The Japan-bound Cambodian National football team went down 1-2 to Laos in an international Friendly at Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium on Saturday.

Cambodia’s Tierry Chantha Bin equalised just before half time Lao striker Sitthideth Khantavong’s 11th minute goal, but the crafty front liner was back to nail the go ahead goal three minutes into the second session.

The Cambo-dian team spent a few days in Thailand as part of its final preparations before flying to Tokyo for a Group E clash against Japan on September 3 at the Saitama Stadium in the second round of the World Cup qualifiers.

In a major initiative to spread its signature grassroots development programmes to the north-west of the country, Tennis Cambodia will open its first regional office in Siem Reap on October 3.

Tennis Australia endorsed senior club professional Scott Windus to head the operations from the office in the popular Angkor Palace Hotel, owned by the country’s leading amateur golfer Ly Hong.

Windus has been running the federation’s various grassroots and advanced development programs in Siem Reap since early 2014.

Tennis Cambodia and Angkor Palace Hotel have struck a new partnership, hailed by both sides as a great step forward for the development of the game.

The federation will now have access to the two courts at the hotel where Cambodia’s first pro-shop will also be opened in a city that is now home to nearly 2,000 tennis players.

“This is part of our grand vision to take tennis to every province in the country.

The Siem Reap operations will be in the very efficient hands of Scott Windus who has brought in a refreshing change in the tennis scene over the last two years.

While Battambang will also be brought into this fold, we can launch our programs from this base in other provinces like Bantay Meanchey and Odar Meanchey.’’ Secretary General of Tennis Cambodia Tep Rithivit told the Post yesterday.

“I am very happy and eager to run the show at this regional level. It is a challenge I am looking forward to.

The use of regular courts at the Angkor Palace Hotel is a valuable addition for the young players in our programs now being run on community courts.

I am particularly thankful to both Tep Rithivit and Ly Hong for this joint venture which will give tennis a new direction” Scott Windus said.

Tennis Cambodia introduced a grassroots development project in Siem Reap at the Svey Dunkum Village primary school, less than two years ago.

Nearly 600 students of the school were initiated to the game at various stages. Scott Windus, who took charge in February 2014, streamlined the programme by categorising the players according to their passion for the game and talent.

Now there are nearly 250 students going through training on a regular basis on community courts while an upper crust of around 40 players have acquired skills to compete at the national level.

Apart from inducting young players into the programme and spreading it to five other private schools, Scott Windus has also trained Run Dun and Zachary Kim to be assistant coaches.

Meanwhile, Tennis Cambodia is likely to seek the support of the Ministry of Education to take grassroots programs to all government schools, including the famous Wat Bo primary.school.

Mekong Tigers were crowned the 2015 Cambodia Basketball League champions after winning the deciding game of the title playoffs 82-80 against Extra Joss Fighters at the Olympic Stadium Indoor Arena on Saturday.

The Tigers got off to a flying start with Matt Van Pelt rolling in some good baskets to put the Fighters under pressure. At the end of the first session, the Tigers led by 20 points.

If the Tigers thought the rest of the journey would be a cruise, they were in for a rude shock.

The Fighters, who had often shown their propensity for rearguard action, staged a superb rally in the third quarter to get within one point of their rivals.

The fourth quarter was as much a battle of wits as it was of nerves but the player who made that vital difference between glory and gloom was none other than Matt Van Pelt, who continued to shoot down the Fighters from long range.

In those baying moments, the Tigers handled the pressure better than their rivals for a deserving win to get into the CBL Scroll of Honour for the first time.

Chan Vathanaka came off the bench to save the blushes for Boeung Ket as the side rallied from arrears to force a 2-2 draw against home side Svay Rieng at their own stadium on Saturday.

Vathanaka’s 86th minute goal off a free kick restored peace to the Boeung Ket camp as the side left the pitch with a valuable point.

The home side took the lead in the 21st minute after Prak Mony Odom coverted a penalty. Substitute Um Kumphak netted the equaliser early in the second half for Boeung Ket, who fell behind when Kipson put Svay Rieng ahead once again in the 75th minute.

