey of New Zealand.

NSC to review medal target The National Sports Council (NSC) are planning on reviewing their seven-gold medal target in the KL '98 Games. NSC director general Datuk Mazlan Ahmad said he will be meeting coaches and managers of all 16 sports soon to re-evaluate their target in the Games.

Two reasons why Aussies should win the gold Australia, by virtue of their fourth placing at the recent Utrecht World Cup, are the obvious favourites at the Commonwealth Games.

Parker: We view dope abuse seriously England want to play it fair. But there always seems to be a black sheep or two. The latest case of cycling sprinter Gary Edwards failing a routine drug test brings back memories of the 1994 Commonwealth Games when two of their athletes -- shot putter Paul Edwards and 800m runner Diane Modahl -- were sent home.

Englishmen set to make waves in the pool The English have landed -- and are ready to make waves. They flew into Penang unannounced on Thursday with 42 swimmers, seven divers and three synchronized swimmers.

Watch on prices About 100 enforcement officers from the Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry will work on shifts at all sporting venues to ensure traders do not charge exhorbitant prices for goods sold at KL '98.

Wheels for Games A total of 236 buses will ferry members of the Games Family to the various venues of KL '98.

New equipment will help world beaters It's a record-breaking pool at the National Aquatic Centre in Bukit Jalil. With new equipment and some innovation, the world-class swimmers in action should be setting a few new marks along the way.

Football

Only a miracle will put Malaysia in the semi-finals Malaysia's campaign in the Tiger Cup is good as over. The depleted Malaysians with only one point from two games will wrap up their Group B fixtures against hosts Vietnam at the Hanoi Stadium tonight.

Latest News (STAR 28/8/98)

Out of a spot

Shooter Irina Maharani can now concentrate on her preparations for competition in KL '98 without any distractions. The National Shooting Association of Malaysia's (NSAM) president Alley Ong said here yesterday that Irina needed no clearance from the Ukraine Shooting Federation for her to compete in the Games.

Hurry, hurry to the bowling alley

Those who want to catch the best of Commonwealth Games bowling will have to move fast. Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) secretary Sidney Tung said yesterday that there were less than 100 tickets left for the men's singles final and none left for the women's singles final.

Opening extravaganza slated for another day if it pours

If the elaborate show prepared for the opening ceremony of the 16th Commonwealth Games on Sept 11 cannot be staged because of rain, it will be held on another day. Youth and Sports Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said yesterday that they did not want to see efforts put in by the performers be non-starters of the Games.

National sprinter Watson Nyambek (left) flexes his muscles for Anwar's benefit before receiving the NSC incentive scheme reward yesterday. --- STARpic by S.S. Kanesan

Hassle-free entry for foreigners attending KL' 98

Foreign athletes, officials and media personnel for the Commonwealth Games can look forward to a hassle-free entry at the KL International Airport in Sepang. Support services committee chairman for the Games, Datuk Samsudin Osman, said yesterday that immigration and customs personnel at the airport had been told to give their best when attending to the foreign contingents.

Mixed doubles medal a possibility Malaysia have never won a medal in Commonwealth Games mixed doubles badminton. But national skipper Cheah Soon Kit thinks that there will be one for Malaysia in KL '98.

Early start for shuttlers The Commonwealth Games badminton competition will begin two days before the official opening of KL '98 on Sept 11. But the seedings and draw for the team competition will not be made until late next week.

Kenneth-Michael combination may make it to the last eight Malaysia's Kenneth Low and Michael Soo have a strong chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals of the squash doubles event at KL '98. Based on the draw which was released yesterday, they should be able to top Pool F, provided they move past the South African pair of Craig Wapnick and Glenn Whittaker.

With the world squash rankings dominated by Commonwealth countries, Australia's squash legend Geoff Hunt rates the debut event at the Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games as more important than the World Championships. ''It's the biggest thing that's happened to squash in many, many years," he told the Australian Associated Press yesterday.

Welsh weightlifter Goswell fails pre-Games testing Welsh weightlifter Andrew Goswell was officially identified yesterday as the third British athlete who failed a pre-Commonwealth Games drug test. The Welsh Commonwealth Games Council confirmed that Goswell returned a positive A-sample in an out-of-competition doping control.

Fit McGrath ready for the challenge Australian paceman Glenn McGrath said yesterday he expected to be bowling at 95% pace or better in the Commonwealth Games cricket competition next month. Australia is favoured to qualify for the semi-finals from its group, which includes an as yet unnamed Indian lineup, plus Canada and Antigua.

Jasni eyeing his pot of gold at Langkawi Veteran shooter Jasni Shaari cannot be faulted for feeling that his pot of gold may lie waiting at KL '98. Jasni and Abdul Mutalib Razak bagged the small bore free rifle three position pair event gold medal in the Second Commonwealth Shooting championships in Langkawi last year. The duo amassed a total of 2,264 points en route to the gold.

Shooting

Don't be too medal orientated, team told The national shooters have been told not to be too ''medal orientated" as it will only put them under unnecessary pressure. The National Shooting Association of Malaysia's (NSAM) president Ally Ong said the shooters should also not get carried away with the publicity they have been receiving in the media.

