Happy 53rd Merdeka !!!

What a holiday today...a super tired day, much more tired than normal working day...Happy Merdeka Malaysia...I will sure hope to have a good rest and sleep tonight...

World Championship 2010: China 5 Rest of World 0

China won all five titles at the YONEX-BWF World Championships at the Pierre de Coubertin Stadium in Paris, a feat they have achieved only once at the World Championships in 1987 in Beijing.

China won the first of today’s finals at the Yonex World Badminton Championships when Zheng Bo-Ma Jin defeated their counterparts He Hanbin-Yu Yang in straight games at the Pierre de Coubertin Stadium in Paris.

And Chen Jin made it two out of two for China when he defeated Indonesia’s Taufik Hidayat 21-13, 21-15 to lift the men’s singles title.

Chen Jin’s aggression proved too much for the Indonesian super star as the Chinese, who was seeded fourth, went one better than the last edition in 2009 when he had lost the final to Chinese teammate Lin Dan in Hyderabad.

For Taufik, the former Olympic and World Champion, it was the end of a brilliant run here in Paris.

In the quarter-finals and semi-finals, Taufik, who won the 2004 Olympics, had shown glimpses of his class and brilliant skills to have his supporter’s dream of a repeat of 2005 when Taufik had won the World Championships.

But here at the Stade Coubertin on Sunday, in front of tennis superstar Martina Hingis, Chen Jin was the better and stronger player as he controlled the match right from the start.

Right from the beginning, Chen Jin kept a healthy lead and Taufik had to play catch-up for most of the match. What tilted the balance in favour of the Chinese were the seven consecutive points won in the first game and the five consecutive points won in the second game.

Taufik’s normally reliable net play was error-ridden and his wrong judgments at the baseline didn’t help his cause at crucial stages in both the games.

After the final Chen Jin, said, “It’s good to win a title. Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei have been winning all the while and to win the World Championships is always good.”

Chen also said that he had analysed Taufik’s play in the last two games and was able to predict most of the Indonesian’s moves in the final. “I think everyone had an equal chance to win in this world championship and I am happy that I have finally won the world title.”

“I committed too many mistakes,” said Taufik. “He was the better player and it was Chen Jin’s day.”

It was a memorable return for Zheng Bo-Ma Jin as they won 21-14, 21-10 and cemented their reputation as a pair to be feared going into the Asian Games this November.

“It is always good to win and we are happy to have landed the world title,” said Zheng Bo.

“We peaked at the right time and that helped us. After this it is back to the grind as we want the Asian Games title.”

In the women’s singles, Wang Lin beat Wang Xin 21-11, 19-21, 21-13 while Du Jing-Yu Yang beat top seeds Ma Jin-Wang Xiaoli 21-9, 21-17 to take the women’s doubles title.

In the last match of the day, Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng made it a perfect day for China when they beat Malaysia’s Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong in three games.

The 18-21, 21-18, 21-14 win also meant that Cai-Fu successfully defended the title they won in Hyderabad last year.

“We tried our best and are sad that we failed to deliver the medal for Malaysia,” said Boon Heong.

“They were very strong in defence and try as we did to break them, we were unable to do it.

“We were also too eager in the second game and attacked without any tactical discipline and that cost us dearly.”

Cai Yun, credited the Malaysians for their fighting display but emphasized that their winning attitude was a major factor in their win.

“We were not thinking about five gold medals. Each time we go on court, we go with the aim to win and it was no different here,” said Cai.

What can I say...China simply superb....our men's double had only themselve to blame for the bad rubber game...

Hamilton wins Belgian Grand Prix to reclaim Championship lead

Lewis Hamilton overcame a late scare to win the Belgian Grand Prix and take the overall lead of the Formula One championship on Sunday.

Hamilton ran off the track with nine laps to race but recovered to keep the lead and edge second-place Mark Webber of Red Bull.

"I locked my wheel and went wide," Hamilton said. "I just clipped (the wall). But I was able to get away with it."

Webber dropped to second in the overall standings after failing to defend his pole position with a clutch problem giving him a poor start off the line.

Jenson Button's championship hopes took a hit after the defending F1 champion was knocked out of the race when Sebastian Vettel crashed into him during a failed overtaking maneuver.

Hamilton's 14th career win means the Briton has 182 points - three more than Webber - as the top two opened up a gap over the other title favorites.

"It was a pretty mixed up race (so) I'm happy with second in the end," Webber said.

Vettel stayed third with 151 points, Button is fourth with 147 and Fernando Alonso of Ferrari abandoned the race after spinning out to remain fifth on 141.

Six races remain with the Italian GP next on Sept. 12.

Robert Kubica of Renault was third in the race ahead of Felipe Massa of Ferrari, while Force India's Adrian Sutil completed the top five.

Hamilton's victory means nine of 13 races have been won by drivers not on pole. Red Bull has taken pole for 12 of the 13 races.

"When you have a weekend and a race like that, when it can be a lottery, and you can come out on top - I'm really, really happy," said Hamilton, who finally picked up a victory at Spa after having it taken away in 2008 for cutting a chicane.

Hamilton jumped into the lead as Webber started slowly to sit fifth behind Kubica, Button, Vettel and Massa.

Button overtook Kubica to put McLaren in the driver's seat while Alonso dropped into 18th after surviving Rubens Barrichello's crash into him on the second lap, with the safety car deployed and rain falling.

Barrichello didn't return to complete his record 300th GP.

Vettel pushed ahead of Kubica into third behind the McLarens and Webber got past Massa for fourth when the safety car came in and the sun came out.

