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NEWS
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Singapore toils for semi-finals berth
Source : IBF
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Malaysia as expected cruised through to the semi-finals of the men’s inter-team competition of the 21st SEA Games at the Malawati Stadium in Shah Alam today.
The Malaysian side made short work of a hapless Brunei 3-0, hardly raising a sweat. Malaysia will now take on Singapore in the semi-finals on Monday. The other semi-final will pit favourites Indonesia against Thailand.
Singapore earned their place in the last four with a hard-earned 3-2 win over lowly Myanmar. Without the services of their foreign imports, Singapore were almost made to eat humble pie by the enterprising Myanmarese.
Singapore lost both the first two singles and must thank Kenny Quek for turning the tide for them in the third singles. Kenny defeated Zarni Htay 15-12, 15-4 to give the Singaporeans a much needed turnaround.
Singapore took both the doubles to book their date against Malaysia. They are, however, not expected to stop Malaysia in the semi-finals. Malaysia simply pack too much power for the Singaporeans.
In the tie against Brunei, Japanchampion Mohamed Roslin Hashim set the ball rolling with a 15-2, 15-0 thrashing of Amran Kambar in theng singles. The scratch pair of Wong Choong Hann and Lee Wan Wah made it 2-0 for the hosts with a polished 15-3, 15-3 win over Michael Nyau-Zailani Yuin.
Malaysianchampion Ong Ewe Hock sealed the tie for Malaysia with an effortless 15-2, 15-2 win over Huzaini Salleh in the second singles. The next two matches in the tie were not played following the unassailable lead.
Thailand rested their top doubles pair of Pramote Teerawiwatana-Tesana Panvisvas, but were still too strong for Vietnam, winning 3-0. Sudket Prapakamol-Phattapol Ngensrisuk did struggle to a 12-15, 15-10, 15-6 win over Tran Thanh Hai-Bui Quong Son but a Thai victory was not in doubt.
Thailand, however, are not expected to beat the mighty Indonesians and should be contended with the bronze that comes with the losing semi-finalists.
The women’s inter-team competition also starts on Monday with only four teams taking part. Defending champion Indonesia plays Malaysia while Thailand take on Vietnam.
The losers of both ties will win the bronze medal while the winners will battle it out for the gold and silver.
The tie between Malaysia and Indonesia will be closely watched although Indonesia are the favourites. Malaysia are quietly confident that they can upstage Indonesia for the very first time.
RESULTS
Men’s Inter-Team
Quarter-Finals
Malaysia beat Brunei 3-0 (Mohamed Roslin Hashim beat Amran Kambar 15-2, 15-0; Wong Choong Hann-Lee Wan Wah beat Michael Nyau-Zailani Yuin 15-3, 15-3; Ong Ewe Hock beat Huzaini Md Salleh 15-2, 15-2)
Thailand beat Vietnam 3-0 (Boonsak Polsana beat Nguyen Hoang Loang 15-3, 15-1; Sudket Prapakamol-Phattapol Ngensrisuk beat Tran Thanh Hai-Bui Quong Son 12-15, 15-10, 15-6; Anuphap Theeraratsakul beat Nguyen Phu Cuong 15-5, 15-7)
Singapore beat Myanmar 3-2 (Gerald Ho lost to Lwin Aung 11-15, 15-17; Nor Izwan Paini lost to Zaw Win 3-15, 9-15; Kenny Quek beat Zarni Htay 15-2, 15-4; Patrick Lau-Jack Hee beat Lwin Aung-Zaw Win 15-12, 15-5; Chua Yong Soo-Khoo Kian Teck beat Zarni Htay-Zaw Maung Maung Soe 15-4, 15-6)
report by S T Arasu
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September 09, 2001  |
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