tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35059788332343547662024-03-09T03:45:27.452-08:00The Samosaurus Chroniclestravel, adventure, knives, gear, beer, good food and some harsh opinions - its all here!samohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11139480124713661761noreply@blogger.comBlogger1854125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505978833234354766.post-47326292144631004982022-07-13T01:04:00.003-07:002022-07-13T01:04:36.026-07:00Exiting grief<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fthQ7ZYv-v3dFhhFFgfgOAj4Vgv8avUb3Q2DZ5U5x0h8z8pu1j2DZ3i4hQG1TvofEHp_kXsOgt-9t7wz1gmiKw46MPdUBX4aZsgn_vpCgltV8Hcl3kJyOIPHFOTwl4xS0mP0vAoabYdbBTD18FGcHs7IO6cSZQ7IUeQ8wP5VdRh1ruGARFw9oOb_SQ/s2048/292461019_10159775735747332_6536001506162159605_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fthQ7ZYv-v3dFhhFFgfgOAj4Vgv8avUb3Q2DZ5U5x0h8z8pu1j2DZ3i4hQG1TvofEHp_kXsOgt-9t7wz1gmiKw46MPdUBX4aZsgn_vpCgltV8Hcl3kJyOIPHFOTwl4xS0mP0vAoabYdbBTD18FGcHs7IO6cSZQ7IUeQ8wP5VdRh1ruGARFw9oOb_SQ/s320/292461019_10159775735747332_6536001506162159605_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-PgPynff2YaWpPfOWEDWyCVTPfbItJ1WNpZb9h8P6t7SFAEHR9mPZ37pBgRIIBFmNF0jil2j_72VcwFHOJoIqgAkLBDzYdssr4Pj3c6mh_tFDxUZQ3s_slxO0gZ2XxkXrVS6DfKBhXx5GHA0yUzXUJobsZCKfqox3gF4P5hBInhQwHk-4gtIY0YJjQ/s2048/292392560_10159775984967332_8075643989811592825_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-PgPynff2YaWpPfOWEDWyCVTPfbItJ1WNpZb9h8P6t7SFAEHR9mPZ37pBgRIIBFmNF0jil2j_72VcwFHOJoIqgAkLBDzYdssr4Pj3c6mh_tFDxUZQ3s_slxO0gZ2XxkXrVS6DfKBhXx5GHA0yUzXUJobsZCKfqox3gF4P5hBInhQwHk-4gtIY0YJjQ/s320/292392560_10159775984967332_8075643989811592825_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-family: arial;">It felt like I had sat in a car at 400km/h and hit a coconut tree, everything was obliterated and I walked out with just a sprained ankle. We mourned the passing of a family member and at the height of this emotional roller coaster, I went through denial, anguish, despair, a huge sense of loss, regret, and self-pity. I took it rather hard because I spent a great deal of time with my dogs. This is apparent when I am no longer in employment. There were long hours with the dogs as my companion. So, having said that, the bond is very close. Kitto's passing was sudden and nobody saw that coming. So, as a cautionary tale, if you have a female dog, and do not have plans to get a litter, please spay her. She will enjoy a longer life. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Now the dust has settled, it's time to set new priorities. I have Bandit, the last of our pack, and it is my responsibility to take good care of him as I had with Kitto. The whole experience taught me something: Life is short.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I have to make use of time in a good and organized way. I took it back to the range to work on my archery form, which totally sucked in a big way. There is a tournament this weekend and this is a good way to focus on positivity and get into the game mindset. We have a bigger game down South at the end of the month and we need our minds to be on the game. I kept myself busy by building new competition arrows for Michelle. As for Bandit, we do full loops on our daily walks to get our hearts pumping and blood flowing. Time to move on and get back to where we were...</span></p>samohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11139480124713661761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505978833234354766.post-18790456393614482362022-07-12T06:46:00.004-07:002022-07-12T06:46:40.760-07:00Rock bottom<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7cQ_zQPYV6PEKZxHxAiOnhJRcZ0ItMPS3-3cLg6DxfeBL6ge-mrmqFhCpzSy2xMCK9YtEVZlgNpT1vTh-w2zMkDeo68s693knFP6VpyeUtA5qjRSqaqQa0YYVdILScdiIe5WYAvugCO8_GRs0kU6SLKM2tmaJXgQc80yst4tx59IRP1ZOzpdNa6fAA/s2048/291800855_10159774754752332_787661845723592364_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7cQ_zQPYV6PEKZxHxAiOnhJRcZ0ItMPS3-3cLg6DxfeBL6ge-mrmqFhCpzSy2xMCK9YtEVZlgNpT1vTh-w2zMkDeo68s693knFP6VpyeUtA5qjRSqaqQa0YYVdILScdiIe5WYAvugCO8_GRs0kU6SLKM2tmaJXgQc80yst4tx59IRP1ZOzpdNa6fAA/s320/291800855_10159774754752332_787661845723592364_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-family: arial;">IT'S been 24 hours since we lost Kitto, our seven-year-old female Siberian Husky. Her sudden departure has left a big hole in our lives. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I've experienced losing a family member, and close friends, but nothing has ever prepared me for the sudden demise of a pet dog, one which is very close to the family and a constant companion. I'm so used to having a pair of dogs waiting for me at the gate, now it's only one and the loss of his companion is slowly sinking in.<br />"Kitto's gone, boy...", I said to Bandit. He gazes into the distance, perhaps waiting for Kitto to come back home. The harsh reality is that things are no longer the same.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">For me, it was rock bottom. I cleared off some of Kitto's belongings. Her crate was moved to storage. Some of her items were set aside. The lair that she used to sleep in is now vacant. It's hard to get the images out of my mind. What made me feel even sad is the fact that Kitto is still young. Her rapidly deteriorating health and death were sudden. I was looking forward to at least 10 - 12 years of having this pack together. This was my experience with my first pack of Siberian Huskies. Both lived to 12 and 13 respectively. At that age, every day, week, and month is an added bonus and when it comes to death at old age, it was acceptable. Kitto was around 7 years of age and I felt she was gone way too soon. With that in mind, I sank into further despair. I had Michelle, my wife to talk about this, something to air off my chest. Given the best of what we can to Kitto, I have come to terms that she was gone. Her mild temperament and constant companionship are irreplaceable. It will take time to suck it all up and move on...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I will utilize my time with Bandit to fulfilling my responsibilities, take good care of him, and include him in my outdoor pursuit. The older pack was lucky enough to go on hikes and a trip to the beach. And this is something that I owe my boy. Together, we will overcome our loss and heal the wound.</span></p>samohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11139480124713661761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505978833234354766.post-12185250906100482472022-07-11T19:38:00.002-07:002022-07-11T19:38:31.276-07:00Remembering Kitto <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnR7Oo7jf6Z6JQKwxnJs8ycGahJujruiXXNsGE12I-eLmCEaE5qLVXBKoEGSuJU_OR66WEQujgqlfIW2JAo7oUmRo46vqQ6Mw2Lg9iKgP2yRU-xJCfW1r_iboSB1obpF5ASpNYdgX2ME3GR8gjfUyBMXw2VOQhYQy2PrOtoSxq1hZeHeVy6JALKO7vPg/s2757/LadyKitto2015-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2201" data-original-width="2757" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnR7Oo7jf6Z6JQKwxnJs8ycGahJujruiXXNsGE12I-eLmCEaE5qLVXBKoEGSuJU_OR66WEQujgqlfIW2JAo7oUmRo46vqQ6Mw2Lg9iKgP2yRU-xJCfW1r_iboSB1obpF5ASpNYdgX2ME3GR8gjfUyBMXw2VOQhYQy2PrOtoSxq1hZeHeVy6JALKO7vPg/s320/LadyKitto2015-22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <span style="font-family: arial;">Kitto came into our lives four years ago when we fostered two rescued Siberian Huskies. <br />She was a pure white, which is a rare marking for the breed and I immediately fell in love with her mild temperament. After a month of house-breaking, the fostered dogs are as good as our family members.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Last Friday, I noticed that she was not eating and was rather weak from malnutrition. I took her to the vet and have her examined. She checked out alright and was given medication for her lack of appetite. But in the following 48 hours, her health had taken a turn for the worse. Kitto was whining in pain. We had to endure the long holiday weekend and as soon as I can get a vet appointment, I scheduled her for a follow-up. This time, the vet diagnosed pyometra, an infection of her reproduction organs. She picked this up during her last heat and her uterus was inflamed. The swelling caused massive discomfort in her stomach, hence the lack of appetite. We did whatever we can to give her comfort.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">After two consecutive blood tests, her odds are not in favour of recovery with an aggressive surgery to remove the infected organs. Nevertheless, I made the call. It's giving her a fighting chance rather than putting her to sleep. We don't give up at all. But fate has put it in a way, Kitto had a short life. I received a phone call while walking Bandit, our Sibe, and was told of her passing. My immediate thought was to give her a burial next to Sir Naughty and Dame Queenie, our previous pack.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Kitto's passing has left a massive void in our lives. I felt sad that her life was cut short due to an illness we didn't see coming. In her existence, she had given love without bounds. Kitto was always there waiting for us to come home. I spent a lot of time with her, taking both dogs for their walks. In the four years that we had Kitto, we gave her care and love she had never received as a pup. It's heartbreaking to see a beloved pet's rapidly declining health and we did everything we could to alleviate the suffering and pain. Kitto will always be remembered as one of our favourite pooch along with Sir Naughty and Dame Queenie.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Now that we are left with Bandit, my duty is to dedicate my time and love to him, as we still have years ahead of us. So, Kitto, say hello to Naughty and Queenie in Doggahalla. We will see you soon.</span></p>samohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11139480124713661761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505978833234354766.post-40038687606288063902020-09-22T17:54:00.004-07:002020-09-22T17:54:43.672-07:00The Keramat gig<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIOkW_4A70zpvDOXtbxuycy4OMUQTw8IBL5Gm6u3c45WfIIUuDsG0a7wd4ZjBPI5uNZnJO5Tu7fZlaVTxj_F9CV3-nOpVfbI8uKOeN7zFMUsQIytmOu9GpwlSYgFJLP-RvW53HBDV_R24/s960/116795022_10158342486047332_3888074797240095430_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrIOkW_4A70zpvDOXtbxuycy4OMUQTw8IBL5Gm6u3c45WfIIUuDsG0a7wd4ZjBPI5uNZnJO5Tu7fZlaVTxj_F9CV3-nOpVfbI8uKOeN7zFMUsQIytmOu9GpwlSYgFJLP-RvW53HBDV_R24/w400-h266/116795022_10158342486047332_3888074797240095430_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_dAxnk30NZcp0gUUHMeqD805icJBRkSmzXsdSUlPGd-vnM8HyfF4LpNNx8ANMcjGGOh0NR-d2zDFACFXZiAJO0LH90EASy88MUi9wqJ6duZhFCFgYt7wn4IX5fqF1bsBd6SWmTyOJsNA/s960/113432752_10158342487352332_5203371316985833380_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_dAxnk30NZcp0gUUHMeqD805icJBRkSmzXsdSUlPGd-vnM8HyfF4LpNNx8ANMcjGGOh0NR-d2zDFACFXZiAJO0LH90EASy88MUi9wqJ6duZhFCFgYt7wn4IX5fqF1bsBd6SWmTyOJsNA/w400-h266/113432752_10158342487352332_5203371316985833380_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><b><i>Coming in a full circle...</i></b></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Michelle and I started our archery gig in the Keramat Sports Centre five years ago. We got yelled at, chased away and now, we are back. There were familiar faces, compound bow archers with camouflaged pants, some "hunter-dude wannabe", "super-duper coaches" and some very interesting archery personalities. Mostly amateur archers pursuing their hobby.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Since we have our own range in Subang, our contact with the Keramat club archers were kept to the minimum. Back in the days when we brought a hunting recurve bow to the Keramat range, we get dirty looks and were treated like lepers. Some were actually afraid that an archer who uses just a bow and arrow can shoot better than them. They paid RM900 for a bow sight and much more for all the bells and whistles. We also met some folks who had a rig the price of a small car but were too afraid to compete at tournaments because they don't want to "lose face", which is a typical Asian trait. We also met folks who boast about their "perfect" archery form. The form was too perfect, they got banned from tournaments. But to top it all, there was this Man-Gorilla half-breed who boasted about this range and elite club members. It was so elite, it got closed down because animals were maimed and killed near the premises. This personality is so thick-skinned, he actually shot at Keramat and bolted off when the Rangemaster arrives.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Anyway, we were invited to shoot at the Keramat range by an old friend who is also the club's Rangemaster. Currently, we are helping him out to raise funds to upkeep the target butts and stands. Hopefully, this will be done after we host a small inter-club Barebow tournament for the man.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Keramat range is a great place to train. As a Barebow archer, I'm glad that the National Archery Association had included the class in their target archery events. Hopefully, when the flu pandemic is over, we can compete there...</span></p>samohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11139480124713661761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505978833234354766.post-70414886631875302172020-09-22T17:03:00.003-07:002020-09-22T17:03:29.238-07:00Fixed...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jx0vlzDsp_YzmbM_5AP6WGUqPCr2mZxryL8N3O6cd3XfsWpLUYM-UYJrp0cjHgNjMDUaguzgj3MxBqy2x1L0AS01Cg_lBR76KQUtNwKw23CMY28AKk5oY51BwS1OcypGwal5iY7pun40/s1737/carsfiu3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1477" data-original-width="1737" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jx0vlzDsp_YzmbM_5AP6WGUqPCr2mZxryL8N3O6cd3XfsWpLUYM-UYJrp0cjHgNjMDUaguzgj3MxBqy2x1L0AS01Cg_lBR76KQUtNwKw23CMY28AKk5oY51BwS1OcypGwal5iY7pun40/w400-h340/carsfiu3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><b><i><br /> <span style="font-family: arial;">A phone call to an old friend...</span></i></b><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I gave a call to my old friend at The Star Media Group. Followed up with him on the wrong picture being used in a story that implicated cyclists on highways.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">He regretted that it was a mistake. But I told him no apology was necessary on his part.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Apparently, the online team had used an old picture by doing a search on the company's image repository. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It turned out that the photo was an unused image from a series of pictures I took back when I wrote about cycling on the Federal Highway bike lane. This was attributed to my personal take on what it was like cycling from home to work.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Many mistakes and some, causing law-suits have arisen from this. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Why? The person did not perform a fact check and the filing system was done incorrectly. Another good friend of mine who fetched the wrong wire story was sent to the can because of this.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i><b>It's all good...</b></i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm not seeking legal recourse on the matter, but rather let the people who did the mistake to make it good. The picture was replaced with another that actually depicts cyclist on a closed highway.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Far from over...</i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">But, for cyclists, the issue of folks taking it out on highways is still an issue. Some genius from the Malaysian Institute on Road Safety had come out with the idea of issuing licence plates for bicycles. And this was taken all the way up to the Transport Ministry. I think it's silly. Anyway, the onus is on a cyclist to abide by the Law and respect all road users.</span></p>samohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11139480124713661761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505978833234354766.post-64382981840842813442020-09-21T17:07:00.001-07:002020-09-21T17:07:22.640-07:00Judge, Jury, Executioner...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0UHBdllyFaWPNPKnEXXtL2BKQzA38AfSSesB0TWFBlbdaRnEn69HO4pKlu_FaKWrJDJynlqSkls-2Lu9doi0LwDI8bQegUqGaAonCvwDKhArTwUb9vhpK_Re5YSfFHE4hFhUb5MLvWnP/s1537/carsifu2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1465" data-original-width="1537" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs0UHBdllyFaWPNPKnEXXtL2BKQzA38AfSSesB0TWFBlbdaRnEn69HO4pKlu_FaKWrJDJynlqSkls-2Lu9doi0LwDI8bQegUqGaAonCvwDKhArTwUb9vhpK_Re5YSfFHE4hFhUb5MLvWnP/w400-h381/carsifu2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><b><i>A Witchhunt...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20nql_6h9C8ut_8a-fceYNCRQzodNrdzGSxcMSg4ER6Eqr0mHZM_-bUNAObJ0MYgbyCupHppTtsjuh7PVBE7Jpbklne7mJ8sqLQeAwepIWHePOpWi3gK5vIbAIj9xnTz2jIigwp21ZryN/s2015/119230139_3574059759270972_3480507942153324426_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2015" data-original-width="1796" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20nql_6h9C8ut_8a-fceYNCRQzodNrdzGSxcMSg4ER6Eqr0mHZM_-bUNAObJ0MYgbyCupHppTtsjuh7PVBE7Jpbklne7mJ8sqLQeAwepIWHePOpWi3gK5vIbAIj9xnTz2jIigwp21ZryN/w356-h400/119230139_3574059759270972_3480507942153324426_o.jpg" width="356" /></a></div><br /></i></b></span><span style="font-family: arial;">The Cops posted a statement on their Facebook page. They warned cyclists not to use the highway as their trampling grounds. This is founded as it is an offence to cycle on the Highway under the Road Transport Act. As a matter of fact, the Cops also posted a picture of a cyclist being detained by highway patrolmen in relation to the matter.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">And here's where things got really interesting. A friend on mine posted a link to Carsifu.my on a related article. It has a picture of me posing next to a motorcycle and bicycle sign on the Federal Highway. The story made an example of the cyclist on a Highway. But, without verifying facts, they published the story without a caption. To the uninitiated, the traffic offence is indirectly linked to the photo. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>For the record...</i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The picture was lifted by The Star straight from my Facebook photo album. It was taken more than eight years ago when I cycled to work from my home in Subang Jaya to Section 16 in Petaling Jaya. I used the main road to connect with the bike lane along the Federal Highway. I did not cycle on the runoff on the Highway. Instead, I used the designated bike lane to get to work.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJuCLjC0XeAVi5wm956MiM3B-ebkDGf5iDsWz6sXwynke5uViO7IvgXlvwC-2ZoIxfk-qv0Qq9jrNnz6wsqneCaiiu1d1dA6oZVIlW5oyLFSkA2lsBbTQWa2TGSqGMRXql2iRS8erFWQUp/s960/119773168_10158469411417332_5398414682865364192_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJuCLjC0XeAVi5wm956MiM3B-ebkDGf5iDsWz6sXwynke5uViO7IvgXlvwC-2ZoIxfk-qv0Qq9jrNnz6wsqneCaiiu1d1dA6oZVIlW5oyLFSkA2lsBbTQWa2TGSqGMRXql2iRS8erFWQUp/w400-h300/119773168_10158469411417332_5398414682865364192_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uW1OZU4ssE8ra3TJ8yIQwxvOjDcTKBjsFzn3HNZnqktyHNQCfZXX6yziAtKyemYtVbnd67RD5xp_OK4voxQdVWvGR0ZY6_LovWM-b6JPQi-A2OhN7cDuHkBMh_TTn5Dpe99CbkJwvlik/s960/119961128_10158469411412332_6556613323859597502_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uW1OZU4ssE8ra3TJ8yIQwxvOjDcTKBjsFzn3HNZnqktyHNQCfZXX6yziAtKyemYtVbnd67RD5xp_OK4voxQdVWvGR0ZY6_LovWM-b6JPQi-A2OhN7cDuHkBMh_TTn5Dpe99CbkJwvlik/w400-h300/119961128_10158469411412332_6556613323859597502_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzMJa0dw68yRm0V_I1pRfWDMLYlHGCdTUvCCJyeXBmWdP0Cy2EpZ9gsIu8pEjfyZJSZgoDLcaE4afaCKUiU9DQ9_hyBMLVq_Vx1XJsgxkfAkrYpmwWENxHIxM8lJS4dNAdsum2suuR5CsY/s960/119835371_10158469411337332_1121760307430953861_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzMJa0dw68yRm0V_I1pRfWDMLYlHGCdTUvCCJyeXBmWdP0Cy2EpZ9gsIu8pEjfyZJSZgoDLcaE4afaCKUiU9DQ9_hyBMLVq_Vx1XJsgxkfAkrYpmwWENxHIxM8lJS4dNAdsum2suuR5CsY/w400-h300/119835371_10158469411337332_1121760307430953861_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-MqAid6aAm0Hb9RcccFixiscMNieH_SbwjjSHmyysoa5DhwbClyV5Y4R6GkUsO5bJjykeW-JZz-zBLa-l6YAVI94epiM7cWl-t6Yo14_jsm8off6DoqwXy6bQcrKMgVW5TDWqMV2Izdi/s960/119916423_10158469411322332_6491556929111349252_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-MqAid6aAm0Hb9RcccFixiscMNieH_SbwjjSHmyysoa5DhwbClyV5Y4R6GkUsO5bJjykeW-JZz-zBLa-l6YAVI94epiM7cWl-t6Yo14_jsm8off6DoqwXy6bQcrKMgVW5TDWqMV2Izdi/w400-h300/119916423_10158469411322332_6491556929111349252_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;">A series of photographs captured above explains the route taken from Subang Jaya to Petaling Jaya via the Federal Highway bike lane. And as a rule of thumb, it is against the Law to cycle on the car lanes along the Highway. You don't have to be a brain surgeon to figure that out. I used the bike lane, not the car lane. So, how is this against the Law?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>An axe to grind?</i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The photo was my personal visual entry on Facebook. Only friends can access the images. The person who published the photo is perhaps no stranger to pictures of me cycling everywhere. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The question here is "what is their agenda?" Is The Star, being a moral guardian -- saying that it is wrong to stand next to a road sign and take pictures? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">They singled me out to make a point, based on a Facebook statement by the Cops on the dangers of cycling on the Highway and the penalties of doing so if caught.