Para-sports: Swimmers Yip Pin Xiu, Toh Wei Soong claim top honours at S'pore Disability Sports Awards Yip Pin Xiu (right) and Toh Wei Soong were named Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year respectively at the Singapore Disability Sports Awards. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR Kimberly Kwek PUBLISHED JUL 6, 2022, 9:08 PM SGT SINGAPORE - The pandemic posed all sorts of challenges in the lead up to last year's Paralympics, but that did not stop Singapore's swimmers from getting breakthroughs in Tokyo. At the Tokyo Games, Yip Pin Xiu retained her women's 50m and 100m S2 butterfly titles, while Games debutant Toh Wei Soong rewrote the national record for the men's S7 50m butterfly twice en route to finishing fourth. Their feats saw Yip and Toh named Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year respectively at the Singapore Disability Sports Awards on Wednesday (July 6). Held at at ParkRoyal @ Beach Road, it was the first time since the pandemic that there was a physical ceremony for the annual awards. This was Yip's third Sportswoman of the Year accolade after winning in 2019 and last year. The 30-year-old, who was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy aged two, was nominated alongside Nur Syahidah Alim (archery), Jeralyn Tan (boccia) and Nur Aini Mohamad Yasli (powerlifting). Her coach Mark Chay was given the Coach of the Year (High Performance) award for the second time in a row. Yip said: “It is a recognition of the consistent effort of my team and myself. I’m grateful for the support of the entire ecosystem behind me and hopefully in the next couple of years, I will also be getting faster times and better results on the way to Paris.” Yip, who said that she had not expected to stay in the sport for as long as she has when she first started, is determined to grow the awareness about para-sports. She has been a vocal advocate for the inclusiveness of para-athletes in sport and her achievements have also sparked change. Just last week, it was announced that the cash rewards for medal wins at major Games would be increased. Yip said: “It’s been a journey and even as of present day, we still face certain challenges but we are definitely working towards making para-sports more prominent and accessible.” Meanwhile, it was the first time that 2019 and 2020 Sportsboy of the Year Toh, who has transverse myelitis, received the Sportsman of the Year award. The other nominee for the award was shot putter Muhammad Diroy Noordin. Toh, 23, said: “This transition of being a Sportsman also marks a transition to me being a more mature athlete... as someone moving into the later half of his career whereby the question is not so much will I make the standard, but I am of the standard and how much more I can raise the standard, not just for myself but for the rest of my sport.” Fellow swimmer Colin Soon bagged the Sportsboy of the Year award following his four-gold performance at the Asian Youth Para Games in Bahrain, last December, with his coach Roland Tan named Coach of the Year (Developmental). Sprinter Siti Nurhayati Ali Aksar Khan was awarded Sportsgirl of the Year for the silver medal that she won in the women's Under-20 T20 400m at the Asian Youth Para Games. This year's event was presented by Haw Par Corporation with $120,000 donated to the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC). In her welcome address, SDSC president Teo-Koh Sock Miang said: "Thank you for your significant contributions to disability sports in Singapore. Everyone's contribution has been very significant in helping to cultivate and grow this thriving community that we are all a part of. "Thank you for being a valued member of the disability sports community." Guest of honour Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth, said: "Tonight we are gathered here to celebrate and honour the achievements of all our athletes and recognise the contributions that you have made to sport in Singapore. "The last two years have not been easy, but despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, many of you have achieved new milestones. All of you are winners and your hard work and commitment have made a difference." MORE ON THIS TOPIC Paralympic champ Yip Pin Xiu is inaugural recipient of the President's Award for Inspiring Achievement Para-sports: Higher cash rewards for medallists at most major Games Honour roll Sportsman of the Year: Toh Wei Soong (swimming) Sportswoman of the Year: Yip Pin Xiu (swimming) Sportsboy of the Year: Colin Soon (swimming) Sportsgirl of the Year: Siti Nurhayati Aksar Khan (athletics) Team of the Year: Aloysius Gan Kai Hong, athlete competition partner (ACP) Gan Keng Aik and Yan Jia Yi, ACP Lanny Kwok (boccia) Coach of the Year (High Performance): Mark Chay (swimming) Coach of the Year (Developmental): Roland Tan (swimming) Community Impact (Volunteering): Mariette Ong Community Impact (Events and Initiatives): Riding for the Disabled Association Singapore Lifetime Achievement: Tan Ju Seng
