Wiesberger leads birdie charge at Maybank Malaysian Open

Austrian Bernd Wiesberger putts on the 18th hole during the third round
of the Maybank Malaysian Open at the KLGCC on Saturday. - S.S.KANESAN/ The STAR

KUALA LUMPUR: It’s raining birdies and eagles at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC).

And the hottest player at the end of the third round of the Maybank Malaysian Open on Saturday was Austrian Bernd Wiesberger and India’s Anirban Lahiri, who both fired 10 birdies each.

Although Wiesberger dropped a shot, he still managed to power his way to the top of the leaderboard – thanks to his birdie spree in the first five holes and a hat-trick in the closing three. He ended the day with a sublime nine-under 63 for a 17-under 199 and a two-shot lead.

The 29-year-old will be hoping to capture his first title since winning the Lyoness Open in July 2012.

Spaniard Alejandro Canizares, who shared the midway lead with defending champion Lee Westwood, endured a roller-coaster round which contained an eagle, six birdies and four bogeys to finish at four-under 68. He slipped to second with a two-day total of 15-under 201.

Briton Westwood carded a steady three-under 69 to share third spot – three strokes off the pace at 14-under – with compatriot Paul Waring, who sizzled with a 65 after mixing his scorecard with two eagles, six birdies and three bogeys.

Don’t rule out India’s Anirban either. He has a good shot at winning his maiden European Tour title after charging up the leaderboard with 10 birdies to equal the course record of 10-under 62, which was set by Raphael Jacquelin in 2006.

Anirban, who did not drop a single shot the whole day, climbed 16 spots to fifth – one ahead of American Paul Peterson, who put himself in contention following a flawless nine-under 64.

Wiesberger has been in superb form of late.

The two-time European Tour winner was in sizzling form in the first three European Tour events of the year, called the Desert Swing. He finished fourth in the Dubai Desert Classic last week, third at the Qatar Masters, and sixth in the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.

“It was a great day for me. This is my European Tour record. I’ve never shot a 63!” said Wiesberger, who created history by becoming the first Austrian to break into the top-50 (he is now ranked No. 48) on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) earlier this week.

“I started really well with five birdies in a row. I caught up with the leaders and finished off well. “I’ve been working on the right things ... I’ve improved on my putting, and the belief is there that I can play good golf now. “If I keep playing like this, then I have a good chance to take this home.”

He had better be wary of Canizares, who is relishing another fierce battle with Wiesberger in the final 18 holes on Sunday.

“It was fun ... playing alongside these guys is always fun,” said Canizares. “I made more mistakes than the previous days but I’m quite happy I made a two on 16 with a wedge.

“It’s always good to play with someone who is playing well as he’s pulling you to make birdies as well. It was fun to watch, he played great. He kept me going and kept me pushing. “All I can do is do my best and try to have fun – that’s my goal tomorrow.”

Although Westwood surrendered his three-shot overnight advantage, he was relieved to have carded back-to-back birdies on the closing holes “as it keeps my title defence alive”.

“I made some crucial birdies on the 17th and 18th. If I hadn’t, I would probably be looking at being five shots back. It was very important,” said the 41-year-old.

-thestar online.

Diari Wanita - Teater @ Istana Budaya Kuala Lumpur ( 11 - 16 Februari 2015 )

SINOPSIS DIARI WANITA

Dua cerita,
Dua negara,
Satu pengarah,

Teater Diari Wanita terbitan CTRA Production dan diarahkan oleh Rosminah Tahir ini adalah gabungan cerita Kak Ani(Malaysia) dan Nyonya (Indonesia). Disampaikan secara humor, persembahan yang menjanjikan penonton tidak kering gusi ini turut penuh dengan emosi dan ada kesedihan yang tersendiri. Memperlihatkan perjuangan hidup wanita di dua negara yang terpaksa berhadapan dengan laluan hidup sukar kerana cabaran tertentu.

Kisah Kak Ani mengangkat kisah benar kehidupan Menteri Pembangunan Wanita, Keluarga & Masyarakat, YB Dato Sri Rohani Abdul Karim dari zaman kecilnya hingga berjaya menjadi seorang menteri. Beliau adalah anak Tukang Cuci (ibunya) dan Tukang Masak (bapanya) hidup seperti kanak-kanak biasa pada zaman awal kemerdekaan yang penuh dengan kesusahan.