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">If I had actually done it on the Highway, then there is no argument. But this was not the case. The people who ran this story actually took the trouble to scour my Facebook album and used the photo without properly verifying the facts. In fact, they published it without my permission. And just so that you know, this image was taken on a tripod and self-timer. I am the rightful owner of the photo.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Why so personal? </i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Aren't there any pictures of cyclists actually caught in the act? I won't draw any irrational conclusions. Perhaps it is poor training on the part of the Editor in this case. Any responsible journalist would check for the correct facts before the story makes it to final print. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Two things are in play. First, they violated my privacy by using the photo without permission. Second, they incriminated me by associating the image to the offence under the Road Transport Act. Was it deliberate? No one knows until some fella has the balls to own up. Till then, we wait and see.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The right thing to do is to contact the owner of the photo and give a reasonable explanation to the public shaming of a cyclist using the Federal Highway bike lane as a means to commute to work...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p>samohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11139480124713661761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505978833234354766.post-36856616331315934222020-01-04T03:41:00.001-08:002020-01-04T03:41:11.041-08:00Mora: A knife of all seasons...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvAsPMOgmRL_h4ewReTQVsEBRQw2e7aLOqTgFjjt1SMYqset7h4rw7O4nAQk7g38IBYaFnro-BczlHD-U7QFrKctmOWPCdpRi-Yh6q28qUl-FM5b1qMYVsBhdMaZ7p-5J5PJzvL2SwkTZ/s1600/IMG_5056+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsvAsPMOgmRL_h4ewReTQVsEBRQw2e7aLOqTgFjjt1SMYqset7h4rw7O4nAQk7g38IBYaFnro-BczlHD-U7QFrKctmOWPCdpRi-Yh6q28qUl-FM5b1qMYVsBhdMaZ7p-5J5PJzvL2SwkTZ/s400/IMG_5056+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>A chance discovery...</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back in the early 90s, I did plenty of bluewater fishing. One of my requirements was a bait knife. So, while shopping at a local tackle store, I round a Swedish-made knife. It came with a plastic sheath and a finger guard. The price? RM12 a pop. I didn't hesitate to grab the knife. It has some surface pitting, but that didn't really bother me at all.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I took it with me in countless trips to the ocean and it became a loyal companion.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The knife in question was a KJ Eriksson Mora. It's a simple fixed-blade knife with a green plastic handle. It came with a plastic sheath and a PVC belt loop.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The blade length is 3.75" which made it an ideal utility knife for food preparation. As a bait knife, it served its purpose till I settled for a Martiini fillet knife.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAV86I2wTTo7z8qp3TKmuApS882OMh2Ucy5kbzrNjS1CgxGI81z79RzJOjlF-RLo2KAc3MrZxIrYWa3MNW_jyS_w4RMiSTKgmrIxr7xNNVCDkmj1iue7tusVsL132z9wTXF0W5vGsw8FxP/s1600/IMG_5061+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAV86I2wTTo7z8qp3TKmuApS882OMh2Ucy5kbzrNjS1CgxGI81z79RzJOjlF-RLo2KAc3MrZxIrYWa3MNW_jyS_w4RMiSTKgmrIxr7xNNVCDkmj1iue7tusVsL132z9wTXF0W5vGsw8FxP/s400/IMG_5061+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Carbon steel</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, if you ask some knife collectors and "steel snobs" they will scoff at carbon steel. But, if you want something cheap and good, and you know how to maintain it, the Mora is a knife that can be handed down generations.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carbon steel isn't so bad. But if you don't take care of it, surface rust will set in and damage the knife.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had some issues when I stored the knife. Atmospheric pollution contributed to some heavy surface corrosion. This was taken care of by polishing the blade with abrasive paper.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once restored, the Mora is as good as new.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Carbon steel is also very easy to sharpen, but edge retention is not the best.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You have to keep sharpening it after some use. The heavier the usage, the more you will have to work on it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But, hey, if you pay RM12 for a Mora, it's part of the chore!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPjYZM7Em31mP18ucbTewZo-0268UKqE4RMXPUtV_iKgHYWvCcTNraNEF_s8UTOeC0aNB32sjeBwzLL2rfDibWxOzRqzwoTzRNr9kHRTNoyNJASM73iUIjOnZPiyyxNyscuKpeoSgHs8T/s1600/IMG_5062+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfPjYZM7Em31mP18ucbTewZo-0268UKqE4RMXPUtV_iKgHYWvCcTNraNEF_s8UTOeC0aNB32sjeBwzLL2rfDibWxOzRqzwoTzRNr9kHRTNoyNJASM73iUIjOnZPiyyxNyscuKpeoSgHs8T/s400/IMG_5062+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9jNeuGzNKcaswNB13Z0sZRPt-gGNCqiUgQUzsNLWtn2i70d6LxpFyRIzUnUf1xX_8EEc3hNeOPNDOVeRYXCYi6QOQ823Cc5UfK81hDVlv9Ovil1ezn-ApI62bSx99zr-CLruiiDQVtP8/s1600/IMG_5065+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq9jNeuGzNKcaswNB13Z0sZRPt-gGNCqiUgQUzsNLWtn2i70d6LxpFyRIzUnUf1xX_8EEc3hNeOPNDOVeRYXCYi6QOQ823Cc5UfK81hDVlv9Ovil1ezn-ApI62bSx99zr-CLruiiDQVtP8/s400/IMG_5065+%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>The Mora legacy...</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was a resurgence of the Mora in the mid-2000s when Bushcrafters have heavily promoted the Moras in their social media channel.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's the "go-for" knife if you want something cheap and reliable. There will be no guilt whacking it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the mid-2000s, KJ Eriksson became Morakniv and a new line of Mora utility blades was introduced.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Their market was intended for bushcrafters and purists. Till today, the basic carbon steel mora is still an affordable knife.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With inflation and currency fluctuation, you can purchase a basic carbon steel mora blade for less than RM50 a piece.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And if you take good care of the blade, it will last you a lifetime...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>samohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11139480124713661761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505978833234354766.post-58843337084029688082019-12-18T18:05:00.002-08:002019-12-18T18:05:28.084-08:00Now comes the crunch...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9Bq5r6p8tA5XInVSyZvZ7kzIL5SqrxnWDt88MnTvi9CEKsxURfTs6Wpw8Of0Ui-Q4CLCKjeXRG4diQwtBeghGKPQXtpXf6pPXaDkULyw_tfL22GXuExzHknCNKchQuvioycHCdkp031x/s1600/1_wjObFs0wxzsSv9qE--xP7Q.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="800" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9Bq5r6p8tA5XInVSyZvZ7kzIL5SqrxnWDt88MnTvi9CEKsxURfTs6Wpw8Of0Ui-Q4CLCKjeXRG4diQwtBeghGKPQXtpXf6pPXaDkULyw_tfL22GXuExzHknCNKchQuvioycHCdkp031x/s400/1_wjObFs0wxzsSv9qE--xP7Q.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Retrenchment...</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Corporate jargon such as:<b style="font-style: italic;"> "Manpower Rationalization Exercise"</b> is a candy-coated word for "Retrenchment". This is a last-resort move by companies to save their ass from further deterioration.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That said, one of the largest media houses in Malaysia has called for such a practice.<br />But, this is not new. They have offered voluntary layoffs since 1998 and went on doing so for a number of times.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>The changeover...</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Prior to the new government, the said media house has played a role in executing their political master's agenda. With public trust diminishing over the years, sales have dropped. Our currency has never improved since 1998 and the cost of a newspaper has never increased. Basically, the profit is driven by advertisement and poor customer service has driven many advertisers to a rival media house. Another issue is the quality of the product. The media house suffered a talent drain as many of the good writers have either quit or joined a rival company.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Poor leadership qualities and succession rate...</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When personal development is gauged on kissing ass and being a "yes-man", many of the talented folks who worked in the media house became disillusioned. They persevered and when they can't take it anymore, they leave. Those who chose to be in "the right camp" ascended. As an eyewitness, I saw how the Editors yell and scream at their charge. Instead of being professional, they punished their reporters by victimizing them. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One jarring example was at one particular set-up in the media house, a news Editor had sexually harassed one of the female reporters by using the editorial operating systems messaging board. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But this was swept under the rug as the said person was under "protection" from the higher-ups.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another guy who tried to do the same by sending short messaging on his expensive personal device wasn't so lucky. The case was blown out of proportion and the guy had to leave before a domestic inquiry was called.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The journalist union in the media house was weak. Reporters continued to be abused. That's how bad the working conditions were at this place.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the media house continues to decay, those who rose through default was politically-appointed to succeed some who had to leave. All they need to do is to continue kissing ass and spread propaganda. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The final in the coffin was the appointment of a group of mediocre Editors to helm their company. These guys were the worst of the lot and it's no surprise the impending doom of the media house was compounded by a lot of poorly made decisions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Fear, not the hardship and sufferings...</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I sympathize with those who got retrenched. But life goes on. Get another job elsewhere, weather it out and hopefully, things would get better...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>samohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11139480124713661761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505978833234354766.post-48773864897736466722019-12-01T06:36:00.001-08:002019-12-04T18:50:03.157-08:00KIFAC 2019 - Part 4<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Unmarked distances...</i></b></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZJriNwBZljzIF7y-2NZVT6TzGES9mIJZ0rTFWMTnrL7YIkC4GF-ZN8TVgoR1SJp8O6uXrQ8w-8Vl4oB_jWBayBAlV8H4XCs7bnUSC5zBCatg9cUf2AXnGn9CjoZQ5dKwP87m2FDFrw43/s1600/72684105_10157551252107332_1381755944798519296_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZJriNwBZljzIF7y-2NZVT6TzGES9mIJZ0rTFWMTnrL7YIkC4GF-ZN8TVgoR1SJp8O6uXrQ8w-8Vl4oB_jWBayBAlV8H4XCs7bnUSC5zBCatg9cUf2AXnGn9CjoZQ5dKwP87m2FDFrw43/s400/72684105_10157551252107332_1381755944798519296_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With Pak Sani and his wife, archers from Bandung, Indonesia...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We have reached the climax of our shoot in Batam and the last round was field targets with marked distances. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's actually similar to what we have done the day earlier with the exception of distance markers placed on the shooting line. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As usual, the barebow folks would shoot at the last station where six target butts were placed with 20cmx3 triple faced targets.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From what I have learned the day before, to get things right, I must place my shots low and the results actually showed. I had fewer misses compared to the unmarked distances and as we progressed, some archers struggled with keeping up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Playing the mind game...</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most of the archers experienced at least a 30% drop in their overall scores. They might have taken some things for granted, but a few meters in terms of distance and elevations can result in a miss or a poorly placed shot.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The guys in my flight, Pak Liswantoro, and Pak Dedi felt this when most of their arrows had missed its mark.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As they struggle, I maintained my lead. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had a few badly placed shots and some misses on the 30m and 50m marked targets.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjezA7LRXuEcm2GBCaK8b1JCA8W0d111spZpT2bV2Fu0Lbxwo7nNV3h2dOX-UEpoBdO2bt-C9GUNsfKBcMo0RU0ARbBL4_a_4oiPc95E76xFPilN9El5Uq53hBUSWL5lTp3T9b4snpPh8cK/s1600/72667624_10157551253092332_680151944412528640_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjezA7LRXuEcm2GBCaK8b1JCA8W0d111spZpT2bV2Fu0Lbxwo7nNV3h2dOX-UEpoBdO2bt-C9GUNsfKBcMo0RU0ARbBL4_a_4oiPc95E76xFPilN9El5Uq53hBUSWL5lTp3T9b4snpPh8cK/s400/72667624_10157551253092332_680151944412528640_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pak Ilham, one of the event organizers...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxeB9AF5S88ja9C03PY0rYynq_YMIKDUOG7I_zZqFncBX781dTI1-SYXdxzMZ4eNc7EFXEu09zxEED3AzVoa_MJgfPvMivunjGGvzAP88_4FgjD4xTG3hsQ4z4XdcfZvWMXd-hp4rvbdTf/s1600/73167545_10157551422032332_7830059314315264000_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxeB9AF5S88ja9C03PY0rYynq_YMIKDUOG7I_zZqFncBX781dTI1-SYXdxzMZ4eNc7EFXEu09zxEED3AzVoa_MJgfPvMivunjGGvzAP88_4FgjD4xTG3hsQ4z4XdcfZvWMXd-hp4rvbdTf/s400/73167545_10157551422032332_7830059314315264000_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Michelle, taking her shot at the 20m marked targets</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbr9_p7GkijT65HO4NLyZ9S757Xd3qh7RUX9PZPhtYv4BtdYusCNTL49Zx5k56eQBa1RjepVnIDf_Z22NExzVlpcuJlkWh-wlQaCVgdutBbAfjP_Of3bYKz6FrfUXF8ITIRudbryihwP7/s1600/75557421_10157551421737332_5268457668414013440_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbr9_p7GkijT65HO4NLyZ9S757Xd3qh7RUX9PZPhtYv4BtdYusCNTL49Zx5k56eQBa1RjepVnIDf_Z22NExzVlpcuJlkWh-wlQaCVgdutBbAfjP_Of3bYKz6FrfUXF8ITIRudbryihwP7/s400/75557421_10157551421737332_5268457668414013440_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pak Dedi in action...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMxQlOHmyL62tH4mtNZHyZ0cym-t9eNF3To1ZGAWF7IZJ8rIB_GHdGzG0-6ZgI_xBySuY_kgbBHeWFRHk3IJLRPLyPrZFTCvGGmbk5jGRrQZShkrP39P3mkg5zh23YDA_5YZravMUEM5q/s1600/76652020_10157551730152332_988844382281007104_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMxQlOHmyL62tH4mtNZHyZ0cym-t9eNF3To1ZGAWF7IZJ8rIB_GHdGzG0-6ZgI_xBySuY_kgbBHeWFRHk3IJLRPLyPrZFTCvGGmbk5jGRrQZShkrP39P3mkg5zh23YDA_5YZravMUEM5q/s400/76652020_10157551730152332_988844382281007104_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">With Liswantoro (L) and Dedi (R)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The game continued until the third pool where we were given a break. Michelle and I had our packed lunch and exchanged notes on the shoot.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She didn't do really well with at least a dozen missed shots.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I told her to take it easy and make it up at the last station. The game continued till the last arrow landed on the target face. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At 30m, I did pretty well until the last target face where I had two misses. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Right there, till the end, the 50m marked distance targets proved to be a "deal-breaker" for most of the archers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Those who did very well the day before were 30 points behind.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDIxlm06yP1rFaFAbTAZWMKX_Kg0aunfFR1EjXtxtIhtHO-dqCNq7mtmd7Oj6YCUGX8oGmZ52ulsA09a01_wNMJSucR-4vPZoRSCWkH9qChfzE4YcY86Bzh42xbDBQIsYgZTECbH7xk9f/s1600/77269350_10157551730627332_2879914887822180352_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDDIxlm06yP1rFaFAbTAZWMKX_Kg0aunfFR1EjXtxtIhtHO-dqCNq7mtmd7Oj6YCUGX8oGmZ52ulsA09a01_wNMJSucR-4vPZoRSCWkH9qChfzE4YcY86Bzh42xbDBQIsYgZTECbH7xk9f/s400/77269350_10157551730627332_2879914887822180352_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Samo, at the 30m marked distance targets...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26Qm6kZT6e6-21XN57RUdb27HJWjYLCB_WurxYGG-DMupfjdAHWOC1kZ8uuwhUIoqnva9tTAGyGJ2Yc9PdbpEK0nItld53yNZRP1FvFRQsjW7CC32z6-wSMM0P81tKUOiIP34dJGZP40o/s1600/78092436_10157551424137332_5120766872819597312_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26Qm6kZT6e6-21XN57RUdb27HJWjYLCB_WurxYGG-DMupfjdAHWOC1kZ8uuwhUIoqnva9tTAGyGJ2Yc9PdbpEK0nItld53yNZRP1FvFRQsjW7CC32z6-wSMM0P81tKUOiIP34dJGZP40o/s400/78092436_10157551424137332_5120766872819597312_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Archers at the 30m target butt...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxmsmdDCzLVvtBsW-Yjs4g8taxsrMB5nSHyzZuP2bp1Pl_FewNY8yGxnIpK2NM00sdaxWdzh-7r89F2kI6FAfPflWO8AjfmNY76hVlhxHy95HGaTjHedqfgo_dju0zGywZmlni81Z_1nT/s1600/78121229_10157551252307332_8929125691421622272_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxmsmdDCzLVvtBsW-Yjs4g8taxsrMB5nSHyzZuP2bp1Pl_FewNY8yGxnIpK2NM00sdaxWdzh-7r89F2kI6FAfPflWO8AjfmNY76hVlhxHy95HGaTjHedqfgo_dju0zGywZmlni81Z_1nT/s400/78121229_10157551252307332_8929125691421622272_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A good day to shoot!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxdMA3DWpGgweKAkOXkuexzFotjX21Taq49_9MmpEZ6qQWfPpuWLeYY96i5TnSiiEPaVuTTIB-qVoJrQtoY6P9DSXRTgHb7nVR0Qtjw2l3_8UGcgZk5th5EXxtMobKZgWZAoSRBFEqjYp/s1600/78390991_10157551255822332_4758449685201420288_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxdMA3DWpGgweKAkOXkuexzFotjX21Taq49_9MmpEZ6qQWfPpuWLeYY96i5TnSiiEPaVuTTIB-qVoJrQtoY6P9DSXRTgHb7nVR0Qtjw2l3_8UGcgZk5th5EXxtMobKZgWZAoSRBFEqjYp/s400/78390991_10157551255822332_4758449685201420288_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Making their way to the last station at the field course...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>All in a day's work...</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After we were done, we went back to the staging area to pack up our gear. I had some souvenirs distributed to some fellow archers and key people who organized the game. In no time, the results were published on inseo.net, an online repository for archery events and its results.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Despite having a bad day, Michelle came up in second place. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My scores were the same compared to the previous day where I was ranked sixth. On the second day, I came in fourth and overall with two days of scores combined, I landed in fifth place.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMjcxgH0P6dRNEXt7bcJUB90byrWr-9pjz6LfEef7dcVyZQJc3Ml39SAmxY8OzXLglvbQ0qbtPSaZo8kb5wd-pNQ-QlbZeY0hyphenhyphenTR2S5ALWfR87ZMtypjlun3OiiHWN5aX3qRcC7KOaNBo/s1600/71291334_10157551737047332_7965523038097637376_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEMjcxgH0P6dRNEXt7bcJUB90byrWr-9pjz6LfEef7dcVyZQJc3Ml39SAmxY8OzXLglvbQ0qbtPSaZo8kb5wd-pNQ-QlbZeY0hyphenhyphenTR2S5ALWfR87ZMtypjlun3OiiHWN5aX3qRcC7KOaNBo/s400/71291334_10157551737047332_7965523038097637376_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Michelle (L), flanked by the champion M<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: start;">ardhiyatillah</span> (CTR) and Nurul Hidayu from Satria Archery Club, Johor.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Summary</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Batam field shoot was well organized in terms of time management. This was their first time and the guys should be given a pat on the shoulder for finishing on time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They have plans to organize two events of similar nature yearly and with adequate marketing and promotion, they will succeed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Michelle and I have had a great time shooting at the course. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If we set foot on the island again, getting decent accommodation would be our priority... </span>samohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11139480124713661761noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505978833234354766.post-48494250361143255622019-11-28T05:55:00.002-08:002019-11-28T05:55:57.019-08:00KIFAC 2019 - Part 3<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Unmarked distances... </i></b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-6-BT2prNqHuiCwn14SVnaqUBOxj5413ex87B9JYY2izv0i-Smr6wffmaen6BPMgjUpQvE-CjDS1F89XAHT4DRaMDJEpv23BYR5Jo2C_gZTewvzAbQGw5FBjIqarKYXqx51g8cX2eajO/s1600/74176032_10157548765492332_936825074126684160_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit-6-BT2prNqHuiCwn14SVnaqUBOxj5413ex87B9JYY2izv0i-Smr6wffmaen6BPMgjUpQvE-CjDS1F89XAHT4DRaMDJEpv23BYR5Jo2C_gZTewvzAbQGw5FBjIqarKYXqx51g8cX2eajO/s400/74176032_10157548765492332_936825074126684160_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The head judge giving archers a final briefing before the game...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fear of the unknown puts many folks in suspense.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To begin the day, the head judge gave a thorough briefing about the game and how it's conducted.