Written by: Denzel Lim Ming Wei
Edited by: Angelina Grace Pandiman
Photos by: Eusoff Works
Of all the matches, Eusoff decided to send our paralympian in the SEMIFINALS. This is how confident we are of taking the match. With majority of our best players out hustling (coaching at Oscar’s academy), one might wonder “Wtf is the team doing? They not scared lose semis meh?” However, after watching tonight’s game, I can see why captain Oscar had faith that we would move on to the finals.
Coming up first, we have Sizheng to kick us off with the 1st singles. Not only does Sizheng excel in doubles, who knew he could play singles too! He breezed through the 1st game with a series of strong smashes and delicate net shots, taking it 21-6. In the 2nd game, Sizheng kept his momentum and raced ahead with a large lead. Not being able to find answers to Sizheng’s smashes, his opponent found himself scrambling all over the court in vain. Absolutely dominating his opponent, Sizheng took the 2nd game 21-5.
1st singles: Sizheng 21-6, 21-5 (W/W)
Next up, we have Brian “Pokka” alongside vice-captain and paralympian, Zikai, in the 1st doubles. Even with one functional leg, Zikai was confident that he could bring Eusoff to the finals. During the 1st game, Zikai’s injury was evidently giving him a fair bit of trouble as he could be described as “sauntering” around the court. Even with his handicap, Pokka and Zikai managed to steal the 1st game by a narrow margin of 21-19. In the 2nd game however, KR began to exploit Zikai’s lack of mobility and took the game 9-21. In the rubber set, Pokka and Zikai played their hearts out despite their disadvantage. With an imaginary leg, Zikai managed to play pretty decent badminton. With a 18-15 lead, all seemed to be going well for Pokka and Zikai. However, KR were determined to keep their final’s dreams alive and they took the last set 19-21.
1st doubles: Pokka & Zikai 21-19, 9-21, 19-21 (W/L/L)
zikai no ACL still can play for IHG, rly how good!
Next, we have Randall in the 2nd singles. Playing against KR’s best player, Randall starts off toe to toe with his opponent. Up till the midgame interval, both sides refused to let the other pull away with the lead. Score at the midgame interval was 10-11. After the interval, KR managed to up a gear and moved ahead with the lead, eventually taking the 1st set 14-21. In the second set, Randall and his opponent continued to hound after each other point after point. Unfortunately, in the midst of the game, Randall landed wrongly, injuring himself (probable sprain). He tried to carry on with the game, but alas, the pain was so unbearable that he had to retire from the game. Get well soon Randall, hopefully he recovers in time for the finals.
2nd singles: Randall 14-21, walkover (L/L)
the fatal smash and landing that most probably caused the downfall of his ankle... gws Randall....
Before the match, Javier commented that by the time it’s his turn, they would’ve already won 3-0. Little did he expect that he would be facing a 1-2 deficit, where his loss would mean the end of Eusoff’s run in this year’s IHG. In the 2nd doubles, Javier and Jeremy had a mission, to win and keep Eusoff’s finals dream alive. Keeping their composure, Javier and Jeremy didn’t let the pressure overwhelm them as they took the 1st game comfortably at 21-13. In the 2nd game, they were faced with much stronger resistance as the rallies grew more and more intense. The score was much closer than the first, prompting louder cheers and encouragement from the bench. Ultimately, Javier and Jeremy proved to be the better players as they sealed the second game 21-16, keeping our finals dreams alive.
2nd doubles: Javier & Jeremy 21-13, 21-16 (W/W)
Javier did not expect himself to be playing such an important match, but thankfully still delivered.
In the last singles and decider, Jierui had the large responsibility of securing the win to bring Eusoff to the finals. Fortunately, his opponent wasn’t the best at the sport, giving Jierui an extremely easy time on the court. Talk about anti-climatic. Jierui demonstrated absolute class as he made it seem like a coaching session rather than an IHG semifinal decider match. Outclassing his opponent, Jierui safely takes both games easily 21-5 and 21-4, securing Eusoff’s spot in the finals.
Last singles: Jierui 21-5, 21-4 (W/W)
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