Roger Gets His 15th Slam! An Epic Match!

After two weeks of wonderful tennis, it finally came to an end last night. And boy, what a thrilling finale. A titanic tussle between two wonderful players. Both players displayed wonderful and powerful serving games. Andy with his booming serve and Roger (although not as powerful) but amazingly accurate serves. An amazing statistic from the match was Roger was able to outserve Andy in terms of aces. Half century of it. His personal record.

Andy played exceptionally great, displaying more maturity in the way he played. He came out of the blocks firing aces and winners mercilessly. For a moment it appeared Andy was going to go into a 2 sets to love lead, with a 6-2 lead in the 2nd set tiebreak. All he needs is just one big unreturnable serve to take the set and could have changed the outcome of the match. I was, for one, thought that was it for Federer. It didn't turn out to Andy's way as Federer took the next six points to win the tiebreak 8-6. In the 3rd set, Federer was in control and took the set in another tiebreak 7-5. From there, most people would think it will be over in 4 sets but Andy fought back and broke Federer early in the set and held his own service games and took the set in 6-3.

Into the 5th set. Mano a Mano. I felt that this could turn into Andy's favour as up until the 4th set, Roger has failed to break Andy's serves. Andy had already broken Roger's service twice, once in 1st set and the other in the 4th. Both players slug it out in the 5th set with amazing service displays. 7-7, 8-8.....14-14, is this going to end? Roger hangs tough by holding his serve to lead 15-14. Everyone thought Andy would hold out this game, but a few errors later, it was Game, Set and Match. Grand Slam No. 15 for Roger Federer! No tears were seeing this time through Roger's eyes. The jump for joy in the end, suggests he must be glad to have won yet another tight match after coming the losing end at last year's final to Rafa Nadal.

The match was attended by tennis legends. Among them, Rod Laver, Bjorn Borg and even Pete Sampras himself. Also seeing were some celebrities, Ben Stiller, Gavin Rosdale (Mr. Gwen Stefani), Rusell Crowe, Woddy Allen and Sir Alex Ferguson.



Photo taking before match started


Roger - The jump for joy. Grand Slam No. 15!


The Big Hug - A match which does not deserve a loser!


The Dejected Man - Roddick could not hide his disappointment (similiar photo of Roger in last year's final)



Wimbledon Title No. 6



Federer surges ahead in all time list of the most Grand Slam titles won - 15


Federer posing with tennis greats - Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras and Rod Laver


Stylish Federer - New jacket attire unveiled for this year's Wimbledon

Standard Chartered Kuala Lumpur Marathon 2009 (28 June)

From left: Farid, Me, Nik Raiha, Khairol and Azri

The Mens Marathon winner : Julius Ndiritu Karinga (Ken) 2h 17m 02s

What can I say about SCKLM this year? This is my 2nd marathon (actually 3rd if you count the one I ran in 1995 where I DNF). The experience that I felt during the 1995 (Sibu Marathon) was just too much that I told myself I won’t be attempting any more marathons for a long long time. There, I gave up only after 21-22km. At that time I had never run a distance further than 15km I think. But when you are young, you always feel you could do anything. I tried and failed miserably. I know I can run fast in middle distances, so I thought running a marathon won't be that difficult. Nothing prepared me for the cramps I had during the run, so in the end I had to take the ambulance back. My quad muscles (both legs) cramped so badly that I could see the muscles actually contracted. It was scary and painful.

I don't know why I registered for the full distance in 2003 KLIM...maybe it was the persuasion of some the Permaisuri Pacesetters members that got me into it. I did train for it but I was lacking in mileage...I probably did 1 or 2 30km. I think it was only one. I could only remember the one I did during one of the 30km practice run that Pacesetters organised. Other than that, I was only doing 20-21kms. Usually training was with Don and Tai Kit, but most of the time, I could not follow their pace.

If you asked me why I registered for this year's full? Well, the answer would probably be the same as in 2003. I don't know.