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We walked to the edge of the course where six target stands were set up with 20cmx3face in a shooting sequence of A, B, C, and D. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two archers will shoot first in the group beginning with archers A and B. The sequence follows with the last two target faces. This is similar to indoor triple face targets where we actually shoot the first and third target faces to give each other more space. Well, some archers did not observe this and shot just about any target face they fancy. If there is a protest, he will lose points.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YSTASvtRDhTsak5ZFtinGghiPN3wR4IwknFSlX08aY8HbzhRflbWkLLPoFpUcbLYtneiUNAP1HLTq69GV1KFWypmNsaTHbirZYag1LBCHXMgPhxpNMpaivyIB_zgN_kviYobGA_3Vqwa/s1600/75453580_10157548770632332_5042494375205011456_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9YSTASvtRDhTsak5ZFtinGghiPN3wR4IwknFSlX08aY8HbzhRflbWkLLPoFpUcbLYtneiUNAP1HLTq69GV1KFWypmNsaTHbirZYag1LBCHXMgPhxpNMpaivyIB_zgN_kviYobGA_3Vqwa/s400/75453580_10157548770632332_5042494375205011456_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michelle and one of the woman archers on the course...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was placed in a flight with two guys. One from Batam, a Javanese goat herder, another from Pekanbaru in Sumatera. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The goat herder, Pak Liswantoro is relatively new to archery while Pak Dedi Suryadi was the more seasoned archer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was apparent with Liswantoro wanted to call for the judge when his arrow landed between the line of value between two points. I called out the score and awarded the goat herder the highest score, but he insisted on calling the judge. We only call for a judge when all of us could not agree on the value of the score. In this respect, the Indonesians have quite a way to go...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabUX8oBch220VvC6jaHOx7xhJxIN52YQ4zsVhqC8McaRZlKALKD-Qls5r72t1frYBfkAOsji_OmvKZauASviH8Cxn5U-DU1wLbncWZQBTO94wTxahZ0T2q9PLNoMnD_NNYm5MjqTSGifP/s1600/76907124_10157548771207332_664819791634104320_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhabUX8oBch220VvC6jaHOx7xhJxIN52YQ4zsVhqC8McaRZlKALKD-Qls5r72t1frYBfkAOsji_OmvKZauASviH8Cxn5U-DU1wLbncWZQBTO94wTxahZ0T2q9PLNoMnD_NNYm5MjqTSGifP/s400/76907124_10157548771207332_664819791634104320_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Runners handing out scoresheets to the archers...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Protocol, protocol, protocol...</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the first pool, we shot six targets. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I didn't connect well with the top 20cm target face as my arrow landed high. This actually taught me to set my aiming point lower to allow the arrow to land dead-center. After placing 18 arrows at the first station, I only managed to harvest 57 points. Not too shabby to get the day started.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When everyone had completed their rounds, the announcer called for a break to observe the opening ceremony.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pak Dedi, my shooting partner remarked that it's all speeches, dancing and delay to the entire event.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We spent two hours listening to speeches from all the VIP guests and by the time it was over, back to work.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next pool was a set of six targets with a 60cm face at a distance of 30 meters. It's time to make up the lost points and I managed to connect my shots with a couple of misses.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the third pool, we had a set of 40cm target face at roughly 20 meters. Now, this is our bread and butter and we were expected to do well. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had failed to factor-in the slightly elevated slope that I was standing on to take my shot. Each arrow landed high in a tight group. No misses, but very little points.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While working on the third pool, the organizers had called for a meeting among the team and club managers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A decision was made to proceed with the game until the end.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPs6S05s6BjYA37FzEivhZtW6FBevZYGwZuZyuFhG9vtORm45a2U1qACGg8rFweUQZTq4mvUNQsWkljVjOhnRgNC6CbdXG61Hf4XWao-nMExQt0I6r0H5N7lD_lrCWlITDwvQlRKHnBe-L/s1600/76776516_10157548771952332_8807349079223828480_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPs6S05s6BjYA37FzEivhZtW6FBevZYGwZuZyuFhG9vtORm45a2U1qACGg8rFweUQZTq4mvUNQsWkljVjOhnRgNC6CbdXG61Hf4XWao-nMExQt0I6r0H5N7lD_lrCWlITDwvQlRKHnBe-L/s400/76776516_10157548771952332_8807349079223828480_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An Indonesian national archer at the opening ceremony</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpf6UwCOXvJlBVIwMSD4fHQMaxzMhjOhWYx7c5_W877eUjAcA9NVCkWbPluD4lJxW9bkqd6QzwSvu6nJrGNGZH85LpN4U2D2yaxgHLe5a5BL-56239YujmHwCnm9mHZz_Uti9q2DONZub4/s1600/78090973_10157548771697332_555066725633097728_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpf6UwCOXvJlBVIwMSD4fHQMaxzMhjOhWYx7c5_W877eUjAcA9NVCkWbPluD4lJxW9bkqd6QzwSvu6nJrGNGZH85LpN4U2D2yaxgHLe5a5BL-56239YujmHwCnm9mHZz_Uti9q2DONZub4/s400/78090973_10157548771697332_555066725633097728_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first pool of 20cm target faces</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Saving the best for the last... </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyone dreads the long and elevated target faces. Placed at a distance of 45 meters on a mound, a badly estimated shot can land your arrow in the bushes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I observed as one guy from a different flight had only one arrow on the target face. It was tough.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The top archer in my group was Pak Dedi. He did very well and came in at fifth place on the unmarked distance ranking.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the first day, I managed to score 206 points to land a spot on the sixth place. Plenty of misses, especially in the 45m unmarked distance targets. One of my arrows landed on the wooden target stand. Some went low and hit the ground. Precision and form are key to connecting your shots in this case...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxYCrh7S3ToXXLGFQAkDbz-Wms6ciYg1_xsu-fKMf9J3pC7Z5uyl4d4slc-J6IHWaBX9rjOVHKcSgLy_QIc8RSqtIXw8KHe7OVKuSQZfGqEdIMSzAfpy7hCl-tU3Z9gFdOzwoW4Q-ZQZ6/s1600/78181622_10157548772257332_7572289563486322688_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvxYCrh7S3ToXXLGFQAkDbz-Wms6ciYg1_xsu-fKMf9J3pC7Z5uyl4d4slc-J6IHWaBX9rjOVHKcSgLy_QIc8RSqtIXw8KHe7OVKuSQZfGqEdIMSzAfpy7hCl-tU3Z9gFdOzwoW4Q-ZQZ6/s400/78181622_10157548772257332_7572289563486322688_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having our packed lunch...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IT0dZWsmsnVFbp1NvGpugT6YJtrH8UbVqp8NEzcUhA8yv1JKZBOmKjOicA0Ii2JhnRO6C9VNjNKIyptjDlYuwFFcLre_WUG1Y6w4E4GnuE82xSusJxZ2K22yl6Y4hh0YESVLKbynw1nP/s1600/73225736_10157549095812332_5048313707998740480_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IT0dZWsmsnVFbp1NvGpugT6YJtrH8UbVqp8NEzcUhA8yv1JKZBOmKjOicA0Ii2JhnRO6C9VNjNKIyptjDlYuwFFcLre_WUG1Y6w4E4GnuE82xSusJxZ2K22yl6Y4hh0YESVLKbynw1nP/s400/73225736_10157549095812332_5048313707998740480_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All in the day's work: Beer Bintang to quench our thirst...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michelle came in first in the Women's Barebow division. She ranked high with 227 points after 72 arrows.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We headed back to Nagoya Hills earlier than the previous day and walked around the area before settling at a hawker centre at the city walk for some beers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There, we ate simple, sat around to unwind as the marked distances await on the final day of the tournament...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>samohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11139480124713661761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505978833234354766.post-44330633663206029992019-11-28T02:58:00.003-08:002019-11-28T02:58:47.087-08:00KIFAC 2019 - Part 2<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Official practice, registration and equipment inspection...</i></b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7M1lf-7s1TZu6T2PImKc_WVr60XW4fINFnIMGEQllr8FJJvgWRz8k9oe_24DSByxPlq5E-PSIf8I8t0dYAM1X1Vsyt0tDwijnvREa5OzzGv1yIaLkERh1eaY8PxqVoMhEWikqf5otm5B8/s1600/74908189_10157545224677332_5173562174190125056_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7M1lf-7s1TZu6T2PImKc_WVr60XW4fINFnIMGEQllr8FJJvgWRz8k9oe_24DSByxPlq5E-PSIf8I8t0dYAM1X1Vsyt0tDwijnvREa5OzzGv1yIaLkERh1eaY8PxqVoMhEWikqf5otm5B8/s400/74908189_10157545224677332_5173562174190125056_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Field of play overlooks Singapore's skyline</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We woke up as early as 5.30am in preparation for the official practice and equipment inspection at Indah Puri Golf Resort which is located in Sekupang, some 14km away from Nagoya Hills. Since it was a workday in most parts of the island, we had to join the early traffic rush.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michelle and I had decided to have breakfast at McDonald's which is about a block away from our hotel. There, it's the usual McBreakfast and a cup of black coffee to get the day going.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The day before, we nearly got ripped off by a ride-hailing driver. Michelle had decided that it was best to get a five-star person to drive us to our location across the island.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We hailed a ride, loaded out gear onto the car and joined the hustle and bustle of the daily grind in Batam.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I observed that the roads around here were really bad. Some years back, I rode my bike across the island to get to Bintan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The driver took us to a series of small villages before we hit the golf resort's entrance.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KJRy5-8tVDtt1jm9GgVZVfOIW_3PfwQeX_ttZJAPbymsOiH6jKo1ICY_5EGEtY-ee62VQ_obTO4FOdfTNDm3XsuH4rLKA3CKyMTuyb_41BMAL2jZnQwGaBC_al8N_O4mcZlP0p8EbwHJ/s1600/74638368_10157545216912332_1216590301666213888_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KJRy5-8tVDtt1jm9GgVZVfOIW_3PfwQeX_ttZJAPbymsOiH6jKo1ICY_5EGEtY-ee62VQ_obTO4FOdfTNDm3XsuH4rLKA3CKyMTuyb_41BMAL2jZnQwGaBC_al8N_O4mcZlP0p8EbwHJ/s400/74638368_10157545216912332_1216590301666213888_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Indah Puri at last!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizN64Igy8_x8IkIyXLGhrcqgecnJWIU7WJb8JLpDOauJh6tOC-lziOcjTCb0n6JfjrDV787_vnC-TH0c66z89vwuN6N50KJLiX3X26ys1Ln_3UU1DaOj79sXqslzWxVPbO5NF6Jw4mKVcm/s1600/75580132_10157545240802332_1929228347913535488_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizN64Igy8_x8IkIyXLGhrcqgecnJWIU7WJb8JLpDOauJh6tOC-lziOcjTCb0n6JfjrDV787_vnC-TH0c66z89vwuN6N50KJLiX3X26ys1Ln_3UU1DaOj79sXqslzWxVPbO5NF6Jw4mKVcm/s400/75580132_10157545240802332_1929228347913535488_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An aerial view of the Field of play</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNP2zabAx8R7ypkTFYymW1AufCP8pK62jpyhHxn2mI5Y3wC2HPB4fMb-TvaL6eeLG83Z_H6pJDh3LjC09QSS_8AAL0TDp5JMLCOtoiMT-bmP2dSodyu9oES5kyXGULc4Yf3nkkJ3CDuw8P/s1600/75635984_10157545240967332_6966287360401080320_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNP2zabAx8R7ypkTFYymW1AufCP8pK62jpyhHxn2mI5Y3wC2HPB4fMb-TvaL6eeLG83Z_H6pJDh3LjC09QSS_8AAL0TDp5JMLCOtoiMT-bmP2dSodyu9oES5kyXGULc4Yf3nkkJ3CDuw8P/s400/75635984_10157545240967332_6966287360401080320_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">An awesome location!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There weren't many archers on the first day of the meet. A technical meeting was about to take place at 9am sharp before we were allowed to practice at a designated pool.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The organizers had made sure that the rules were laid down and all archers would know what to do during the game. I like it that the guys were thorough and they made sure everything is covered...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Sighting-in...</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I shoot split-finger, so, there little concern on my part about "string-walking" or setting the "right crawl" on my bow. I base my technique on instinctive archery and whatever I see, the arrow will follow and land. Not 100% accurate, but it gets the job done. I didn't join the shoot to earn medals, but rather have fun and enjoy the shoot.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCeMA9ECiF6pAMCO_woqbm6FzXad8DHSSEWY5N__Rf0jQGxpjkxTvhw2jFX9yc_T1a2gb3FRNMGE-CqkovTZberYgvjxgeTkO5Vc8NE6oGlGnW32AcztOOoBBEI69xBC0LDtTwcM8aRMlh/s1600/76695229_10157545598752332_8491773097270050816_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCeMA9ECiF6pAMCO_woqbm6FzXad8DHSSEWY5N__Rf0jQGxpjkxTvhw2jFX9yc_T1a2gb3FRNMGE-CqkovTZberYgvjxgeTkO5Vc8NE6oGlGnW32AcztOOoBBEI69xBC0LDtTwcM8aRMlh/s400/76695229_10157545598752332_8491773097270050816_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Michelle, sighting-in her bow</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASeUi4A5Ljp6Ev3yf_BZIeTj22qff0nsh4niG14aCigidAOr2zJgoxQFP-B830JB4onMXi4WWcm78i3YyG5Di1GLcaXj-9HO064k6dnisM081SarvlzYj3_iuzz-ouAuqqwB33Ch9Efiv/s1600/76695184_10157545595202332_5262757916099739648_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASeUi4A5Ljp6Ev3yf_BZIeTj22qff0nsh4niG14aCigidAOr2zJgoxQFP-B830JB4onMXi4WWcm78i3YyG5Di1GLcaXj-9HO064k6dnisM081SarvlzYj3_iuzz-ouAuqqwB33Ch9Efiv/s400/76695184_10157545595202332_5262757916099739648_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Equipment inspection...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIczwF70ss76K2jhMh_mtBKj5pnpMtzQc-I9KAKPXZcm68y-tIJ9Bj1oIjTuHigB7YQcGENIw7QAwvYicsH6LpfTdGwVG-WlEvv4-eMickagzPFXhQgzhHpgj62vYJD3tp0qXhwuhVUg0n/s1600/72690867_10157545594237332_8358156106345742336_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIczwF70ss76K2jhMh_mtBKj5pnpMtzQc-I9KAKPXZcm68y-tIJ9Bj1oIjTuHigB7YQcGENIw7QAwvYicsH6LpfTdGwVG-WlEvv4-eMickagzPFXhQgzhHpgj62vYJD3tp0qXhwuhVUg0n/s400/72690867_10157545594237332_8358156106345742336_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The technical meeting session</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OcaSFV8fPEdbm_rY_053KfgnVdwqdYUX5dwqmwuirBqoNCnsqa2jMaBQ5fZk3am1vvz1HeePIHe8rpIffzv7bozkbmEF36-LlAsG0P_GvWK9TLcJuLKJPQ8hOECQPgJRvKw87qPABWmb/s1600/75439525_10157545594462332_6441178383844900864_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OcaSFV8fPEdbm_rY_053KfgnVdwqdYUX5dwqmwuirBqoNCnsqa2jMaBQ5fZk3am1vvz1HeePIHe8rpIffzv7bozkbmEF36-LlAsG0P_GvWK9TLcJuLKJPQ8hOECQPgJRvKw87qPABWmb/s400/75439525_10157545594462332_6441178383844900864_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The head judge, laying down the rules...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After all the formalities, we were introduced to a family from Kluang, Johor. Two ladies in the group were shooting in the Women's Barebow division. One of the women's husbands, a young bowyer was among the crowd. We have actually met at the Istana Negara shoot that took place in early November.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The folks were really friendly as we exchanged knowledge on Field Archery. Some of the archers who registered for the shoot arrived later in the day to join in the practice.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Later, Michelle and I had decided to have lunch at the golf course clubhouse. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had a decent meal consisting of fried rice and oxtail soup and hung out there. It started raining heavily before the 2pm practice session and we were glad that the rain actually stopped.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nasi goreng Indah...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIPfYdhOFr6h2rCGYagU0wxvmOxaEaHlXVqAvVu4EU6Yu13w8uNTnLiL5i9f6e6QHpC8NcMImTKRDOA8tSI3b-tS0eEv32hcnnPvWx_VJTSkqrAiRtclYPTq0FiOfVpX5lFlhu7K3ynPa/s1600/74469724_10157545995212332_1632463313398923264_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIPfYdhOFr6h2rCGYagU0wxvmOxaEaHlXVqAvVu4EU6Yu13w8uNTnLiL5i9f6e6QHpC8NcMImTKRDOA8tSI3b-tS0eEv32hcnnPvWx_VJTSkqrAiRtclYPTq0FiOfVpX5lFlhu7K3ynPa/s400/74469724_10157545995212332_1632463313398923264_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Oxtail soup...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAhtXePsR0ftKGGX-IMTWpxERwQWJxNy9r1Os5tfUXlwgmIacDKQ9ufKAPFgVurtvj6O3UH34QdAtNHSt-9VUYr8up3RekHX6ZDVW-zckVc9SRLeDTVoNByB1aKFZzJstJJrecYBQJelE/s1600/74908130_10157545995162332_2297049527531601920_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggAhtXePsR0ftKGGX-IMTWpxERwQWJxNy9r1Os5tfUXlwgmIacDKQ9ufKAPFgVurtvj6O3UH34QdAtNHSt-9VUYr8up3RekHX6ZDVW-zckVc9SRLeDTVoNByB1aKFZzJstJJrecYBQJelE/s400/74908130_10157545995162332_2297049527531601920_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Weathering it out at the clubhouse</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Making the most out of it...</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time passes slowly when you wait. But it bears its rewards when you connect your shot at unmarked distances.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We shot for the second time at the course and found our arrows landing at the target faces.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I always had issues of dropping my bow arm, causing the arrows to land low and short. This, I tried to fix and minimalize my form mistakes. Michelle, on the other hand, had a better time connecting her shots.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1RtseYLueuJzI-3QaYgJdSy5vZFFXZl3W-55yjsWhPPnnueY0BK4p0q4M8yC7Oq5HrYdeTOaS8YwnxAUcIVBTCoES6uhKryiadJKbkw4OzFm-_Eg3fHUeiBuW7FQhle97qnfCX8ijLf1/s1600/72688847_10157545992612332_8416198582146695168_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1RtseYLueuJzI-3QaYgJdSy5vZFFXZl3W-55yjsWhPPnnueY0BK4p0q4M8yC7Oq5HrYdeTOaS8YwnxAUcIVBTCoES6uhKryiadJKbkw4OzFm-_Eg3fHUeiBuW7FQhle97qnfCX8ijLf1/s400/72688847_10157545992612332_8416198582146695168_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Retrieving arrows from an elevated target...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVejbM0pcG3hl0YzP5YU1VFh5_XzhqKscgfinpyM37ZfV83UzS26LN8WPQFX76gVgeLjDAHDfpkxLzxw-Xr_QmAppO-hnNaPKvjVAaWB6EqjtzKkZpQpzMYFqqVNbKWUy98eoOJTqwtDm/s1600/76937318_10157545994232332_7116249708363776000_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVVejbM0pcG3hl0YzP5YU1VFh5_XzhqKscgfinpyM37ZfV83UzS26LN8WPQFX76gVgeLjDAHDfpkxLzxw-Xr_QmAppO-hnNaPKvjVAaWB6EqjtzKkZpQpzMYFqqVNbKWUy98eoOJTqwtDm/s400/76937318_10157545994232332_7116249708363776000_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">One of the hardest pools in the course...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbikjXAVccvbLGgRjUQHULGPv4vcbPUKXEV_FWVDTboTNkflK87R0w56sa1p71VpJWEty5TalHCO4e6kDWuTtIYqDP0YSmYUhKSqVf376FY01Uc0N7vhOchcmVa_D1oRc6MnUOp6jB6PzK/s1600/78353613_10157545994052332_4315251305552543744_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="960" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbikjXAVccvbLGgRjUQHULGPv4vcbPUKXEV_FWVDTboTNkflK87R0w56sa1p71VpJWEty5TalHCO4e6kDWuTtIYqDP0YSmYUhKSqVf376FY01Uc0N7vhOchcmVa_D1oRc6MnUOp6jB6PzK/s400/78353613_10157545994052332_4315251305552543744_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Rain gear on the course!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMUlRggyhyC0y_69-oPRKMOSdQ8Alt_bdZBC9yMVSDigOdFnX6fW8RLik1aZ8nt3gET6kVtSmcN8anpAijINv8zFPyNuZugbEgYUDeV-cKDWZk723boBQZrbRnTl11WVFzbx0wmDhC6aI/s1600/78422206_10157545598312332_8702574180966596608_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmMUlRggyhyC0y_69-oPRKMOSdQ8Alt_bdZBC9yMVSDigOdFnX6fW8RLik1aZ8nt3gET6kVtSmcN8anpAijINv8zFPyNuZugbEgYUDeV-cKDWZk723boBQZrbRnTl11WVFzbx0wmDhC6aI/s400/78422206_10157545598312332_8702574180966596608_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Targets on the marked distance pool...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8Rk7AGxU5BdDvQXWrmRt2m9laXoOkCD1PrsY7nx9vJjuuGsRvoh-iLEo2qc8ekrKW5P_EMyINGjyOuyLsPNtvs6R1ODG4LXyHy7Q3lrB8EhXwi_fq4mmKNkCDIXPSfFbPczQYYDyFTcr/s1600/78495332_10157545599917332_7570477491014336512_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8Rk7AGxU5BdDvQXWrmRt2m9laXoOkCD1PrsY7nx9vJjuuGsRvoh-iLEo2qc8ekrKW5P_EMyINGjyOuyLsPNtvs6R1ODG4LXyHy7Q3lrB8EhXwi_fq4mmKNkCDIXPSfFbPczQYYDyFTcr/s400/78495332_10157545599917332_7570477491014336512_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Practice session...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJUGyQVYbY7WInVw5eULrrVEY2AvT1Qm7mMnjVhaKm7xlLNq2heukhbMfn-R0C30jJhvmL5aX6gB5ZrQsn_Vna4GbDUw_MkdVEbROtT3gHk9d1CGqXVAhmUJQGWxHvQkDCka3c-tpsz7g/s1600/77058876_10157545992187332_1000658806520152064_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJUGyQVYbY7WInVw5eULrrVEY2AvT1Qm7mMnjVhaKm7xlLNq2heukhbMfn-R0C30jJhvmL5aX6gB5ZrQsn_Vna4GbDUw_MkdVEbROtT3gHk9d1CGqXVAhmUJQGWxHvQkDCka3c-tpsz7g/s400/77058876_10157545992187332_1000658806520152064_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">My wet riser...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had a full day at the tournament venue. Making full use of the practice session.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was quite satisfied to land some shots at the 40m targets. The first day would be unmarked distances followed by marked distances on the last day. Elimination rounds were called off due to time management issues.