Meanwhile, Phnom Penh Crown destroyed Cambodian Mines Actions Center 10-1 at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday.

Striker Shane Booysen struck four goals while Bisan George and Keo Sokpheng helped themselves to a brace each.

Kouch Dani also got onto the scoresheet while CMAC gifted away an own goal. For CMAC, Timothy Okereke got a consolation goal in the 80th minute.

In Saturday’s other matches, MND beat Kirivong Sok Sen Chey 3-0 at the Army Stadium, while Western Phnom Penh downed AEU 2-1 at home.

Crown lead the table with 42 points from 17 games, three ahead of Boeung Ket Angkor.

The fierce rivalry that has developed this year between Sen Sophon and Long Sarinreach once again played out in the boys 14 and under final in the Fourth National Junior Tournament at the National Training Center on Sunday, with Kep’s poster boy Sophon prevailing over his Phnom Penh rival in a three-setter, 6-2, 3-6, 7-6, spread over little more than two hours.

It was any body’s match until the final set tie-break, where Sophon surprisingly proved too strong, reeling off seven points in a row to wrap up the contest. On the way to the final, Sarinreach beat Cheum Seyha 6-4, 6-4, while Sophon defeated Khleang Punlok 7-6, 6-3.

In the boys 18 and under final, Cambodia’s youngest member of the national squad, Delton Kim, was made to work much harder by Michael Schipani than he would have anticipated to win the title.

Schipani, whose net rushing tactics pressured his rival, had his best period in the early part of the first set when he led 2-0, but Delton gradually wore down his opponent to win 6-4, 6-3.

In the semis, Schipani beat Seum Kakada 6-3, 6-2 and Delton Kim saw off Chheang Vannasak 6-1, 6-3.

For close to two years, Hour Sreypov has kept her winning record intact and yet again she faced no threat in the girls 18 and under final, easily keeping Ong Sreypov at bay 6-2, 6-3. Hour Sreypov’s consistency and her increased training showed up in her performance.

As she is heading to Singapore for the WTA Future Stars tournament in late October, Hour Sreypov is doubling her training schedule.

In the girls 14 and under final, Ho Sreynoch beat a rival three years younger than her, Tippi Dalle-Grave, 4-1, 4-0.

Though Tippi has improved a lot since her relocation from Mauritius to Cambodia, Sreynoch has also come up well since training with Hour Sreypov ahead of the WTA Future Stars.

After seeing off his strongest rival in the semis, Sam David stormed to victory in the boys 12 and under flight B, beating Ngong San 6-1, 6-4.

In the semis, David passed a stern test of nerves, beating Sen Saukeng 6-3, 2-6, 6-2, while Ngong San beat Reut Touit 6-3, 6-4.

It was celebration time in the Battambang camp as two of the squad’s players got down to the boys 12 and under flight B finals, ensuring the province’s first title success since taking up the tennis programme two years ago.

It was left-handed Ly Wanak who won the honours, beating Rourt Pun 6-3, 6-4. In the semifinals, Rourt Pun downed Tep Lancelot 6-1, 6-3, while Wanak beat Eourn Rakim 6-4, 6-0.

Cambodia’s Andrea Ka, who competed in the mixed doubles at the 2011 SEA Games in Indonesia and led the Kingdom’s historic debut in the women’s team event at the 2015 Singapore edition three months ago, has reached a career high by winning the singles and doubles titles on Sunday in the most prestigious collegiate competition on the West Coast of the United States.

Representing the University of San Francisco, Ka (pictured) swept to twin championship success at the California Tennis Club in a six-team event dubbed the Battle in the Bay.

In the singles final, Ka had to go the full distance before beating Laura Gulbe of University of Pepperdine 7-5, 6-7, 6-4.

In the doubles final, the Cambodian star partnered Thyra Taune to upstage Dzina Milovanovic and Laura Gulbe (Pepperdine) 8-7 in a thrilling tie-break.

“It was a great weekend for me. Even though I haven’t competed in a while, I was able to perform at a really good level.

I had a lot of third sets and the temperatures were really high throughout this weekend so it was physically and emotionally very tiring to compete out there,’’ Ka said.