Kak Ani melakukan banyak kerja untuk hidup seperti membantu ibunya menjadi Tukang Cuci di rumah ‘mat salleh’ tetapi dalam masa yang sama sangat minat untuk belajar dan menjejakkan kaki ke universiti. Banyak lagi kisah menarik yang akan dipaparkan dalam teater berbentuk monolog ini.

Kisah Nyonya pula ditulis dengan cara komedi tetapi. Beliau ‘berperang’ dengan Tuan, seorang saudagar antik, yang mengambil kesempatan semasa suami Nyonya terlantar di hospital akibat kanser lidah untuk membeli harta Nyonya.

Dari batu mamar di perkarangan rumah hingglah meja makan, tempat tidur dan beliau akhirnya ingin membeli betis dan lutut Nyonya. Pada masa yang sama, Nyonya berhadapan dengan anak saudara suaminya iaitu Keponakan Anggun, Keponakan Beautiful dan Keponakan Cantik yang menuntut harta pusaka sehingga mengugut untuk membunuh Nyonya. Macam-macam peristiwa dan tipu muslihat dilakukan antara mereka bagi mencapai cita-cita.

Saksikan aksi Sherry AlHadad, Amy Mastura, Misha Omar (13-16 Feb 2015), Nad Zainal, Juhara Ayob, Sharulmizad Ashaari, Zera Hariz (11-12 Feb 2015) dan Dayang Kartini dalam teater Diari Wanita.

**NOTA PENTING: Jadual watak Keponakan Cantik:
11 - 12 Februari 2015 (Zera Hariz)
13 - 16 Februari 2015 (Misha Omar)

Get your tickets from:

1. Online at www.AirAsiaRedtix.com
2. Rock Corner outlets:	The Gardens, Mid Valley (TEL: 03 - 2201 4893)
	KLCC (TEL: 03 - 2181 5560)
	Subang Parade (TEL: 03 - 5613 1139)
	The Curve (TEL: 03 - 7733 1139)
3. Victoria Music outlets:	Sg Wang(TEL: 03 - 2148 7208)
	Amcorp (TEL: 03 - 7956 0592)
	Tropicana (TEL: 03 - 7722 2955)
	BSC (TEL: 03 - 2093 1093)
4. Penang outlets:	Artist Gallery, Gurney Plaza
	Artist Gallery, Queensbay Mall
5. Tune Store	Low Yat Plaza

-AirAsiaRedTix.

Westwood shares Maybank Malaysian Open lead with Canizares

Alejandro Canizares of Spain currently joint leaders with Lee Westwood of England at the Maybank Malaysian Open going into the third round. -SS KANESAN/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: It’s looking great for Lee Westwood in his Maybank Malaysian Open title defence.

Everything seems to be going right for the former world No. 1 as he produced another solid performance at the Kuala Lumpur Golf Country Club (KLGCC).

He overcame hot and humid conditions to shoot a five-under 66 for an 11-under133 total to share a three-stroke midway lead at the US$3mil (RM10.67mil) event. Joining Westwood at the top of the leaderboard was Spaniard Alejandro Canizares, who stole the limelight after he birdied three of his last four holes to card the lowest score of the week seven-under 65.

Last year’s runner-up Bernd Wiesberger of Austria shot a five-under 66 for an eight-under 136 total to be placed third while England’s Paul Waring (68) and Ireland’s Paul Lawrie (66) shared fifth – four shots off the pace. England’s Richard Bland and Canadian Richard T. Lee shot 70 and 69 respectively for a six-under 138 and joint sixth spot. Overnight joint leader Graeme McDowell dropped to eighth after a disappointing 73 for a 139 total.

But the day belonged to Westwood again as he rolled in six birdies – though he was left lamenting a bogey on the fifth.

“I played nicely again,” said world No. 30 Westwood. “It was pretty solid again and I probably only hit one poor shot all day ... from the middle of the fairway on the fifth hole. I was going in with a five-iron and shot it right into the water.

“Other than that, it was very good and I felt very comfortable out there ... I hit a lot of fairways and some good iron shots and made some nice putts. “It was great to birdie two of the last three and go from one in front to three in front.

