Written By: Rika Ogawa Edited By: Valerie Chua & Jolene Wong Photographs By: Eusoffworks
Meanwhile on the other court, we had Cheewan to start the finals’ games. Being the first singles, Cheewan clearly felt the pressure as he knew his match would set the tone for the rest of the games. Even though he went 7-3 down in the first game, he did not give up. He continued to focus on winning every point from the opponent and executed some brilliant smashes and saves from his opponent. Even though he fought hard, he dropped the first set 11-8. In the second game, his opponent continued the streak as his opponent won 11-7. In the third set, a time out was called when Cheewan was 0-3 down to slow the game down. Even though Chee Wan did not manage to gain back the game, he took opportunistic smashes that left his opponents impressed with him. However, he still lost the third set 11-5.
Freshie Cheewan powering up to deliver the ball back to his opponent!
In the next game, it was the doubles pair Le Yuan and Chee Wang! From the get-go the match was fast and furious. At 5-5, the opponents went in for the kill which hit the net and gave Eusoff the lead! The doubles pair continued to tie at 10-10 until finally breaking the tie at 12-10 as the pair forced their opponents to float the shot off the table. The rallies were so insane during the match that all the spectators watched holding their breaths wondering if the next ball was going to land on the table or out. Eusoff continued with their streak as they gained confidence. They then won the second and third set 11-5 with brilliant smash and brilliant placement of the ball that landed on the edge of the table.
The third game was played by Raimie the CAREBEAR! However, the CAREBEAR was not in a caring mood today as he knew he had to win at all costs to keep the hopes of getting gold alive. He started off the game strong leading 8-3. However, his opponent caught up to deuce the game 10-10 before forcing an error from Raimie and winning the game 12-10. In the second game, Raimie was determined to take back the game that belonged to him! To motivate himself, Raimie started shouting at himself to get one more point! His display of motivation was truly inspirational for the crowd!
Veteran Raimie in full concentration while serving the ball! Spectacular performance by him!
He continued to dominate the game as he led 9-5! This time, the game was his as he took it 11-7 with a shout! Raimie continued fighting and although he made some good smashes, he went down 11-8 in the third set. Tough, tough. Raimie then won back the fourth set 11-8 after putting in good rallies and shots! In the last set, Raimie was slightly behind at times but he put up a good fight and tied briefly at 8-9 before losing the set 11-8. WHAT A ROLLERCOASTER RIDE! The 5-set match proved to be too intense for the spectators as some people left for awhile! Nevertheless, good job Raimie!
The fourth game was played by Carlin and Zhi Xin! Given that the boys were 2-1 down, it was essential that they won this match. Despite good team work, a series of missed smashes gave their opponents the first set 11-4 to TH. Unwilling to go down easily, Carlin and Zhi Xin fought till they won the second set 11-6.
However, it was a battle of determination as TH was determined to take the game as well. Both doubles pair were evenly matched, and they showed off their brilliant curling and smashing skills! Their shots were so fast they had to stand far away from the table to even be able to touch the ball. After much rallying, in the third game, TH won 11-8. A good smash by Zhi Xin brought Eusoff to come back 11-7 in the fourth game. It all came down to the last set! However, the doubles pair seemed to be having difficulty as they went down 8-1 in several consecutive points. They were not fazed by the fact that they were lagging behind, and they still did some sik smashes! However, it was not to be as TH won 11-3 in the last set.
Superstar Zhi Xin (left) going for a killer smash, with Captain Carlin (right) watching on!
In the final game, we had Choon Hooi. Even though Eusoff had already lost, he was determined to play his very best for Eusoff! However, despite his valiant attempts, the first game went to Temasek 11-8. In the second set, the opponents were more evenly matched as they continued their battle and tied at 7-7! Despite several nice smashes from Choon Hooi, some small errors meant that he lost the second set 11-9 narrowly. Continuing the intense rallies and shots, TH seemed to be having a better day as they won the last set 11-8. Although Choon Hooi lost, the spectators cheered him on loudly as they could see that he displayed his best effort! Good job Choon Hooi!
Although both the girls and guys line up were not in their favour, it could be seen that both sides still put up a good fight and did not allow themselves to go down easily! It can be safe to say that all Eusoffians watching the matches would be proud of them! Good job to the girls and boys and I’m sure they will come back stronger next year!
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