Why do I hate so much about marathons?
1. The distance is so long - I can't really focus in longer distances races.
2. You need a lot of time to train for marathon - the long runs

Anyway, in my mind, I always thought I can do a sub 3 hours marathon one day, if I put in the effort, so I thought maybe this could be the time to do it since I have the time to train for it. Standard Chartered being the main sponsor this time, and also Otacgon as the new event organiser this year, it was a change from Ambank/FTAAA combination in past years. I thought the change will be good but I was wrong. I am not keen in writing it here since it's already well publicised in Facebook-SCKLM, or even in The Star

Training seriously for a race is something I have not done for a long time. I guess it was when I joined Southern Bank/CIMB Bank in mid-July 2005, that work began to take my time away from basically everything. I tried the GE30km in Jan, just for the kick of it and did well without much training. I clocked 2hrs 20mins for that run, but I wasn't thinking about SCKLIM yet. I guess it was the urge of breaking the sub 3 hours that got me signing up for the run. I started my training only at the end of March. Training went fairly smooth although I skipped a lot of my runs at times, but the effort is a lot more than the last 4 years combined. I've only signed for a few races during the run up to SCKLM as I wanted to put in the mileage. BHP Orange Run, Bidor Half Marathon & Klang Pacers Half Marathon. I also did a charity run in Kuching, a week before SCKLM (This was last minute sign up).

It was raining just before the start of the race and that was welcoming although I don't fancy getting my shoes wet. I wish we had started the run before the rain came, could have been better that way for me. Anyway, I thought the cool weather will help me set a good time. I’ve already gave up hope in clocking a sub 3 hours after 2 failed attempts at the half marathon to clock below 1h 25m. It started ok for me for the first 21km. There were couple of runners who overtook me before the 10km mark, but I was fairly confident then that I could get back at them later in the race. Ben Swee overtook me at 10km mark but I didn’t go with him as I was cautious not to increase my pace till later in the race. I was just waiting for the time to make my move.

Sadly, that moment never came. Instead, I could feel my pace slowed after the 25km mark. More runners overtook me. Then Simon Cross went passed me at KLCC, couldn't respond. I just told myself to wait, but I could feel that the cramps are coming in. Then my thoughts started replaying my KLIM '03 where I had cramps at 28km and had to walk and run from that point onwards. I just told myself to slow down my pace and it'll get better. When I reached KL Convention Centre, I started thinking, "What the hell am I doing here? Why did I sign up for the marathon? Why did I sign up for Melbourne Marathon? I must be kidding myself thinking of doing a sub 3 one day!!"

I slowed down a lot more and at 32km mark after taking Power Gel given by the volunteers, my legs just gave up on me. Cramps, legs feeling heavy, I just started to jog slowly, still determine not to stop as I would definitely start walking if I did. And it was a torture coming into the crowds from the 21km/10km group. I had to be careful not to zig zag around too much thru the crowds, as I knew one wrong move, my cramps will really hit me. In the end, I just went outside the controlled lane just to save myself from the zig zagging, putting myself at risk of getting hit by a car from behind. It was a drag from there onwards. At each water station I just took two cups of water (1 100 Plus & 1 mineral water). Also, wipe some water on my quads, but it didn’t help my cramps.

Seeing Dataran Merdeka nearing was a welcoming sight coming out from Bank Negara. However, finishing line was still around 2.5km away. I still can’t increase my pace at all. Saw the U-turn, but it wasn’t for the full marathoners. It’s was for the 21km runners. Not even the second U-turn, which was for the 10km runners. After I made the U-turn I saw my time was nearing 3hr 30mins. I tried slowly to increase my pace and really pushing it when I was passed by Tang Song Hua, who is a very fast runner (probably wasn’t his day today). I stuck with him and then passed him and pushing hard to at least beat the 3’30 mark. When I saw my watch and also the time board showing 3’30 and counting, I just slowed my pace to the finishing line. Stopped my watch, 3h 30m 23s. It beat my previous PB (3h 35m 20s) by 5mins.

After the finish, I just sat at the first aid tent, rubbing ice on my quads, took me a while before I could walk properly.