Teeing off in the afternoon at 12.50, under the scorching heat, may be daunting for some but it’s no big deal for the 41-year-old Westwood, who has won 14 titles in Asia.

Asked how it felt playing in the searing heat, he quipped: “It was beautiful out there, I was even tempted to put a sweater on once or twice! “You obviously have to battle through the conditions in the afternoon. It’s like playing in the sauna, but you come to expect that when you play in Asia. I’m used to it and it obviously suits me.”

Canizares was pleased that his putter got hot at the right time as his flawless round of seven birdies put him in contention for a third European Tour title. “It was a lot of fun and I played really well,” said the 32-year-old. “I also putted really well.”  

-thestar online.

Westwood and McDowell joint leaders at Maybank Malaysian Open

Lee Westwood fired seven birdies for a six-under 66 to share the lead with Major winner Graeme McDowell at the Maybank Malaysian Open at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. - SS KANESAN/The Star

KUALA LUMPUR: Not even the unpredictable wind conditions could blow a “relaxed” Lee Westwood off course.

And when the dust had settled on the first day of the Maybank Malaysian Open at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC), the Briton managed to get his title defence off to a fine start – firing seven birdies for a six-under 66 to share the lead with Major winner Graeme McDowell.

The Ryder Cup winning pair hold a slim one-shot lead over England’s Tommy Fleetwood, South Korea’s Kang Sung-hoon and Danny Chia, whose sublime 67 had the home fans dreaming of a local golfer winning the national Open for the first time since its inauguration in 1962.

Two-time European Tour winner Alejandro Canizares was a further stroke adrift in joint sixth after signing for a 66 alongside England’s Richard Bland, Denmark’s Anders Hansen and two-time Asian Tour winner Prom Meesawat of Thailand.

But it was the 41-year-old Westwood who looked every inch a champion as he began his quest for a record-equalling third Malaysian Open crown.

The Englishman, who teed off from the 10th in the morning session, reeled in four birdies on the 12th, 13th, 16th and 17th holes to make the turn at four-under 32.

The 23-time European Tour winner picked up one more shot at the third, but bogeyed the sixth for his only blemish of the day after missing a five-footer.

But Westwood birdied the very next hole before capping his round in style by draining a 20-foot putt for his seventh birdie on the par-4 ninth.

“Really good start, I’ll take that!” said the former world No. 1.

“I putted very nicely and started the ball on line well. I left a couple short in the middle when I was fooled by the grain, but overall I’m very happy. It’s probably the toughest I’ve ever seen this golf course play.

“It’s (the course) in very similar condition. The wind just made it that little bit harder – not the fact it’s blowing particularly hard, but that it’s changing direction. It gets very confusing,” added Westwood, who likes to de-stress by singing on the course.

“I’m always very happy and have a tune ready. It’s usually whatever (caddie) Billy’s (Foster) singing in the morning and we stay with that all day!”

Not one to be outdone, McDowell matched Westwood blow-for-blow. The Northern Irishman’s brilliant round contained seven birdies, including two in his three closing holes, and a lone bogey which coincidentally was at sixth – the same as Westwood’s.

McDowell stressed that it was important for him to keep his emotions in check to cope with playing under humid conditions.

“I’m pretty happy. I hit the ball great today, drove it well and gave myself a lot of looks for birdies,” said the 35-year-old, who won the 2010 US Open. “Generally, I’m very, very happy with that start.

“This morning, I was really trying not to over-react to any mistakes I made. It really is too hot to get mad out there, so you have to keep your emotions under control and obviously stay hydrated and cool and try to embrace it.”
-thestar online.

Kuala Lumpur Ranked No.9 Among World's Leading Cities

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 5 (Bernama) -- Kuala Lumpur is ranked number nine out of 100 leading cities in the world in terms of international tourist arrivals by the Euromonitor International in its annual Top City Destinations ranking 2013.

Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Phesal Talib said the report recorded 11.2 million international tourists had visited Kuala Lumpur in 2013, reflecting the importance of KL to global tourism, both for business and leisure.

"Under the Kuala Lumpur Tourism Master Plan 2015-2025, one of the key areas that must be worked upon is to market Kuala Lumpur in a targeted manner and provide industry players and tourists with better access to city information," he said when launching 'HELLO KL' E-Newsletter and #IAMKL Online Campaign, here today.

