FEDERAL TERRITORY KUALA LUMPUR CLINCHED 19th TITLE
KUALA LUMPUR: Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur (FT KL), powered by seven national players in their line-up, defended their title after beating Selangor 50-39 to win their 19th national title in the National Netball Championship at the Juara Stadium Bukit Kiara here today.
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FT KL proved too good for Selangor, who marched into today’s final win after shocking the more fancied Johor in yesterday’s semifinals.
National goal attack Nur Ezzani Mohd Nor and goal shooter Nur Ain Omar were the toast of FT KL, who were on the offensive from the word go. Selangor, who struggled to find their form in the match, were repeatedly cut off in defence, midfield and attack.
FTKL got off to a rousing start in the first quarter, leading 16-5, before scoring 25-14, 39-23 and 50-39 in the second, third and fourth quarter respectively.
Nur Ezzani netted in a total of 13 goals while Nur Ain, a key figure in the national team, had 35 goals to her credit to steer FTKL with the victory.
With goal shooter Nurul Husna Akbal Amad off form scoring only 10 goals, Selangor had to to rely on Yati Akhtar Makhtar who rose to the occasion by netting 21 goals.
FT KL coach Norizan Rajab was elated over the win, saying that his girls played to instructions by cutting off Selangor’s passes throughout the match.
Earlier, last year’s finalist Johor took the third placing after beating Kedah 62-24 in the third and fourth placing tie.
National goal shooter Aruna Santhappan redeemed herself and made up to her disappointing performance yesterday by displaying precision in her shooting to help Johor with the win.
“Yesterday was a disappointment..we’ll try to come back stronger and with better preparation next year. As for now it’s back to training and preparing for next year’s World Championship in Singapore,” said Aruna.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Netball Association (MNA) President Suraya Yaacob expressed satisfaction over the tournament, saying that MNA will intensify efforts in the coming weeks and months to prepare the Malaysian team for the World Championship in Singapore next year.
National Sports Council Director General Datuk Zolkeples Embong gave away trophies and prizes to the winning teams.
RESULTS
(Sunday, 24th October)
Final:
Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur beat Selangor 50-39
3rd & 4th Placing:
Johor beat Kedah 62-24
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