Some of the notable achievements from friends I knew:

1. Abdul Azri - a surprised package. He just had a knee operation this year and due to his determination in training came in with a sub-4 hours time. 3h 57m 47s

2. Tan Ooi Keat - he swears by his new Garmin watch really helped him. New PB. 4h 44m 14s

3. Yong Su Mei - beat her old PB by 20mins. 4h 55m 25s

So, Melbourne Marathon, here I come?!

Hilton - BCCK Dash for Charity Run (21 June 2009)

I was back in Kuching last week when my friend Kaliani informed me that there will be a run on Sun. Entry had closed on 17 June but since it's a charity run, I am sure that they are still accepting entries since it's a run for a good cause. It also coincide with Kuching Hilton's 21st annivesary & also the soon to be opened BCCK. They are raising funds for the following organtisations:

1. Sarawak Children's Cancer Society

2. Sarawak Brest Cancer Support Group

3. Persatuan Ibu Tunggal Sarawak

4. Lembaga Kebajikan Anak-Anak Yatim Sarawak

5. The Sarawak Chesire Home

Reading the Terms & Conditions transportations are not provided for runners going back to Hilton after the run. I had to arrange with Kaliani that one of use will need to park their vehicle at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK). Otherwise got to run back.

From left: Jimmy, Frank and Kaliani

The registration & collection of bib numbers

Big "092" and the plastic bag for my checkpoint tags

Collection of bibs were done on Race Day itself in one of the Hilton's Hall. There were about 300 runners turning up for the run. We were each given a very large bib no (one fo the biggest I've seen and which is also a stick on) and also a small plastic bag to be hang around your neck. I later found out that there will be 9 checkpoints in which runners will be given a checkpoint tags.

The Women Open started out first and 5 mins later it was the Mens. At the start, it was a quick dash to the front and I was surprised that the checkpoint was just in front about 400m after the start. I tried to grab the small squarish paper off the hand of the marshalls but dropped it and had to run back to take it. I was dropped off by the leaders but quickly got back to the lead. After 3km, only 3 of us were in the lead, Didi, Kaliani and me. Then came another checkpoint (cant remember how many checkpoints we went thru already). This time, I saw there 2 person holding boxes. I let Kaliani and Didi to go in front and I was waiting to grab the tag from the 2nd person holding the box...but alas she was holding a box containing water bottles! I had to run back to the first person to get the tag. Unbelievable! Again, I had to increase my pace just to get back into the lead.

Slowly, I faded a little and had to let go of the two. I wasn't too far away form the lead, but I was just too tired to go after them. Then when I saw Borneo Post, I knew the ending was near but I did not respond with an attack on the lead. Instead, I looked back to see if there's anyone behind me. Safe. Coming to the last check point at a roundabout, I thought this was going to be a breeze since I was alone. Then, I saw Didi and Kaliani were directed to the checkpoint which were way off the turn towards BCCK. They had to grab the tags and run back to the turn. I thought using logical sense the guy/gal holding the tags would just stay where they are or run towards the turn to give out the tags! But what did they do? He/She ran back to the orginal position, I had to shout at them and run after them. Kaliani shouted at me and told me he has additional tag. I was so "pai seh" I shouted to him to go ahead and I chased after him to grab the tag. Once I got it, I was already out of breath. I had to let him go again, and just glide to the finish line somewhere around 32 mins. I guess I was around 1 - 1'30 mins behind the top 2.

Group photo (I am not inside)

Top 3 finishers from Men and Women Open posing with their thropies and prizes.

I met a few familiar faces during the run and it is always good to catch up with them. Anyway, my prizes include a 2 day 1 night stay at Kuching Hilton, Suite Room with breakfast for 2, Buffet Lunch at Kuching Hilton for 2, Dinner at BCCK for 2 worth RM150, a water bottle from Red Bull, 6 cans of Red Bull and 1 trophy.

I gave the dinner and buffet lunch vouchers to my parents. Left the trophy, bottle and the drinks behind too when I came back to KL. So am left with the 2 day 1 night stay in Hilton. Might saved that up for my trip back for The Rainforest Music Festival in July.