He said the E-newsletter would be a useful and effective tool in providing information on tourism updates in Kuala Lumpur and it would be a valuable resource for all parties who are responsible for promoting the city as a preferred tourist destination.

"We expect 15 million tourist arrivals for this year, where 10.1 million will be made up of overseas tourists while 4.9 million are local tourists.

"As part of the effort to effectively brand Kuala Lumpur as a dynamic tourist destination, it is important for us to embrace digital media and utilise its full potential such as the 'Hello KL' E-newsletter and #IAMKL campaign, for a start," he said.

Ahmad Phesal welcomed tourism industry players to contribute for content of the E-newsletter, reaching out to international audience and also allowing travel agents to creatively develop tour packages and itineraries that would be more appealing and attractive.

The main objective of #IAMKL is to engage international audience in a fun and vibrant way while raising awareness of the city among travellers and enticing them to visit Kuala Lumpur, he said.

He said #IAMKL utilises social media such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as well as the official campaign website www.iamkl.com

Visitors to Kuala Lumpur are invited to upload 'selfies' with identifiable scenes of the city in the background, followed by the hashtag of #IAMKL.

Hello KL E-newsletter will be published on a bi-monthly basis. Those who wish to subscribe the E-newsletter can email to helloklenewsletter@gmail.com.
-bernama.

2015 MotoGP™ Entry List confirmed

04 FEBRUARY 2015: The FIM has released the finalised 2015 entry list for the MotoGP™ World Championship.-www.sepangcircuit.com

Build Lego Mandarin Oranges At Legoland Malaysia Resort

JOHOR BAHARU, Feb 4 (Bernama) -- Legoland Malaysia Resort will organise several programmes in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebrations including building 1,888 Mandarin oranges using lego blocks.

Its general manager Mark Germyn said visitors were welcome to join the building activity starting today until Feb 22, in an attempt to set a new record in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) for the most number of Mandarin oranges built from lego blocks on March 6.

"Some 1,888 oranges will be built using 69,856 lego blocks. One orange requires the use of 37 lego blocks," he told reporters at a ceremony to introduce the theme park's new attractions in conjunction with the Chinese New Year, here today.

Germyn said Mandarin oranges were considered as a symbol of 'good luck' to the Chinese and it was hoped visitors would use their imagination and creativity in building the oranges.

He said, Legoland Malaysia Resort had also lined up an array of other interesting activities for the celebration month including 'Make A Wish' programme.

Visitors to the park could write their festive greetings and wishes starting the first weekend in February until the end of the month and all wishes would be displayed at the park.

"One wish from the thousands displayed at the entrance of the park will be selected and fulfilled on March 6," he added.
-bernama.
www.legoland.com.my

Penang To Woo More Japanese Tourists With Chartered Flight Service

GEORGE TOWN, Feb 4 (Bernama) -- Penang Travel agencies are collaborating with the state government to attract more Japanese tourists to Penang with the direct chartered flights on Feb 20.

Golden Adventure Tours and Travel Sdn Bhd Managing Director Wong Kwok Bin said the group of about 260 Japanese from Hokkaido would arrive in Penang on Feb 20, during the Chinese New Year, and they would get a chance to experience some cultural shows and golfing activities.

"We have arranged a few activities for them as they will be here until Feb 24 and many of them will get to taste the local delicacies too," he told reporters here today.

He said the Japanese group would travel via Malaysia Airlines (MAS) as there would also be Malaysians travelling to Hokkaido on Feb 19 and returning on Feb 25. He also said the purpose of organising such a chartered flight was to attract more Japanese tourists to Malaysia especially during the festive season.

Meanwhile, Wong said a group of 76 Japanese students aged 16 to 17 would arrive in Penang tomorrow for a homestay programme organised by the Penang Homestay Association.

Association secretary Abd Aziz Bulin said a group from the Hitachi Senior Technical School would be spending five days in Balik Pulau with their foster families. He said all the students would get to experience kampung lifestyle, enjoy the traditional food and games while staying in Balik Pulau and Teluk Bahang.

"We have arranged for two students to stay with one foster family and I believe they will truly enjoy their time living in small villages here," he said.
-bernama.