Golf: Sentosa's Serapong gets highest ranking of No. 55 on world's greatest courses The par-71 Serapong is the highest ranked course in South-east Asia and seventh-best in Asia. PHOTO: SENTOSA GOLF CLUB David Lee PUBLISHED JUL 6, 2022, 5:05 PM SGT SINGAPORE - Sentosa Golf Club's Serapong course has achieved its highest position in the Golf Digest World's 100 Greatest Golf Courses rankings, when it came in 55th in the latest list released on June 28. This is an improvement of four positions from the last edition of the rankings, which are compiled biennially since 2014. The courses are graded on categories such as shot options, challenge, layout variety, memorability, aesthetics, conditioning, character and fun. Golf Digest has a separate list for courses in the United States. Royal County Down's championship course in Newcastle, Northern Ireland retained its No. 1, followed by Tara Iti in Mangawhai, New Zealand. The par-71 Serapong, which hosts the annual men's Singapore Open tournament, is the highest ranked course in South-east Asia and seventh-best in Asia. It also currently holds the title of Singapore's Best Golf Course by the World Golf Awards. Serapong's rise in rankings comes up it underwent major renovation in 2020, which was led by Andrew Johnston, the club's general manager, director of agronomy and resident golf course designer. He said: "Key updates to Serapong have improved playability across the course with the real game changer coming in the form of a new style of bunkering, showcasing high faces and rugged serrated edges, strengthening the routing with a stronger more intimidating look, helping to elevate the overall playing strategy. "Further enhancements included new storm drainage and fairway recontouring, as well as the tee boxes reinstated with a tabletop flat finish and new layer of fresh Passpalum and Zoysia grasses to introduce consistency and create an elevated experience." The 7,420 yard layout, with its fast, challenging greens with trademark contours and picturesque holes such as the par-four No. 6, received praised from players at January's Singapore Open. Johnston felt the rankings recognition reaffirms SGC's role in maintaining Singapore's reputation as a key global tourism and business hub, as he referred to it as "probably the most significant sporting feature of the city" other than the Singapore Grand Prix. Looking forward to climbing higher up the rankings, he added: "Our wonderful team are committed to excellence... Being a Top 100 course means there is a never ending pursuit of improvement." MORE ON THIS TOPIC Sentosa's Serapong still reigns supreme in Golf Digest rankings, but SICC's New Course enters with a bang Golf: European Tour to return to Singapore in 2023 after nine-year hiatus Golf Digest's list of greatest courses Sentosa Golf Club’s Serapong is up four places to No. 55, its best since it was first included in the 2016-17 biennial rankings. It is seventh in Asia and the highest within South-east Asia in the list featuring only courses outside the United States. Table with 6 columns and 13 rows. Currently displaying rows 1 to 13. 2022-2023 rank Previous rank Course Location/Country Score 1 1 Royal County Down (Championship) Newcastle, Northern Ireland 7,186 yards, par 71 8.659 2 2 Tara Iti Mangawhai, New Zealand 6,840 yards, par 71 8.6 3 4 Royal Dornoch (Championship) Scotland 6,704 yards, par 70 8.553 4 5 Royal Melbourne (West) Black Rock, Australia 6,645 yards, par 72 8.551 5 7 Morfontaine France 6,584 yards, par 70 8.464 6 13 Hirono Hyogo, Japan 7,169 yards, par 72 8.461 31 18 The Club at Nine Bridges Jeju Island, South Korea 7,196 yards, par 72 7.833 34 48 Yas Links Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates 7,414 yards, par 72 7.794 35 71 Naruo Inagawa, Hyogo, Japan 6,564 yards, par 70 7.789 38 14 Shanqin Bay Hainan Island, China 6,894 yards, par 71 7.777 42 26 Kawana Hotel (Fuji) Shizuoka, Japan 6,691 yards, par 72 7.75 55 59 Sentosa (Serapong) Singapore 7,420 yards, par 71 7.549 Table: STRAITS TIMES GRAPHICS Source: GOLF DIGEST
