Written by: Chen Kexin Edited by: Leung Lok Heng & Choa Zhao Xiang Photos by: EusoffWorks
Our Tennis boys are back, this time even better prepared and stronger for their first semis match, against KR . After a heartwarming prep talk led by captain Bobby, our boys were ready to challenge their opponents to get one step closer to finals!
Scoring System: Best of three sets win, a set will consist of 6 games.
1st Singles
First up to play was Tristan. Showing off his usual ease and charm, he manages to wow the crowd with aggressive returns one after another. His accurate and bullet-like forehands gave him crucial points that allowed him to gain a lead over his opponent 3-0 for the first set. However, a few misses and out brought the score up to 3-2, making it an extremely tight game for him. However, Tristan proved himself with much calmness and composure during his next few games, eventually winning his first set at 6-3! Despite losing his first three games, Tristan picked up the pace of the match, and a few ballet moves and solid plays later, he manages to win his second set at 6-4, winning the first match for Eusoff!
EH 1:0 KR
Tristan sharing a friendly exchange with his opponent after a true masterclass of a match.
2nd Singles
Up next, we have Zhen Nan, who seemed ready to redeem himself after the losses in his previous matches. He managed to win his very first game, and this seemed to boost his confidence greatly as he continued his winning streak, eventually winning his first match (I was so proud, you guys, I can’t even) at 6-2! But he seemed to hit a bit of a slump at the second set, losing it 1-6. It was a small roadbump for Zhen Nan as he ain’t no quitter and he hit back with renewed passion, chasing the game back to 3-4, EH down. However, it was at this point of time that Zhen Nan’s opponent was hit with a terrible case of leg cramps, and with that one man down, there was nothing to do, but to wait and hope for him to get better. It is an eventual walkover for Zhen Nan as his opponent had to pull out, making Zhen Nan the winner by default.
EH 2:0 KR
1st Doubles
Ready to continue on the winning run would be our first pair, Captain Bobby (and his trusty headband) and Yu Rui. The two had sizzling chemistry right off the bat, both of them looking like synchronised swimmers as they returned hit after hit. The duo came across a few blips in their play, returning a few outs here and there, as well as a particularly funny out where the Captain served his ball so high, only for it to go out of court. Other than the minor hiccups, most of their serves was on fire as their rocket hits were all missed or returned too wide or close to the net by their opponents. They eventually won the first set at 6-2, with ease. Even after the W, the duo was never complacent and they fought even harder, ending their match with a brillant winner, at 6-1, again!
EH 3:0 KR
2nd Doubles
Next up, we have our fan-favourite combo Malaysian superstar (Zhe) Han and white cap boy Yi Chen.The crowd was wild for the pair as they rooted and cheered for them throughout the match. They had a really strong start, but continuous errors and misses caused them to even the advantage, bringing the score to 4-4. Despite the slight moment of panic, they were cool throughout the match and they still managed to win the first set at 6-4. It was then where they started to get their head in the game and no longer gave their opponents any chances. They were running and scurrying to return balls, as well as hitting back volleys with the strength of Hercules. They eventually won the match at 6-0, a beautiful clean sweep!
Yi Chen and Han’s match was somewhat a memefest, but it would give finalists Temasek a terrifying sneak peek into the beast that was Han.
EH 4:0 KR
3rd Singles
We finally have Si Heng playing the very last singles. He was clearly not here to play around, as he started off the match with a great forehand. However, it was clear from the very start that his opponent was one tough cookie to beat (hearsay he’s one of KR’s best players), as he smashed back returns after returns. Si Heng was undeterred, and he never let the opponent’s ability bring down his own fighting spirit as he waged his own against the formidable foe, managing to win his first game at 4-1. While he had some great rallies, they still often fell short at the end, causing him to lose many precious points. After a back-breaking set, the KR player finally ends off the game at 1-6. Due to time constraints, the second set was called at 0-3, with KR winning the overall match. However, Si Heng’s efforts cannot be downplayed and it must be said that the results do not reflect the hard work Si Heng has put in for the game.
Final Score- EH 4:1 KR
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