Tourism Malaysia Targets 14 Mln Tourist Arrivals From Singapore This Year

SINGAPORE, Feb 3 (Bernama) -- With the new tourism campaign, Malaysia Year of Festivals 2015 (MyFest 2015), Tourism Malaysia targets 14 million tourist arrivals from Singapore this year, says Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board chairman Tan Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen.

"Singapore is our anchor land, very important that we consistently give good products to Singaporeans and also addressed all the concern.

"Two years ago, we have 13.5 million visitors from Singapore travelling into Malaysia. This is really a good time that we must really anchor on, especially with the strong Singapore dollar," she told Bernama after a luncheon with travel trade operators here.

Ng is here to network and thank the travel trade industry players for the continuous support to the Malaysian tourism sector.

Although most Singaporeans drove to Malaysia, Ng said there was still room for the travel trade operators as there are also Singaporeans who preferred travelling in groups. She said what the travel trade operators needed to do was introduce Singaporeans to new tourism products, including new hotels to stay.

Themed 'Endless Celebrations', the year-long MyFest 2015 offers more than 200 events related to cultural festivals, arts and music showcases, food promotions, shopping and sports.

Among others the event include KL Light Festival in January, Mah-Meri Festival and Formula One Festival, both in March, the Penang World Music Festival in April, Magic of the Night in May, the Rainforest World Music Festival in August, Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix in October, and Malaysia Year-End Sale in November and December.

Even though Malaysia had undergone quite a bad year in 2014 following incidents of missing and crashed planes, Dr Ng said last year saw an increase in tourist arrivals to Malaysia. "Generally of course, the market most affected was China, but the rest of the markets was fine," she said.

Asked on the implementation of the Goods and Sales Tax (GST) this April, she said its implementation would not affect Malaysia too much. "This is because it will not affect the pricing so much and thus it will not give a negative impact on tourism. "This year we are confident that it will be a better year," she added.
-bernama.

‘Life-saver’ Westwood chasing a treble at Malaysian Open

Defending Malaysian Open champion, Lee Westwood of England, finished joint ninth
at the Dubai Desert Classic golf championship last week. - EPA

KUALA LUMPUR: Lee Westwood began the year by stealing the headlines.

No, it wasn’t for his golfing prowess. Rather, it was for an act of bravery.

The former world No. 1 was in the news after rescuing British millionaire Colin Davies, who suffers from Parkinson’s Disease, from drowning while vacationing in Barbados on Jan 16.

The Briton’s heroic act even led to him being compared to American actor David Hasselhoff, who played lifeguard Mitch Buchannon in the 80s popular series “Baywatch”.

But the 41-year-old Westwood, who is here to defend his Maybank Malaysian Open crown at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC) beginning Thursday, insists that he is no hero for his deeds in the Caribbean Island.

“Those stories ... they’re exaggerated. The gentleman, unfortunately suffering from Parkison’s (disease) was struggling in the sea and I helped him out,” said Westwood.

“There was nothing like swimming through shark-invested waters or killer jellyfish. “I was just happy to help out. I believe anyone else would have done the same.”

After the well-deserved break, Westwood returned to action last week and finished joint ninth at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

The 23-time European Tour winner can’t wait to get going in the US$3mil (RM10.9mil) event this week, especially with the prospect of a record-equalling third Malaysian Open title in his sights.

Westwood, who romped to a seven-shot victory at the KLGCC for his second Malaysian Open title last year, will be counting on his familiarity of the course to join Australian Terry Gale as the only ones to have won the crown three times.

Gale won the Malaysian Open in 1983, 1985 and 1987.

“The way I played here last year and to win by seven (shots) was very gratifying,” said Westwood, who won his maiden Malaysian Open title in 1997 – at the Saujana Golf and Country Club.

“It’s nice to be back. I was here just before Christmas for a PGA Tour event, so I feel like I’m really getting to know the golf course very well. I feel like a member (here)!

“You can even be a bit aggressive when you know a course really well. “I’m feeling good about my game after last week. A top-10 finish in the first tournament of the year is pretty good.”

-thestar online.

THRILLER LIVE - London’s West End Musical Celebration of the Undisputed King of Pop ( 19 - 25 March 2015 )

THRILLER LIVE is moonwalking to Malaysia in March 2015!

