Passing a stern test: Malaysia’s Nicol David returning a shot to Raneem El Weleily of Egypt during their CIMB Nicol David KL Squash Open semi-final at Berjaya Times Square, March 30, 2012. Nicol won 15-13, 12-14, 11-6, 11-7 in 49 minutes. GLENN GUAN/The Star

Moving along: Malaysia’s Zahraa Anuwar in action during the women’s elite points race final at the Cheras Velodrome, February 8, 2012. GLENN GUAN/The Star

Going for it: Selangor captain Mohd Amri Yahyah (right) attempting to take the ball away from Singapore’s Isa Halim during their Super League match at the Bukit Jalil Stadium, February 8, 2012. GLENN GUAN/The Star

Team Malaysia competes in the synchronized swimming team combination routine finals event at the aquatics stadium in Jakabaring in Palembang, Nov 21, 2011. They won the gold medal. GLENN GUAN/The Star (Palembang)

Team Malaysia celebrates with their gold medals at the aquatics stadium in Jakabaring in Palembang, Nov 21, 2011. They won 5 out of 5 gold medals. GLENN GUAN/The Star (Palembang)

Malaysia’s Shareen Png Hui Chuen and Katrina Ann Abdul Hadi competes in the synchronize swimming duet free finals event at the aquatics stadium in Jakabaring in Palembang, Nov 20, 2011. They won the gold medal. GLENN GUAN/The Star (Palembang)

A swimmer in action during the women’s 400m butterfly finals at the aquatic stadium in Jakabaring in Palembang, Nov 14, 2011. GLENN GUAN (Palembang)

Fireworks light up the sky during the opening ceremony of the 26th SEA Games in Palembang, Indonesia, Nov 11, 2011. GLENN GUAN/The Star (Palembang)

Malaysia’s Shirleen Khoo Mei Jee (left) reaches for the ball against Indonesia’s Nova Rusneri during the women’s water polo match at Lumban Tirtra Swimming Stadium in Palembang, Nov 10, 2011. GLENN GUAN/The Star (Palembang)