Foul!

As published in Mailsport today By Nicolas Anil nicolas@mmail.com.my KUALA LUMPUR — World No 1 Lee Chong Wei confirmed he is suing Razif Sidek for alleging he has been using banned substances for a long time. The former national shuttler Razif had told Kosmo on Nov 11 that several Badminton Association of Malaysia officials were aware Chong Wei has been taking banned substances for some time, but kept mum as he is the world’s top shuttler. He also alleged Chong Wei hired a foreign doctor to treat him. “My lawyer sent him a letter a few days ago and we will settle this matter in court. He (Razif) had called me to apologise after receiving the letter, but what’s done is done,” fumed Chong Wei, who had tried without success to contact Razif when the story first broke “I can’t let this go because he defamed me. “As a former shuttler, I’m sure he knew better than to make false allegations against me — especially during these trying times. He has hurt not only me, but the entire cou...

“I welcome their call and I think it is very noble for BAM to think about club players,” said Razif.“But I hope they are genuine and that this is not merely lip service. If they really want the best players to compete, they should gather all the top players and conduct a trial to see who is the best among the lot." Those were the words of former international Razif Sidek ( pic ) when asked to comment about BA of Malaysia (BAM) deputy president Al Amin Majid's statement that "even players from clubs could be considered for the inaugural Axiata Cup". Read more here . Some may say Razif is jaded as he is no longer part of the national stable and he was not considered as the High Performance Director (which is now known as the High Performance Team). But I did mention on Bernama's Radio 24 on their programme 'Dalam Radar' on Wednesday that a good player does not make him a good coach or administrator. Or perhaps Razif is right. No matter what your ranking...

It used to be known as 'Kerusi Panas'. Now, Bernama's Radio 24 (93.3FM) calls it 'Dalam Radar' that airs from Monday to Friday from 6.33pm - 7.30pm. Former shuttler Razif Sidek and I were invited to speak about the development of badminton in Malaysia, if the BA of Malaysia (BAM) feels 'threatened' by clubs and the situation of badminton in the country. Producer Markus Lim tried to get someone from BAM on the show but they apparently declined. Quite a number of listeners called in. Some asked us questions, a handful wanted to have their say. Some even brought up the statement by BAM secretary Ng Chin Chai who was reported saying the "priority is the Olympics and not the Thomas Cup" as published here . (Note: BAM deputy president Al Amin Majid diffused the situation during the launch of the Axiata Cup by saying both Thomas Cup and Olympics are a priority and he is open to players from clubs to represent Malaysia in the Axiata Cup as reported here .)...

Initially it was just the High Performance Director's job up for grabs. But judging by the list of applicants and their experiences, the BA of Malaysia (BAM) could have a High Performance Team instead. Four names were shortlisted from a list of 19 applicants. From that four, National Sports Institute cordinator Lt Col (R) Wong Ah Jit's name was "axed", Razif Sidek ( pic ) and Yap Kim Hock were interviewed yesterday while a Singaporean with rich credentials in sports will be interviewed today. There is another candidate but BAM decided to axe him from the list as he has little background in the sport. But Ah Jit could help the team out in a different way. Perhaps More heads are better than one , as published in Mailsport today. HD says: Still looking forward to Chinese New Year!

Rexy Mainaky ( pic ) will guide the women's doubles and mixed doubles teams starting on Monday. And he was in a cheerful mood after the coaching and training committee meeting yesterday - as reported here . But some see it as a 'demotion' as reported here . Perhaps Rexy could change the mindset of certain quarters that the women's and mixed doubles teams are equally important as the men's events. UPDATE (6.10pm) : Someone just told me it's the same misconception most have when it comes to the National Sports Institute and the National Sports Council, where the latter is often presumed to be of a higher standing than the former. James Selvaraj, meanwhile, will continue serving as the high performance director on a voluntary basis until a suitable candidate is hired on a full time basis - hopefully by the end of the year. What about Razif Sidek who was seen coaching at Juara Stadium recently? Apparently he was told not to make his presence felt at the courts - pol...

Could Razif Sidek ( pic ) be named as KLRC's doubles coach? Razif after all played Cupid between Fairuzizuan Tazari-Zakry Abdul Latif and KLRC. The former international even attended the KLRC Hari Raya open house at KL Hilton yesterday. It is obvious Razif is eager to achieve something, something the BA of Malaysia (BAM) couldn't or didn't offer. Since quitting the national stable as coach in 1997 - after guiding Cheah Soon Kit-Yap Kim Hock to win the silver medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics - Razif has been a regular face on TV especially on Astro Arena. Unlike his elder brother Misbun who has been quiet since leaving BAM in December, Razif often hogs the spotlight - and the limelight was on him yet again during the Raya do by KLRC. Read more in today's Mailsport . HD says : And the Sidek legacy in coaching continues.