Written By: Malcolm Rhys Lim Edited By: Valerie Chua & Jolene Wong Photographs By: Eusoffworks
After a long CNY break, our badminton boys were back in action against a KE7 team who boasted some very individually talented players. Before the match had even started, a huge crowd of Eusoffians had gathered, eagerly waiting to cheer their team on.
Lineup:
1st Singles: Wei Zhong
1st Doubles: Wei Zhi and BICEPS CHARLES
2nd Singles: CAPTAIN Shaun
2nd Doubles: Alex and Jun Xian
3rd Singles: Eik Chieh
First up for Eusoff was SAF regular Wei Zhong who arrived for the match just in the nick of time. When questioned as to why he was so late, his response was “Duty Calls”. Can’t blame that I suppose! Having gone without lunch, his teammates anxiously watched on as he started his match. Would he collapse from hunger? However, he quickly cast those fears aside as he dominated the match right from the start, going to show that sometimes, lunch just isn’t necessary. Each of Wei Zhong’s shots were crisp and precise as he directed his opponent around the court. Every swing of the racquet corresponded with his opponent desperately scrambling in that direction to retrieve the shuttlecock. A trademark drop shot from Wei Zhong eventually won him the set 21-10.
The second set went much the same way as the first, with Wei Zhong dominating proceedings. His high lobs to the back court really put his opponent under a lot of pressure, forcing his opponent into hitting weak shots which were easily capitalised on. While not exactly of the same monstrous power as Charles, Wei Zhong ended the second set with a heavy smash of his own. And with that, Wei Zhong went off to get some lunch.
Veteran Wei Zhong smashing so casually. Suave.
Final Score: 21-10, 21-12
Eusoff 1 – 0 KE7
In the first doubles match of the day, biceps Charles and Wei Zhi were in action against a relatively inexperienced KE7 pair. There was a display of pure brute strength from our team as both Wei Zhi and Charles were trying to outdo each other in terms of smash speed. This reporter was not exactly sure, but each time Charles or Wei Zhi won a point with a smash, they seemed to mutter some numbers under their breath to each other. Perhaps they were having a side bet as to who could hit more smashes? Their smashes were clearly frightening their opponent and they won the first set 21-10.
The second set saw Charles desperately trying to win the side bet as he attempted to hit each and every shuttle, even when he was nowhere close to it. Got to give him some points for effort! With the side bet score really close, Charles told Wei Zhi: “If I can jump and hang in the air for 1 second I win”. The very next point, Charles took a gigantic leap as he smashed the shuttle right down into KE’s ground. After only what seemed like an eternity did Charles finally land back on the ground. Those on the bench could not believe it. Even Wei Zhi was stunned. Looks like those leg day workouts really paid off for Charles! After that point, Wei Zhi and Charles were up 16-4 and they never looked back, continuing with their one shot one kill mentality as they finally took the set 21-5.
Final score: 21-10, 21-5
Eusoff 2 – 0 KE7
The next singles match was the most crucial of the day, with Shaun up against a very evenly matched opponent and with the strong KE7 players waiting in the second doubles and third singles. If he lost, it would be a hard fight for us. With the pressure on his back, Captain Shaun did not disappoint, leading the team by example and roaring (literally) out to a fantastic 9 – 3 start. After winning each point, Shaun would release an earth-shaking roar to mark his dominance on his opponent. As they say, the mental battle is half the game and Shaun was clearly winning it. Throughout the set, Shaun kept the pressure on his opponent with precise shots that were not easy for his opponent to receive and which subsequently left Shaun with some easy smashes. Shaun was oozing with confidence and it showed in his play, as he kept mixing up his shots which really left his opponent guessing. Another smash, another shout and Shaun took the first set 21-14.
After dominating the first set, Shaun seemed to run out of steam a little in the second. His opponent also seemed to be growing into the game and the first worrying signs appeared when Shaun went into the interval with only a 2-point lead. His opponent gained some momentum after winning an intense 19 shot rally where both players saw their smashes saved with some lightning quick reflexes. Tied at 14 all, Shaun pulled away and got a 4-point lead. On the brink of elimination, the KE player channelled his inner chi and started going mad, making some insane shots which really put a lot of pressure on Shaun. He also tried to engage in mental warfare, shouting after he won each point. This turned the tide of the game and he took the second set 22-20 after an intense deuce point.
With the score tied at 1 set all, the Eusoff supporters were clearly on edge and the Yellow Sea started to make their presence felt. A notable senior in the stands was long-haired Billy who was shouting his lungs out. Way to go supporters! Inspired by Billy’s shouting, Shaun too decided to one up his game as he started to shout before every point. After having copied Shaun’s shouting technique, his KE opponent could not keep up with him on this as Shaun’s lungs were just too big. This shouting technique once again proved pivotal as it allowed Shaun to take a 19-12 lead. With the set seemingly over, Shaun just could not find the killer point as he allowed his opponent back into the set 20-18. Service faults and unforced errors really put everybody on the edge of their seats. In the end, Shaun finally won the set as his lob to the back court gave his opponent the false impression he could smash it and his shot went into the net.
Captain Shaun showing off his elevation with a smash!
Final score: 21-14, 20-22, 21-18
Eusoff 3 – 0 KE7
For the second doubles match, the KE7 pair decided to give our pair a walkover. Although there was some initial confusion as to what was happening, there was some chattering amongst those on the bench. After listening in for a bit, there seemed to be some rumours circulating that the KE7 YOG player was afraid to play against our very own JUN XIAN. Jun Xian’s reputation must indeed be very great to scare off even such a mighty player. WELL DONE JUN XIAN!
Eusoff 4 – 0 KE7
After the strange circumstances following the second doubles match, the third singles had controversy of its own too. Seeing as the match was a non-consequential one, the umpires who were supposed to be from KR hall decided that they weren’t necessary and poor Eik Chieh and his opponent had to play without an umpire. Both players were very evenly matched and their precise drop shots and lobs to the back of the court left everyone wondering whether we were watching a chess or badminton match. Eik Chieh’s chess skills proved to be superior in the opening set as he manoeuvred his opponent around the court more skilfully and he took the first set 21-18.
The second set was another cagey affair with both players trading points with each other and neither player unable to break away. With the score tied at 15 all, Eik Chieh’s opponent hit a few good shots which carried him to a 3-point lead which proved decisive in the set. By the time the final set started, most of the supporters had left the hall and Eik Chieh was playing for personal pride more than anything. Down by 2 points at the start, he showed his fighting spirit and eventually took the third set 21-18.
Final score: 21-18, 18-21, 21-18
Eusoff 5 – 0 KE7
With that win, our Eusoff boys are through to the Finals against TH. However, by the time you’ve read this article, the finals would probably be over as they’re playing the day after this. Good luck Badminton guys!
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