News and results of the run were posted in Eastern Times - Hilton~BCCK

Passing of Grandpa

Grandpa passed away on 15 June 2009 at 6.30am. May he rest in peace.

Tennis Player with Great Assets!

Recently, I was scrollling thru the Roland Garros website during the just concluded French Open Championship. One photo in the gallery actually caught my attention (come on..it's so hard to miss it, especially for guys). Well, I thought it was a camera trick in the first place. Anyway, have a look for yourself.

This is Simona Halep. A 18-year old girl from Romania and is the 2008 French Junior Girls champion. I was wondering why I didn't see her on TV but found out that she lost out in the qualifying rounds. I know you must be wondering whether the breast was actually "enlarged" due to the camera angle as well, right? That was what I thought in the first place until I search her in the internet. Guess what I found? More photos of her and also some backgrounds. Here's the interesting photo I found:

Well there are more photos in the internet, so you can search it for yourself. I wonder how she can play with "assets" as big as hers? Lots of running around in tennis to be carrying such baggage. Anyways, she is planning to have it (size) reduced in order to help her excel more in the tennis. Check out this site. I don't blame her for doing it, as in today's womens game, a lot of girls are strong and fast.

Well, looks like we've got a new sex symbol in tennis...

Roger Wins The French Open! Finally!

After the tough run for the Klang Pacers Half Marathon and slept thru the afternoon, the only thing I was waiting for during the day was the French Open Final between Roger Federer and Robin Soderling. It's been a year since the devastating loss to Nadal in the French Open and more imporatantly the Wimbledon crown. I'd always felt that the 2 loss really made Federer vulnerable. Everything seems to be going wrong for Federer for the past year and half, although he has managed to reach the semis or better in the last 20 Grand Slam tournament he has played. Like he said, he has create the monster in himself.

Watching him going through the earlier rounds towards the final, his erratic performance just makes your heart drops! 2 4-setters in 2nd & 3rd round, coming back from 2 sets down to defeat Tommy Haas 6–7(4), 5–7, 6–4, 6–0, 6–2 and also coming back from 2 sets to 1 down to defeat Juan Martin del Potro 3–6, 7–6(2), 2–6, 6–1, 6–4. Pressure must have gotten to him after finding out Nadal is knocked out by Soderling in the 4th round. His first loss in Roland Garros. Federer has lost to Nadal in the last French Open, 3 consecutive finals (2006, 2007 & 2008).

In the final, Federer quickly step on the accelerator and won the first set, 6-1. In the 2nd set, things were tough for Federer as Soderling finally finds his range in his booming serves and crushing forehands. Both men held serve and the set was decided in the tiebreak. The first were the turning point when Federer manage to get a mini break after Soderling made an error. From the there onwards, Federer serves out aces after aces n the tie break to take the set.

Federer is just a set away and towards becoming the 6th man to complete the Grand Slam. Last man to do so was Agassi In 1999 when he too won the French Open after coming back from 2 sets down to defeat Medvedev. He got the break early in the first game and all he had to do was to hold his serves. However, things do not go easy when Soderling managed to get break points but could not get the break he needs. As Federer serves out the match, at 30-30, an easy forehand volley from Federer lands truly wide gives Soderling a breakpoint. It's so hard to imagine what is going through Federer's mind at this stage as he is so close to win the one title that has eluded him for years, completing a Grand Slam and also tying the 14 Slams record held by Pete Sampras. But a mishit by Soderling, followed by a winning volley takes Federer to championship point. He took his time and got his first serve in and Soderling push it into the net and Federer sank to his knees, 6-1, 7-6(1), 6-4. The crowds gave a standing ovation. The French crowds clearly wants Federer to win. FINALLY! French Open is his! For a person who has gone through so much, it really means a lot and I'm sure all fans of Federer feels the same including me. A lot of my favourite players have never completed the Slams. Lendl could not win Wimbledon, Edberg could not win the French, so too is Sampras. Only Agassi did it.