Squash

Kelvin tipped for yet another crown Kelvin Ho Mun Kit may not be a familiar name in the squash circle but he is one of the players to watch out over the next few years. The 15-year-old Kelvin is a relatively late starter in the sport, having picked it up just three years ago.

Darts

Ravi loses Asian dart title Malaysian Ravi Sandiran went down 1-4 to Graham Hunt of Australia in the men's singles final of the Asia Cup Darts Championships in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Ravi gave the home crowd little to cheer and meekly surrendered the title he won in Singapore two years ago.

Rugby

James' back in business after op Malaysia's rugby coach Timothy Mark James was in hospital yesterday to remove a stone in the kidney. But the Welshman said that he would be back with the team today.

General

Shalin, Beng Hee top NSC incentive recipients Malaysia's bowling sensation Shalin Zulkifli's outstanding results in the recent FIQ World Junior bowling championships earned her RM87,500 yesterday. Under the National Sports Council (NSC) Incentive Scheme, Shalin received RM40,000 each for winning the singles and the all events gold medals in the championships.

Latest News (NST 26/8/98)

World 110 metre hurdles record holder Collin Jackson will join Star pronters Ato Boldon and Frankie Fredericks in Commonwealth Games 1998 to make this a great event. Sprinter Ato Boldon, who clocked 9.86 for the fastest time this year, is expected to be on the starting blocks in the Commonwealth Games athletics competition.

Jackson whose world record of 12.91s made in Stuttgart, Germany has yet to be beaten. He won the gold medal at Victoria on a time of 13.08 Sec.

Aussies take their chances well Australia took their chances well and defeated Malaysia 2-0 in a Test match at the national Hockey Stadium Saturday.

Latest News: (NST 25/8/98)

Sukom Tickets will now only be available at Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Kuala Lumpur Badminton stadium in Cheras, Shah Alam Stadium and Ticket Express Trailer in Dataran Merdeka from 1 Sept 1998. From now until 1 Sept, you can still get the ticket from the Internet, telephone, mail and faxes. Tel: 603-4454455 or see http://www.ticketexpress.com.my

Tickets sold to date (where data available)

Tickets available (Tickets Sold)*

Athletics 305000 (80000) *

Boxing 81000 (2300) *

Hockey 120000 (8517)*

Rugby 36000 (6531)*

9,000 tickets are still available for the opening and 19,000 tickets for the closing ceremonies.

Australians Unhappy (STAR 25/8/98)

The Australians are happy with the National Hockey Stadium at Bukit Jalil but they are concerned about the schedule of the event for the Commonwealth Games. Australian chief coach Terry Walsh said that the organisers should reschedule the 4.00pm matches to a later time in the interest of the players.

5,400 athletes in the register (STAR 25/8/98)

The names of 5,400 athletes from 55 countries have been registered for next month's 16th Commonwealth Games, an official of the organisers said yesterday.

1,000 firemen from the Fire and Rescue Dept to be deployed at Jalil Sports Complex.

Queen's Baton arrives in Perlis from Langkawi and with only 17 days more, will be arriving in KL on schedule.

Hockey

Malaysia's initial target of reaching the semi-finals in the Commonwealth Games coming true. Malaysia won two test against Germany (2-1, 1-0) and drew 1-1 in the other. Against Australia, Malaysia drew their first test 2-2 and went down fighting 2-0 and 3-2 in the other two tests. Before the three tests against Australia, Malaysia lost 8-0 at the World Cup and 5-0 in the Azlan Shah Cup in March 1998.

Swimming

Strong contenders from UK with 100 freestyle champion Karen Pickering, Martin Harris in the 100 m backstrokes, Adam Ruckwood who clocked a new Games record en route to clinching the 200m backstroke gold and 50 m freestyle gold medalist Mark Foster will be coming to better their previous 1994 successes.

Dual Olympic swimming champion Kieren Perkins expressed concern over his Commonwealth Games campaign yesterday following an energy sapping illness.

His biggest rival will be fellow Autralians Grant Hackett, the world champion and Olympic and world silver mdedalist Daniel Kowalski who confirmed their attendance.

Athletics

Diane Modahl is suing the Bankrupt British Athletic Federation after successfully fighting a 4 year ban ruling for failing a drugs test and sent home from the 1994 Commonwealth Games. She is currently training in Switzerland for next month's Commonwealth Games

Badminton

Injured Trio Lee, Yong and Yap recovering and are recovering and likely to play in the Commonwealth Games soon. On the other hand, Ong Ewe Hock who is the favourite for a single Gold but is seen to perform erratically usually when it counts the most. For example in the National GP Finals, he was beaten by Wong Choon Hann who was never expected to win at all. Hopefully this unexpected defeat will shake Ong up and be ready for the Games next month.

Shooting

Our hopeful Nurul Huda came back today with her half healed broken up to practise for the Games in Langkawi.

Cycling

Newcomer Mohamed Mahazir Hamad, who upstaged more renowned cyclists in the pre-Commonwealth Games championships, will be out to give an even better performance in the Kuala Lumpur Games.

La Nina to hit Malaysia after the Games says Science, Technology and Environment Minister Law Hieng Ding (NST 18/8/98)

All tickets for the opening and closing ceremonies are said to have been presold. (Inside source 16/8/98)

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