I’m just happy that I was able to get through all my matches and win both titles.’’

Head women’s tennis coach Hilary Somers said: “It was a great performance.

“Andrea has worked really hard for all of these fall tournaments coming up and I think she was really mentally ready.”

Tennis Cambodia expressed delight over Ka’s success.

“It augurs well for Cambodian tennis that she’s come out on top in an event that had some teams ranked among the first 10 in the ITA Collegiate rankings,” said Phalkun Mam, Ka’s teammate in Singapore and head of Junior Development.

Last week’s giantkillers Ministry of National Defence and Build Bright United will go at each other today but the key fixture in the Metfone C League schedule for the next two days will be tomorrow’s twilight clash between NagaWorld and Boeung Ket Angkor at the Olympic Stadium.

Army followed up their 3-0 upset of front runners Crown by fashioning the same scoreline against the tottering Kirivong Sok Sen Chey last Saturday and are keen on keeping the hunt for a place in the Super Four going.

Build Bright United, however, had to share the spoils and two goals with Cambodian Tiger FC last Sunday after their midweek storm had swept Boeung Ket Angkor aside.

In today’s other matches, Police will be up against Asia Europe under the lights at the Olympic Stadium after Cambodian Mines Action Center square off against Western Phnom Penh.

Five-time champions Crown will be hoping to boost their goal difference when they take on Kirivong Sok Sen Chey at the RSN Stadium tomorrow at the time NagaWorld and Boeung Ket will be locking horns.

Boeung Ket’s road trip to Svay Rieng did not go as well as coach Prak Sovanara would have liked but in the end Chan Vathanaka stepped in as a valuable substitute by turning an adverse 1-2 to a honourable 2-2 draw.

Lying fourth off the pace, NagaWorld, who drew with Police 1-1 three days ago, will be hoping to hold their ground as the fight intensifies for those vital places in the next phase.

Away at the Western Stadium, Cambodian Tiger FC, who are currently third in the Standings, will face Svay Rieng, who will be keen to climb up from the middle of the table.

Non-professional golfers itching to get on the fairways for a competitive fling will only have to wait until October 3 for the season-opening novelty that Siem Reap’s Phokeethra Country Club has put in place for the Kingdom’s inaugural Fire and Ice golf challenge.

The event, being played on a System 36 handicap format, has been fully subscribed and the field will be a heady mix of expats, locals and visitors from far and near.

This will be first of many events Phokeethra, once the home of Asian Tour’s Cambodian Open, is planning to stage in the near future.

Nowhere in this uniquely designed course can its historical perspective and heritage value be captured in all its glory than in an eye-catching sign that reads: “Tee off in the 11th Century. Finish your round in the 21st Century.”

“The theme ‘Fire and Ice’ comes with the changing of season from summer to winter, and while we are not expecting icy conditions, you will be able to see some ‘Fire & Ice’ inspired selections at the buffet presentation dinner,’’ PCC golf operations manager Robert Turvey said yesterday.

In the biggest upset of the Metfone C League season so far, bottom side Kirivong Sok Sen Chey stunned leaders Phnom Penh Crown 2-1, with the winning goal coming deep into injury time at the RSN Stadium late on Thursday evening.

The form book was turned upside down by Kirivong, who have conceded 60 goals in 18 matches, two less than Crown’s scoring tally of 62 in as many, a statistic that makes the outcome all the more extraordinary.

Kirivong stole a march through Tunji Ayoyinka past the half-hour mark but before the break, Keo Sokpheng brought Crown on level terms.

After several prominent Crown attempts failed to bear fruit, the game took a decisive turn in favour of the visitors just moments before the end of the eight minutes of added time.

Em Phanna, who Crown claimed had earlier escaped a red card for a deliberate handball, drilled in the winner for Kirivong to give the side some joy in what has been a tottering campaign.

While Crown fell to their first home defeat and only second in 18 outings, Boeung Ket Angkor bounced back from a goal down to beat Nagaworld 2-1 on the back of super-sub Chan Vathanaka’s second-half brace at the floodlit Olympic Stadium.