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By the end of the day, it was back to our shithole hotel in Nagoya. We hailed a ride that took forever to arrive and manage to make it back all the way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At Nagoya, we had to refill our drinking water and prepare for the competition day. After a good meal, that was it for me. I crashed early to earn some sleep time...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>samohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11139480124713661761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505978833234354766.post-73937532294145056122019-11-28T02:14:00.002-08:002019-11-28T02:14:28.456-08:00KIFAC 2019 - Part 1<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Indonesia's first Field Archery Tournament...</i></b></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWNY9Oi4tpIsiWLqFN0TVRrtqXhWy9PPKyVASKduu2tmGhi_T2F2RU22mMEhfhcisAqwn6hDZ-AbqKIQvL2AA8fYRbctpNuxd68xpsu0O5m9ke316rx2f4e9ETYvtbjOn_N_C9lMM_YDV/s1600/76765475_10157545598647332_7427171878503972864_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWNY9Oi4tpIsiWLqFN0TVRrtqXhWy9PPKyVASKduu2tmGhi_T2F2RU22mMEhfhcisAqwn6hDZ-AbqKIQvL2AA8fYRbctpNuxd68xpsu0O5m9ke316rx2f4e9ETYvtbjOn_N_C9lMM_YDV/s400/76765475_10157545598647332_7427171878503972864_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I caught wind of the KIFAC 2019 (Kepri International Field Archery Championships from Mike Song, the man behind Excella Archery Pro Shop and took the opportunity to shoot in Batam, one of the islands in the Riau Archipelago.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We registered for the shoot before heading off to Japan for our break. Michelle had never shot field before and was unfamiliar with the rules. I took some time to explain to her about the scoring system and all the necessary information about this archery discipline.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The entrance fee was 300,000 IDR (RM89) and payment has to be done via Telegraphic Transfer to the organizer's bank account. I did this via on-line banking and it was not a hassle at all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Upon returning from Japan, Michelle was really busy with work. I had a couple of days to get the paperwork done for bringing out our archery equipment and getting the ferry ticket purchased. Our plan was to drive down to Johor Bahru and take a ferry across to Batam.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To the uninitiated, Batam is located across the Singapore Straits and can actually be seen from it's Northernmost tip.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The KIFAC 2019 tournament was held at the Indah Puri Golf Resort. To get things going, I booked our stay at Batam Centre and it takes about 30-minutes to get to the golf resort where the tournament was held.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Getting ready to board the ferry from Puteri Harbour near Iskandar Puteri</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdzgEy3_7aVseOME45YNCcU9QFCq9bwXgqTjLxcCTDeSRwuiW2Plu6oc21G58tEhiweWmJbq6UJWCKJUY01sX66tAUtdN2kOT3GH0Ip4Pr5KM9QOatipCBPkgVil33PkeDIDuhxiPckve/s1600/76174459_10157543365272332_4578376992268746752_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdzgEy3_7aVseOME45YNCcU9QFCq9bwXgqTjLxcCTDeSRwuiW2Plu6oc21G58tEhiweWmJbq6UJWCKJUY01sX66tAUtdN2kOT3GH0Ip4Pr5KM9QOatipCBPkgVil33PkeDIDuhxiPckve/s400/76174459_10157543365272332_4578376992268746752_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Downtown Singapore as seen from our boat's window</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i> Murphy's Law...</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not everything had turned out as planned. Before we boarded our ferry, I received a call from Booking.com informing us that our room was canceled due to overbooking. This was done at the very last-minute and sounded really suspicious. The company's customer service said they will replace the room with a hotel that has the "equal quality".</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNefIAmCvR2QCJ6ZZQEa65auqqtMdc8fF2saArm6sGL9uiuty_YonYRX6MPHcmV0NLiQeqhHq6DTSX5LrIlxrToOdzSYXe7IAQq3fCnNQ7TXCHuqlGvWwtRV-VRFL-1fviZKRDcxkklojy/s1600/74612474_10157543454957332_3511150135440572416_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNefIAmCvR2QCJ6ZZQEa65auqqtMdc8fF2saArm6sGL9uiuty_YonYRX6MPHcmV0NLiQeqhHq6DTSX5LrIlxrToOdzSYXe7IAQq3fCnNQ7TXCHuqlGvWwtRV-VRFL-1fviZKRDcxkklojy/s400/74612474_10157543454957332_3511150135440572416_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The replacement hotel in Nagoya Business Centre, Batam</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMeWhBUY67PWI80Hm3TYoGCrnA1Ce9izA65BLzDS9p5DAH5qGw76pDRdyd1Qp3WpNSVKeOKTVUgP-Y0EFOHAdRWRTCn_E4OWVXfWDMVd8RtfX3nsRA9QaD8lvCeO8SRptUriVJULQI6mL/s1600/77172095_10157543455177332_8341637447376961536_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMeWhBUY67PWI80Hm3TYoGCrnA1Ce9izA65BLzDS9p5DAH5qGw76pDRdyd1Qp3WpNSVKeOKTVUgP-Y0EFOHAdRWRTCn_E4OWVXfWDMVd8RtfX3nsRA9QaD8lvCeO8SRptUriVJULQI6mL/s400/77172095_10157543455177332_8341637447376961536_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our "executive suite"</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>"Buyers beware..."</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a rule of thumb, double-check offers that are "too good to be true". I checked out the hotel in Batam Centre called "Capital O" on Booking.com that came highly-rated.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For four nights, the rates were 1.23mil IDR which came up around RM360.00 for the whole stay. I thought it was a great offer which turned out to be a real nightmare. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were redirected to Nagoya Hills, located some 5km away from Batam Centre. Even when we had arrived at the ferry terminal, there was a turf war between taxi drivers and ride-hailing services. To get where we wanted, we had to drag our suitcase for nearly half a kilometer before boarding a Toyota Avanza. The ride costs about 39,000 IDR and the driver wanted everything. He was reluctant to give the loose change. I insisted and was given a stare. Well, fuck him!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The room, as it has turned out, was rather run-down. The only thing that kept us going was the air conditioning and hot shower that worked. I had Michelle to thank for not being fussy about being stuck in a real adventure situation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In most parts of Indonesia, smoking is permitted in hotel rooms. We had a real raw deal and had to contend with cigarette-stained furniture and a musty smelling room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Kuala Lumpur and Singapore prices...</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you plan to eat out and have a couple of beers, be prepared to pay the rates as we did at home. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We ended up at a place called "Dju Dju Baru", a Chinese restaurant. We ordered three dishes: Fish soup, Fried Bittergourd with egg and Botok, the local <i>otak-otak.</i> We also had two large bottles of Bintang Beer and the bill came up to 203,000 IDR (RM60.80). The beers chalked up nearly half the price of our dinner. Later, we found out about a food court near the Nagoya City Walk that serves Beer Bintang at 33,000 IDR (RM9.78).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our first night in Batam was done after a meal. Nagoya, for starters, is an entertainment district on the island. There are many sleazy bars surrounding our hotel. I was in such a bad shape, it didn't take long for me to crash...</span>samohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11139480124713661761noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505978833234354766.post-51126736229434235002019-11-20T05:31:00.000-08:002019-11-20T05:31:22.129-08:002019 Singapore National Games - Part 2<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>"TBAC Territory"</i></b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8aBfLQMgnuoOAXSTfI2rARGE0EUic_SRX5qt5xmSlhFL0snMPlpvPiRrqYeINlsKHg8xJoJTwYkrQTQCDe_AcuWR9j6bwd6zUWaovfddJg6iFNn45RZaFZ5MqwliL0gODeQvYbL7q5-m/s1600/67614304_10157247965642332_4377952205961953280_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8aBfLQMgnuoOAXSTfI2rARGE0EUic_SRX5qt5xmSlhFL0snMPlpvPiRrqYeINlsKHg8xJoJTwYkrQTQCDe_AcuWR9j6bwd6zUWaovfddJg6iFNn45RZaFZ5MqwliL0gODeQvYbL7q5-m/s400/67614304_10157247965642332_4377952205961953280_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Team Rogue Archers: Samo, Isaac, and Jeremy</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since Barebow was contested as a team event, the Teluk Belangah Archery Club or "TBAC" in short, has been dominant. They eliminate all their competitors and came up top 3 in the event. For them, it's a clean sweep through and through.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To throw them off the track, Jeremy had waited till the last minute to register our team. I pitched the name "Rogue Archers" which the guys had well received.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The TBAC guys never saw this coming and after day one, we came up tops in our group. While the dominant TBAC archers who formed a great team was numero uno in their own terms. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiroEekDJRQKKohEeqt2aymOrUOuch0IKjGC1zyk6R5ikPSfV5O47JcpuH0aZRTlbFxnjrP-JQkJg1jb0jgPkTLQ9lYF8jGFlk2XTD75-Ldu8SVXZ7RlFQ1WdGbkZI5M6VcaFDGWuVkUAn3/s1600/67508542_10157247966857332_2769663910557515776_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiroEekDJRQKKohEeqt2aymOrUOuch0IKjGC1zyk6R5ikPSfV5O47JcpuH0aZRTlbFxnjrP-JQkJg1jb0jgPkTLQ9lYF8jGFlk2XTD75-Ldu8SVXZ7RlFQ1WdGbkZI5M6VcaFDGWuVkUAn3/s400/67508542_10157247966857332_2769663910557515776_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Getting ready for the K-O rounds on day 2...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the elimination rounds, we met the more laidback guys from TBAC consisting of Uncle Tan Tock Seng, Toon Wee, and another old-timer. I met Uncle Tan and Toon at the Sungai Lembing 3D shoot. So, this was a small reunion.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first game was "easy" as we eliminated the "fun" guys from TBAC.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was followed by a break before we met the "next generation" archers from TBAC called "Bersatu".</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGgbGtqqpeH0VtOxVL8eoRDZDCEmu-JJ80jR3ao4PF6BYjAfLZnJm435yi6vnUsqej4H3f9u862lE_WynVUHk_JrKnpWy8zYOgvomzkz_3hyphenhyphenzvNPYa-NheUFZIxwuAd3w8hZcAIFFtIjN/s1600/SNG12.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSGgbGtqqpeH0VtOxVL8eoRDZDCEmu-JJ80jR3ao4PF6BYjAfLZnJm435yi6vnUsqej4H3f9u862lE_WynVUHk_JrKnpWy8zYOgvomzkz_3hyphenhyphenzvNPYa-NheUFZIxwuAd3w8hZcAIFFtIjN/s400/SNG12.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Taking my shot at the finals...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7rBKOZF1gW9eO7KicFycoojcQzU8f1BUPkRAYEy5sz3yv7V8PNnKXFbIjbqOJJ4RbaCghApxZsPk8gc3z_Zh-kUl60SbyvemDAm4KueNG_AGL6hKyY61G_FAveu2cZPP8MEu9QVxq6C5/s1600/SNG9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7rBKOZF1gW9eO7KicFycoojcQzU8f1BUPkRAYEy5sz3yv7V8PNnKXFbIjbqOJJ4RbaCghApxZsPk8gc3z_Zh-kUl60SbyvemDAm4KueNG_AGL6hKyY61G_FAveu2cZPP8MEu9QVxq6C5/s400/SNG9.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Teamwork at its best... </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Bersatu" was made up of TBAC's finest young talent. Two guys and a lady made up the team. One of them, Dennis, I met him at the Thailand Princess Cup in Bangkok back in June. Turned out to be quite a decent guy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During the K-O rounds, our lead archer Isaac had a bad release, resulting in a miss. Jeremy and I made up with some good shots.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even with a miss, we came up with 11 points higher than our opponents. More apparent was one of the ends with all arrows in the yellow. We were relaxed, didn't lower our guard and had a great match with TBAC's younger and inexperienced team.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Completing the circle...</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our match at the finals was with TBAC's team OK.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We took them on the day before and they consist of three of TBAC's finest archers. They were Ang See Chuan, who won the 2016 Thailand Princess Cup Barebow Open, Dennis Ng and Gary Ang, one of the club's top archers.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9a4mwNOM5vJH9fmTgBJKvrQk-migE9TRIK95na56OPCR8cUzJxDWSt8VZGuCs2fv_NV4PugQ1N4Y1yBik-C_TyVOXrf1jDiMRfZ53eSWc5aftAI79zNDC5RiRSYfi1lUrlua4jDYNSjJ/s1600/SNG7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9a4mwNOM5vJH9fmTgBJKvrQk-migE9TRIK95na56OPCR8cUzJxDWSt8VZGuCs2fv_NV4PugQ1N4Y1yBik-C_TyVOXrf1jDiMRfZ53eSWc5aftAI79zNDC5RiRSYfi1lUrlua4jDYNSjJ/s400/SNG7.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Ending TBAC's dominance at the Singapore National Games</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNU1XD-lAFU45p1BYyOYgfzTIVcT1WzEtHmfztwzuo1xa9k3SVSaKa9AZmo-VoK51YjSKTp_OJYD_mwqT5XxVt5xoLI2GdC451THjxlvymbiwOho7PtFMlI59zbuu76Uh7em4bC7OC4b4/s1600/SNG8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNU1XD-lAFU45p1BYyOYgfzTIVcT1WzEtHmfztwzuo1xa9k3SVSaKa9AZmo-VoK51YjSKTp_OJYD_mwqT5XxVt5xoLI2GdC451THjxlvymbiwOho7PtFMlI59zbuu76Uh7em4bC7OC4b4/s400/SNG8.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Thanking our fellow archers...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jeremy put his plans into action. He picked Isaac as his running mate and added the final touch with me as the "mystery archer" in the team.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was psychology warfare with Jeremy keeping the opponents guessing, much to the dislike of some folks. I can see the resentment on the faces of the guys that we have eliminated. But hey, it's just a game. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We met the last team standing. All our arrows connect and when the last arrow hits the target face on the final end, I can see Jeremy raising his arms, signaling an end to years of TBAC dominance. We congratulated the second-place winners and thanked them for a good game.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5Oo6_1NI1eLdr5_HPIQfp6wF6u48XGCYQnUUuGC0FMNDzCuaYXMBtnxTSeEw1p6yPjZjY8GBifakwP0hGV_QJlNAQtMIMsq9Xdjj1_ucEKVE1nYJWAm0uLr22LfCcN_yBkmeZDRh4pdN/s1600/SNG5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5Oo6_1NI1eLdr5_HPIQfp6wF6u48XGCYQnUUuGC0FMNDzCuaYXMBtnxTSeEw1p6yPjZjY8GBifakwP0hGV_QJlNAQtMIMsq9Xdjj1_ucEKVE1nYJWAm0uLr22LfCcN_yBkmeZDRh4pdN/s400/SNG5.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">receiving our medals from TBAC's coach</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqsOdHe4wPZ1GpoUDEHO-_4Paj8GmyEfI1WW8f70x_eynAl77HpaFLmM7iOUBVHG_3kixa_vUs2Vk89UUTnNXv8SNsuygncr0JGnbd4tZVjpeBScPgIqxFxVcXbPhld_jwt3JEDmHB4Cf/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2019-08-05+at+13.03.13.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBqsOdHe4wPZ1GpoUDEHO-_4Paj8GmyEfI1WW8f70x_eynAl77HpaFLmM7iOUBVHG_3kixa_vUs2Vk89UUTnNXv8SNsuygncr0JGnbd4tZVjpeBScPgIqxFxVcXbPhld_jwt3JEDmHB4Cf/s400/WhatsApp+Image+2019-08-05+at+13.03.13.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Mission accomplished! </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We later received our medals and small prize money. Jeremy took the celebrations with beers and hot-pot at a local restaurant. He was very happy to add another trophy and to him, it was a trifecta. Previously, he won the recurve and compound team matches. Barebow completes the Holy Trinity.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For me, it was living up to the expectations of getting the job done. I am the foreigner whom nobody gives a shit about at the game. So, that said, the Singapore National Games lent valuable experience in teamwork and cohesion in high-pressure situations. I also struck off another of my "Bucket list" which is to shoot in Singapore... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>samohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11139480124713661761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505978833234354766.post-55954373765122868022019-11-20T04:13:00.002-08:002019-11-20T04:35:12.405-08:002019 Singapore National Games - Part 1<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Into the Lion's den...</i></b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFA6nHL5iYz3eRIbkYwHAp9oPrySOtJw63kA00p7sTfPj3OVCvhpqwy7IKBXWgZcO-NYRUvgqNO3iasj_Xr79JOw6vMLYdX5Zbd_EVnie1_Xw5NceNlNB03HPpH1taFmlJyX6H8ot_T9L/s1600/67408942_10157245187037332_5203031525355945984_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFA6nHL5iYz3eRIbkYwHAp9oPrySOtJw63kA00p7sTfPj3OVCvhpqwy7IKBXWgZcO-NYRUvgqNO3iasj_Xr79JOw6vMLYdX5Zbd_EVnie1_Xw5NceNlNB03HPpH1taFmlJyX6H8ot_T9L/s400/67408942_10157245187037332_5203031525355945984_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Rogue Archers: Jeb, Samo, Jeremy, and Isaac</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sometime late last year, my archery buddy from Singapore Jeremy Han had mentioned his intent to compete at a team game at the Singapore National Games.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This actually happened as I traveled to Singapore to compete with his team. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I have never shared the shooting line with Jeremy and was introduced to Isaac Goh, a fellow teammate earlier this year when I made a trip down to Singapore.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The plan was to crash at Jeremy's home and head down to the Toa Payoh stadium for the shoot.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Logistics...</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My plan was simple. Take a bus down to Singapore. This is also the first time I am bringing in archery equipment to the island republic. So, I went in prepared.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are daily bus services to Singapore from Bandar Sunway which was perfect for me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For this game, I packed light and brought my trusty CD Archery WF25X bow with me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To get past Customs, I first have to declare the equipment at the Sultan Abu Bakar CIC complex near Tanjung Kupang. This was, of course, a pain in the ass.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Next, comes the most trying part: The Singapore Customs...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyGLTkmZSjtZ7utblgYZewI29T2BRu_FAN-B4eG4nGKNijPHD1Gy2yoBdv3XA0DwPi8R3P24xQKdwOBC4M5hIAVwfPwRGbvuPR1f_6IxxHo-IubohBDzBfr8t8adGEUIncJGuHPsg3P3k/s1600/67488974_10157244769432332_8423974457227345920_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilyGLTkmZSjtZ7utblgYZewI29T2BRu_FAN-B4eG4nGKNijPHD1Gy2yoBdv3XA0DwPi8R3P24xQKdwOBC4M5hIAVwfPwRGbvuPR1f_6IxxHo-IubohBDzBfr8t8adGEUIncJGuHPsg3P3k/s400/67488974_10157244769432332_8423974457227345920_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">In the bus, ready to roll...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl546KQNM2v0QPQzmmaZNqqRmFcaRlClvqvfX5CJgmGDvguPd_ehdWHeLdDqtQQgNTht8suXuPkQLjKIgPNrhfUzGEu2rV11Z7qsN9CzeCpE_8WkZgLwVrVJQq-WUJBbiZy8bK_MHBQvrT/s1600/67740165_10157244769352332_2237043023315730432_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl546KQNM2v0QPQzmmaZNqqRmFcaRlClvqvfX5CJgmGDvguPd_ehdWHeLdDqtQQgNTht8suXuPkQLjKIgPNrhfUzGEu2rV11Z7qsN9CzeCpE_8WkZgLwVrVJQq-WUJBbiZy8bK_MHBQvrT/s400/67740165_10157244769352332_2237043023315730432_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">My ride to the far South...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhje425_V696hTLydZlSVEVBwaXcazTY_Bsa1Dq44QqNTEv-GEei5S8oZWQLsffPMslS0vo_TiAL4n-WOkSJE549zcjUTyd5JchHCnGAouHOTGyqpKnfrKY_gGuRRE4XV0tn6IphWIuAGOc/s1600/67819771_10157244769617332_5694858607061893120_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhje425_V696hTLydZlSVEVBwaXcazTY_Bsa1Dq44QqNTEv-GEei5S8oZWQLsffPMslS0vo_TiAL4n-WOkSJE549zcjUTyd5JchHCnGAouHOTGyqpKnfrKY_gGuRRE4XV0tn6IphWIuAGOc/s400/67819771_10157244769617332_5694858607061893120_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Arriving in Singapore...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I hauled my gear to the X-ray machine and handed the paperwork to the security staff.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">She called a senior Customs officer and two cops. Lots of questions to answer and I was brought to a room where more screening was done. After determining that the intent to bring archery equipment into the island republic was justified, I was allowed to enter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thankfully, the bus was still waiting. It made its way to the HarbourFront and my buddies Jeremy and Jeb were already there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>"Annihilate with extreme prejudice..."</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fighting sleep deprivation, we had a full day ahead of us. It started with a light practice at a private range near Teluk Belangah.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jeremy had set up a new bow which is identical to the one Isaac was using.<br />Prior to this, I had never shot with the guys.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I sighted in with my bow and was confident of pulling it together at the qualifying rounds on the first day of the team event.