More athletes may be allowed to disrupt NS, but they must complete duties satisfactorily: Ng Eng Hen Swimmers Joseph Schooling (left) and Quah Zheng Wen at the SEA Games in Hanoi in May. PHOTO: ST FILE Lim Min Zhang Assistant News Editor UPDATED JUL 6, 2022, 8:45 AM SGT SINGAPORE - The Ministry of Defence (Mindef) is prepared to allow more national athletes to disrupt their full-time national service to train for international competitions, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen told Parliament on Tuesday (July 5). But they must fulfil the full period of their NS obligations after taking time off for training, and perform their duties satisfactorily, he added. "I am proud that our national athletes understand and accept this duty of NS," said Dr Ng said, in response to Mr Seah Kian Peng (Marine Parade GRC) and Non-Constituency MP Leong Mun Wai on whether Mindef would hold a dialogue on the expectations of national athletes who are serving NS, and if deferment criteria could be relaxed. Dr Ng noted that no athlete has asked to be exempted from NS duties, including those who have participated in recent international competitions. "I also know that our national sportsmen want to do well in both - fulfil their NS duties and also win medals for Singapore, at least some of them. Some have achieved it, but it's not easy to attain, and we must not set unrealistic expectations of all of them," he said. "However, for those who want to pursue both goals, Mindef is prepared to allow more to disrupt, to train and compete in international competitions during their full-time NS." The issue of NS and national athletes came back in the spotlight in May, after swimmer Joseph Schooling said it was challenging to balance NS duties and swimming. He called for a national dialogue to manage expectations of athletes doing NS. In his speech, Dr Ng said high public support for NS has been maintained due to the unequivocal upholding of the principles of universality and equity. This means that all male Singaporeans and permanent residents who are fit and eligible to serve are conscripted as required by the Enlistment Act, and not serve only at a time of their choosing, he added. He said 96 per cent of Singaporeans polled in 2021 by his ministry affirmed that NS was critical for the defence and security of the country. "Let me tell you, 96 per cent, even for our country, is highly unusual. There are very few questions that you can get above 85, let alone 90 or 95 per cent." This strong support that Singapore enjoys is an exception, not the norm, compared with other countries with military conscription, said Dr Ng. He added that the list of countries with conscription has shrunk since Singapore started NS in 1967. "So it would be a serious mistake if we take that affirmation we receive today from Singaporeans for NS, that we take it for granted, or think it came by happenstance." MORE ON THIS TOPIC Joseph Schooling calls for 'national dialogue' on expectations of athletes serving NS If NS rightly comes first, should we complain if a swimmer comes second? Noting that NS defaulters can be sentenced to jail for choosing to do NS when and how they like, Dr Ng said deferments and disruptions are thus granted very sparingly - only with adequate justification - and implemented openly. Appeals from sports and arts talents must pass a very high bar, he said. He added that Mindef assesses each request on its own merits, in consultation with the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, and takes into consideration the applicant's past achievement and his potential to excel in international competitions and bring national glory. But deferment and disruption are not a licence to do away with NS obligations, Dr Ng said. The applicant's NS duties must be taken seriously, and he must be trained to be competent in his assigned vocation. This will include periods such as basic military training, specialist and commander's courses, and his unit's key operations, which the applicant must fulfil as part of his NS duties, said Dr Ng. He noted that not all Singaporeans support deferment and disruption for sportsmen, citing how Mindef receives letters from Singaporeans questioning the fairness of the policy when such sportsmen receive financial rewards through endorsements. Others view serving NS as more important, he added. "I cite these criticisms to show even