After a highly combative first half that saw plenty of action and near misses at both ends, Kim Borey gave NagaWorld the lead in the 57th minute, but that joy proved short-lived.

The two-time champions were fortunate to see a Chan Vathanaka free kick carom off the woodwork, but that clearly was a merely sample of his striking power.

What followed were two well-executed hits by Vathanaka, who last Saturday turned a likely defeat into a draw away at Svay Rieng Boeung Ket replace Crown at the top of the table on goal difference. Both have amassed 42 points, although Boeung Ket have a game in hand against MND.

Elsewhere, Svay Rieng made a profitable trip to the Western Stadium where they comprehensively beat third-placed Cambodian Tiger FC 3-0.

The win has pitched Svay Rieng strongly into the battle for a spot in the Super Four playoffs that follow the league format, one in which a possible five clubs have a chance of securing one of the two remaining places as Crown and Boeung Ket are nailed-on certainties.

NagaWorld and Ministry of National Defence moved up to joint third in the Metfone C League after wins over Cambodian Tiger 2-0 and Svay Rieng 1-0 respectively on Sunday.

A 73rd-minute goal from Pov Phearith gave the Armymen three points at the Old Stadium to boost their tally to 32 points, the same as NagaWorld who scored once in each half.

In Saturday’s action, Boeung Ket Angkor beat Asia Europe United 5-2 as Phnom Penh Crown trounced Western 10-0.

Hat-tricks from Keo Sokpheng and Bisan George marked Crown’s win that saw Shane Booysen and Leng Makara also bagged a brace each.

Khuon Laboravy stole the thunder at the Old Stadium after Esoh Paul Omogba had given Boeung Ket a 20th-minute lead.

George Kelechi neutralised Boeung Ket’s advantage before Laboravy turned the game around. His first strike came on the half-hour mark and the other three in as many minutes just before the end of the game.

Crown’s win boosted their goal difference to push them to the top of the table ahead of Boeung Ket, both on 45 points, though the 2012 champs have a game in hand. Elsewhere, Kirivong Sok Sen Chey beat Build Bright United 3-1.

Tennis Cambodia exercised its voting rights for the first time since becoming a Class B Member of the International Tennis Federation in 2011 at the World Governing Body’s Annual General Meeting last Friday in the Chilean capital Santiago, where David Haggerty was elected as the new ITF president to serve a four year term.

The 58-year-old Haggerty from the United States succeeded Francesco Ricci Bitti who had been the head of the ITF for the last 16 years and has now been named an honorary life president.

Haggerty was elected on the second ballot with 200 votes over India’s Anil Khanna with 192 votes. Rene Stammbach of Switzerland and Juan Margets of Spain were eliminated on the first ballot.

With Tennis Cambodia’s secretary-general Tep Rithivit and technical director Braen Aneiros tied up with their prior commitments, the federation deputed finance executive Ek Bun Leakhana as the Kingdom’s representative at the AGM, which was attended by over 280 delegates, partners and staff at the Santiago Marriott Hotel. At the start of her visit, Bun Leakhana also attended the 2016 official draw ceremony of the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas.

“It was a great privilege to represent Tennis Cambodia in such an exalted company. I have made memories for life in this trip, and I am thankful to the federation for giving me this wonderful opportunity” Bun Leakhana told the Post yesterday.

Meanwhile, the AGM approved an increase in size of the board of directors from 13 plus the president to 15 plus the president to include athlete representation. The additional two athlete members will be appointed by the elected members of the board and ratification will be required at the following AGM.

The assembly also approved a series of regulation changes and clarifications for the ITF’s international team competitions, Davis Cup by BNP Paribas and Fed Cup by BNP Paribas. This includes the introduction of fifth set tiebreaks in Davis Cup effective from the start of the 2016 competition.

Kosovo has become a member of the ITF for the first time after a successful application for Class B membership. There was also an increase in Class B shares for Poland and Turkey while Two Class C members, Nauru and St Vincent & The Grenadines, have been suspended.

