Pollution a concern ahead of 2018 Asiad

JAKARTA • In less than a year, Jakarta will host the Asian Games, but amid its preparations, the world's third-most polluted city has yet to do anything to improve its air quality.

Good-level air quality is indicated by a global air pollution index of 0 to 50. Most of the time, Jakarta's air quality is within the 51 to 100, or moderate, range, which may cause breathing discomfort for some people, according to the Committee for the Phasing Out of Leaded Fuel (KPBB).

"If next year the athletes have to compete in these circumstances (poor air quality), it will be a big problem," said KPBB chief Ahmad Safrudin.

THE JAKARTA POST/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

Matsuyama, Thomas lead CIMB Classic list

KUALA LUMPUR • Hideki Matsuyama has committed to play in the CIMB Classic next week, ensuring for the first time that two top-five golfers will headline the US$7 million (S$9.5 million) PGA Tour tournament in Malaysia.

With two-time defending champion and world No. 4 Justin Thomas, who is also the FedExCup champion, having confirmed his title defence earlier, the Japanese world No. 3's fifth straight appearance in the PGA Tour's only tournament in South-east Asia will ensure plenty of fireworks for golf fans to enjoy at TPC Kuala Lumpur from Oct 12-15.

BERNAMA

Lee, other big names for C'wealth Games

KUALA LUMPUR • The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has listed all their main players, including three-time Olympic silver medallist Lee Chong Wei, for the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Australia next year.

BAM honorary secretary Ng Chin Chai said the final list would be released only next March.

BERNAMA