Written by: Ng Sihern
Edited by: Jared Rajiv
Photos by: EusoffWorks
The Squash M team looked to get back to winning ways in their final group stage game against KE. They know that they need to win this to book their place in the semi finals. Despite a defeat in their first game to defending champions TH, the players look relaxed, probably because they are confident to play against KE.
The first match started with Jia Shen being the first player. Knowing that Jia Shen is an IVP player, KE probably played their worst player against him. The Ke player was no match for Jia Shen as he seems super calm and collected. Meanwhile, the KE player was running around the court. The first set ended 11-3 to EH. Jia Shen looks like he is not even trying but somehow manages to score points. His teammates mentioned how Jia Shen is the kindest man alive, giving his opponent private coaching in an ihg match. The 2nd set ends 11-0 Eusoff. Usually, between sets when the player comes out they would discuss tactics with the team, but not Jia Shen man. Think the team knows he got this in the bag. In the 3rd set, it was still pretty one sided. The score was increasing really quickly for the Eusoff side, and it ended 11-0 again. Jia Shen takes the first match 3-0.
THe next player is Chaitanya. Congrats to him, making his debut for Eusoff. He didn’t feature in the first game i think. He started his game with a strong serve ,which earned him the first point of the game. I think it was at that point that he realized it was gonna be an easy game, because his next serve was much more easy lol. The first set went to EH 11-3. The KE player not really putting up a challenge for Chai. Chai takes it easy in the 2nd set, winning it with a score of 11-4. He probably feels there’s no need to go all out and risk injury. The 3rd set was one-sided again, with EH winning 11-1. Thats the 2nd match wrapped up and Chai wins 3-0
Chai lining up a strong serve directed at KE
In the 3rd set, the player was freshie Aaron. I think he would be facing KE’s best player. The player looks kinda old though. Like in his 40s, maybe he is a RF idk. Anyways, the KE player starts strong, taking the lead. The game was close, going all the way to 7-7, but Aaron managed to take the lead and finished the set 11-8. The 2nd set was much more comfortable for Aaron as he won it 11-2. The KE player made a lot of errors in the 2nd set. In the 3rd set, well Aarons racket kind of broke. He took another player’s racket. He showed that the racket doesn't really matter and won the set 11-4. With that, EH take the 3rd set 3-0
The 4th set was where things got interesting. Sizheng had to take on a pretty skilled KE player, i don’t know if he was better than the previous KE player. The scores were tight. The KE player was really smart and placed his balls very well. Sizheng had to be on his toes to return the balls. Eventually, the set ended 11-9 to KE. Controversial out ball call by the referee but nevermind. In the 2nd set, it looked good for Sizheng as they led 1-8. But somehow KE caught up, and the set finished 12-10 to KE. The 3rd set started well for Sizheng as he led 7-0. The KE player was catching up but it was too late, the lead was too big and the set finished 11-7 to Sizheng. The 4th set was really intense. Sizheng really ran for every ball and tried his best to return his opponents shots. However, the set ended 11-7 to KE and the match went to KE with a score of 3-1. Really good effort by Sizheng though.
Our last player is ex-captain Elvis! With this IVP standard player, i just knew it was gonna be another thrashing. Elvis looked like he wasn’t even trying. He just stood in the middle and played the ball wherever he wanted his opponent to run. He had total control of the game. He took the first set rather quickly. The 2nd and 3rd set finished quickly, both with a score of 11-0. Elvis was just playing around with his opponent honestly. Think the KE player knew that and just ended the game quickly.
Elvis showing his experience and composure as he cleans up the match quickly
With this win, the Squash M team have sealed their place in the semis where they face the top of the other group.
Eusoff Squash M Prelims vs KE
Match 1. Player: JiaShen
11-3 EH
11-0 EH
11-1 EH
Match 1 score: EH 3-0 KE
Match 2. Player: Chaitanya
11-3 EH
11-4 EH
11-1 EH
Match 2 score: EH 3-0 KE
Match 3. Player: Aaron
11-8 EH
11-2 EH
11-4 EH
Match 3 score. EH 3-0 KE
Match 4. Player: Sizheng
11-9 KE
12-10 KE
11-7 EH
11-7 KE
Match 4 score: EH 1-3 KE
Match 5. Player: Elvis
11-2 EH*
11-0 EH
11-0 EH
Overall game score: EH 4-1 KE
Comentarios