Written by: Amanda Goh: Edited by: Leung Lok Heng & Choa Zhao Xiang Photos by: EusoffWorks
In badminton, 5 matches are played- alternating between singles and doubles matches, starting with a singles match. The first hall to win 3 matches (best of 5) takes the win for the entire game.
Each match is played to the best of 3 sets, and each set ends when a player reaches 21 points.
If the score is tied at 20-20 then they go into a deuce.
In this exciting matchup against formidable foes Kent Ridge (KR), the team fielded the following lineup:
Singles: Eik Chieh
Doubles: Debin and Brian
Singles: Shaun
Doubles: Huan Zhang and Michael
Singles: Jun Xian
Captain Eik Chieh shows his boys how it’s done by starting off strong- easily taking a 5-0 lead in the first set within a short span of time. Although it was clear from the start that his opponent was not as experienced as him, Eik Chieh never let his guard down and took each point seriously even when the other side did not. Steady and disciplined, Eik Chieh continued to widen the gap, much to the frustration of his opponent who threw his racket down. Being the helpful man that he is, Eik chieh graciously returned the racket to its owner, only to continue smashing shuttlecocks at him, and winning the first set 21-2. His winning streak continued in the second set, as the shuttlecock never landed in his court, winning the second set 21-0.
EH 1:0 KR
Inspired by their captains easy win, Brianpokkatea and Debz take the lead with a series of short rallies. Brian delivers a strong smash that is impossible for his opponent to return, proving that he has been working out for bash! Not to be outshone by his junior, Debin widens the gap with multiple smashes and cool serves that the opponents are unable to handle, bringing the first set to 21-5 to them. Feeling the heat, the KR opponents deliver more smashes but this duo is unfazed as they go on to win the second set 21-7.
Brian SKIES up for a rocket smash.
EH 2:0 KR
The longest and most intense match of the day begins as Shaun steps on court to face his opponent, who brandished a bright orange IVP tag on his ankle. However, Shaun showed his opponent that he was not to be underestimated, taking a 4-0 lead in the first set after a series of long rallies. Realizing that he was up against the real deal, Shaun’s opponent began hitting harder, (and talking louder), closing the gap and bringing the score to 5-5. Although his opponent hit the shuttlecock from corner to corner, even his strategic moves and trash talking were no match for Shaun who remained calm and composed and gracefully returns the shuttlecock each time, slowly but surely taking the lead again. As the score inches towards 21, the game heats up as Shaun slowly loses the lead- only to take it back with a solid smash, winning the first set 21-19.
The second start starts out smoothly with Shaun taking a 3-1 lead. However, his opponent proves that he earned his spot on the IVP team with multiple well placed shots that even Shaun could not return, and kent ridge takes the lead 10-5. Not letting his opponent get into his head, Shaun calmly equalises the score to 13-13, returning smashes and low balls at the speed of light. Unfortunately, his opponent seemed to have a lot of energy and power, smashing the shuttlecock continuously and Shaun eventually loses the second set 21-16.
The final set begins and both sides give it their all, but after multiple intensive rallies, kent ridge takes the lead 7-5. With it being a rubber match, it is clear that both sides are feeling the pressure- and the KR player hits the shuttlecock before it hits the ground with his foot instead of his racket. This is not Sepak Takraw! Since there was no way to determine if the shuttlecock was in or out of bounds, Shaun graciously offers to re-serve the ball. The game continues with a higher intensity and one particularly tough rally causes Shaun to fall, but after a short while, he picks himself up and continues the match. Sadly, he loses the set 21-16, but at least he did not lose his sportsmanship!
Our media director and ex-badminton captain Shaun in action!
EH 2:1 KR
On the heels of a loss, the second doubles starts off a little shakily and the score remains tight at 11-10 to eusoff for the first match. However, after being on the court for a period of time, Huan Zhang and Michael begin to widen the gap as a particularly hard smash from Huan Zhang brings his opponent to his knees! Michael’s experience and talent can be seen as he makes several good judgement calls when his opponent hits the shuttlecock out, and they go on to win the first set 21-17. The second set starts off well with a 10-3 lead to our doubles but kent ridge begins feeling the heat and closes this gap with a score of 15-15. The sudden catch up does not affect Huan Zhang and Michael as they pull away from kent ridge with several solid rallies, eventually winning the second set 21-19!
Freshie sensation Huan Zhang goes for a powerful smash!
EH 3:1 KR
This next paragraph will be short and sweet, just like Jun Xian’s match. Even with a win secured for Eusoff, Jun Xian still took the game seriously and strategically hits the shuttlecock all over the court. Unable to return Jun Xian’s shuttlecocks, his opponent falls behind as Jun Xian takes the first set 21-5, all without breaking a sweat. The next match goes just as smoothly with Jun Xian easily returning all his opponents hits, and effortlessly wins the second set 21-6.
Final score: EH 4:1 KR
The badminton team played really well today, displaying tremendous amounts of both skills as well sportsmanship. The support from those that came down today gave them the extra push they needed to fight harder, so do come down to their next match: EH vs PH on 16th January at MPSH 5 (for both our male and female team). Don’t miss our amazing players in action! Check out EusoffWorks’ Facebook page for more photos of the match.
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