Hope this win will remove the devil in himself and let him hit more freely and we will see the old Federer playing. Wimbledon....here comes Federer!

Federer on his knees after seeing Soderling return fell into the net

Federer with the Coupe des Mousquetaires


Federer 14 Slams...

Klang Pacers Half Marathon (7 June 2009)

Me at the finish


Azri and me after the finish


Some of the participants in Klang Pacers Half Marathon
(Building behind is the Setia Alam's Welcome Centre)

Event: Klang Pacers Half Marathon

Start Time: 6.30am

Where: Setia Alam Welcome Centre

Today's race was my last preparation race before the Standard Chartered KL International Marathon on June 28. I was feeling fairly confident going into this race after weeks of training. There were not many foreign runners especially the Kenyans, but the competitions are just as strong. My aim was to run at least a 1h 25m run to give me the confidence to run a good marathon time.

I had a pretty good start and was in the lead group for a while before letting them go as I don't want to burn myself out early in the race. From there on, I just held my pace, tried to follow Ong Chin, Ramakrishnan and Don for a while but could not maintain my pace. From there onwards, I was starting to tire....could it be due to my fast start? But I don't think I started fast for too long to actually tire me out for the whole race. Soon, Murali caught up with me and I was pacing with him till the first of the many U-Turns. He counted the placing and told me both of us were 9 and 10 placing at that time. I do not know what happen but had a stitch at the U-turn.

There are few reasons why stitches occur, and usually it happens when I'm not fit. I guess it was the fast start I had, since in training I dont do much of fast starts. Here are some articles or FAQ on side stitches:

1. http://www.military.com/military-fitness/fitness-test-prep/avoiding-stomach-cramps

2. http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-380-384--246-0,00.html

3. http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-241-286--13156-0,00.html

Murali took off as I was struggling with my side stitch and soon, Ben Swee, caught up with me and we were running side by side for the most of the distance until we crossed over the flyover. From then on, my pace dropped tremendously and Ben pulled away and even overtook Murali along the way. Usually, I'll be able to surge at the final few kms but this time I can't seems to find the energy to do it this time. Coming into the finishing, pick up the card, it says "11"!! Anyway, I was way behind Murali, so to overtake him in the last few kms was too much to ask.

I've got 3 weeks left to reflect back on this and try to put this behind me and focus on my last 3 weeks, but I think I will have only a week left to put in my effort before I taper down. Whatever it is, I'll be there at the starting line of SCKLIM.

Some of the results:

*1. Peter Lautredoux 1:12:30
1. R. Muniandy 1:12:55
2. Nicholas Merica 1:13:30
3. M. Arul Thevar 1:14:40
4. Shaharudin Hashim 1:16:00
5. Ahmad Lachannak 1:19:08
6. Casey Lim 1:23:06
**1. M. Ramakrishnan 1:23:17
7. Prabha Karan 1:24:26
8. Chow Yew Wei 1:24:41
*2. Ong Chin 1:25:32
**2. Don Khor 1:27:19
9. Swee Hsiew Ming 1:30:37
10. Murali Nathan 1:31:15
11. Khoo Yit Kiat 1:31:40
12. Naresh Kumar 1:34:36
13. Ronnie See 1:34:37
*5. Daniel Tan 1:36:18
38. Abdul Azri 1:46:31

* Men Junior Veteran
** Men Senior Veteran

The Test: Bidor Half Marathon (26 April 2009)

Khairol Faisal taking a shower during run!


Me in action


Manchuria Team


Mancuria Team and "wana be" Machuria member on my right... : ))

Wow, it took me a long time before posting anything in this blog. During this hibernation period, so many things had happened, but mainly I've quit my job. Can't really explain why I quit, but mostly due to the fact am not getting any satisfaction from working in the bank. Then probably people will start asking, "What is it you want to do?" I'll leave it to that...as am not writing anything on that....this is more of article on sports...

