Roaring back to top
Simply sensational: Rafiq Ismail posing with the trophies after clinching the Singapore Open crown at the Singapore Bowling Centre in Rifle Range yesterday.
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The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Roaring back to top
Simply sensational: Rafiq Ismail posing with the trophies after clinching the Singapore Open crown at the Singapore Bowling Centre in Rifle Range yesterday.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- New Straits Times
Aaron calls for VAR technology to reduce controversies
KUALA LUMPUR: Aaron Chia has urged the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to implement Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology to reduce controversial decisions by match officials. The shuttler felt that several national players — himself included — have fallen victim to questionable calls, particularly on service faults. Last month, during the second round of the Malaysia Masters, Kang Khai Xing-Aaron Tai were at the centre of a contentious umpiring decision during their match against Denmark's Rasmus Kjaer-Frederik Sogaard. While the Malaysian duo were leading 14-12 in the rubber, Kjaer's smash appeared to have gone wide. However, Swiss umpire Peter Meszaros ruled that the shuttle had brushed Aaron Tai's head instead, and awarded the point to the Danes. Had a video referral been in place, it would have shown that the shuttle did not touch Aaron Tai. Aaron Chia said that service judges are prone to misjudgment due to their lower vantage point compared to players on the court. "I think BWF should introduce a VAR system, similar to what football has. For service faults, especially, something needs to be done as the angle from which service judges view can differ," said Aaron Chia today. "Even though the service measuring device is fixed at 1.15 metres, the varying heights of the judges affect how they see the serve." Aaron Chia was also left disheartened at the Singapore Open earlier this month when a critical service was faulted during the final against South Korea's Kim Won Ho-Seo Seung Jae, halting his momentum with partner Soh Wooi Yik. He also called on the BWF to be more considerate when dealing with players requesting medical attention mid-match, noting that not all such requests are made in bad faith. "Some players might use medical timeouts to gain an advantage, but not all. There are genuinely injured players who need treatment, and I hope the BWF takes this into account," he added.
The Star
6 days ago
- The Star
Legend Rashid raving about Thai singles star Kunlavut
Humble: Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand acknowledges spectators after his victory against Lu Guangzu of China in the men's singles final at the Singapore Open. — AFP PETALING JAYA: If there is one men's singles player who has won the heart of Malaysian legend Datuk Rashid Sidek – it has to be Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand. And it's not only because the 24-year-old Thai recently became their country's first men's singles player to reign as the world No. 1 player, but also for his crafty play and humility. Rashid foresees Vitidsarn staying at the top for a long time. 'Kunlavut is one of the talented players in the circuit right now. His tactical game is sound. He is sharp and tricky too,' said Rashid. 'He has this special deceptive shot that frustrates his opponents. 'His attacking shots are good and I think we have not seen the best of him yet. 'Above it all, I'm taken by his sheer humility. He has the character of a true champion. 'We have six more months before the season ends, and I can't wait to see what other things he can accomplish.' Two weeks ago after winning the Singapore Open, which eventually saw him taking up the top spot in the world, Kunlavut had stated: 'I must keep learning. I'm world No. 1 but my performance is not No. 1 yet.' This year, the 2024 Paris Olympic Games silver medallist Kunlavut has also won the Thailand Open, Asian Badminton Championships and Indonesian Masters. With his fine form, he has put himself as one of the favourites to win the World Championships in Paris in August. The other nine players behind him in the ranking are Anders Antonsen (Den), Shi Yuqi (Chn), Jonatan Christie (Ina), Li Shifeng (Chn), Chou Tien-chen (Tpe), Kodai Naraoka (Jpn), Alex Lanier (Fra), Viktor Axelsen (Den) and Loh Kean Yew (Sin). The top two highest ranked Malaysian players are world No. 21 Lee Zii Jia and Leong Jun Hao (27).
