Malindo Air to begin daily flights to Chiang Mai from Kuala Lumpur

KUALA LUMPUR: Malindo Air announced it will now fly to Chiang Mai, Thailand, daily.

This will be the second Thai destination after Bangkok, with flights from Kuala Lumpur to Phuket also in the works for a Nov 10 launch date.

The airline said it was offering travellers RM199 for economy class and RM299 for business class one-way, all-inclusive for its maiden flight to the northern Thai city.

Malindo Air Flight OD530 will depart every day from KLIA at 10.35am and arrive in Chiang Mai International Airport at 12.20pm local time.

Chiang Mai is one hour behind KL.

The return flight will depart Chiang Mai at 1.40pm and arrive in KLIA at 5.25pm.

“Travellers from Malaysia will now be able to access this new destination in less than three hours with the low fares,” said Malindo Air chief executive officer Chandran Rama Muthy.

“This will certainly bring mutual benefit to both countries. We are confident our new frequency and attractive fares will stimulate more inbound and outbound travel between both countries,” Chandran said in a statement.

For bookings and enquiries, contact 03-7841 5388 (7am-11pm daily), visit at www.malindoair.com or write in to customer_care@malindoair.com.

For purchases through mobile phones, use mobile.malindoair.com or download the Malindo Air App on Google Play and App Store.

-thestar online.

Zarco retains Moto2 title with a lights-to-flag win at Sepang

Ajo Motorsport's Johann Zarco (centre) with his trophy after winning the Moto2 race
of Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit on Sunday.
- GLENN GUAN / The Star

SEPANG: Frenchman Johann Zarco has retained his Moto2 world title.

The Ajo Motorsport rider’s win in the Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit on Sunday makes him the first two-time champion since the intermediate class was introduced in 2010.

His lights-to flag win was also enough for him to avoid taking the title race into the final round in Valencia, Spain, in two weeks time.
The win at Sepang has given him an unassailable lead over Swiss rider Thomas Luthi and Spaniard Alex Rins as he wrapped up the only world title still in contention.

Zarco crossed the finish line in 45:51.036 to take his championship tally to 251 points.

Luthi is second with 214 points, with 25 points left to fight for in Valencia.

Zarco, who has six wins and three podium finishes out of 17 races so far, performed a wheelie down the final stretch as the fans roared in approval.

“It’s hard not to cry at a moment like this. It was a good race in wet conditions for me,” said Zarco.

“Although I was not the fastest, I had good pace.

“Then the track began to dry out and, like yesterday in qualifying, I felt a lot better than my rivals, found my line and was able to find references.

“It’s great to take the win – and the title. A lot of things went through my mind on the last three laps and I had to be very focused, but the advantage of three seconds made me more confident, if not calmer.

“I want to thank the Ajo Motorsport and everyone who has supported me.

“It’s very nice to be world champion for the second time with them.

“This title has been more exciting than last year because the situation was different, it was harder and I had more pressure on me.

“Now it’s time to celebrate with everyone and go to Valencia without pressure.”

-thestar online.

Celebrate The Festivities - Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur

-Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur.
Website : http://www.seripacifichotel.com

Dovizioso wins wet and wild MotoGP race at Sepang

ALL MINE ... Andrea Dovizioso (left) hugging his trophy after winning the MotoGP race in the Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit. - GLENN GUAN / The Star

SEPANG: Italian MotoGP rider Andrea Dovizioso is on cloud nine after winning a wet and wild Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix race at the Sepang International Circuit.

Pole-sitter Dovizioso held firm in the lead group throughout the 19-lap race to cross the finish line in 42:27.333 – making him the ninth winner in the premier class this season.

The other eight riders to have stood on top of the MotoGP podium so far this year are fellow Italians Andrea Iannone and Valentino Rossi, Australian Jack Miller, Britain’s Cal Crutchlow and Spaniards Jorge Lorenzo, Marc Marquez, Maverick Vinales and Dani Pedrosa.

