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Star Snippets: Mitsuo Ogasawara, Norihiro Akahoshi, Chang Jung-koo …..

Benjie — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:20:35 +0000

Japan’s Mitsuo Ogasawara of Kashima Antlers was named Player of the Year after leading the team to its third straight title in the J. League. The 30-year old midfielder, native of Morioka, Iwate became the second Kashima player to receive such award after Brazilian Marquinos had it last year.

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Hanshin Tigers outfielder Norihiro Akahoshi has decided to hang up his jersey. At 33, Akahoshi has been suffering from pain in the neck and lower back which could lead to life threatening spinal injury. He has played only with the Tigers in his entire career in the NPB.

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Retired South Korean boxer Chang Jung-koo has been named as one of the 13 inductees for the International Boxing Hall of Fame class of 2009. Chang will be the first South Korean to be named in the elite list of all time greats. The former junior flyweight champion known as the ‘Korean Hawk’ ended his career in 1991 with a 38-4 win-loss record with 17 KOs.

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Pornanong Phatlum of Thailand came short in securing a full card for next year’s LPGA Tour. The 19-year old golf sensation was making her second attempt for the elite tournament in the qualifying stage in Florida. Two other Thais Nontaya Srisawang and Virada Nirapathpongporn fail to make the cut as well.

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World number one-ranked Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia pulled out of the South East Asian Games in Laos. Less than three weeks ago, he committed to join the biennial games and his eleventh hour change of mind surprised the badminton camp in Laos. Chong Wei cited his recurring knee injury as the reason for his withdrawal.

Thailand ready to defend overall title

Benjie — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 04:56:55 +0000

Photo Courtesy: Visitthailand.info

Regional powerhouse Thailand is set to show its force in sports once again in the upcoming South East Asian Games (SEA Games) in Vientiane, Laos. The regional event which kicks off this coming December 9 is considered the olympics of South East Asia. A total of 379 Gold medals are up for grabs in this event participated by 11 countries located at the said region.

In 2007 edition of the SEA games held at Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, the host country dominated by hauling down a total of 182 golds together with 123 silver and 101 bronze medals. Thailand is expected to do the same in this year’s edition considering their performances the qualifying events. Besides, reports coming out from local media stated that the Thai government is joined by corporate sponsors in fully supporting the contingent. The countries that would likely give the Thais a run for their money are Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and emerging powerhouse Vietnam.

SEA Games hosting new to Laos

Benjie — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:09:38 +0000

Photo Courtesy: Facebook.com

Laos will host the 25^th South East Asian Games (SEA Games) this year. It will be the first time that the country will host such event. The event will be held this coming December 9-18, 2009. Considered as the Olympics in South East Asia, SEA Games is held every two years exclusively participated by countries located in the said region.

The opening and closing ceremonies will be done at the capital city of Vientiane. Due to constraints to finance the construction of facilities, the number of sports disciplines will be reduced. Nonetheless, 2009 SEA Games will be exciting as ever as defending overall champions Thailand will be greatly challenged by other powerhouse countries which includes Malaysia and Vietnam.