Direct from London’s West End, Thriller Live is a spectacular musical created to celebrate the musical career of the world’s greatest entertainer, Michael Jackson. This sensational high octane production, named after Michael Jackson’s biggest-selling album Thriller, which sold more than 104 million copies will take center stage at Putra Indoor Stadium, Bukit Jalil starting from the 19th till the 25th March 2015.

Milestone Production is proud to bring this original West End production exclusively to Malaysia for South East Asia in 2015. Michael Jackson fans in Malaysia will for the very first time be able to re-live the King of Pop’s masterful and everlasting hits in a West End theatrical production. 50 international performers, musicians and crew will ROCK WITH YOU to bring the King of Pop’s music to life!

Originally conceived and created by Adrian Grant, a long-time associate of Michael Jackson for more than 20 years, THRILLER LIVE has toured the world, played over 3,000 shows globally to 3 million fans, visited over 28 countries, including Germany, Italy, Poland, Denmark, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, France, Singapore, South Africa, China, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Japan, Brazil and many more. In total, THRILLER LIVE has played over 5,000 amazing shows in West End, London and around the world!

Experience a powerful visual, audio and electrifying musical journey of Michael Jackson’s illustrious career and DON’T STOP ‘TIL YOU GET ENOUGH of his magical 45 years musical journey. This two hour musical celebration will also feature Michael Jackson’s smash hits such as I Want You Back, I'll Be There, Show You The Way To Go, Can You Feel It, Rock With You, She's Out Of My Life, Beat It, Billie Jean, Earth Song, Thriller plus many more! The stunning choreography was directed and choreographed by the award winning MAN IN THE MIRROR director, Gary Lloyd (who has previously worked with Leona Lewis, Robbie Williams and other world class singers).

So what are you waiting for, just BEAT IT!

For more information on discounts and promotions, please log on to www.facebook.com/MilestoneEntertainment.Show

Thriller Live – Malaysia 2015
Date: 19 March 2015 – 25 March 2015
Venue: Putra Indoor Stadium, Bukit Jalil
Ticket pricing: RM538 (VVIP), RM468 (VIP), RM398 (CAT A), RM298 (CAT B), RM168 (CAT C) and RM128 (CAT D) - (Ticket prices not inclusive of RM3 processing fee)

TicketCharge hotline: +603-92228811 or www.ticketcharge.com.my

-TicketCharge.

MotoGP™ 2015 field gathers for Sepang 1 test

Monday, 2 February 2015

After two months away from their bikes the 2015 MotoGP™ grid will be back on track in Sepang as of 4^th February for the first test of the year at the Malaysian circuit.

The South East Asian country has been the destination of choice for February preseason tests in recent years and the ‘tradition’ continues in 2015, with the first outing to be followed by another test at Sepang before the end of the month.

It would be no surprise to see the back-to-back MotoGP World title winner Marc Marquez at the top of the timesheets from the word go as the Repsol Honda rider and his colleague Dani Pedrosa look to fine tune any updates to their evolving RC213V prototype in the weeks before the season gets underway in Qatar at the end of March. HRC have been preparing for the return to action with a recent private test at Sepang with former MotoGP World Champion Casey Stoner on board.

However, Movistar Yamaha MotoGP pair Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo will also be pushing their YZR-M1 machine to its limits to ensure that their technical package does not trail behind that offered by their HRC-equipped rivals.

Ducati Team’s Andrea Dovizioso and his new teammate Andrea Iannone will be using a GP14.3 machine - an evolution of the GP14.2 - at Sepang 1. Their new GP15 should be ready for Sepang 2, which commences on 23^rd February.

Elsewhere Aleix Espargaro and MotoGP Rookie Maverick Viñales will aim to get as many laps as possible under their belts on their new Suzuki GSX-RR, as the Japanese manufacturer prepares for a return to full-time premier class competition. Espargaro has been working hard in recent weeks to recover his fitness after a knee ligament injury sustained in December in a private training session.

The new-look CWM LCR Honda MotoGP team will give Cal Crutchlow some crucial track time on the factory-specification Honda RC213V bike, whilst Jack Miller reacquaints himself with the Open spec RC213V-RS. Miller rode the bike at Valencia and then again Sepang at the end of November, as he steps up from Moto3™.

Estrella Galicia Marc VDS Team’s Scott Redding will look to get on the pace as early as possible with his new RC213V factory prototype.