Back to running. I've actually signed up for the Standard Chartered KL International Marathon...yeah, the full distance! I don't know why I did that, as I've been avoiding the distance since I last ran it in 2003. It is just so tough running it, what more to say training for it. I mean I could finish it but can I run fast? I've always want to go for a sub 3. I failed miserably in 2003 and could only clocked 3 hr 35 mins! Had to run and walk from only 28km into the race. Though I'm just not cut out for the distance. That's the reason I've been avoiding it. And also it's quite suffering running in one! So, June 28 will be the judgement day.

Well I've missed a lot of running for a few years, I mean, in a compettitive nature. I do run races a lot but am not competitive as I don't really train for the event....more of a "crash course" training runs. To get back into competitive level may take a while due to the "long break". Bidor Half was my first test after putting in some effort in training for 5 weeks. I'd always feel am still lagging in speed but Bidor offers me a chance to see where I stand right now.

Followed my team mates, Azri and Khairol up to Bidor, The Manchurian team (they are my ex-collegues from CIMB). Azri asked me if I wanted to run for his team (he came out with the name, never asked him why since he always use that name for team competitions), so I said am ok with it, as I thought I need some races to test myself before SCKLM. I will be avoiding races in a run up to SCKLM, except for Bidor and maybe the Klang Half Marathon in the first week of June. Thought that I need to put in more mileage than racing!

We reached Rumah Rehat Tapah where we will be staying. We rested before heading out to have our dinner. Reached one of the pasar (market) in Tapah. I've just realised I didn't take any photos of it. We bought a lof of food, chicken rice, fried rice, fish balls, corns, etc. we were just so hungry. Later that night, we asked the receptionist to change the Astro channel to ESPN to watch the Reds EPL game. They won comfortably so it was time to hit the sack.

The front entrance to Rumah Rehat Tapah

View of the cafe at night

We woke up around 5am, and drove to Bidor which is about 10km away. At the start, I slowly made my way to the front of the group but could not get near the top runners as they are just so...so..fast. I tried to stick to the back of Don, but for a 50 year old man, he is fast. I wasn't sure how my training has gotten me, so I held my speed. Just worried that I will run out of steam before the race is over. I was holding a pretty good pace till about 10km where I slowed down a little, trying to catch my breath. There's no one to chase in front as they were so far away to catch up (saw them during the last u-turn). But they were a lot of people behind me. At about 5-6km left, there's this young guy holding a small bag in one hand overtook me and I tried hard to stay with him. I almost gave up as he was pushing the pace so fast, but I was glad I didn't give up. I tried to leave him behind coming to a slight uphill but he just hung on to me, and overtook me again. This time I just stayed behind and with 1km to go, I moved beside him. Then I shift into another gear and push on. Lucky for me, he gave up. I finished in 14th place and with a time of 1h 29m 37s. It was a huge improvement from my last few years of half marathon races. I was satisfied with my performance but I know that I have much to work on as I am so far behind the rest of the field.

We made out way back to KL in mid day and had lunch near my condo. Guess it's back to training again and try to improve on things I find lacking.

Some results from Bidor Half Marathon:

1. Ahmad Lamchannak 1h 14m 28s
2. Lim Kien Mau 1h 14m 58s
3. Ruburn Kumar 1h 17m 16s
4. R. Subramaniam 1h 17m 26s
5. Jayakumar 1h 19m 54s
6. Casey Lim 1h 21m 02s
7. Richard Habeya 1h 22m 40s
8. Chow Yew Mei 1h 23m 14s
**1. Don Khor 1h 25m 11s (Veteran category)
9. Vigneswaran 1h 26m 08s
10. B. Rajasegaram 1h 26m 23s
11. Jasni Khairil 1h 26m 35s
12. Mohd Adry Bazmi 1h 27m 58s
13. Murali Nathan 1h 28m 13s
14. Khoo Yit Kiat 1h 29m 37s
18. Naresh Kumar 1h 33m 25s
19. Ronnie See 1h 33m 35s
22. Stanley Cheong 1h 35m 06s
66. Abdul Azri 1h 49m 00s
81. Khairol Faisal 1h 53m 13s
*40. Nik Raiha 2h 15m 54s

**Senior Veteran
* Women Veteran