MYSTERY MEN REVEALED

Akhbar and Afzan primed to take on Mirzan for LTAM presidency

THE secret is finally out. Former international Akhbar Baba and Kelantan Tennis Association president Afzan Zakaria will challenge incumbent Mirzan Mahathir for the top post in Saturday’s Lawn Tennis Association of Malaysia (LTAM) biennial annual meeting-cum-election.

On Tuesday, LTAM refused to disclose the identities of Mirzan’s challengers citing that the onus was on the affiliates to reveal the names of the candidates.

It is learnt that Mirzan is in the lead as he has the backing of eight of the 15 affiliates, while businessman Afzan has six states behind him. Akhbar is believed to be only challenging for the top post to split the 57 votes (from 14 states and Armed Forces).

“We are not expecting any of the three to withdraw from the race. Many want a change as Mirzan is a transparent person. He is a no-nonsense president who does not condone to marking up costs for tournaments and training stints,” said a source.

“Mirzan is not lobbying this time as he feels that his efforts in raising the standard of tennis will help him retain his post. It will be bad for LTAM if either Akhbar or Afzan takes over.

“The ITF Futures will return to Malaysia next month, but things might change if Mirzan is not reelected. The hosting of three Futures tournaments will cost about RM300,000. The other two candidates are not willing to fork out the money.”

“Many are lobbying for the other candidates as they have agendas. Mirzan is a straight person and many dislike him for his professional attitude in managing the association.”

When Mirzan was appointed as president in 2015, government funding for LTAM’s junior academy was reduced from RM2 million to RM200,000 annually.

LTAM were forced to reduce the number of trainees, but despite the shortcoming, several youth players made inroads in the international junior circuit.

Christian Didier Chin, a product of the academy, is making waves in junior events, and he now wants to break into the senior tour.

“Basically, tennis will return to the dark ages if Mirzan loses in the election. He has done a good job despite facing difficulties in getting funds for tennis activities.

“He has proven that being transparent is the best policy in tennis,” the source added.