The penultimate round of the MotoGP race was delayed due to a storm, but there were no regrets for the record-breaking 95,316 fans present at the track on Sunday.

There were plenty of spills as Crutchlow, winner of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix in Phillip Island last Sunday, Iannone and then newly-crowned world champion Marquez all fell in the space of two laps – leaving Dovizioso in a direct duel with Rossi for victory.

But when Rossi ran wide on entry to the first corner on lap 15, it allowed Dovizioso to sweep into the lead.

Dovizioso seized the opportunity to build up a gap as he took control of the situation all the way to the chequered flag to give Ducati their first victory at Sepang since Casey Stoner in 2009.

Rossi finished the race in 42:30.448 to confirm the runner-up position behind Marquez (278pts) in the MotoGP’s overall standings with 236 points.

Lorenzo, the 2015 world champion and Rossi’s team-mate, came in third in 42:39.257.

Sunday’s win was only his second in the premier class, but the Italian felt that “it has been a long time coming”.

His first was back in 2009 – in the British Motorcycle Grand Prix at Donington Park.

“It was very, very difficult towards the finish. From the outside, it looks like I was controlling well, but it wasn’t easy,” said the 30-year-old Dovizioso, who won the 125cc world title in 2004.

“When conditions are like these, we have no control, so I didn’t think much.

“But I didn’t give up and I really wanted to win this. It’s a nice feeling and important to get this result for Ducati.

“I’m really happy to get victory this way. It looks like I ‘cooked’ the competition today, something which I can remember when my career is over.

Rossi admitted that he took too many risks in trying to win.

“My first target was to arrive in front of Jorge for the second place, but I wanted also try to win because I felt good with the bike from the beginning,” said Rossi, who last won in Sepang in 2010.

“But I had to fight a lot with Iannone ... and Iannone was fast. After, when I went in front, I was optimistic (of winning) but when the water on the track got less and the temperature got higher, I was a bit in trouble with the tyres, especially with the front.

“I risked too much. I did a mistake and, in that moment, Dovizioso was too fast and he went away.”

-thestar online.

Shanshan wins LPGA Malaysia for the second time

Shanshan lifts her trophy after winning the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia title
- her second after winning it in 2014. - AZHAR MAHFOF / The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Feng Shanshan has come a full circle.

The 27-year-old has ended her two-year title drought at the scene of her last triumph – the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia at the TPC Kuala Lumpur.

Shanshan overcame an early blip before romping home to a three-stroke victory over Norway’s Suzann Pettersen to become the first multiple champion in the tournament’s history.

Shanshan had stormed into the lead with a seven-under 64 in a rain-interrupted third round that forced her and several others to wait until Sunday morning to finish up.

Taking a two-stroke lead into the final round, she bogeyed the opening hole before bouncing back with birdies on the third, fifth, 11th, 14th and 15th to finish on 17-under 267.

“It feels great. My record here is really good, especially the past four years – second in 2013, first in 2014, second last year and now first again,” said Shanshan, who walked away with US$270,000 (RM1.13mil).

“I won’t compare any of my wins, but I would say this one is really important for me because my last win on the LPGA (Tour) was actually two years ago right here.

“Although I’ve been winning on the (Ladies) European Tour and in China (LPGA Tour), I really want to be on the LPGA (Tour).”

“I think I’ve had a fantastic week coming back here. Makes me feel like I’m at home.

“I really love this golf course. And actually, can we have like 10 LPGA events here on this course?”

Shanshan had finished in the top five in her four previous tournaments leading up to this event.

Seasoned campaigner Pettersen shot a successive 66 to finish on 14-under 270.

The runner-up spot is her best result this season, having finished third at the Portland Classic in Oregon, in July.

Yet, she was peeved.

“I’ve been playing really good all week. I’ve had some stupid mistakes, probably like everyone else and gave away a lot of shots,” said Pettersen, who boasts 15 LPGA Tour wins.