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmnywfTu-en6s8EXILNVq_FRK6SQEeCj2y2RtyIej1jPLfX3F0SWSFaHzrbOIXUpm3DIaYGuU9O4DVYSHxxZYVymWWoF17uTrTiz4JRNxEHjtM7-2Vr0XjbW9W4Kc5aAzLjKYwdJ2DIBf/s1600/67631269_10157245398207332_4606773456309059584_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmnywfTu-en6s8EXILNVq_FRK6SQEeCj2y2RtyIej1jPLfX3F0SWSFaHzrbOIXUpm3DIaYGuU9O4DVYSHxxZYVymWWoF17uTrTiz4JRNxEHjtM7-2Vr0XjbW9W4Kc5aAzLjKYwdJ2DIBf/s400/67631269_10157245398207332_4606773456309059584_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Jeremy sighting-in his bow</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTYDUi7yedN5dlubpOsW-yDPsqe0QM6whApajnM30sD2bHrb6600vxkuBOIaZzhxIlCx79t6IgUf1OaiRGu64MWcTx0yNKStYjyYG6bB9IztBSUncppxC_FaMuNGJdIo1lOw4k2bvlt74/s1600/67509025_10157245397817332_9182462439000637440_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTTYDUi7yedN5dlubpOsW-yDPsqe0QM6whApajnM30sD2bHrb6600vxkuBOIaZzhxIlCx79t6IgUf1OaiRGu64MWcTx0yNKStYjyYG6bB9IztBSUncppxC_FaMuNGJdIo1lOw4k2bvlt74/s400/67509025_10157245397817332_9182462439000637440_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Zeroing-in with my WF25X</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We met the first team from the Singapore "Boy's Brigade". They came in third last year and was said to be very experienced in the game.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We have two arrows each to land on two 40cmx10ring target faces. One anchor archer with shoot an arrow each on the two faces. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Since we have never shot as a team, Isaac decided to be the anchor while Jeremy and I took one face each.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We took the first end, the Boys Brigade equalized and the rest of the game belonged to us with an 8-2 win (with one bonus round).</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70WDLIyNJiPt1I9LOtXyhj0O9ccHf-4lOkJzrkpn7dSBODTk3kVB5CmSXwpeiXb75CJ8TXubaiqv1TCDvIullHyFAMmzUg9XNdyxYcZd9fMhUVWbpCnxznHh0pv9C6iJU1D37rXkYT71r/s1600/67662883_10157245386792332_8526573933074317312_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70WDLIyNJiPt1I9LOtXyhj0O9ccHf-4lOkJzrkpn7dSBODTk3kVB5CmSXwpeiXb75CJ8TXubaiqv1TCDvIullHyFAMmzUg9XNdyxYcZd9fMhUVWbpCnxznHh0pv9C6iJU1D37rXkYT71r/s400/67662883_10157245386792332_8526573933074317312_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The crowd in the Tao Payoh Stadium</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-DwazB_3aCyg9sCCRjRUUkp2GgLgBKEWr63W2HOSi-Rn9ZqzawsGYmjRsX4mNVncH78PPgMEYXW694A8oVN2erf7nzP77Gc1xkVTjnZgMFnllT9FhRNKibCujUwUeIkbKflj3uI_R7qM4/s1600/67894501_10157245398912332_6066733093346082816_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-DwazB_3aCyg9sCCRjRUUkp2GgLgBKEWr63W2HOSi-Rn9ZqzawsGYmjRsX4mNVncH78PPgMEYXW694A8oVN2erf7nzP77Gc1xkVTjnZgMFnllT9FhRNKibCujUwUeIkbKflj3uI_R7qM4/s400/67894501_10157245398912332_6066733093346082816_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Pep talk with Jeremy after finishing a round...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbC4Bn8B9WiCZZIByI7AoExYzT6P1yPG3hyphenhyphengB5Q8ME7_cdDqxABYNcajJJr3pH3E9GbvjyF3Rrzn1cMrwy0vpJmYxAmOg4fM1E62-FjGuypgQgEoId1pUygGjh1x880YZ6HEJvv6tt-8K0/s1600/68417239_10157245764217332_3759195397411569664_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbC4Bn8B9WiCZZIByI7AoExYzT6P1yPG3hyphenhyphengB5Q8ME7_cdDqxABYNcajJJr3pH3E9GbvjyF3Rrzn1cMrwy0vpJmYxAmOg4fM1E62-FjGuypgQgEoId1pUygGjh1x880YZ6HEJvv6tt-8K0/s400/68417239_10157245764217332_3759195397411569664_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Counting scores and marking the target faces...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After a good lunch break, we took on four other teams and came up top in our group, unbeaten.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My arrows connected throughout the rounds and I was just glad to be able to do get the job done.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRN-eLq8qdaIESW8dQQx5KadiPEwbhlQscwZK860TbGQmgrCpIArFqJj4b61_6OEsaVvgPQM91DzJCtH7JGXR_RGDTmlK1GoqitAOpx_a3Ygl1mkq_o3C_Jlg6TDKSfn7m6PyOm6U3vZ1x/s1600/67476712_10157245387197332_5927513227389829120_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRN-eLq8qdaIESW8dQQx5KadiPEwbhlQscwZK860TbGQmgrCpIArFqJj4b61_6OEsaVvgPQM91DzJCtH7JGXR_RGDTmlK1GoqitAOpx_a3Ygl1mkq_o3C_Jlg6TDKSfn7m6PyOm6U3vZ1x/s400/67476712_10157245387197332_5927513227389829120_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Inculcating good sportsmanship: Jeremy thanking our opponents for a good game...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We cleaned up the rest good including two teams from the Teluk Blangah Archery club. These are premier and seasoned Barebow archers in the island republic who have vast experience competing overseas.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My last brush with them was at Sungai Lembing at a 3D shoot...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Next: Changing mindset...</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>samohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11139480124713661761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505978833234354766.post-51799002066375680592019-11-20T03:36:00.001-08:002019-11-20T03:36:56.586-08:00Sincerity...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>The phone call... </i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just days before heading to Japan, my cellphone rang. The caller identity belonged to someone I knew from an old workplace.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<i>Hey, how are you?</i>" he asked. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<i>Fine,</i>" I said.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<i>I just called to tell you that my car club is organizing a ride in the East Coast for your late friend.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<i>We are leaving tonight,</i>" he continued.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<i>Wah, very thoughtful of you to inform me. At the last-minute,</i>" I replied.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<i>Ah, I just thought of you, our mutual friend is the reason why I called,</i>" he said. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<i>Thanks for keeping me in your thoughts,</i>" I added.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<i>Yeah, you are lucky I actually remembered you...,</i>" he concluded.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hw3un8fPSForMXWlTjwqDfsn22SMC8t8ue-iVmqpXVLUHL0fpD9pnCe05k-1a3UWO9Niz6EQASQcRcPwb3C8zlQ61P517_LAtSDHJJcO0D9vUAuJFp06vJSQK1enXUOVhl46rgToeNVG/s1600/1935810_155281052331_1593866_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="374" data-original-width="604" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hw3un8fPSForMXWlTjwqDfsn22SMC8t8ue-iVmqpXVLUHL0fpD9pnCe05k-1a3UWO9Niz6EQASQcRcPwb3C8zlQ61P517_LAtSDHJJcO0D9vUAuJFp06vJSQK1enXUOVhl46rgToeNVG/s400/1935810_155281052331_1593866_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My late buddy Shaharul on the far left...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>The drive...</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The person honored in this car jamboree was a close friend of mine, Shaharul Zain who passed away in April this year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I knew him since Secondary school and kept in touch until he started working. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I attended his wedding and since he had a divorce, the guy kept his distance. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I respect people's need for space to heal.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Moving forward, I was having beers with my buddy Jeb and Coach Tan. A WhatsApp message came to inform the passing of Shaharul. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We finished up our beers, went to a mosque in Bangsar where his last rites were performed and made it just in time before the crowd dispersed for his burial at the Kiara Muslim cemetery.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There at the burial ground, it started pouring. It was poorly-lit and I can see the last scoop of earth being poured onto the grave of my old friend.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tears rolled down my face as that was the last time I saw my buddy being committed to the ground.<br />I went up to his father, Col (RTD) K.N. Zain to offer him my sympathies and deepest condolences.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He was calm and composed. Later in the night, a thanksgiving prayer was held at the late Shaharul parent's home near Lucky Gardens, Bangsar. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jeb and I went there to pay our respects to Shaharul's Mom and Dad.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Hello Uncle," I introduced myself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Yes, I remember you. How have you been?," asked the Colonel.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Fine, Sir," I replied.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Colonel shared with me about Shaharul's final days.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It seems that he was doing very well and was at the peak of his career with the Malaysian Investment Bond.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wished both parents well and went on. That was many months ago.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>The caller...</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The guy who rang me up tried to sell some land to the Colonel. He was a "close family friend".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Truth to be told, some guy who calls you after 13 years and informed you about a drive that is taking place on that very same day - is someone that is the least sincere.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The guy asked if I am employed. I said: "No".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Hey, I have a website, it's a non-profit thing, you can write to "stay relevant"," he pitched.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Nah, thank you very much. I will rather be irrelevant these days," I told the guy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>The business...</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I spent nearly half my life in the media scene. Started as a photographer, changed my career as a reporter and eventually rose up the ranks to a Deputy Editor and ended my gig as a Producer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Someone I knew said I will never make it far. Why? I don't "kiss ass".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am a non-conformist and had never been in the "mainstream". For most of my career as a reporter, I was very fortunate to have some really good mentors.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back in the newsroom, there were good Editors and a few great Editors.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rest? Well, the majority of them are just dead weight. Great Editors, they take the trouble to teach you. Good ones, well, they just want to get things done and over with. And some, are just plain assholes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The connection made with the phone call was the days in the newsroom. The guy who went for the drive was somebody who is still trying to "stay relevant". Well, good luck!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>samohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11139480124713661761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505978833234354766.post-53067810188329645192019-07-22T19:37:00.004-07:002019-07-22T19:37:57.367-07:002019 Perak Open<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ApgfUXqZ_OazSqRUN_rCl6I1v6Xl99SAsRCwdwzreOKwUc5NL8-aB-KqPorFod1DpcSPvwm2vMO_f8RenfxCz72Bt5VTtU0VKe29eo9tw5e5kw9XI5LHkV3DbOPSYYzAOIbDXnGZ5zGx/s1600/66013627_10157176517327332_8483301592106270720_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1440" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ApgfUXqZ_OazSqRUN_rCl6I1v6Xl99SAsRCwdwzreOKwUc5NL8-aB-KqPorFod1DpcSPvwm2vMO_f8RenfxCz72Bt5VTtU0VKe29eo9tw5e5kw9XI5LHkV3DbOPSYYzAOIbDXnGZ5zGx/s400/66013627_10157176517327332_8483301592106270720_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>A recovery game...</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fresh out of the Thailand Princess Cup, we head up North of the Malaysian Peninsular to shoot at the Perak Open Archery Tournament. Barebow is competed at this event with a little addition. It's the organizer's house rules with 72 arrows in two rounds.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We thought it would be an awesome way to stay in the game and also meet some of the country's top Barebow archers at the shoot.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We set out early on a two-hour drive to Tapah where the event was held and managed to get a good spot to park our vehicle.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There, we set up for the qualifying round where 16 of the top Barebow archers will shoot at the 1/8 KO matches.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQSTWuHjb_PbTZS1izLWP9uYUx4DyTwszL5Ls3BkSx7ghj8ToVYcbQcbA8rsKo9CqG_ktK6tcOHVaT5Dwo2BrgMuzoxnMK16oKsIS4UBUwZHkOioM5GJvjL0WI7H2vt9flmZBEz4rFHUV/s1600/66268537_10157176555577332_3361331630227587072_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJQSTWuHjb_PbTZS1izLWP9uYUx4DyTwszL5Ls3BkSx7ghj8ToVYcbQcbA8rsKo9CqG_ktK6tcOHVaT5Dwo2BrgMuzoxnMK16oKsIS4UBUwZHkOioM5GJvjL0WI7H2vt9flmZBEz4rFHUV/s400/66268537_10157176555577332_3361331630227587072_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Field of Play...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUiWuGXe3PLJVNvdG3DkqrPgRKZR-6uilDjeIUsTkTMJmwNX_v1Iab_rMvPW-zaQ_r0qc2Yxhs0rFabSi4fmiNOjdVBtnW_kiLCTlcabqpPxFS_I7eGTcqqfRkeRy4CSGkLephEIdsZyl/s1600/66234217_10157176556057332_1919174645517385728_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAUiWuGXe3PLJVNvdG3DkqrPgRKZR-6uilDjeIUsTkTMJmwNX_v1Iab_rMvPW-zaQ_r0qc2Yxhs0rFabSi4fmiNOjdVBtnW_kiLCTlcabqpPxFS_I7eGTcqqfRkeRy4CSGkLephEIdsZyl/s400/66234217_10157176556057332_1919174645517385728_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chief Judge Johari Abu Bakar briefing the managers</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unlike most the kampung shoots that we regularly attend, this one adheres strictly to the World Archery ruling on archers' conduct, clothing etiquette and scoring.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There, I met Mr Ong, a welder from Kuantan who came in a pair of jeans. I told him the ruling and he changed into a pair of Khaki shorts. Mr Ong's hometown is in Teluk Intan and it was a last-minute do for him as he replaced an archer from the Pahang Barebow Archer's team who came in full force for the event.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the qualifiers, we had to send 72 arrows downrange. For an 18-meter game, it's odd. But that was house rules and we just shot as we were told.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFhV9LPB4vBWxMfwwTYasAJ5bEdNrY2MAKsUCDHE3oI0SHyOxwj_bNcqfdHqYe0ydpIZYzaczdApEaZM0lSrm7YwhJBLDdzhQ7SfiCoan1RZQBmOCk2qU4vKoCrOlwOeJGdgasIDXSmnb/s1600/65920789_10157176555837332_926761918507515904_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHFhV9LPB4vBWxMfwwTYasAJ5bEdNrY2MAKsUCDHE3oI0SHyOxwj_bNcqfdHqYe0ydpIZYzaczdApEaZM0lSrm7YwhJBLDdzhQ7SfiCoan1RZQBmOCk2qU4vKoCrOlwOeJGdgasIDXSmnb/s400/65920789_10157176555837332_926761918507515904_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Event volunteers setting up the target butts...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXDtlxGCLKeFinqKwvaG3XWjIGI47vZIAA6UJSzsWYBre6-cJ07H-RbH3HhzvyrH6ZdQUfeffKua9vz6-SYs6OGCcN2tCbJgkUXsD9Dn92bFo677dwDTwZFKGDIxjiCsVKxFj0-sf44hf/s1600/66015580_10157176561772332_1747943877202935808_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrXDtlxGCLKeFinqKwvaG3XWjIGI47vZIAA6UJSzsWYBre6-cJ07H-RbH3HhzvyrH6ZdQUfeffKua9vz6-SYs6OGCcN2tCbJgkUXsD9Dn92bFo677dwDTwZFKGDIxjiCsVKxFj0-sf44hf/s400/66015580_10157176561772332_1747943877202935808_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taking scores at the qualifying rounds...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>The Usual Suspects...</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We met Cikgu Suhari and his compatriots: "iceman" Syam and Cikgu Mat who came all the way from Kelantan at the shoot. As usual, they were the favourites. My lane mates were Cikgu Syam and Farid, an old friend from Malacca who took a long break from archery. Shooting alongside with Farid was a new guy who said he was honored to be in the same flight as the Thailand Princess Cup Barebow champion.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the first round, I managed to shoot 249/360 and was ranked 19th. I actually had a miss with a bad release. This was also the first time I competed at a big event with my CD Archery WF25X riser. I must say that I was off-form and was plagued with a mixture of poor bow arm and release. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then, after a 15-minute break, came round two. This time, I managed to connect the shots and chalked 277/360 on the target face with an improved ranking at 8th place. The total score of 526/720 placed me at 9th place overall, while Michelle managed to take 12th place with an overall score of 514. Both of us made the cut and went on to the 1/8 match rounds. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My flight with Syam "iceman", Farid and the new guy...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_bRK2tLUwQeOZQggcA2OHqQye5lNtxgm40mmAqHtFdzLDykdNX3TrfEGkmEjjUecP_cShjxwmtzLE-nqMZ0dyKjVyntPr61p7Np8YpjvZ0KePa2LuBh710FtXH29IyjRmI-UBOYFQrj4d/s1600/66238631_10157176556402332_7938352602536738816_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_bRK2tLUwQeOZQggcA2OHqQye5lNtxgm40mmAqHtFdzLDykdNX3TrfEGkmEjjUecP_cShjxwmtzLE-nqMZ0dyKjVyntPr61p7Np8YpjvZ0KePa2LuBh710FtXH29IyjRmI-UBOYFQrj4d/s400/66238631_10157176556402332_7938352602536738816_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michelle at a the qualifiers...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With sleep deprivation and a long drive, I wasn't mentally prepared for a KO match. I met Ustaz Omar, a regular Barebow shooter who is also a familiar face at the games. He took the game in a straight set. A clean win. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michelle, on the other hand, met Cikgu Mat from KEMMAS Five Arrows. This was the first time they met at an elimination match and the scores were toe-to-toe. They drew at the fifth-end and a shoot-off was called by the judge.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Both shot a "9" in the yellow and the line judge awarded the win to Michelle as her arrow landed very close to the "10" circle. From an archer's perspective, Cikgu Mat has come a long way since I last met him in Kemaman, Terengganu. His archery skills has improved tremendously. Next, was the quarter-finals where Michelle met "iceman" Syam. He took the game with a 6-2 win and went on to the semi-finals with Kholidin who came all the way from Jakarta, Indonesia.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cikgu Suhairi, on the other hand, was in good form and met Kholidin the finals. The Barebow gold medal went to Indonesia to Kholidin who shot extremely well. We had a great time at the shoot and went to Sungkai to celebrate Michelle's getting her MoJo back with some beers and salted baked chicken in Sungkai...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqueys0kOwelO-ehgFKzdjasB-sVRKoy5b6NM8suFqzLz7wm_fzJJ4069w6v8Mg_q0n8m43sljHe-uqfrbjvIHwtyiFverkDeIXielP9gVzZ74qQ7YMcjuyBbmtKwRX4K9dGDvM7VHCNij/s1600/64722808_10157176563857332_2752321721674498048_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqueys0kOwelO-ehgFKzdjasB-sVRKoy5b6NM8suFqzLz7wm_fzJJ4069w6v8Mg_q0n8m43sljHe-uqfrbjvIHwtyiFverkDeIXielP9gVzZ74qQ7YMcjuyBbmtKwRX4K9dGDvM7VHCNij/s400/64722808_10157176563857332_2752321721674498048_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Elmination match with the iceman...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3oJ66HQdjMnUR5HsKugiU6Lk0qst7nqU76P1xnLcp1Ze1ZIVOT3dOGhoHgIwz-ePYVtny8mRPce74k6eLKQ294Oozr-ZzuCV0jiXIUxjvDQ_87mLkHnhuMR0Dn1t_YqxBWskTZQX7Ov8u/s1600/65834420_10157176563162332_954529522026283008_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3oJ66HQdjMnUR5HsKugiU6Lk0qst7nqU76P1xnLcp1Ze1ZIVOT3dOGhoHgIwz-ePYVtny8mRPce74k6eLKQ294Oozr-ZzuCV0jiXIUxjvDQ_87mLkHnhuMR0Dn1t_YqxBWskTZQX7Ov8u/s400/65834420_10157176563162332_954529522026283008_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michelle got her MoJo back at this intense elimination round with Cikgu Mat</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6F5A4tjFhSUk58HKcK84y9dOUgAPV3btWGUXBQtkcLlu1NAElbB-DkqLGUsqK8fJa2aU0h9BYaeLTD-aHy3_olFsq_vAAacaOJN7d6Tq_9hI8Wg0wEr_W2VDZYvKaKWmkj75zmFG0Ks_/s1600/65860032_10157176566907332_2696252422568804352_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6F5A4tjFhSUk58HKcK84y9dOUgAPV3btWGUXBQtkcLlu1NAElbB-DkqLGUsqK8fJa2aU0h9BYaeLTD-aHy3_olFsq_vAAacaOJN7d6Tq_9hI8Wg0wEr_W2VDZYvKaKWmkj75zmFG0Ks_/s400/65860032_10157176566907332_2696252422568804352_n.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Southeast Asia's top Barebow archers: Iceman Syam and Kholidin the one armed Avenger...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9zWRa5aJxyEUjaSyVnaRKCRx2DG7IC3rfUwU_axvdxTkAnuZWnG6lOsAhMyjLqQsgS96Cx1HxPEk1wMQA6rYw6N78vP_Y5i5lmk-tanGCPcaBkF3Ves97-Lj31Ew-PqP6rBNFC2SDLos/s1600/66119979_10157176567882332_5927630699040342016_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9zWRa5aJxyEUjaSyVnaRKCRx2DG7IC3rfUwU_axvdxTkAnuZWnG6lOsAhMyjLqQsgS96Cx1HxPEk1wMQA6rYw6N78vP_Y5i5lmk-tanGCPcaBkF3Ves97-Lj31Ew-PqP6rBNFC2SDLos/s400/66119979_10157176567882332_5927630699040342016_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michelle receiving a certificate from a NAAM official at the Perak Open</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5SF83nCFvksJu32kjH24WhO5d0ZTWs6ONDoezP1-77KM3bn4aOqTbby6riIOe6_8qXve0VwS_qC4iKHomyfPO21stULXH6HmP7LsKHRxYFgi3QNXkvYCral56Q3a7kcpD_Cm5caUDsP8/s1600/66297633_10157176568387332_6482359071444828160_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5SF83nCFvksJu32kjH24WhO5d0ZTWs6ONDoezP1-77KM3bn4aOqTbby6riIOe6_8qXve0VwS_qC4iKHomyfPO21stULXH6HmP7LsKHRxYFgi3QNXkvYCral56Q3a7kcpD_Cm5caUDsP8/s400/66297633_10157176568387332_6482359071444828160_n.