With Phnom Penh Crown and Boeung Ket Angkor pulling well ahead of the rest of the field at the top of the standings, the fight intensifies in the next couple of weeks for the other two vital spots in the four-team championship playoff that follows at the end of the double round Metfone C League phase.

While the frontrunners will be keen to dictate the tempo of the pace, there are at least five teams in the mix battling hard for places in the title bracket, and all of them will be in action in the midweek matches, jockeying for better positions
The teams in the lower rungs of the table will also be anxious to avoid the grim prospect of the drop.

None are more troubled than Kirivong Sok Sen Chey, who despite winning their last two matches are at the foot of the table with 11 points, two behind Western Phnom Penh, who in turn are one point behind Asia Europe United and Cambodian Mines Action Center.

So each one these four teams will be looking for positive results to keep alive their chances of remaining in the premier league.

In today’s evening fixture at the Olympic Stadium, five-time champions Crown will square off against Build Bright United, who have suffered a slight dip in form going into this fixture after their 2-3 win over Boeung Ket on September 17.

Crown’s recent double digit wins are proof of their enormous strike power and BBU may have a tough time dealing with their potency.

At the Old Stadium, Kirivong Sok Sen Chey, who seemingly have fitted themselves with a new set of springs in their heels, take on Svay Rieng in a key contest where either side will not be satisfied with anything less than the full set of three points.

A victory for Kirivong is as important for them to climb out of the relegation zone as it is vital for Svay Rieng to keep gunning for a playoff place.

Something similar is the make-up of the day’s other clash at the Western Stadium between hosts Western, who are faced with relegation fears and National Police, who are clustered with Ministry of National Defence and Nagaworld in a three-way tie for third in the standings.

The Police may well be eager to strengthen their position ahead of tomorrow’s much anticipated match between MND and Nagaworld, both of whom scored notable wins at the weekend.

Cambodian Tiger will have to pick themselves up after back-to-back defeats in recent days dragged them down in the standings.

They face Asia Europe United, who are now fourth from the bottom and need a result to give them a lifeline Last Saturday’s grand show by Khoun Laboravy has kept Boeung Ket bouyant as joint leaders with Crown, and they take to the pitch against debutants Cambodia Mines Actions Center, who are currently third bottom of the table.

Today
Western Phnom Penh v National Police, @ Western Stadium, 3.30pm
Kirivong Sok Sen Chey v Svay Rieng, @ Old Stadium, 3.30pm
Build Bright United v Phnom Penh Crown, @ Olympic Stadium, 6pm

Tomorrow
MND v Nagaworld, @ Old Stadium, 3.30pm
CMAC v Boeung Ket Angkor,
@ Olympic Stadium, 3.30pm
AEU v Cambodian Tiger, @ Olympic Stadium, 6pm

Phnom Penh Crown turned in a strong second-half performance to thrash Build Bright United 4-0, with Keo Sokpheng netting a brace in a Metfone C League fixture at a floodlit Olympic Stadium yesterday.

The five-time champions retained the top spot as Boeung Ket play today.

The league heads for a short break in which the Cambodian national side travel to Singapore for the return clash in the second round of the World Cup qualifiers on October 13.

Earlier at the Old Stadium, Svay Rieng routed bottom of the table Kirivong Sok Sen Chey 5-0.

The defeat was a big blow for Kirivong’s hopes of getting out of the relegation hole they have been in despite winning their last two games.

As many as 59 fencers, including six women, were seen in action during the National Fencing Championship, which concluded at the Royal University of Phnom Penh on Wednesday, with the Hysa Club winning the coveted men’s epee team competition.

The three-day event, sponsored by the Post and Kraw Ma Co, involved the participation of five clubs, Hysa, Hosanna, Santhoumok, Norea and Samkay.

Popular Khmer language website Sabay.com.kh were the media partners for the championship.

In the keenly contested epee team event, Hysa, who sent out 17 participants in all, pegged back Santhoumok to grab the honours, with Norea Sport finishing third.

Hysa were well represented by San Seyha, Sam Sethpanha and Chay Sokleap. The second best team, Santhoumok, consisted of Khim Sammean, Keth Sisovanoudam and Sar Sovannary.