“I felt like yesterday I gave away a great chance of winning this.”

Anna Nordqvist of Sweden and South Korea’s Amy Yang ended up tied for third at 12-under 272.

World No. 1 Lydia Ko could only manage a 71 to finish joint 12th on eight-under 276 with six others, including last year’s champion Jessica Korda of the United States.

After a third-round 65, Lydia continued to charge up the leaderboard by making three birdies in her first nine.

But she couldn’t keep the momentum going as she double bogeyed the 15th and bogeyed the final hole to finish at eight-under 276 with a closing even-par 71.

Lydia, 19, hasn’t won since the Marathon Classic in July.

-thestar online.

Priceless Podium For DRIVE M7 SIC Racing Team At Home Grand Prix

Sepang International Circuit, Malaysia – Sunday 30th October

Circuit: Sepang International Circuit
Circuit Length: 5.5 km

Today the Malaysian Grand Prix saw DRIVE M7 SIC Racing Team rider Jakub Kornfeil achieve an outstanding 2ndplace finish in front of the teams home crowd, at Sepang International Circuit.

Having rode an exceptional race in challenging conditions and well worthy of a podium finish, Kornfeil heads to the final round of the year adding twenty more points to his Championship tally and elevating his position to eighth overall.

Despite making a good start, Malaysian Moto3 rookie Adam Norrodin was caught up in the drama at turn six that saw four fellow riders fall. Quickly remounting his #7 machine, the eighteen year old attempted to re-join the race but with oil on his tyre immediately crashed out again at the following turn. Determined not to give up, Norrodin tirelessly attempted to re-mount for a third time, but was forced to retire due to the damage on his bike.

Johan Stigefelt – Team Manager
“We knew both Jakub and Adam had a good pace in the dry, so we were feeling confident at the start of the race. On the first lap there was a lot of incidents but Jakub got through them because he was pushing hard and being aggressive through the corners, so he was able to get up to the front quickly and avoid them. Unfortunately Adam who was further behind got caught up in the incident and although he managed to avoid the crash itself, as he passed through, something hit his bike coming out of turn six and he crashed out. I feel really sorry for Adam because he was really looking forward to this race and I know he would have given it his everything.
Jakub did a great race today in tough conditions; the grip was nowhere near like yesterday in FP3 and he struggled. There were wet patches around the track and he had to basically ride around them and that was experience talking. He did well, stayed out of trouble and rode it home to a great second place for us. It’s fantastic to do this at our home track and we are very happy.”

#84 Jakub Kornfeil: P2
“This is my best career finish in Moto3 and the feeling is amazing! I don’t think it has completely sunk in yet; it still feels like a dream. It was a very difficult race; there was no grip in the tyre. The most important thing was to stay on the bike, study the track because it was changing every lap and be careful to avoid the wet patches. I want to say huge thanks to my team and to SIC [Sepang International Circuit] and all my sponsors and family. Without them I couldn’t do this! I want to dedicate this second place to them. For me this result means a lot; the first podium of the year is always special and especially at the home GP of my team; it’s incredible! To go back home with twenty points is fantastic.”

#7 Adam Norrodin: DNF 
“I’m so sorry for the team, sponsors, Sepang Circuit and my family who travelled from so far away. I’m so disappointed with the race today. I was really looking forward to today; I was so excited to race in front of my home crowd.
The beginning of the race was not too bad and I gained one position, but then in turn two there was a crash; I stayed calm but then in turn six another big crash happened. In front of me it was clear but then as I was exiting the corner, I think there was something from the crash on the asphalt that hit the bike. I immediately lost it and crashed out. I picked the bike up and remounted but then in the very next corner I crashed again (I think to do with the damage to my bike). Again I got back on and tried to re-join the race, but something didn’t feel right. As I went down the back straight the engine just went and I had no choice but to retire. I’m so disappointed because I feel confident that I could have done well here. Now I just have to focus on the last race of the season at Valencia; I want to end my first year in Moto3 with a good result.”