when sparingly applied, deferments and disruptions can have a pernicious effect, to cause invidious comparisons that some are given preferential treatment and not performing their NS duties." Short-term disruption or leave for sportsmen to train are allowed only outside critical NS periods, he said, and those who benefited in the recent SEA Games include paddler Koen Pang, hurdler Ang Chen Xiang and triathlete Luke Chua. Swimmers Joseph Schooling and Quah Zheng Wen were granted seven and six years' deferment respectively, as they were judged to have the potential to win medals at the Olympic Games. Mindef will incorporate views from across the spectrum of supporters and detractors of deferment and disruptions for sports and arts talent when the next review of NS policies is convened, Dr Ng added. MORE ON THIS TOPIC NS the priority, but support provided for enlisted athletes, says MCCY The rite of passage for men: Spotlight on four key areas related to national service
Shooting: Singapore's Teh Xiu Hong and Co create World Cup history in Changwon Teh Xiu Hong (left) and Teo Shun Xie took gold and bronze respectively at the ISSF World Cup women's 25m pistol medal match. PHOTO: TEAM SINGAPORE/FACEBOOK David Lee PUBLISHED JUL 17, 2022, 6:59 PM SGT Singaporean shooter Teh Xiu Hong was so on fire that she scored a hit 15 times in a row towards the end of the ISSF World Cup women’s 25m pistol medal match, to win gold with a round of five shots to spare on Saturday (July 16). A hit is considered a shot value of 10.2 or higher. In doing so, the 28-year-old also helped Singapore win their first gold medal in the pistol discipline of the World Cup series, as teammate Teo Shun Xie took bronze in the same event. There were more reasons for the national shooters to cheer at the Changwon International Shooting Range on Sunday, as Teh teamed up with her younger sister Xiu Yi and Teo to beat Thailand’s Tanyaporn Prucksakorn, Pim-On Klaisuban and Chawisa Paduka 17-9 to claim another gold in the women’s 25m pistol team event. The trio had already won a bronze in the women’s air pistol team event on Thursday after beating Japan’s Yukari Konishi, Mika Zaitsu and Satoko Yamada 16-10 in the play-offs. Xiu Yi, 26, said: “I feel proud of the team as we are able to strive to do our best despite being nervous. “I’m also thankful to have this opportunity to have this experience as a team, and it feels rewarding to be able to achieve the gold medal with my sister.” In the individual event, Xiu Hong and Teo had made it to the last eight as the first and seventh qualifiers respectively out of 28 athletes. They were in separate ranking matches, where Xiu Hong recorded 14 hits out of 20 shots to edge Austria’s Sylvia Steiner out of the medal match by one hit. Meanwhile, Teo topped her ranking match with 15 hits. In the four-woman medal match, the shooter with the lowest score after four rounds is knocked out, following which there will be further eliminations after two rounds until the champion is determined. India’s Manu Bhaker was the first to fall after recording just nine hits in the first 20 shots. Xiu Hong led after six rounds with 23 hits but Frenchwoman Mathilde Lamolle and Teo were tied at 19 hits and required a shootout to decide who would progress. They drew 3-3 in the first shootout round, before Lamolle won 4-3. Teo credited a week-long training stint with the South Korean team for the good results. The 33-year-old thanked the hosts and the Singapore Sport Institute for the sports trainer, psychologist and physiologist support. She said: “I also feel the team have grown stronger mentally with all the team matches we had at the other World Cup legs.” Meanwhile, Xiu Hong was just too accurate and another perfect round meant that she led 28-21 and had an unassailable lead going into the final round. She said: “I’m happy to win following years of hard work. “I didn’t feel any pressure being the top qualifier as all the shooters are just as good and we start from zero during the finals. I didn’t even realise I shot a few five-hits because I was very focused on my shooting processes.” Singapore Shooting Association president Michael Vaz hailed the shooters’ achievements despite not having a finals range and a similar competitive environment in which to train at home. Congratulating the team, he also praised the champion, noted her growth and said: “In 2018, I watched Xiu Hong enter the finals in the World Cup in Changwon, but the fear of shooting in a finals range terrified her. The lack of training in finals events saw her eliminated in the first round. “Much has changed. In January 2022, I watched her struggle during the ISSF Jakarta GP to win a bronze. And Xiu Hong is now a World Cup champion, while Shun Xie also fought her way to a bronze medal, both of which are truly commendable achievements.” MORE ON THIS TOPIC SEA Games: Teh Xiu Hong bags Singapore's first shooting gold since 2017 SEA Games: All in the family for these Singapore shooters