Third placed Norea were represented by Mealea Borin, Yhim Neak and Chhum Sambath.

In the men’s events, Chim Theara of Hosanna emerged as the winner in the individual foil event, fighting off a pair from Hysa Chay Sokleap and Chan Sokseyha to do so.

Santhoumok Club had its moment of glory when Khim Sammean topped the individual epee contest ahead of Mealea Borin of Norea Sport. San Sokseyha of Hysa filled in third.

Chhay LyLy of Hysa dominated the women’s individual epee, claiming the top spot at the expense of Moung Manut of Hosanna, with her teammate Suoung Pisey occupying third spot.

Tennis Cambodia formally opened its northwest regional office and the country’s first exclusive pro shop at the federation’s newest partner’s Angkor Palace Resort and Spa on Saturday to broad base the game in Siem Reap and other adjoining provinces.

Representatives from the Siem Reap Regional Office of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports; principals of several leading schools; and leaders of community education organisations were among high-profile guests who attended the inaugural function and witnessed a short play session involving local players in the ongoing grassroots tennis programs.

In his opening remarks, secretary general of Tennis Camboida Tep Rithivit said that the opening of the federation’s first office outside of Phnom Penh truly reflected the progress made in Siem Reap over the last year, and also marked the beginning of a grand initiative to spread the game in the northwest of the country.

“Australian coach Scott Windus, who assumed charge of our grassroots project less than two years ago, has brought about a remarkable transformation. Not only has he strengthened our program, he has also trained two excellent coaches Run Dun, popularly known as Som, and Zachary Kim,’’ said Tep Rithivit.

“We are extremely privileged to have on board our new partners Angkor Palace, who have given us office space and also access to their two tennis courts. I am confident that this alliance will get a lot stronger in the future.” he said.

The executive assistant manager of Angkor Palace Resort and Spa, Sie Panyathon, indicated the possibility of adding more courts in the future under an expansion plan.

Administrator of the northwest office and head coach Scott Windus presented a synopsis of the past 12 months and outlined the visions and goals that have been set for the short- to medium-term future, namely the development of a multi-court international standard tennis complex in Siem Reap capable of hosting world tour events.

“While these discussions are in the very early stages the vision is clear and the intent of the various stakeholders involved is strong, so we look forward to seeing these plans develop over the coming year,” Scott Windus said.

During a short video presentation on the activities of the federation the head of junior development, Phalkun Mam, highlighted the federation’s two signature programs, the Schools Tennis Initiative and the more-advanced Junior Tennis Initiative.

Boeung Ket Angkor head to a two-week break three points clear of Phnom Penh Crown in the Metfone C League standings following a Chan Vathanaka-inspired 1-0 win over Ministry of National Defence at the Old Stadium on Sunday.

The all-important goal came in the 74th minute of a hard fought encounter in which the Armymen lost the services of defender Khek Khemrin early in the second session after he was booked twice in a matter of minutes.

It had been tough for both sides until an opportunity raised itself for Chan Vathanaka to seize as he has done so many times this season.

His strike decisively won the argument for Boeung Ket, who have now skipped away to a three-point advantage over Crown with two more matches in the League phase to be played.

Coach Prak Sovanara’s men were also the first this season to cross the 50-point threshold. The team’s tally now stands at 51, which includes 16 wins, three draws and a lone defeat to Build Bright United.

Crown hold second position with 48 points but their season’s tally of 72 goals is one better than that of Boeung Ket.

With Boeung Ket and Crown assured of their slots in the four-team, double-leg playoffs beginning at the end of the month, there is a cluster of five teams vying for the other two places.

Holding joint third in the standings are National Police and NagaWorld with 35 points each, with Cambodian Tiger FC one point adrift in fifth place.

But also in this rush to the finish line are MND and Svay Rieng, who are locked together on 32 points each.

Equally interesting is the relegation scene. While Kirivong Sok Sen Chey, with just 11 points, find themselves at the foot of the table, there are three other teams close enough to be dragged into the fight for survival.

All four in this rat race, Asia Europe United, Cambodian Mine Action Centre, Western Phnom Penh and Kirivong Sok Sen Chey, have only two more chances to solidify their places in the top flight.