-SIC Racing Team facebook.
PelanconganKini supports DRIVE M7 SIC Racing Team.

Note: DRIVE M7 merchandises are available at http://www.m7shop.com/home.aspx
New Drive M7 Vitamin Drink now available.

Dovizioso claims pole for Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix

Dovizioso claims his second MotoGP pole for the season
at the Sepang International Circuit. - GLENN GUAN / The Star

SEPANG: Italian Andrea Dovizioso revelled in the wet to claim pole position in the MotoGP qualifying for the Shell Malaysia Motorcycle Grand Prix.

The Ducati rider hit the top early in the session before switching to wet tyres to confirm pole by improving on his last lap at the Sepang International Circuit on Sunday.

Dovizioso posted 2:11.485 to grab his second pole position of the season. He did the same at Assen Circuit in Holland in June.

Fellow Italian Valentino Rossi of Yamaha had to dig deep to be second fastest – and a place on the front row – with a final lap of 2:11.731.

Rossi edged out his Spaniard team-mate Jorge Lorenzo (2:11.787).

Reigning world champion Marc Marquez of Repsol Honda heads the second row despite struggling with a stomach ailment.

The Spaniard, who is still not 100% fit and fastest in Friday’s free practice, clocked 2:11.874.

Briton Cal Crutchlow, who won the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix in Phillip Island last Sunday, recovered from a crash to complete the top five by posting 2:12.558 on his Honda.

Dovizoso, who has three runner-up finishes this season – in Qatar, Austria and Japan – was happy to beat the Yamaha duo.

“The grip is pretty good, but it’s not dry like normally it would,” he said.

“It wasn’t so easy riding here today ... and when it rains, it is really heavy.

“But we did a great job and I’m happy with our strategy in qualifying.

“I was able to use soft and hard tyres for qualifying.

“As for tomorrow, nobody wants to race in the wet ... but if it happens, we are competitive.”

Rossi, who finished second in Phillip Island despite starting from 15th, was delighted to be in the front row.

“It’s a great position to be in on a demanding track like this,” said Rossi.

“Today was a difficult session and completely different from normal, so second place is very good.

“In qualifying, you usually have two laps and after that another new tyre and another two laps.

“Today we had to start, try to not make any mistakes, put temperature into the tyres, but at the same time you have to push.

“I feel comfortable, especially because we improved both the setting and the braking compared to yesterday. We are ready for any possibility tomorrow.”

-thestar online.

Golftober Festival 2016 - Extended Until 30 November 2016

GOOD NEWS! The Golftober Festival is extended to 30th November 2016. Please contact the participating MGTA members today!
-MGTA.

World No. 1 Lydia back into contention at LPGA Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: Lydia Ko is world No. 1 for a reason.

And the New Zealander proved it at the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia on Saturday.

The 19-year-old reeled off six birdies on her way to a superb bogey-free 65 to move five shots behind clubhouse leader Feng Shanshan of China at the TPC Kuala Lumpur.

Lydia, who began the day in joint 23rd spot and eight shots off the pace, ended it tied for sixth with an eight-under 205 total.

“I’ve been striking the ball pretty well. I’m making a few putts here and there, but the putts that didn’t drop on the first day kind of have been dropping the past two days,” said Lydia.

“These little things I think make the difference at the end of the day and got me to this position.

“But I’ve still got one long day tomorrow, so I’ve just got to stick to the same game plan.”

Lydia has yet to win since picking her fourth title of the season – the Marathon Classic in Ohio, the United States – in July.

She also failed to impress in her last three starts – the Evian Championship (joint 43rd), Fubon LPGA Taiwan Championship (joint 20th) and LPGA KEB HanaBank Championship (joint 51st) and that led to her sacking her caddie Jason Hamilton.

