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OLYMPIC SAILOR VIES FOR MMRC
Tuesday 25/09/2012
Khairulnizam Mohd Afendy collects his award at the Malaysian Yachting Association's Awards Presentation Ceremony. |
KUALA LUMPUR, 25 September (Bernama) --
The anticipation is building as the local match racers head to Tanjung Leman, Mersing, Johor for the third leg of the Malaysian Match Racing Circuit (MMRC). The bonus event that was recently announced has yet another twist, with the introduction of a wild card entry. Khairulnizam Mohd Afendy, the sole Malaysian sailor at the London 2012 Olympics.
The event, which takes place on 28-30 September, is held in conjunction with the KFC-Felda Johor Open Regatta 2012 organized by Johor Yachting Association.
Khairulnizam represents his home club Kedah Sailing Association where the National Sailing Centre is based. The Laser Standard sailor who finished 47th out of a field of 49 sailors at the London Olympics is confident that his time at the games would prove fruitful, saying “I can’t say if we will be able to come out tops as we have not trained in Tg.Leman this time around, but I can assure that I can be in the top three.”
Khairulnizam attributes his confidence not only to his Olympics experience, but also to his team. He said “My bowman and trimmer have ten years of experience in match racing between them. Our team is very light and for that, we might have chance at winning with the light conditions at Tg.Leman. As a team, we are able to communicate effectively and that the biggest strength we have.”
As the MMRC inches closer to the final leg of the competition which is scheduled to take place on 28-30 November in Pulau Duyong, Kuala Terengganu, this third leg becomes the determining race that will determine if current leader Jeremy Koo is crowned as the MMRC Champion. Jeremy (KFC Malaysia/KRT) tops the standing with 50 points, and is determined to maintain his lead as he needs just one more win to clinch the title and qualify for the Monsoon Cup.
Following close behind with 41 points is Masyuri Rahmat (Royal Malaysian Navy Match Racing Team 1) who narrowly lost the finals to Jeremy in the second stage of the circuit in Pulau Indah in June this year. Close on his heels are fellow compatriot Harisfabillah Muhammad (Royal Malaysian Navy Match Racing Team 2) and Hazwan Hazim Dermawan (Permai Hotel Match Racing Team) with 38 points each.
Nevertheless, Jeremy will still have to watch out for dark horse Khairulnizam who managed to beat him in the keelboat category at the 15th Asian Sailing Championship, held in Langkawi earlier this year. While Jeremy has the advantage of experience, Khairulnizam is fresh off his Olympic campaign and has the boost of confidence to push him further.
Malaysian Match Racing Circuit 2012 Calendar :
Date / Venue / State
1) May 11 “ 13 / Royal Malaysian Naval Base, Tg. Muroh, Lumut / Perak
2) June 29 “ July 1 / Marina Jabatan Laut, Pulau Indah, Klang / Selangor
3) September 28 “ 30 / Tg.Leman, Mersing, Johor / Johor
4) November 28 “ 30 / Ri-Yaz Heritage Marina Resort & Spa, Pulau Duyong / Terengganu
About Monsoon Cup
Monsoon Cup (www.monsooncup.com.my) grew from a simple vision to a world-class experience attended by the cream of the crop in yacht racing. A not-to-be missed yacht race event, Monsoon Cup is the last leg of the prestigious World Match Racing Tour, a professional sailing series featuring nine World Championship events across the globe. Monsoon Cup brings together the world’s top sailing teams who will battle it out for a championship trophy and the highest prize money awarded for a match racing event.
About Malaysian Yachting Association
The Malaysian Yachting Association was formed in 1997 to elevate Malaysia’s reputation in the world’s yachting arena by training and sponsoring young talents and organising sporting events to help sailors’ progress in their sailing career. The association also aims to create a platform for marine-related businesses to flourish and boost the marine industry in Malaysia.
About Alpari World Match Racing Tour
The Alpari World Match Racing Tour (WMRT) is the leading professional sailing series featuring nine World Championship events across the globe, sanctioned by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) with “Special Event” status. The World Tour awards over US$1.75million in prize money with points awarded at each event culminating in the crowning of the “ISAF Match Racing World Champion”. The prize fund includes a US$500,000 overall prize pool for the top nine teams in the Championship. Events take place in identically supplied racing yachts to place the focus on team work and skill. Racing takes place close to the shore so that spectators and fans can follow the racing in a virtual on-the-water stadium. Media and television highlights coverage reaches in excess of 183 countries around the world. For more information, visit www.wmrt.com
Facebook Group name “ Monsoon Cup Malaysia
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Monsoon-Cup-Malaysia/52504271389?ref=s
Twitter Profile name “ MonsoonCup
http://twitter.com/monsooncup
SOURCE : T-Best Events Sdn. Bhd
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Mira Navaretna
Tel: 603 7954 2204 (o)
Mob: 6016 338 5341 (m)
Email: mira@tbest.com.my
Website: www.monsooncup.com.my
Name: Rahyu Waris
Tel: 603 7954 2204
Mob: 6012 3544 945
Email: rahyu@tbest.com.my
--BERNAMA
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