WEEKLY ROUND-UP: Sports happenings in Singapore (11-17 July) WEEKLY ROUND-UP: Sports happenings in Singapore (11-17 July) (yahoo.com) Chia Han Keong ·Editor Mon, July 18, 2022 at 7:30 AM·6 min read Singapore national shooter Teh Xiu Hong with her gold medal in the women's 25m pistol competition at the ISSF World Cup in Changwon, South Korea. (PHOTO: ISSF) SINGAPORE — Here is a round-up of sports events and developments in Singapore in the past week (11 to 17 July): Shooter Teh Xiu Hong wins two golds at ISSF World Cup in Korea National pistol shooter Teh Xiu Hong helped Singapore clinched two gold medals at the ISSF World Cup in Changwon, South Korea. The gold medals were the first won by Singaporean shooters in the pistol discipline at the World Cup series, reported The Straits Times. The 24-year-old, who also won two golds in May's Hanoi SEA Games, won the women's 25m pistol competition on Saturday (16 July) with five shots to spare. Compatriot Teo Shun Xie took bronze in the same event. A day later, Teh and Teo teamed up with Teh's sister Xiu Yi to clinched the women's 25m pistol team gold, after beating Thailand’s Tanyaporn Prucksakorn, Pim-On Klaisuban and Chawisa Paduka 17-9. The trio had also won a bronze in the women’s air pistol team event on Thursday. Maximilian Maeder retains kiteboarding title Singaporean kitefoiler Maximilian Maeder retained his World Sailing Youth (Under-19) World Championships kiteboarding title after 18 rounds of fierce competition at The Hague, Netherlands, on Thursday (14 July). The Straits Times reported that the 15-year-old was engaged in a neck-and-neck battle with Italy's Riccardo Pianosi, who had led at the halfway point of the competition. However, Maximilian pulled off seven consecutive race victories to seal the victory with 19 nett points to Pianosi's 23. Maximilian was ranked men's world No. 1 for the first time last year, and continued his winning ways this year, with victories in the International Kiteboarding Association Kitefoiling Youth (Under-21) World Championships and the Formula Kite Asia Pacific Championships. Lionesses beat Indonesia 2-0 in rare AFF C'ship win The Singapore national women's football team ended their AFF Women's Championship campaign with a 2-0 win over Indonesia at the Binan Football Stadium in Manila on Tuesday (12 July). Nur Izzati Rosni goal just before half-time and a stoppage-time own goal gave the Lionesses their first victory at the regional competition in 18 years. With the win, the Lionesses finished fourth with four points in the six-team Group A, which was topped by Thailand and the Philippines. Asian Netball C'ship to be held in Singapore The Asian Netball Championships (ANC) is returning to the OCBC Arena from 3 to 11 September, and will be the first international netball competition to be held in Singapore since the 2019 SEA Games. Tickets are now on sale with prices starting from $6. The 11 teams competing at the biennial tournament are defending champions Sri Lanka, 2018 runners-up Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, India, the Philippines and Maldives. The top two sides will attain automatic qualification to the 2023 Netball World Cup. Singapore co-captain Toh Kai Wei said, “Whether we are veterans or newer members of the team, all of us are looking forward to competing at the ANC, especially since it’s on home ground. "Playing in front of our family and friends is a feeling that never gets old, even for those of us who are more experienced." Tickets can be purchased online via ticketmaster.sg, by phone, or by going to Ticketmaster’s outlets at SingPost or The Star Performing Arts Centre box office. Concession prices are available for students in Ministry of Education schools, as well as children aged between 5 and 12. Albirex Niigata (Singapore) forward Ilhan Fandi celebrates scoring a hat-trick against Balestier Khalsa in the Singapore Premier League. (PHOTO: SPL) Ilhan Fandi scores hat-trick in Albirex victory Ilhan Fandi scored a hat-trick