Kazakhstan’s ONE Championship middleweight king Igor “Lionheart” Svirid (10-1) headlines the card in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow as he defends his title against Vitaly Bigdash (7-0) in ONE: Tigers of Asia tomorrow. The event also includes three Malaysian super fights as Ann “Athena” Osman takes on Russian kickboxer Irina Mazepa, Ev Ting battles the Philippines’ Honorio Banario and Peter Davis tackles Australia’s Adrian Pang. The Post spoke to Svirid before what is sure to be a high-octane clash with the undefeated Russian.

Tell us something about your sporting background.
I was a huge soccer and volleyball fan when I was young as I started playing soccer and volleyball at 11 years old. It has helped me a lot with my stamina and coordination now in my MMA career. My dad is my hero. I’m very glad that my father raised me the way I am. My father taught me from the beginning to respect my elders. Always treat others the way you want to be treated. He taught me that my word is my bond. I appreciate him so much, he’s always been there for me. My mum, however, is still worried about me being an MMA athlete but I will convince her.

What brought you to MMA?
In school I played soccer and volleyball. When I was 20 I was introduced to combat sambo and I just fell in love. The reason I love MMA and this sport is because it is a very honest sport. Two people walk in the cage and one walks out. It’s not like team sport.

You are fighting a Russian: does this give you any extra incentive to win?
No, I treat every opponent the same – with respect. Nationality doesn’t matter to me. God created Adam and Eve and we are all God’s children. I’m honoured to represent my nation. I’ m very honoured and humbled to represent my country. Kazakstan is my motherland. To me representing my country in other countries is an honour.

There seems to be a distinct move towards more standup action recently in MMA. What do you think has caused this shift?
I think most fighters want to be entertaining and hence they want to strike more. But some fighters who are better grapplers will still fall back on their strength.

Does you consider yourself a role model for other Kazakhs?
Yes. Being the ONE middleweight champion is an honour. I always wanted to be a champion in one of the best promotions. So it’s like a dream come true and it has inspired me to be a role model now.

Who do you admire, both professionally and personally?
Fedor Emelianenko. He’s a great fighter. He represented all countries – everybody came together around him regardless of their nationality. He’s a great fighter but very respectful. Fedor is my idol. My dream is to be like Fedor [MMA’s Pride Fighting Championships heavyweight champion 2003-7].

What is your biggest strength?
I’m sorry but that’s a secret. What I bring to the cage is going to be a surprise. I prefer not to say. I am not the kind of guy that likes to talk about himself.

What are your dietary and training regimes?
I work extremely hard. Today I work hard, tomorrow I will work twice as hard. The one day I miss in the gym my opponent may be in the gym. I train twice, sometimes three times a day. I have a strict diet, proteins, vegetables, but nearer the fight I have to cut my food intake to make the weight.

What advice would you give to aspiring fighters?
Have the right attitude. Never give up. Even if you lose, make sure you gave 120 per cent inside the cage.

Where does your nickname come from?
I am very dedicated and I fight with heart – like the king of the jungle!

You are ONE middleweight champ. How do you see your career progressing?
I want to continue to be undefeated and stay ONE champion. When I retire I want to coach more Kazakh fighters and groom them to be champions!

The full ONE: Tigers of Asia card can be seen at the Irish Place, St 110, from 8pm

After four successive defeats, three at home and one away in Group E matches during the first half of the World Cup qualifying campaign, Cambodian footballers, hoping for a swing in fortune, are getting ready for the return clash with Singapore at the Lions’ den on Tuesday.

Cambodia is the only side in the group without a win or a goal to its name, having lost to Singapore (4-0), Afghanistan (1-0), Japan (3-0) and Syria (6-0). As disappointing as the results have been, national head coach Lee Tae Hoon is insistent that the team has benefited from the experience of playing at a level it had never reached before.

But the South Korean manager, who has the distinction of being the first to lead the Kingdom past the preliminary phase to this uncharted territory, is demanding from his players a sharper focus and better outcomes in the next set of matches, beginning with the game against Singapore.