Another team with a new structure in 2015 is Factory Aprilia Gresini and they will hope to maximise their performance through the experience of Alvaro Bautista and Marco Melandri who also began testing their new bike in November. Likewise the incoming NGM Forward Racing pair of Stefan Bradl and Loris Baz will continue their adaptation to unfamiliar machinery as they build up experience on the Open Yamaha, with the package now centred solely around a Yamaha chassis.

Monster Yamaha Tech 3’s young pairing of Bradley Smith and Pol Espargaro know they will get good support from Yamaha with their YZR-M1 bikes throughout the season and they will be keen to compare their lap times with those of Rossi and Lorenzo in Sepang.

Elsewhere the likes of Pramac Racing’s Danilo Petrucci, along with Avintia Racing’s Hector Barbera and Mike Di Meglio will shakedown their respective Ducati machines. Pramac Racing’s Yonny Hernandez misses the test due to a shoulder injury and will be covered for by Michele Pirro, the official Ducati test rider.

Drive M7 Aspar’s new signing Eugene Laverty will be closely watching colleague Nicky Hayden’s lap times on the Open RC213V-RS, with Cardion AB Motoracing’s Karel Abraham on the same spec bike. Octo IodaRacing Team’s Alex De Angelis has the task of keeping up with a highly competitive field on his Aprilia ride.

After three days of testing featuring the full 2015 grid on Bridgestone tyres, a fourth day of tests will be undertaken at Sepang by a smaller group of riders on Michelin rubber, ahead of the French brand’s return to MotoGP in 2016.

-www.motogp.com

Firefly Launches FlyPremier For Frequent Travellers

www.fireflyz.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 2 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's premium short-haul airline Firefly has launched its latest service today called FlyPremier, which is designed to cater to the needs of frequent travellers.

Its Chief Executive Officer Ignatius Ong said FlyPremier allows guests one free flight change, offers an additional 10kg baggage allowance, access to the Firefly Biz Zone at the Subang Skypark Terminal, priority baggage, free seat selection and the opportunity to earn Enrich Miles.

"With FlyPremier, a single-click will allow our guests to pre-select all the convenience that are required by a frequent traveller, effectively making the booking process faster and easier," he said in a statement here today.

The service, which must be booked through the Firefly website, is available two hours prior to flight departure subject to fare differences.

Meanwhile, in conjunction with the Chinese New Year holidays, Firefly is also offering a limited-time RM68 all-in one-way fare for all its domestic destinations.

The travel period is between Jan 26 and Oct 24, 2015 and the promotion which began on Jan 26 ends on Feb 8, 2015.

Tickets for Firefly's international destinations such as Medan, Batam, Pekanbaru, Singapore, Koh Samui and Krabi are being offered with fares starting from RM108 all-in one-way fare.

Ong said the airline was expecting a higher passenger traffic and urged travellers to use the automated online check-in service and web check-in facility.
-bernama.

BMW Malaysian Open Is Back! ( 2 - 8 March 2015 )

The BMW Malaysian Open returns this March with its sixth edition since its inception in 2010. Once again, Malaysia will welcome international women tennis players from around the world to vie for the prize purse of USD250,000.00 from the 2 - 8 March 2015 at the courts of the Royal Selangor Golf Club.

Last year, close to 12,000 fans attended the event in Kuala Lumpur. The finals saw top seed Slovak, Dominika Cibulkova and seventh seed Croatian, Donna Vekic, face off in the singles final, with Donna walking away with the title.

The doubles was won by Hungary’s Timea Babos and Taiwan’s Chan Hao Ching who defeated fourth seed Zheng Saisai of China and Taiwan’s Chan Yung Jan.

So, who’s going to walk away triumphant this year?

Grab your tickets, make it a family outing, come and be at the top women’s tennis event in town! Previously, top tennis stars like Caroline Wozniacki, Agnieszka "Aga" Radwańska, Peng Shuai and Kimiko Date-Krumm have made their appearance at this tournament. This year’s line-up will be revealed very soon. You’ll be sure some of the top names in women’s tennis will be heading this way come March!