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Barebow winners</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyGJFyzqxDQsz0hmPyaByuMMj7uGwFyt_T8Tw22fHobstzOXjdNgcc_Did9dt5XK7oPGeGHsycXqS9_DDq3Jxmp4ZGjbkfPtuXbo3eDMvAbqsPkJZ5on0da3HawXzwHqeai64AUPx3fuO/s1600/66267904_10157176638897332_3119855542210658304_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyGJFyzqxDQsz0hmPyaByuMMj7uGwFyt_T8Tw22fHobstzOXjdNgcc_Did9dt5XK7oPGeGHsycXqS9_DDq3Jxmp4ZGjbkfPtuXbo3eDMvAbqsPkJZ5on0da3HawXzwHqeai64AUPx3fuO/s400/66267904_10157176638897332_3119855542210658304_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having a chilled one before hitting the road home... </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>samohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11139480124713661761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505978833234354766.post-39741049891683219312019-07-22T18:02:00.001-07:002019-07-22T19:43:31.367-07:002019 Thailand Princess Cup Archery Tournament - Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmI1PLnG8P8fydB_XEeBdV9oltTVYYs-ebEmKlE9qkfIt1NhOmgJveeWeYsHbRTw1wQmhzoSK_DS-88q8Fb7fKozlO8SAWNfronvKjfWKbB49ibTRT4iFtM3cX3dhlHnjMUVjxFOy1zzRu/s1600/65517507_10157159476522332_289083816218198016_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmI1PLnG8P8fydB_XEeBdV9oltTVYYs-ebEmKlE9qkfIt1NhOmgJveeWeYsHbRTw1wQmhzoSK_DS-88q8Fb7fKozlO8SAWNfronvKjfWKbB49ibTRT4iFtM3cX3dhlHnjMUVjxFOy1zzRu/s400/65517507_10157159476522332_289083816218198016_n.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Elimination day...</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We had a silent understanding among each other. If any of us got bumped out, we will assume the role of coach and manager. This was split between me and Michelle. She spotted for Khoo, one of our top archers who made it to the 1/32 rounds.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I spoke to the organizers and managed to secure a media vest to capture the moments on my little mirrorless camera.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Unlike previous years, the Barebow folks had a day off before resuming to shoot at the KO rounds.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We took it easy, spent an afternoon at a range nearby and shot with the Kelantanese team.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">On that fateful Sunday morning, two things were about to happen. First was our guy squaring-off with one of the top Indonesian barebow archers. Next, was history in the making...</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A Thai archer consulting the line judge...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Team manager</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Michelle, with Khoo at the equipment line...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWMplFFODGbULr2FXenn5l7vFBXTcbWBvo6DLsM5oDW3qwcNY6HtHzELnCVekyODauOWiesb4O_mwDBrGtG4tolI_12hah7bYS9cHL-QA6EnLUI511AO9GWldKfr40ymU9P2Vpzvime7E/s1600/65807423_10157159603377332_2751835862089072640_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQWMplFFODGbULr2FXenn5l7vFBXTcbWBvo6DLsM5oDW3qwcNY6HtHzELnCVekyODauOWiesb4O_mwDBrGtG4tolI_12hah7bYS9cHL-QA6EnLUI511AO9GWldKfr40ymU9P2Vpzvime7E/s400/65807423_10157159603377332_2751835862089072640_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Khun Pichet, one of the line judges, calling a score dispute</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The KO rounds were fast and brutal. We saw the bottom 32 and top 32 archers slugging it out. The more experienced ones stayed on to the 1/16 rounds as the battle to survive continues. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the 1/32 rounds, we witnessed an incredible match between Malaysia's Norliana Sulaiman who ranked 3rd at the Women's class and Ang See Chuan, 2016 Princess Cup Barebow champion. They were neck-to-neck with Norliana leading the way until Ang caught up and drew at the fifth set.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A shoot-off was called and Ang wasn't that lucky. Meanwhile, our top shot Khoo lost to Hudzaifah Abdul Salam from Indonesia. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFVB-5HiNh3E-qqGlU6D4pEnyL7jCTAEBUWD9lNT0pgGakbHgQgxZUIC1hLOQh3NSCzy_S1YtOUtZ5ir7dHUyMPIr6ZqtsuVCqc-_XDwXYKn86K7lkgpRaMJUPSVQNuDWfi3JHvZPzsEV/s1600/66023337_10157159491537332_7938082178510880768_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnFVB-5HiNh3E-qqGlU6D4pEnyL7jCTAEBUWD9lNT0pgGakbHgQgxZUIC1hLOQh3NSCzy_S1YtOUtZ5ir7dHUyMPIr6ZqtsuVCqc-_XDwXYKn86K7lkgpRaMJUPSVQNuDWfi3JHvZPzsEV/s400/66023337_10157159491537332_7938082178510880768_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ang, squaring-off with Norliana at the 1/32 match rounds...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu1eglXwFQ5HfBiUmhKeAWgYyvHAViumM467T5fWLPhz5EnVI12qFooxoe08ZSMKzccGrLXptxJ9k4GzfljBhox6LLmZbZBeLgpt9IsVC_h9tAUJkKtuXqqRlAvu8fb8H0W07URHT8L3vT/s1600/65307388_10157159468177332_3200400794784366592_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu1eglXwFQ5HfBiUmhKeAWgYyvHAViumM467T5fWLPhz5EnVI12qFooxoe08ZSMKzccGrLXptxJ9k4GzfljBhox6LLmZbZBeLgpt9IsVC_h9tAUJkKtuXqqRlAvu8fb8H0W07URHT8L3vT/s400/65307388_10157159468177332_3200400794784366592_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our archer at the elimination rounds...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5q0lIFahLHw2K4S5389kLvoGEu21xS2tp8wf3Now7jzs6ikxxQSutXelY_8Ytv5PesX5ayE3F2IjE6qbADyf6_sNxx95MlOiYXdFcDl_VY9HY3eyvv3UkaZYnGSZNcDtzKrzJ9U2wtfrB/s1600/65560609_10157159968052332_743003529454551040_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5q0lIFahLHw2K4S5389kLvoGEu21xS2tp8wf3Now7jzs6ikxxQSutXelY_8Ytv5PesX5ayE3F2IjE6qbADyf6_sNxx95MlOiYXdFcDl_VY9HY3eyvv3UkaZYnGSZNcDtzKrzJ9U2wtfrB/s400/65560609_10157159968052332_743003529454551040_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From competitors to spectators, team SBA at the match rounds...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>The iceman cometh...</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Throughout the tournament, one guy had bulldozed his way through 153 Barebow archers. He's a 34-year-old Science teacher from Pasir Mas, Kelantan. Moving in the shadow of Malaysia's top Barebow archer Suhairi Azha Ariffin, is Norhishyam "iceman" Ismail. Standing at six feet in height, he is as cool as a cucumber on the shooting line. Ranked 1st in the overall Barebow class. Cikgu Syam shot his way to the finals after beating his countryman Suhairi and top-seeded Thai archer Thammaluk Niamhom. Cikgu Syam met Kholidin, a one-armed archer from Indonesia at the finals.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kholidin's story itself, is awe-inspiring. He lost his arm two years ago in an accident and recovered by shooting barebow. A compound bow archer by training, Kholidin is peerless in his home country in the Barebow class. For his effort, the Princess Cup organizers had presented him with a special award...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Indonesians were the wild card entries and came prepared to take all top three spots.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One guy stood in their way and that was Cikgu Syam...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAeOqXN048UUiaxNZmdRXQDYJaVPk4J9n8lHggphbWfGvgXrCsp1gouvq4dlN7ovarqRUdG0zsPsMkSjsKdT4xW-4zyRXRTJgpuT5x0faxDNTlm6ojrAp9i8AsMQKDMmeOXlXR_DzALXCQ/s1600/65306586_10157159975012332_8428051124220592128_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAeOqXN048UUiaxNZmdRXQDYJaVPk4J9n8lHggphbWfGvgXrCsp1gouvq4dlN7ovarqRUdG0zsPsMkSjsKdT4xW-4zyRXRTJgpuT5x0faxDNTlm6ojrAp9i8AsMQKDMmeOXlXR_DzALXCQ/s400/65306586_10157159975012332_8428051124220592128_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Norhishyam and Niamhom at the semi-finals...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There was a one-hour interval before the finals and that gave everyone enough time to rest and slug it out at the main event.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was incredible to witness how far the Barebow class has progressed. In four years, Malaysia saw its archers shooting their way to the finals. Literally everyone had improved.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_ZVXMdHGBwcqLaQ9WD0jAF97g4RSyaLKdLA6VRA8f10U6F-ECt3WOuPzKSeBft8wBtmFg3TysB7YBLsEmNtpKT4mTY65pg42oqvM4DMHEFbH23-BsrAm43_29EjibwQi1zNypDmmmsrZ/s1600/62617847_10157160158182332_8053824009470476288_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk_ZVXMdHGBwcqLaQ9WD0jAF97g4RSyaLKdLA6VRA8f10U6F-ECt3WOuPzKSeBft8wBtmFg3TysB7YBLsEmNtpKT4mTY65pg42oqvM4DMHEFbH23-BsrAm43_29EjibwQi1zNypDmmmsrZ/s400/62617847_10157160158182332_8053824009470476288_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Norishyam "iceman" Ismail placing his shot at the final round...</span></td></tr>
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<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Malaysian challenge was answered by Cikgu Suhairi and Cikgu Syam. This year, Suhairi managed to shoot his way to the quarter-finals. A much better performance compared to previous years. The Thais, on the other hand, were denied of their hope of defending the Princess Cup that was won by Attapol Chareonpak in 2018. Infact, the Indonesians had stepped up the game by raising the bar in terms of scores. Most of their top Barebow archers made it to the elimination rounds.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidn0MrvysC57reDjfJEn5F0N0qdek4s3VjoRWHp443oEexTHIVCQhqjunCXnlVtCKx_0S-hDnjW42eUk9B0yHryhRwoyCyEP9EkxWvf1sBt-6I4LxiOafDN8PzWcLYL9I3uOcbB_3fiy4k/s1600/65494970_10157160158132332_6446517947316830208_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidn0MrvysC57reDjfJEn5F0N0qdek4s3VjoRWHp443oEexTHIVCQhqjunCXnlVtCKx_0S-hDnjW42eUk9B0yHryhRwoyCyEP9EkxWvf1sBt-6I4LxiOafDN8PzWcLYL9I3uOcbB_3fiy4k/s400/65494970_10157160158132332_6446517947316830208_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kholidin is an inspiration to a whole new generation of Barebow archers in the Southeast Asian region...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Eyewitness: creating history...</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I stood next to an internet TV cameraman and recorded the finals on my little mirrorless camera. Moment by moment was captured as Cikgu Syam took the lead. Kholdin caught up, but didn't score enough points to break his opponent's lead.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As the last arrow landed on the target face in an alternate shooting rule at the finals, the Malaysian crowd cheered with a loud roar. What happened next was history. Cikgu Syam became the first Malaysian archer to win the 2019 Princess Cup Archery Tournament in the Barebow class...</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdF80yYp4yygCWuZinWrcMxWsk3qTVTwTB2ip9G1YsjlefSxV_AZsywS_eO8AevvwKv3pAAd5aUoRhODE5Hxd1p54QWde-t12-ogdA_pyPEVXS8lWRzwQ8yicl_7EygXfv_Jp0-NXhh2X2/s1600/65314721_10157160159262332_1277004415458344960_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdF80yYp4yygCWuZinWrcMxWsk3qTVTwTB2ip9G1YsjlefSxV_AZsywS_eO8AevvwKv3pAAd5aUoRhODE5Hxd1p54QWde-t12-ogdA_pyPEVXS8lWRzwQ8yicl_7EygXfv_Jp0-NXhh2X2/s400/65314721_10157160159262332_1277004415458344960_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Team KEMMAS and their champion</span></td></tr>
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<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Throughout the finals, Cikgu Syam was calm and composed. He showed no emotions, continued to place his shots accurately till the final moment. It was a clean win by an awesome sportsman and archer. I can see the sigh of relief on his face as his fellow countrymen cheered. Friendly rivals from Malaysian teams who came for the event also joined-in to celebrate the win.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXk_4f4TmC0JRDHlUkeVbOuxcgm9oecj8EZkq1fnMLe2Fu9G4EwyKDX5ryEHFHYNOLYs63X9320cF4RgBI2yV1DwANIpTgZp74I51Vme9108Mfe23li8BIlfgcITLGD9WTIWMrgrvwqQaw/s1600/65555325_10157160280872332_5374483123708887040_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXk_4f4TmC0JRDHlUkeVbOuxcgm9oecj8EZkq1fnMLe2Fu9G4EwyKDX5ryEHFHYNOLYs63X9320cF4RgBI2yV1DwANIpTgZp74I51Vme9108Mfe23li8BIlfgcITLGD9WTIWMrgrvwqQaw/s400/65555325_10157160280872332_5374483123708887040_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The iceman is Southeast Asia's top Barebow archer...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD388XjlWJsB3t4H3ASdJK2hF1lYaA1IiaP2LN80X9PJfl4Aov48zzwVnljDyV3Q5uG6JG3Qf4blvmvc7YtiByJwDy4BZi1Nvk8zZbNbBlvzWLVIxhxtejqoyMzSKVcig5vVg1yFL_THdD/s1600/65792504_10157160157912332_9110648154860027904_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD388XjlWJsB3t4H3ASdJK2hF1lYaA1IiaP2LN80X9PJfl4Aov48zzwVnljDyV3Q5uG6JG3Qf4blvmvc7YtiByJwDy4BZi1Nvk8zZbNbBlvzWLVIxhxtejqoyMzSKVcig5vVg1yFL_THdD/s400/65792504_10157160157912332_9110648154860027904_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Kholidin (left) receiving a special award from Thailand Outdoor Archery Club President Thanaset Maneesombatkul (right)</span><br />
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</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Conclusion</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This year's Princess Cup was very interesting. It saw a huge gathering of archers from all classes who came all the way from every corner of Southeast Asia.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For us, it was a great opportunity to catch up with old friends. As far as competing is concerned, this experience also taught us to work on our form and shot placement in order to stay in the game. We would like to thank Sunee Detchokul of Thailand Outdoor Archery Club and her team for putting up such an awesome tournament and look forward to the game next year!</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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samohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11139480124713661761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505978833234354766.post-83478425790875784352019-07-21T23:26:00.000-07:002019-07-21T23:26:07.420-07:002109 Thailand Princess Cup Archery Tournament - Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjygFT9CYeEzhmOFTPLWHvNOCIfXhVg71eunGBotkVb5S1El4B1UHWS1zkjKKgib_-E1JdHgaQR-Eb1lXeIOiULy1e9eB6pqKbEBVCKZ7uPJ47E5gz5Ca1UFH-cuEC5hvhhla5d57t3s5zI/s1600/65200665_10157151879117332_501084913777246208_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="960" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjygFT9CYeEzhmOFTPLWHvNOCIfXhVg71eunGBotkVb5S1El4B1UHWS1zkjKKgib_-E1JdHgaQR-Eb1lXeIOiULy1e9eB6pqKbEBVCKZ7uPJ47E5gz5Ca1UFH-cuEC5hvhhla5d57t3s5zI/s400/65200665_10157151879117332_501084913777246208_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Southeast Asia's largest gathering of Barebow archers...</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There has been tremendous development in the region's Barebow scene as Thailand's Princess Cup archery tournament had recorded it's highest numbers in terms of participation in the Barebow class.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">More than 150 people from all walks of life took part in the Barebow shoot and this year's event saw history as Malaysia's entry stood at the podium for the first time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As for our team, we prepared for this by training regularly at our range and when the time came, we just hopped onto the airplane and headed straight out to Bangkok where the game was held...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOuZdN-f1voqpeBZYYoxZjgxe2Hl7kDvL8BKoECplMrU30OvitrnQbnZU5oeehidN_a5COSVKIgkS5CUcoIHB0S1Vbwk-9Tz8uVtLGCHHYfqXRpeS724fOFQaa90ttbHicFSebYPKhIAY/s1600/65093294_10157149552657332_6265197686643752960_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOuZdN-f1voqpeBZYYoxZjgxe2Hl7kDvL8BKoECplMrU30OvitrnQbnZU5oeehidN_a5COSVKIgkS5CUcoIHB0S1Vbwk-9Tz8uVtLGCHHYfqXRpeS724fOFQaa90ttbHicFSebYPKhIAY/s400/65093294_10157149552657332_6265197686643752960_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Getting some arrows on the target butt in Archery Thai</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmvxEqtPer6br2duuEozWNqaUE7ZmmLvuYZy3NC0LKeVFWkmWBslrWqGltpIizVOXvmmoAidofT-yURVZN5EZCqt6Vy2Ye1hWoDeQWEtGi9C3oZp3n9pbjnetVsOd_5j_i1bWs0peq70L/s1600/65190119_10157149553142332_2825088195769663488_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvmvxEqtPer6br2duuEozWNqaUE7ZmmLvuYZy3NC0LKeVFWkmWBslrWqGltpIizVOXvmmoAidofT-yURVZN5EZCqt6Vy2Ye1hWoDeQWEtGi9C3oZp3n9pbjnetVsOd_5j_i1bWs0peq70L/s400/65190119_10157149553142332_2825088195769663488_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Zeroing-in with my Spigarelli Club 650 barebow riser</span></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our game plan was to head in two days earlier, practise at a nearby archery range, attend the manager's meeting to collect our passes and listen to the new ruling on electronic scoring during the Barebow qualification rounds.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This year, it's a bit different. The organizers decided to do a full 18-meter round. We had to qualify with 60 arrows and the elimination rounds had been reduced to 1/32. Only 64 of the top archers will face-off on the last day of the event.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJdS7vy1xiW2WhyphenhyphenuTOORlPui2SqGVepW1VWIHEmdhpUwLqGMPFVzU50NQZTBKFhGoLBmlogCteOuFl1AqyqULqUXJqGQdHN2GptJsrIQZ4fx4NiT6GJq7kkYNuKyiPsajgdba-eLVoaBe/s1600/65315550_10157152393532332_7142980253374218240_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbJdS7vy1xiW2WhyphenhyphenuTOORlPui2SqGVepW1VWIHEmdhpUwLqGMPFVzU50NQZTBKFhGoLBmlogCteOuFl1AqyqULqUXJqGQdHN2GptJsrIQZ4fx4NiT6GJq7kkYNuKyiPsajgdba-eLVoaBe/s400/65315550_10157152393532332_7142980253374218240_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tatrawee Harikul of TOAC gave the briefing during the manager's meeting</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxReOMdLlWXjJ77UMUxrlsMlwhrvzcTQo1d0wwNjWpQ0WixjkTHGSmoUIGeJVNZFpfGhDpstTPoHzomRL6t_ajfkVG853lfUmG4oQgXB0W-HxfTNdLNIsXP9eY8DRQpzkAa3zbDCKCHFwn/s1600/65749228_10157152393252332_1425710713120227328_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxReOMdLlWXjJ77UMUxrlsMlwhrvzcTQo1d0wwNjWpQ0WixjkTHGSmoUIGeJVNZFpfGhDpstTPoHzomRL6t_ajfkVG853lfUmG4oQgXB0W-HxfTNdLNIsXP9eY8DRQpzkAa3zbDCKCHFwn/s400/65749228_10157152393252332_1425710713120227328_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Registration...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Qualifying rounds...</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our day started very early on Friday, June 28. We made our way to the event hall, set up our gear and waited for equipment inspection. Michelle, my wife was a bit annoyed when she was told about her centre-serving. There as a loose thread which we managed to remove and her arrows are not properly marked. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That aside, we waited till mid-day before warming-up and before we knew it, it was time to stand on the shooting line to qualify for last day.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_-40i5XrX1i53G2OW1z7SHyY-gN_mOInT_hk_FSGij06-2c_LmLUzk-VBucqPTwrBuaQMgVVAMadktpHTUH2uOkU2hdrVUX6ahTgJeik-2lGT62gpi9pgz-46ipx4arN4XV41gjpAR0g/s1600/65239426_10157156571507332_8702676353943601152_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg_-40i5XrX1i53G2OW1z7SHyY-gN_mOInT_hk_FSGij06-2c_LmLUzk-VBucqPTwrBuaQMgVVAMadktpHTUH2uOkU2hdrVUX6ahTgJeik-2lGT62gpi9pgz-46ipx4arN4XV41gjpAR0g/s400/65239426_10157156571507332_8702676353943601152_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Equipment inspection</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibH6ItL8uMBTbXOo3xkYOEVbw4xAmiMsti0l1n4hcZk459MGdVi3Z5tArT9OuK_DhN67lI0GnprZy_6usgh7SHNCe1SVIQ_uQK3tA6GBlI1ht_dCcr2j3q0araZI0J1fSssIfg0kFznIfE/s1600/65265675_10157156570982332_74513112740397056_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibH6ItL8uMBTbXOo3xkYOEVbw4xAmiMsti0l1n4hcZk459MGdVi3Z5tArT9OuK_DhN67lI0GnprZy_6usgh7SHNCe1SVIQ_uQK3tA6GBlI1ht_dCcr2j3q0araZI0J1fSssIfg0kFznIfE/s400/65265675_10157156570982332_74513112740397056_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The judge at work...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWjp0hgmYfqXvlFquOK2tdbigeK-n4qi6Mhxj1sgxWhDpyWd82Q1ONnXrzhT9_bZNXl4099cNb8ndI7OulfORH-G1N9y1NQEnfHW00wvUvsg3-7tBwpNdxa1q-r7aO6v5iE_m4l7il_luf/s1600/62384296_10157156576212332_4387199884730564608_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWjp0hgmYfqXvlFquOK2tdbigeK-n4qi6Mhxj1sgxWhDpyWd82Q1ONnXrzhT9_bZNXl4099cNb8ndI7OulfORH-G1N9y1NQEnfHW00wvUvsg3-7tBwpNdxa1q-r7aO6v5iE_m4l7il_luf/s400/62384296_10157156576212332_4387199884730564608_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Qualifying rounds</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Mhh1iBXvwZU7DyaacWZJ3qfktYQsaKfCWi__lo-6CGtqqLeyjLDAF5Gh3yy5j34ZfjJXLjiBOX7qQBUh4cqwP9PpvCvRpwV_Qa9dQf1MyPEGhxQAjZRy-QbagN9XnpJuaQvJPu2xxuHJ/s1600/65848112_10157156576732332_5296404500918042624_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Mhh1iBXvwZU7DyaacWZJ3qfktYQsaKfCWi__lo-6CGtqqLeyjLDAF5Gh3yy5j34ZfjJXLjiBOX7qQBUh4cqwP9PpvCvRpwV_Qa9dQf1MyPEGhxQAjZRy-QbagN9XnpJuaQvJPu2xxuHJ/s400/65848112_10157156576732332_5296404500918042624_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The cadet-class archers</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Getting our ass whooped...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is fair to said that on being an old-timer, (my fourth outing at the Princess Cup) I maintained my game-play and worked on an average of 7.5 points per end. This is not even enough to make it to the mid-ranks as the archers became really good. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There were wild cards in the fray and I must say that Indonesia's debut in the Thailand Princess Cup would get many more Barebow archers to compete at future tournaments held in Bangkok.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Michelle was ranked at 66th and I came in at 68th place out of 153 archers. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In total, more than 100 archers had scored at least 200 points in the first round. The remaining 53 people had scored below 400 points in total making this one of the highest scoring class with team Five Arrow's Norhisyam Ismail shooting 272/300 and 262/300 totaling at 532 points after 60 arrows. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The last guy in the top 64 came in at 446 points. We were just a couple of points shy of qualifying and this became our motivation to train even harder. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are a lot more games in the offing and we shall not take for granted on how good the Barebow archers from Malaysia has become...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(next: elimination rounds...)</span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>samohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11139480124713661761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505978833234354766.post-6138674408443521982019-06-07T01:24:00.000-07:002019-06-07T01:25:11.465-07:00Rumble in Rembau<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJSYVboE1Y28CyLDP2pMr8yGhFbqffprMZ6uqWFIvsN5AFfzQ9RAiVbHJaguvtId0Lk5yED04QxC8s-ENk4oDxemcWFmcyG17BxSb1AhSuvGLJEib3yTu5pKIHB9-PmgPeAtjPchiX0Dx2/s1600/60025499_10157016242482332_4073667207698055168_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJSYVboE1Y28CyLDP2pMr8yGhFbqffprMZ6uqWFIvsN5AFfzQ9RAiVbHJaguvtId0Lk5yED04QxC8s-ENk4oDxemcWFmcyG17BxSb1AhSuvGLJEib3yTu5pKIHB9-PmgPeAtjPchiX0Dx2/s400/60025499_10157016242482332_4073667207698055168_n.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Taking a long distance shot at the last station at the Second Malaysian 3D shoot in Rembau, Negeri Sembilan...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>The Legendary Tuan Bahar!</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mawaddah Archery is synonymous to 3D archery in Peninsular Malaysia. Why? Because Tuan Bahar and his team called Gabungan Pemanah Underground are responsible for the best 3D shoot money can buy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I took part at their first game in Seremban last year and vowed to return again because I had a great time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This year, Tuan Bahar had raised the bar by investing heavily in procuring SRT targets from Italy through Excella Pro Archery shop in Alor Gajah, Malacca.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For starters, 3D targets are not cheap. Many pro shops in the Klang Valley took advantage of this by selling crappy products at cut-throat prices. This is not the case by Excella Archery which was created by archers for archers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Okay, done with the plug. Moving on, our team had registered for the game in Kampung Ulu Kendong near the Malacca border. As usual, when we need to travel, we set off early.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_arA8XULntfVoZGFthFP8Ed7hh2U4UmfjyupIYYP23zidKtvtV3PuICvDP3jPdCZVY7tsMxuWIg8Jt09rOYfeBFjBj1eydczgOwO1YzvHxOvrFrY3RTqp9m5uncsG2fmPYSF7A4Rwsr1/s1600/59639056_10157016228212332_5899898163929546752_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1_arA8XULntfVoZGFthFP8Ed7hh2U4UmfjyupIYYP23zidKtvtV3PuICvDP3jPdCZVY7tsMxuWIg8Jt09rOYfeBFjBj1eydczgOwO1YzvHxOvrFrY3RTqp9m5uncsG2fmPYSF7A4Rwsr1/s400/59639056_10157016228212332_5899898163929546752_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Setting up</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGH5SRrQfEoQzC_V6FkJqVRWntdR1jhldozgY-h65JW0Bza_zXfoDVCxSY-JVfKXAA6A1xiNabEGayWPWxKmDsGDbGcn1DuGD3wBMW8EeeX19DPS5d3LDv3tHjFLJPUTG8pXDou7EGHKX/s1600/59436029_10157016228987332_8651302798417199104_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGH5SRrQfEoQzC_V6FkJqVRWntdR1jhldozgY-h65JW0Bza_zXfoDVCxSY-JVfKXAA6A1xiNabEGayWPWxKmDsGDbGcn1DuGD3wBMW8EeeX19DPS5d3LDv3tHjFLJPUTG8pXDou7EGHKX/s400/59436029_10157016228987332_8651302798417199104_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The crowd...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3B_OjEtmdxTfRtLYbmkyYVl2NuZ7Fy3vH7UMOEjeDC7qo7TWOwjr6Y4j4XSvT5qP0JDn8ZSlfPEnYhEV5314P5BAmmpXXUEAgCFimTy4B9GU0Ny7_KWugTWOVeCedhNj76oQKDtCIEX_a/s1600/59556247_10157016228512332_7758118027991711744_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3B_OjEtmdxTfRtLYbmkyYVl2NuZ7Fy3vH7UMOEjeDC7qo7TWOwjr6Y4j4XSvT5qP0JDn8ZSlfPEnYhEV5314P5BAmmpXXUEAgCFimTy4B9GU0Ny7_KWugTWOVeCedhNj76oQKDtCIEX_a/s400/59556247_10157016228512332_7758118027991711744_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jeb, cheerful as usual...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Positive response...</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When we arrived near the 3D tournament course, the crowd was steadily building up. People from all over the country have convened to showcase their talent with their bows. This time round, Tuan Bahar had included the compound bow class, attracting a fair bit of people. Some, who came all the way from Kuantan, Pahang.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There, I met many old friends -- especially a group from the Meraga Sukma archery club in Terengganu. This gave me a chance to catch up with them and ask about up and coming archery events in that state.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When the time came, Tuan Bahar gave a briefing and long before we knew it, we were on our way to our respective zones. There were three courses divided for the 250-odd archers taking part.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My flight had 10 people, mostly traditional archers. There were only four barebow archers in our flight.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The first station was a 20-meter target on low elevation. I took three shots and landed only one. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then, we moved on to a more challenging station. On an animal hide. There was a pig placed downrange about 35-meters away. My goal was to land all my arrows without missing the target...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nVsp6TnDwEoNaZZrsgFdYzkgqgnZp5NfGu9qTtp6eTwww1i6QVoOwMq1O5b6yH_iB-RZV-9223ksK2ZV3jqkq44EoLUsj7uH-6GCLIPmX2_KfZnA3Y6mCKtHz8ERFktvIFcnH5atGe1-/s1600/59463996_10157016229307332_1840733613386104832_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0nVsp6TnDwEoNaZZrsgFdYzkgqgnZp5NfGu9qTtp6eTwww1i6QVoOwMq1O5b6yH_iB-RZV-9223ksK2ZV3jqkq44EoLUsj7uH-6GCLIPmX2_KfZnA3Y6mCKtHz8ERFktvIFcnH5atGe1-/s400/59463996_10157016229307332_1840733613386104832_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Shooting from a platform to a low elevation target</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzA7wuA8tTMqh43bPwLp0V0wyS3YhG-kw5dzFHMbeInsmiyQkB8hDbyXnQCkznxBLpLWep1jWG-G0vB0pVixrH6IerXXhPGbi6EWALQEq2jsaY_kpBZYCMiVj7vvJHUogqGHSGczp16BZ5/s1600/59498014_10157016232282332_7155912507276656640_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzA7wuA8tTMqh43bPwLp0V0wyS3YhG-kw5dzFHMbeInsmiyQkB8hDbyXnQCkznxBLpLWep1jWG-G0vB0pVixrH6IerXXhPGbi6EWALQEq2jsaY_kpBZYCMiVj7vvJHUogqGHSGczp16BZ5/s400/59498014_10157016232282332_7155912507276656640_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jeb taking aim...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKO5B8fyskCLa3Sm8ZRgNPMnnoEcvZIhYwphw7S5SlREGRIJoumhjq1nHwSLd-wpCrGXdiQDnXNYF-ziUURxIMQH2IBa-7_gVwSO8KNXFt4fUJlRFm-IkgR1FPrKB24GeCmEi_hAu0Wnz/s1600/59587748_10157016230027332_4550433789012082688_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqKO5B8fyskCLa3Sm8ZRgNPMnnoEcvZIhYwphw7S5SlREGRIJoumhjq1nHwSLd-wpCrGXdiQDnXNYF-ziUURxIMQH2IBa-7_gVwSO8KNXFt4fUJlRFm-IkgR1FPrKB24GeCmEi_hAu0Wnz/s400/59587748_10157016230027332_4550433789012082688_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The flight leader taking scores...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For those who missed, they have a chance of "redeeming" points with smaller targets placed at a shorter distance. Most who thought this was easy missed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One of the toughest target was a jackal placed on a ledge. The animal's color blended with its surroundings. This made it difficult for archers to land their arrows on the scoring rings.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We covered as many as two zones before breaking for lunch.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABTIrQlYfOlg3j7CoWyFiswYWLHO9u459mbVIusViezMIJp5meRD9K1TWUJgDON0R3YnGeMXdxC0-njqxMQMlHdt8kMf0S1e-SI9OKsVYBpdPC0PG-o1_4h-eUc15N0Dz-qr06972Ezjm/s1600/59418914_10157016231752332_3675914628627431424_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABTIrQlYfOlg3j7CoWyFiswYWLHO9u459mbVIusViezMIJp5meRD9K1TWUJgDON0R3YnGeMXdxC0-njqxMQMlHdt8kMf0S1e-SI9OKsVYBpdPC0PG-o1_4h-eUc15N0Dz-qr06972Ezjm/s400/59418914_10157016231752332_3675914628627431424_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Taking a shot at the jackal</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9ApNd1Wy9ESUKVkTb0sqM9SCMgcayOZjqiykFG_UVc5qjFezJWBA-n_rZ2zooUEz0v38V8g6fPXp_Lc1z2IT1ZT2iPhcF8M6BeAUZo4sSHcTOCMg1CHVE4W5uQG7-76hsFaXMoVeVi8h/s1600/59079161_10157016232047332_7898556436299382784_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9ApNd1Wy9ESUKVkTb0sqM9SCMgcayOZjqiykFG_UVc5qjFezJWBA-n_rZ2zooUEz0v38V8g6fPXp_Lc1z2IT1ZT2iPhcF8M6BeAUZo4sSHcTOCMg1CHVE4W5uQG7-76hsFaXMoVeVi8h/s400/59079161_10157016232047332_7898556436299382784_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Helping a fellow archer spot</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The event was held on a hillside resort owned by an ex-sailor. It's surrounding hills proved to be pretty tough for those who are not in a good physical shape.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you lug your arrows on your waist, by the end of the day, your entire lower body will be sore.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I used my proven Rancho Safari Cat Quiver. The load bearing capabilities reduces fatigue and does not restrict movement, especially when you have to go down to a rut to retrieve arrows.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">But all this has taken a toll on our buddy Jeb. He was flat out tired. Coach Lau, my team mate and I continued to the last station and finished the course.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4tWiKRRw4apKMYyOyYRqc8sGoqeYYC2qrKyn5OUPXI4QPftmWi7fr6gxDJnWpBMb-0CVoGQfuNmj2mFzB8AWuKh_vHEd1Rwp_C81x38cTHqKX5de5ZXgowIMhncuY2dMJbHHf6JaRrbJ/s1600/57408070_10157016241937332_3308439361380417536_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="960" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4tWiKRRw4apKMYyOyYRqc8sGoqeYYC2qrKyn5OUPXI4QPftmWi7fr6gxDJnWpBMb-0CVoGQfuNmj2mFzB8AWuKh_vHEd1Rwp_C81x38cTHqKX5de5ZXgowIMhncuY2dMJbHHf6JaRrbJ/s400/57408070_10157016241937332_3308439361380417536_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Two different shooting styles</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPwYAl0vu7H87lcREP0XADymsPEq4IN9blHlKM50WBBD7jXuyWkPpK4kAC6Hw8Aw_kl_VglhOgdRb-o1fn0gJG7feHn59kvIWK42WIJi8uGH7xOVY0k2Z0Xsl40pNyBX43tPVRZzcqOy7/s1600/58933233_10157016237572332_748164125934223360_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPwYAl0vu7H87lcREP0XADymsPEq4IN9blHlKM50WBBD7jXuyWkPpK4kAC6Hw8Aw_kl_VglhOgdRb-o1fn0gJG7feHn59kvIWK42WIJi8uGH7xOVY0k2Z0Xsl40pNyBX43tPVRZzcqOy7/s400/58933233_10157016237572332_748164125934223360_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Taking scores</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_IP9Ruk2YLXws2jVaqMKxYBb4ERh8OYYG3zRF_tmpPgbctyVXfOIB3WpJGNUDbab_caGzWh2UQLkm1d5h91M48eOp7JhHG2w4nlR7JTr2wswRwZdYQyAJR6Lpg9Z5K-RI1zrfMdaRB05/s1600/59347612_10157016236817332_2542218578753486848_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_IP9Ruk2YLXws2jVaqMKxYBb4ERh8OYYG3zRF_tmpPgbctyVXfOIB3WpJGNUDbab_caGzWh2UQLkm1d5h91M48eOp7JhHG2w4nlR7JTr2wswRwZdYQyAJR6Lpg9Z5K-RI1zrfMdaRB05/s400/59347612_10157016236817332_2542218578753486848_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Coach Lau at work...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFd9yGU1DCJ-eMejUkSfygSlT6TdRDcxQ_5IA9ta5RT-Ul7Cui2V0H63OF5JNlwc8xzS4VlMbuprq2-M0ot9Uv2gIqs6hA8mqOVI-IqhZo9zVhX5bQwYHYgN8zM4SDf4WSIoKuOfxq2UJb/s1600/59869934_10157016237817332_2081778009945145344_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFd9yGU1DCJ-eMejUkSfygSlT6TdRDcxQ_5IA9ta5RT-Ul7Cui2V0H63OF5JNlwc8xzS4VlMbuprq2-M0ot9Uv2gIqs6hA8mqOVI-IqhZo9zVhX5bQwYHYgN8zM4SDf4WSIoKuOfxq2UJb/s400/59869934_10157016237817332_2081778009945145344_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Piglets at the last zone</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Conclusion: Great fun!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After sending three arrows on a resting bear while standing on a rock, we made our way to the car to pack up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I took out a bottle of beer, which was already getting warm and handed it to Jeb. Even Coach Lau had a few sips of the brew. It has been a long day and as soon as the event had ended, we made our way to the highway and headed straight back to Subang Jaya. I wished I could have a nice dinner with the gang in Tampin, but I had a family event to attend to.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The top barebow archer in the lot was from the Meraga Sukma club. Its no surprise since he won the Ompa Field Archery challenge in Benton about two months earlier. I was told that the Terengganu club will be hosting similar events in the months following Hari Raya Aidil Fitri. I can certainly look forward to that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As for the second Malaysian 3D shoot, I had fun. It was a quality game, but the organizers were apologetic over the difficulty of the course due to the terrain it was in. As long as you are in a good shape, hauling ass and sending arrows downrange in the jungle should not be a big issue...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As I am speaking, I do look forward to another 3D shoot near Alor Gajah in Malacca this middle of June!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>samohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11139480124713661761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505978833234354766.post-8929790814237433632019-06-06T17:27:00.003-07:002019-06-06T17:27:35.320-07:00Sungai Lembing Rendezvous - Part 2<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHgu27kFWoe_NWszXVpU847q8m4QcORjx2n9KuYd4Z40sZ8GXHPfSaqYjjNJBEFnTO7wWrpcE-0JAeUWdulZiaQUy0-saqqaXCRO653piYxomV6OEXLHTWqBsj-LUWocDWuf1N0ATIwrP/s1600/57565526_10156983985002332_3708942008010670080_n+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHgu27kFWoe_NWszXVpU847q8m4QcORjx2n9KuYd4Z40sZ8GXHPfSaqYjjNJBEFnTO7wWrpcE-0JAeUWdulZiaQUy0-saqqaXCRO653piYxomV6OEXLHTWqBsj-LUWocDWuf1N0ATIwrP/s400/57565526_10156983985002332_3708942008010670080_n+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A group photo with our friend Stefan Von Teichner</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>The team event...</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had to wake up early, fight a hangover and complete the game in the team event.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But there was a snag. Our numbers. We had to split-up into a team of three and complete the course.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jeb, one of our guys had to team up with Stefan, a 3D range owner from Malacca.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With that sorted out, the teams were briefed before they head out to shoot all the targets placed in 24 stations around the course.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It started with a team placing their shots on an elevated target, slowly, they were released and moved around in a circle. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzpBIwFWKbJ3xFpZ5TKMlefJByJE-9t72AxcM5ZftXY016bioop28FcK3fIBIkP5AGoyIM0akArX3xhcEQ0eQqW71yhTxvjww-A62D7fAvOuyvO3asNffWix3qFy4diWRuPW2nAcvkzdF/s1600/57485741_10156983983957332_2455710910845550592_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzpBIwFWKbJ3xFpZ5TKMlefJByJE-9t72AxcM5ZftXY016bioop28FcK3fIBIkP5AGoyIM0akArX3xhcEQ0eQqW71yhTxvjww-A62D7fAvOuyvO3asNffWix3qFy4diWRuPW2nAcvkzdF/s400/57485741_10156983983957332_2455710910845550592_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">SC Khoo from team SBA placing a shot...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjay6uVRPtEMrp4RLKlWPAjQkd5ASlud2vd1ti5p6ApgtRM2jcW4nkJcTrhdmBFRuD9JMK6oG7YaErBicNaQfgZJBjaEpviAC1nDUq198YyJmankFVSeM7GtFSgRtVj7ZaAauLDJvoBPwFt/s1600/57750941_10156983432097332_4502477927941668864_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjay6uVRPtEMrp4RLKlWPAjQkd5ASlud2vd1ti5p6ApgtRM2jcW4nkJcTrhdmBFRuD9JMK6oG7YaErBicNaQfgZJBjaEpviAC1nDUq198YyJmankFVSeM7GtFSgRtVj7ZaAauLDJvoBPwFt/s400/57750941_10156983432097332_4502477927941668864_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jeb at work on a riverbed course...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Connecting all the dots....</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Since it was a team event, we took turns to sight and give directions on where the arrow had traveled.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some stations were tough. We had to balance ourselves on a fallen log and take the shot.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There were guys who completely missed and the good ones, they connected every shot they made.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Only this time round, I sent two arrows to its demise. One shot hit a target stand and made a real sickening nose. That sharp "ping!" signaled a write-off.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another arrow went low and was buried in stand. A piece of rock stopped it and flattened the tip. All-in, I've lost three arrows. We were told that someone will retrieve the lost arrows by using a metal detector. But, that didn't happen.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the Sun begins to warm up the day, things slowly took a toll on the archers. Heat and humidity got to them and as we shot the last few targets on the valley below the resort, the heat became unbearable. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of our guys had to bail out. And for not informing the organizer, he had a mouthful from the course director...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7GQMUO9Zf9Nxvn-e18wl9vH3gZ8Js8dSSf1g6QPBnpRvzv6QXFLKibxAO2_hAveqZH7YRKaU41uBZ9281SoUCki6oM7SZjqY0glMVKTMiQmJj4tMZL4aqsCd6BuIPoOTcksvRCeLpZD2/s1600/57433674_10156983985407332_8310813089863827456_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt7GQMUO9Zf9Nxvn-e18wl9vH3gZ8Js8dSSf1g6QPBnpRvzv6QXFLKibxAO2_hAveqZH7YRKaU41uBZ9281SoUCki6oM7SZjqY0glMVKTMiQmJj4tMZL4aqsCd6BuIPoOTcksvRCeLpZD2/s400/57433674_10156983985407332_8310813089863827456_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Archers doing their practice rounds in the morning...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK30rG5gPrP_KNyIniJEMIY5-sR_I7rq8nsNehHbGVxqdNYb7KbGXgmwdyw7dDTaeMT1YXUzEqmfdNe-s0KNaCoLG5OBDR1tbRmmgMMPgucCNHIz7h95idbiXq1VPa4KKDfKTuCS6faRSR/s1600/57446454_10156984774952332_624259323081523200_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="992" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK30rG5gPrP_KNyIniJEMIY5-sR_I7rq8nsNehHbGVxqdNYb7KbGXgmwdyw7dDTaeMT1YXUzEqmfdNe-s0KNaCoLG5OBDR1tbRmmgMMPgucCNHIz7h95idbiXq1VPa4KKDfKTuCS6faRSR/s400/57446454_10156984774952332_624259323081523200_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taking turns to shoot the target...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfq-2gsvQ8os2VFHO2S9PRIG14dAssmZZ4qcBAs7o_MTNBYQD_BXzwd3bRnce7X5vlY3v1yqdXmysT3ANIW2E_orNGJPrqitNrhvALLqxcIDzoDAkw3QPHo7-om_lfzIVE01aoVs_q93-/s1600/57504270_10156984774847332_1663135375666708480_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="992" data-original-width="744" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfq-2gsvQ8os2VFHO2S9PRIG14dAssmZZ4qcBAs7o_MTNBYQD_BXzwd3bRnce7X5vlY3v1yqdXmysT3ANIW2E_orNGJPrqitNrhvALLqxcIDzoDAkw3QPHo7-om_lfzIVE01aoVs_q93-/s400/57504270_10156984774847332_1663135375666708480_o.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wild boar tracks...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19xogJQPNI5ghQ2gLIltGd7xXX_b9isBB4foBXaKak_vjaUSwmr18aT-Vy0tIWynVJkyuMLZegjOfiLRXY8xmcK51LvO7wgycIy6PIWxs5oYNgkz6hLcfqR9a-SCfs4q3H2-NdsoF7hvO/s1600/57763905_10156984774867332_9161803526047793152_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="992" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19xogJQPNI5ghQ2gLIltGd7xXX_b9isBB4foBXaKak_vjaUSwmr18aT-Vy0tIWynVJkyuMLZegjOfiLRXY8xmcK51LvO7wgycIy6PIWxs5oYNgkz6hLcfqR9a-SCfs4q3H2-NdsoF7hvO/s400/57763905_10156984774867332_9161803526047793152_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A deceptive target layout, but nevertheless, both my shots connected!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>An interesting conclusion...</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once we were done with all the targets, it was time to head back to the villa and check out. We had to hand over the keys to the property.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We left the resort to do the needful and while having lunch, a phone call came. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A fellow archer had informed Jeb that team SBA has won the second day shoot.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought it was a joke, so we carried on eating before heading back to the resort to thank the organizer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By the time we got there, everyone had left. I checked the score sheet and found out that we led by only one point. A team from Kuantan took second place at the shoot.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The organizer asked for a feedback about the event. I told him that he should invest heavily on good foam animal targets.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His response was "everything came out from his own pocket..." My take on this was very simple: you charge a fee for the event, it's not free and costings should be worked into giving a quality game. Not whine about not having funds. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My personal opinion: the place where the event was held is amazing. Nice scenery, totally awesome for 3D shoots. The targets can be improved. Instead of using animals printed on vinyl buntings, the organizer should invest heavily on high-quality foam animals. What I saw, were really lousy foam targets that fell apart even before the event was over. To rub salt to the wound, I actually owned a similar looking target which I bought a couple of years ago from a shop in Malacca. It was so bad, the foam disintegrated by the elements. It will be great to see some good 3D targets from Italy's SRT targets or Delta McKenzie from the US being used at such a course. The fees of course, will be higher, but it's all for a quality game...</span>samohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11139480124713661761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505978833234354766.post-44800689654085395992019-06-06T02:58:00.002-07:002019-06-06T05:47:29.428-07:00Sungai Lembing Rendezvous - Part 1<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Field and 3D archery events are far and few in-between here in Malaysia, but it's gaining popularity among archers....<br /><b><i><br /></i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>And so it begins... </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I jump at the first chance to try out field and 3D archery events organized locally. It's fun walking in the jungle and plinking foam animal targets at unmarked distances. So far, only one organizer had pulled off a great show when it comes to 3D archery.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Sometime earlier this year, I met an archer from Kuantan who made mention about a 3D shoot in Sungai Lembing, a former mining town near Pahang's state capital.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I raised the matter to my buddies who agreed to take part, so, I made the arrangements to get hold of the organizer to register for the event. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">They charge RM80 for the shoot, which is a pretty decent price considering the cost of buying foam animals for 3D course. To begin with, the animals are not cheap. A small critter can cost between RM400-600 and larger animals can go up to the thousands. So, that said, the plan was to car pool from Kuala Lumpur to Sg Lembing. We set the rendezvous at 3.30am for those living in Subang Jaya. I had to pick up another guy before 4am in the Kepong area before hitting the East Coast highway.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">The plan is to arrive at Sg Lembing, have breakfast and head straight to the 3D course. None of the guys have been to this area before, so, it's a visual treat!</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: small;">New gear, sleep deprivation and busted arrows!</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">You don't get much sleep when you have to wake up early and drive for four hours. Driving in the dark and putting full concentration on the road can be a real pain in the ass. And the safety of all the guys in the car is paramount.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">It takes about four hours to get to Sg Lembing from Subang Jaya. When we arrived at town, the first order of the day, was to get a good fill on our tummies. It's going to be a real long day as we were expected to hike with our bows and arrows including archery tools and drinking water at the course.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Having savored the local fare, we were satisfied enough to head down to the resort where the event was held.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Most of the archers were already there and there were a few familiar faces. Some of the folks we met were from Kuantan. The organizer gave a briefing about the rules and the course layout and the first group was sent out. Well, to a slope where they have to shoot from an elevated position. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Targets were placed on the ground, some 40-50 meters away. This was very interesting as the archers took turns to engage on paper targets placed downrange.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Some guys missed while a few good ones actually connected with what they have aimed at...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I had bunch of new gear to test out at this course. For shooting 3D, I have ditched my field quiver for a Rancho Safari load bearing system and arrow carrier. My bow as a brand-new CD Archery WF25X riser with Hoyt Velos #32lb limbs. And the most controversial part is using the "VAP V-1" arrows that I bought cheap from supplier in the East Coast. Small diameter target arrows do perform, but they do come with a hefty price is you send it to the wrong spot. Hit something hard, you lose the arrow. On the first day, I lost one arrow after missing a foam target from the distance of 25 meters.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The Rancho Safari Cat Quiver IV was a real life-saver. I don't have arrows rattling and dangling all over my hip and the load bearing system actually helped to relieve fatigue, something I have already been experiencing due to sleep deprivation and the long drive to Sg Lembing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">As for our team, the rest of the guys shot pretty well. One ended up in the top-5 while the rest of us settled in the middle-ranks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The course tested on how we would resolved on shooting in tough terrain. At some stations, you literally have to stand on a log, balance yourself and attempt to land a clean shot. Using a 70" bow, I had the limbs snagging on vegetation above me... Hahahha!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">By the time we were done, it was time to head to your villa located near town. We had a couple of chilled beers before checking out a siew-yuk (roast pork) joint nearby. This eatery opens only once a week and was a real treat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">There was a BBQ session hosted by the organizer later in the evening. We decided to enjoy the siew-yuk which turned out to be a blessing in disguise because it turned out that the BBQ was a horrible affair. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">After socializing with some fellow archers at the resort where the shoot was held, we decided to head back to town for supper and called it a day as the team event takes place the following day... </span></div>
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samohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11139480124713661761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505978833234354766.post-77331786132543784482019-06-06T01:30:00.004-07:002019-06-06T01:30:34.084-07:00Barebow archery, loving it! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0nNxFVjsBuYXF0gT8vNj9SbsYrm12fx-zkroQpdq7q8fPwBH8-eCedvAYgnmIjwsLclkTB22qaRlGBsrPfG51GG-Xz-JQzrW-ES_MXyywe5zy54l9jzQoQ_pt4dkIRuE2OcygKDs-Jvq/s1600/61995986_10157098235542332_7543212536108154880_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0nNxFVjsBuYXF0gT8vNj9SbsYrm12fx-zkroQpdq7q8fPwBH8-eCedvAYgnmIjwsLclkTB22qaRlGBsrPfG51GG-Xz-JQzrW-ES_MXyywe5zy54l9jzQoQ_pt4dkIRuE2OcygKDs-Jvq/s400/61995986_10157098235542332_7543212536108154880_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Barebow was given its due recognition at the 2019 World Archery Congress in Netherlands recently...<br /><b><i><br /></i></b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Four years and counting...</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am enjoying retirement and haven't been posting anything for at least a year and a-half.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For me, life has been good and things have been going really smooth for me. And it has been four years since I took up archery. I bought my first takedown recurve bow and never looked back.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michelle my wife and I went through a bit to get our hobby going. We were chased out of public range and at the time when we doing our barebow gig, most of the "upper crust" archers in target archery had deemed us as "unworthy"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>The motion tabled at the 2019 World Archery Congress</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People who matter in the archery scene representing 85 member nations from all over the world had convened in the Netherlands to vote on 15 motions. One of them was recognizing barebow in target archery. So, what does it mean? Technically-speaking, barebow archers would have the opportunity to create world records in target archery where they compete. Well, sanctioned events by World Archery of course...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Here and now...</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The local archery scene has witnessed a spike in Barebow entries. From the beginning of the year till the end, there are events such as 18-meter shoots and the newly-introduced Barebow 50m. With the inclusion of Barebow in target archery, archers now have a chance to earn the 50m badge by submitting their highest scores in sanctioned events. The onus now is for the national archery association to move along with World Archery's stand on the recognition for barebow. Since history was made, we will see the changes. Barebow archers are no longer "unworthy", but people are people, there are folks who hate. We can't change that mindset. But, it is now the barebow archer's part to learn the rules and dress accordingly for events. Discipline matters and good sportsmanship will ensure that the sport remains recognized and respected.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>samohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11139480124713661761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505978833234354766.post-17317625636433521652018-02-14T17:46:00.004-08:002018-02-14T17:46:58.669-08:00Dame Queenie 2006-2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The vet rang up to inform the passing of Dame Queenie. My heart sank. She has been critically ill for the past few days and was treated at the Gasing Animal Hospital. The vet and medical staff there has given her the best treatment they can to alleviate her suffering from tick fever.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I picked up her body and laid her to rest next to Sir Naughty who died in December last year. The two were inseparable. I guess after the death of Sir Naughty, Queenie has been missing him. Now they are together again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Throughout her life, Queenie has been a feisty pup. Always the expressive one and was also a great companion. We raised her from 8 weeks old right to her ripe old age of 12. So, losing a dog after so many years can be emotionally tough. We don't have children and we kept the dogs as our companion. Through the years, Sir Naughty and Dame Queenie have given us smiles on our faces. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We missed both our kids and now, the legacy carries on with Bandit and Daisy, our latest addition to the Samopack. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rest in peace Queenie and thank you for all those good memories! Love, Momma and Poppa Samo....</span>samohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11139480124713661761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505978833234354766.post-5000560118827383002017-12-29T05:58:00.003-08:002017-12-29T05:58:56.805-08:002017 - The year in perspective...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheU26JTk3XTQ0GQoUy-q7-dzyFz2YI7xUPG2t4YJqAkopziMVVmyvRtLFHzVjQsCNNjOC5YJ4rjVAHVtey_YkRv2aTw3MeBzF-AGlPJy7LWvzjCw4WZiQArTIyb8tgfJ7HjcUzB8J67982/s1600/19055655_10155259624462332_7407226461057776137_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheU26JTk3XTQ0GQoUy-q7-dzyFz2YI7xUPG2t4YJqAkopziMVVmyvRtLFHzVjQsCNNjOC5YJ4rjVAHVtey_YkRv2aTw3MeBzF-AGlPJy7LWvzjCw4WZiQArTIyb8tgfJ7HjcUzB8J67982/s400/19055655_10155259624462332_7407226461057776137_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Oh, what a year!</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Only two days left before we cross into 2018 and I must say that the last 12 months have been really interesting...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nearly every quarter, we stayed in the game in terms of our archery pursuit and the range time that I had with my bow and arrow bore the fruits of my labour.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Archery, archery, archery...</i></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbBzxImc0E9D-xe9GKtPEQonj9YnOPfWdi9MpAsT-m8-1J2BmutVPBI40OgR8PzQOxY6E015dk6BzPOdk4SyyGAC4LW65ZmCIGmFB2VywjOSHr2nXQStesBXRZJULzVV7JmWA-zf0SWFG/s1600/17358595_10154999546702332_7777975122960757882_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbBzxImc0E9D-xe9GKtPEQonj9YnOPfWdi9MpAsT-m8-1J2BmutVPBI40OgR8PzQOxY6E015dk6BzPOdk4SyyGAC4LW65ZmCIGmFB2VywjOSHr2nXQStesBXRZJULzVV7JmWA-zf0SWFG/s400/17358595_10154999546702332_7777975122960757882_o.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'd say that throughout the year, I have been spending much time in the range with my trad bows. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the earlier quarter, I competed in the Kelantan Indoor Open with my Hoyt Tiburon. It's a trad bow and I love how it performed. Later in March, I acquired the Hoyt Satori and the game was about to change. For three months solid, I trained with the new Hoyt Traditional bow and I must say that the results were amazing. I improved my scores at the Thailand Princess Cup barebow competition. Managed to compete in the 1/16 elimination rounds. After coming back from Thailand, I transited to shooting with a barebow riser. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Sharing a light moment with a fellow Thai archer at the Princess Cup</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8W1QuUn7RougEjucpRseJ6iJOfoa0ArFHXau7TNTT4lRgeiZEz-5RS5D-lRyooQXJYXTKOqo68Qz7TRgtmwysTbOuoTM0DShTBsXQ_qoQd74CFed0Cqni2uNRpojBBkySLAc7iGsEJe2P/s1600/19250706_10155282855647332_9119967544710466730_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8W1QuUn7RougEjucpRseJ6iJOfoa0ArFHXau7TNTT4lRgeiZEz-5RS5D-lRyooQXJYXTKOqo68Qz7TRgtmwysTbOuoTM0DShTBsXQ_qoQd74CFed0Cqni2uNRpojBBkySLAc7iGsEJe2P/s400/19250706_10155282855647332_9119967544710466730_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">With Tatrawee Harikul, the main man behind the Princess Cup tournament</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi645-Q174Ew-UdHVNVkvDZDs1ME3p6R9DbVuueiBgukNJifO7WCAzLVUgOBuDzkO7zJvWlZXTTqDzHGO3muYZtZK9DyhUD8Y49zzH3fiBKXQdPtQzR2kzp5KV3OonnWu_St98HqFHRoqfK/s1600/25626041_10155831597957332_6706868997714555258_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi645-Q174Ew-UdHVNVkvDZDs1ME3p6R9DbVuueiBgukNJifO7WCAzLVUgOBuDzkO7zJvWlZXTTqDzHGO3muYZtZK9DyhUD8Y49zzH3fiBKXQdPtQzR2kzp5KV3OonnWu_St98HqFHRoqfK/s400/25626041_10155831597957332_6706868997714555258_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Spigarelli, an awesome riser at the right price</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FusRmGlSnQ7GBqlW13p2GmmDtXATqET40WYzUx8tH04Brcc2X1L0pNoCZf2lVxMltVENQa5D_tYQGPRvAuY3hXR27batMP67RujM9qhnr_g2owykwf8_goiDvKaABYQURYvWk1jDOf40/s1600/25791199_10155831601312332_7466697189387142897_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1FusRmGlSnQ7GBqlW13p2GmmDtXATqET40WYzUx8tH04Brcc2X1L0pNoCZf2lVxMltVENQa5D_tYQGPRvAuY3hXR27batMP67RujM9qhnr_g2owykwf8_goiDvKaABYQURYvWk1jDOf40/s400/25791199_10155831601312332_7466697189387142897_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Sending an arrow downrange with the Spiga</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was enough time to train and break-in the bow for the UPM indoor open back in October. The Spiga needs plenty of work to get it competition ready and once its teething problems are taken care of, it performs. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The UPM event is another notch on our local tournament rankings as Michelle and I did pretty okay. We made to the 1/8 elimination rounds and also improved our scores.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">At the indoor archery world cup in Bangkok</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The icing on the cake is, of course, December's Indoor Archery World Cup. It was held in Bangkok and we had a swell time shooting with some of the best archers from Asia. Once again, we met our counterparts from Thailand and stood at the shooting line with them. Other highlights including organizing our club's Invitational event and two smaller shoots for our club members.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Malaysia Day tournament</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The 2017 Invitational</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i> We lost our boy...</i></b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Sir Naughty 2004 - 2017</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our dog of 13 years passed away on Dec 22. It was a great loss to us because he was such an awesome companion. Sir Naughty kept our home safe and our hearts warm. Its always been great coming home to a furkid wagging his tail and he did that all through the years and right until the end.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Demobilizing</i></b></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">After 10 years in the Star Media Group, it's time to move on...</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My workplace announced that they had to cull 500 people to save 800 jobs. I knew it was time to hit the road and I was happy to do so after being offered a redundancy package. To me, after weighing the pros and cons, it was the right thing to do. My time was over and there's nothing wrong in stepping aside to allow others to progress. From reporter to producer, I have come a long way after nearly three decades on the job. I don't feel at a loss or remorseful stepping out. The real challenge is out there and 2018 has a couple of gigs to offer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>samohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11139480124713661761noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3505978833234354766.post-82894535999658329542017-12-22T06:38:00.002-08:002017-12-22T06:38:46.320-08:00Sir Clifford McNaughty 2004 - 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPY-Z0s1OpnYF2qD22i7yHCVQma5GbL4vPdN-MulzQAxXNW7g9tFi83qmxc5dwYBtLd8aipKVGVpUDfNMRLQgaKLfdk9f0inid3leUlaT5k9ZlN6GBXt9jw7BSP2kZoQl7kV6xveddsSN/s1600/1934591_120822162331_2570738_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="604" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPY-Z0s1OpnYF2qD22i7yHCVQma5GbL4vPdN-MulzQAxXNW7g9tFi83qmxc5dwYBtLd8aipKVGVpUDfNMRLQgaKLfdk9f0inid3leUlaT5k9ZlN6GBXt9jw7BSP2kZoQl7kV6xveddsSN/s400/1934591_120822162331_2570738_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>A day in living memory...</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">IT was a dreadful moment when I had to make the call to euthanize my 13-year-old male Siberian Husky.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had Sir Naughty in our home since 2004 and I will never forget that fateful day when I picked him up as a pup from my mom in-law's home in Petaling Jaya.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Naughty lived with us for a year before we welcomed another Siberian Husky Dame Queenie. Both as been partners for as long as I can recall. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Sir Naughty and his faithful partner Dame Queenie</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My boy's health has deteriorated through the years and lately, he lost a lot of weight. We introduced two more dogs to the house and that's where things went South for our old boy. Two weeks ago, he was injured in the face after fighting with Bandit, our new dog. Naughty went into a recluse and develope maggot wound infection. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His condition worsened and it came to a point where he couldn't walk anymore. It was a devastating sight to see a healthy dog deteriorate right before your eyes...</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The mischievous pup</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Sir Naughty, as I would remember him the best</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Towards the end of his lifespan, Naughty was in constant pain. He peed and pooped all over himself. I knew I had to make a decision to ease his suffering with a trip to the vet today.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I put him on the inspection table, the veterinarian gave her prognosis. I told her that I don't want him to suffer anymore.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While giving him a pat on the head, I said: <b><i>"Thank you boy, for all the great years, you don't have to suffer anymore. Goodbye boy..."</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can sense that he was calm before going to sleep. I have even prepared to bury him at my neighbor's orchard. I asked Mr. Huang if I could lay him to rest near his fruit trees. The man agreed. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I signed a consent form for the euthanization and picked up his body from the consultation room. We headed back to one last ride home. I placed his body respectfully into his grave, buried him and said a prayer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sir Naughty is one-of-a-kind. I don't think I could find another pooch that has his feistiness, on top of being a loving and faithful companion. After his passing, all I have with me are the good memories. Travel well my beloved pooch, and thank you for being such a loyal companion. Love you always...</span>samohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11139480124713661761noreply@blogger.com0