Before squaring off against Cambodia at the huge Sports Hub complex in Kallang, Singapore were to take on Afghanistan yesterday at the same venue, in what Lions coach Bernd Stange marked out as a must-win game following his team’s 1-0 loss to Syria away in Muscat.

Moving from the much smaller Jalan Besar Stadium to the 55,000-seater National Stadium was to enable a massive turnout for the Lions, a prospect that sat well with Stange, quoted recently in the Straits Times as saying: “A full stadium of 55,000 fans cheering can be our secret weapon in these matches.”

While uppermost in Lee Tae Hoon’s mind is for his players to break their losing streak, his counterpart would not be willing to settle for anything less than a victory since only the winner of the group is assured of a place in the next stage of qualification.

Syria currently head the table with three wins followed by Japan with two wins and a draw. Singapore are slotted fourth with four points ahead of Afghanistan, whose only win was against Cambodia at the Olympic Stadium on June 16.

Meanwhile, Stange has named former football TV reality show star Christopher van Huizen, a popular name at Malaysian Super League club Lions XII, in his 24 player squad to bolster the wings for the matches against Afghanistan and Cambodia.

The nifty flanker’s inclusion is widely expected to sharpen Singapore’s attacking edge.

Unlike their June 12 capitulation at home, Cambodia put up a stiff fight in their away clash against Singapore before going down 1-2 to the Lions in a Group E World Cup qualifier at the Sports Hub last Tuesday.

The only comforting sight for Cambodia’s coach Lee Tae Hoon was that of Sos Souhana’s 66th minute goal that reduced the home side’s two-goal advantage and was the first for the Kingdom in five matches after having conceded 16 goals in five games.

Taking the pitch on the back of their 1-0 victory over Afghanistan at the same venue five days earlier, Singapore shot into the lead in the 16th minute through a Faris Ramli header.

After Khairul Amri saw his feeble penalty saved, Singapore doubled their lead in the 48th minute when Fazrul Nawaz exploited a chink in the visitors defence.

However, Sos Souhana’s cheeky goal and a few daring moves thereafter kept the Cambodian hopes alive for a while but the home side was in no mood to relent.

Cambodia will travel to Tehran to face Afghanistan next on November 12, with the much-anticipated home game against Japan days later.

The eight group winners and four best second placed teams will advance to the final qualifying phase from Asia and also the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

Front-runners Boeung Ket Angkor sustained their lead at the top of the Metfone C League standings with a 5-2 win over Western Phnom Penh at the Old Stadium yesterday even as the second placed Phnom Penh Crown bounced back from a goal down to beat National Police 2-1 at the RSN Stadium on Saturday.

The Boeung Ket victory, their 17th in 21 matches, was built around Samuel Gbenga’s hat-trick and a brace by the ever consistent Chan Vathanaka. For Western Okoro Mathew Osa booted home both the goals.

Heading to the last game of the league phase this midweek, Boeung Ket with 54 points are three clear of Phnom Penh Crown with the two teams assured of their places in the four team double leg championship play off next weekend.

A first-half goal from Tit Dina gave Police a distinct advantage till Va Sokthorn found the equaliser for Crown in the 55th minute. The five time champions then swooped on all three points with a late strike from Keo Sokpheng three minutes before the end of regulation time.

The defeat was a setback for Police in their pursuit of a place in the play offs and a stoppage time red card for Samuel Oseika added another layer of concern.

In one of the most spectacular comebacks seen this season, Build Bright United overturned a 2-4 half time deficit into a glorious 6-5 defeat of Svay Rieng at the Olympic Stadium on Saturday,

Meanwhile at the same venue, two time champs Nagaworld improved their standings to third behind Boeung Ket and Crown following their 2-1 win over Kirivong Sok Sen Chey.

The victory pushed Naga tally to 38 points, one ahead of Ministry of National Defence who got the measure of Asia Europe United 4-2 after leading by four goals at one stage.

Cambodian Tiger FC kept their chances of making the four team cut alive by beating the Cambodian Mines Actions Center 2-1. The Tigers are now in fifth spot with 36 points just ahead of National Police.