For the latest, check out:
www.facebook.com/BMWMalaysianOpen

-www.ticketcharge.com

SIC Offers 25% Discount For F1 Tickets To Maybankard Holders In 5 ASEAN Countries

31 JANUARY 2015, Sepang - Sepang International Circuit (SIC), promoter and organisers of 2015 Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix™, is offering 25% off all tickets to the much-anticipated F1, for Maybankard holders.  
A collaboration between SIC and Maybank, the special promotion, offered exclusively for Maybankard holders in Brunei, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Malaysia, will run until 15th March 2015.
 
“SIC is once again partnering with Maybank this year as a special thank you to all Maybankard holders, not just in Malaysia but in neighbouring countries too, that have been strong supporters of the event. We have had a good response with this collaboration in the past and this is our way of expressing our appreciation,” SIC said in a statement here today.

They added, “Spectators from across these countries are key to both SIC and Maybank, not only for F1, but for tourism overall especially inline with Malaysia Year of Festivals 2015.”
 
To enjoy the discount, Maybankard holders just need to flash and pay with their card at any SIC ticket outlets. Alternatively they can purchase their tickets on-line by entering the first 6 digits of their card into the promo code field. Discounts would be calculated and immediately deducted; giving card holders great savings.  
 
SIC hosts Round 2 of this season’s 20-round Formula 1 World Championship from March 27th to 29th at the Sepang Circuit. Fans are already buzzing with the announcement of Honda’s participation, in a joint project with McLaren and the exciting prospect of the youngest rookie, 17-year old Max Verstappen.

Bringing a lively and exciting atmosphere to the Malaysian racing facility, SIC will be organising a carnival that will include a giant Ferris Wheel, a haunted house, a water playground, an extreme park, a food fiesta, a shopping haven and loads of fun and games and entertainment including a world class after-race concert, for fans and their families.   
 
The F1 tickets can be purchased:
• online at SIC’s website at www.sepangcircuit.com 
• at the Sepang International Circuit ticket booth on the Ground Floor of the Nu Sentral mall in the KL Sentral area from a ticket agent - just check the location from SIC's website - http://www.sepangcircuit.com/Ticketing-@-Overview.aspx
• by calling the SIC TICKET HOTLINE at 03-8778 2222
• Walk In to SIC Customer Service Centre.
-www.sepangcircuit.com

Teater Traditional Mek Mulung "Putera Cahaya Bulan" ( 28 February & 1 March 2015 )

Mek Mulung Putera Cahaya Bulan tells the story of the King of Negeri Selindungan Bulan, Prince Cahaya Bulan. He has a foreboding that his beautiful and mystical queen, Princess Nang Mara or Mek Senik, will be kidnapped by the Giant King, the ruler of Pakkian Continent.

The Giant King anticipates that his action would eliminate competition in spreading his power as Princess Nang Mara has always been in his way.

Prince Cahaya Bulan orders his subjects to be on guard for 7 days and 7 nights in order to thwart the Giant King's evil intention. However, the Giant King, together with his loyal servants Amat and Sena, are able to penetrate the palace of Kota Selindungan Bulan when the whole city falls asleep due to the king's magical spell. Princess Nang Mara's nightmare turns to reality!

What will happen to Prince Cahaya Bulan?

Who are Epong and Edeng?

Will Epong and Edeng succeed in their mission?

Let's find out through this Mek Mulung traditional theater performance!

Casts:

Arja Lee - Putera Cahaya Bulan
Shamsun Nadia - Puteri Nang Mara
Izreen Azminda - Gadis Desa
Hairi Safwan - Tok Bomoh
Kumpulan Mek Mulung Sri Mahawangsa JKKN
Kumpulan Teater AKRAB 

Get your tickets from:

1. Online at www.AirAsiaRedtix.com
2. Rock Corner outlets:	The Gardens, Mid Valley (TEL: 03 - 2201 4893)
	KLCC (TEL: 03 - 2181 5560)
	Subang Parade (TEL: 03 - 5613 1139)
	The Curve (TEL: 03 - 7733 1139)
3. Victoria Music outlets:	Sg Wang(TEL: 03 - 2148 7208)
	Amcorp (TEL: 03 - 7956 0592)
	Tropicana (TEL: 03 - 7722 2955)
4. Penang outlets:	Artist Gallery, Gurney Plaza
	Artist Gallery, Queensbay Mall

-AirAsiaRedTix.