But the circuit was still slick and Vettel skidded into the side of Button.

"It's a massive blow, a massive blow," Button told the BBC. "It was looking really good. I don't know what happened with Sebastian."

After knocking Button out of the race, Vettel's drive-through penalty knocked him into 13th and a punctured tire lap eventually saw him drop out of the points to finish 15th.

Rain fell over the close of the race with Hamilton losing the line and going into the gravel at Rivage. But the 2008 F1 champion, who picked up his first win here, avoided the wall and his 12-second lead allowed him to stay in front.

Webber jumped ahead of Kubica following a poor pit stop by the Polish driver and Hamilton hung on in the rain after the safety car was deployed with five laps to go after Alonso lost control after coming out Les Combes.

Mercedes pair Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher finished sixth and seventh. Schumacher, with six career wins at the Ardennes circuit, had started 21st. - AP

Frankly speaking, till now McLaren's Hamilton looks to be the best bet to win the world championship this year, but then again it's really too close to call :)

Kwong Wah Yit Poh Round Island Cycling : 26 Sept 2010

Date: 26 September 2010 (Sunday)

Time: 7:00am

Venue: Taman Belia, Penang

Website: www.baikbike.com

On the 26th Sep, we celebrate Kwong Wah Yit Poh’s 100th anniversary!

In conjunction with World Car Free day strongly promoted by the island’s local authorities, the ride is born to encourage sustainable living and promoting the tourism industry of Penang – to be launched on 26th September 2010 (Sunday).

This ride is one of the serial events organized by your daily bread – Kwong Wah Yit Poh, in conjunction with the celebration of its 100th anniversary. General Manager of KWYP – Dato’ Lee Hin Chan expresses his vision for a better future with everybody working towards the same direction, hand in hand.

“The government’s campaign to go green has been reflected by KWYP, as we instill environmental-friendly cultures and lead healthy lifestyles.” says Dato’ Lee. He also expresses his gratitude towards KWYP’s readers for their loyal support in promotion of the local tourism field.

The 100 KWYP Round Island Ride kicks off as early as 7 in the morning – on 26th September, at Youth Park, Penang. Event organizers include Majlis Sukan Negeri Pulau Pinang, Penang Cycling Lifestyle Society and KOTRT. KWYP takes the lead in responding to the green campaign – together they cycle ’round the town, admiring the scenic views. Cyclists from different states are also expected to be present.

The 100km-route is as follows:-

This ride is open to all above 21 years old, whereas participants under 21 will require guardian’s approval. Participants who can finish the ride within 5 hours are entitled to a Limited Edition Medal, certificate and door gifts, at the same time with winning chances in a lucky draw.

For more information, check this out; or call Mr Leong at 04-2612312 ext 330.

Click here to download application form. Submission latest on 3rd Sep – 3.30pm.

No Helmet, No Ride; Prepare own drinks and bikes.

I'm sure all those cyclists in Penang would love to hear and participate in this event :)

Tiger Painting Exhibition : 27th Aug - 4th Sept 2010

Tiger Exhibition
Venue: 29, China Street, George Town
Date: 27th Aug to 4th Sept 2010
FREE Admission

Local and Expat artists in Penang are exhibiting their work in 'The Gallery' 29 China Street in George Town for 1 week only from 27th Aug to 4th Sept. The theme of the exhibiiton is - The Year of the Tiger.

Please note there is no obligation to bid on any painting, just come along to see what your local artists are getting up to and enjoy a fun week and 2 exciting evenings.

--> Closing night is on Saturday the 4th of September at 7pm - 9pm when you will be able to to make a final bid on any of the paintngs.

A silent auction will be run during the whole week of the exhibition starting on Opening night. You may phone or text your bids throughout the week of the exhibition to the contact stated above. Last minuite bids will be taken on the closing night and the highest bid at the end of closing night will win the painting.

15% of any sales during the exhibition will go to the Art club charity, 15% will go to the gallery and the remainder will go to the artists to cover their cost.

visitpenang.gov

Nice works !!! Must visit...

Merdeka Parade @ Esplanade : 31st Aug 2010

Merdeka Parade
Date: 31st Aug 2010
Time: 8am to 11.30am
Venue: Esplanade

The National Day of our beloved motherland, Malaysia, is celebrated every 31st August since the year 1957 and this year we are proud to be of 53 years of independence. Independence, or Merdeka, as we call it is a united occasion celebrated by all Malaysians of our multi-cultural national races by displaying the flag of Malaysia at our homes, public monuments, corporate buildings and vehicles as a gesture of love and support for our country.

For this National Day the place to be is at Esplanade where rows of soldiers in their majestic uniforms stand at attention for a formal inspection by the honorary guests.

There will be a Flag ceremony and follow by school brass bands, the armed forces, government offices, NGOs and private corporations parade in their rich and colourful attires.

visitpenang.gov

Feeling free this coming Merdeka morning? Have the energy and wanted to show some national patriotic? Then you should head on to Esplanade for the Parade with your friends, family or kids...I'm wondering when was the last time I attended a parade...hmm...

Keep up with EPF on Facebook and Twitter

The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) is now on Facebook and Twitter.

The pension fund became the latest business organisation to join the social networking media to provide information updates to members.

Members can get regular updates on the EPF by joining its Facebook fan page under the name "Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja" and KWSPBuzz on Twitter.

But queries must be done through dedicated channels like service counters, says an EPF official.

Now everything and everyone must follow the trend...You can see signboards everywhere with the logo of Facebook and Twitter at the corner :)