Lydia has joined forces with local caddie Sargunan Suntharaj for this week’s tournament and she has been impressed with 37-year-old’s service, thus far.

“It’s been going good. He’s got a lot of experience, so we’ve been having a lot of fun out there,” she said.

A top-three finish would see Lydia reclaim the top spots in both the money list and the Race to the CME ranking – just a week after surrendering them to rival Ariya Jutanugarn of Thailand.

World No. 2 Ariya continued to struggle at the LPGA Malaysia, posting a 70 to be joint 41st after three rounds.

-thestar online.

Amy extends her lead at LPGA Malaysia

Amy Yang leads by three strokes at the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia
on Friday. - S.S.KANESAN / The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Amy Yang moved three shots clear at the halfway stage of the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia after a two-over 69 took her to 10-under 132 for the tournament.

The 27-year-old South Korean, who held a two-stroke advantage going into the second round on Friday, traded an eagle and a birdie against a lone bogey at the TPC Kuala Lumpur.

Compatriot Hur Mi-jung (65), Taiwan's Candie Kung (65) and Sweden's Anna Nordqvist (68) are hot on her heels with 36-hole total of 135s.

Amy had a slow start in the second day with 10 straight pars before sinking an eagle on the par-four 12^th.

“It wasn't the way I wanted to start the front nine,” said the two-time US Open runner-up.

“I had a few really good chances to make some birdie putts, but I missed it. But I tried to be patient all day.

“It (the eagle) it was about 125 yards (114 metres). I hit my pitching wedge to the pin and it came off really solid off the face. 

“It looked like it was going to go really close but it went in. When the ball disappeared, I went 'yay, finally'!”

Amy, with only two LPGA Tour titles to date, then dropped a shot on the 14th. She managed to play just another hole before the play was suspended for an hour due to rain.

The rain, according to Amy, was a blessing in disguise as she birdied the 16th for a crucial gain before closing with two consecutive pars.

“I was getting a little frustrated about not making putts … and I was getting hungry,” she explained.

“So I went back (during the suspension), ate lunch, and it actually gave me some time to think about what was going on and about the next three ... how to finish, so it helped.

“Golf can be really easy like yesterday, but it can be also a little slow like today.

“I think it was a good round nevertheless. I didn't fall back. I stayed patient .... finished good.”

Jang Ha-na of South Korea fired a flawless 67 to climb nine rungs to fifth and was joined by fellow Korean Jenny Shin, American Michelle Wie, Spain's Azahara Munoz and the 2014 champion Feng Shanshan of China after the quartet carded an identical 70 for to stay four shots off the pace. The four of them have also opened with matching 66s on Friday.

World No.1 Lydia Ko posted a 69 to improve on her opening 71, but was left ruing the three shots she conceded in the last two holes.

The 19-year-old had five birdies to go five-under after 16 holes before bogeying the the par-four eighth for her first blemish of the day. 

She then found the water on the ninth to end on double bogey and sits tied 23^rd on 140.

“I gave myself many looks for birdies. A lot of the putts, if they didn't go in, they were close,” she said.

“So, overall, it was a really good round. Obviously it's not that great to end with a bogey and double on the last two holes, but overall, I think I played more solid today compared to yesterday."

Touted to heat up the competition with Lydia, Ariya Jutanugarn fared no better as the Thai world No. 2 struggled to a 75 and slipped to joint 43rd on 143.

American Jessica Korda kept his title defence bid alive by carding a 68 to leave her seven shots behind Amy.

On a day that saw many of the Malaysian Angels faltered, national top amateur Nur Durriyah Damian was the only saving grace.

The Thailand Open champion added a solid 71 to her opening 75 to be tied 54th on 146 with five others including Kelly Tan, who carded a poor 74.

Jean Chua, the best Malaysian performer in the first round, registered a shocking 15-over 86 to drop to 76th spot.

-thestar online.