as Albirex Niigata (Singapore) romped to a 4-1 win over Balestier Khalsa at Jurong East Stadium on Saturday (16 July), allowing them to close the gap on Singapore Premier League leaders Lion City Sailors to five points with a game in hand. Ilhan struck in the 11th, 22nd and 63rd minutes for Albirex, who also got a goal from Kodai Tanaka (13th minute). Balestier scored through Shuhei Hoshino in the 41st minute. The Sailors were held to their second consecutive draw in the league, as Shahdan Sulaiman's first-half stoppage-time goal cancelled out Sime Zuzul's 43rd-minute opener for Geylang International at Our Tampines Hub on Saturday. On Sunday, Tampines Rovers climbed to fourth spot in the league with at 5-2 rout of bottom-placed Young Lions at Our Tampines Hub. Goals from Boris Kopitovic (11th), Taufik Suparno (16th and 78th), Zehrudin Mehmedovic (44th) and Yasir Hanapi (59th) sealed the victory for the Stags, while the Young Lions replied through Abdul Rasaq Ishiekwene Akeem (35th) and Zikos Chua (70th). At Jurong East Stadium on Sunday, third-placed Tanjong Pagar United played out a 2-2 draw with Hougang United. The Jaguars scored through Raihan Rahman (6th) and Reo Nishiguchi (38th), while the Cheetahs replied through Shawal Anuar (8th) and Pedro Bertoluzo (57th). Goh Chui Ling rewrites 40-year women's 1,500m national record Singapore's Goh Chui Ling broke the national women's 1,500m record that had stood for nearly 40 years, as the 29-year-old clocked 4min 27.26sec at the Flanders Cup in Belgium on Saturday (16 July). Her race time rewrote Kandasamy Jayamani's previous record of 4:31.20 that was set way back in 1982, reported The Straits Times. Goh has been in fine recent form, as she clinched bronze medals in the 1,500m and 10,000m at the SEA Games in Hanoi in May - the first medals she had won in five Games editions. Luo Yiwei retains national ITT title The Singapore Cycling Federation (SCF) held the OCBC Cycle National Championship individual time trial (road) at Tanah Merah Coast Road on Sunday (10 July). The competition was raced over 40 to 50 kilometres, consisting of 10.6km laps around Changi Coast Road, with riders setting off individually at regular intervals. SEA Games silver medallist Luo Yiwei retained her national ITT title in the women's elite category, making her a four-time winner in the event after previous triumphs in 2017, 2019 and 2021. In the men's elite category, 2019 champion Goh Choon Huat - who is now a full-time professional cyclist with the Trengganu Pro-Asia Cycling Team, took home the gold again. Other outstanding performances included Eamon Lim winning the men's junior title, covering the 21.2km course at an average speed of 44.2km/h.
CWG 2022: Full list of Commonwealth Games sports & events CWG 2022: Full list of Commonwealth Games sports & events (sportskeeda.com) Sudeshna Banerjee Modified Jul 25, 2022 12:46 PM IST 72 nations are expected to participate in the upcoming 2022 Commonwealth Games (CWG), scheduled to take place in Birmingham between July 28 and August 8, making it a highly anticipated event. This will be the third time England will be hosting the competition following the London 1934 and Manchester 2002 Games. The 22nd edition of the multi-sporting event will witness 5054 athletes competing for glory in 280 events across 20 sports. Commonwealth Games Sports List For the first time in the history of the Commonwealth Games, the number of events for women (136) will be higher than for men (134). In addition, 10 mixed events will be contested in Birmingham. On that note, here's a look at the sports that are included for the upcoming edition of the CWG: Aquatics - Diving (12 events), Swimming (52 events) Athletics (58 events) Badminton (six events) 3x3 basketball (four events) Beach volleyball (two events) Boxing (16 events) Cricket (one event) Cycling - Mountain biking (two events), Road (four events), Track (20 events) Gymnastics - Artistic (14 events), Rhythmic (six events) Field hockey (two events) Judo (14 events) Lawn bowls (11 events) Netball (one event) Para powerlifting (four events) Rugby sevens (two events) Squash (five events) Table tennis (11 events) Triathlon (five events) Weightlifting (16 events) Wrestling (12 events)
Commonwealth Games: Feng Tianwei eyes redemption for S'pore in table tennis team event Feng Tianwei is one of 13 nominees for the greatest Commonwealth Games athlete of all time. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO David Lee PUBLISHED JUL 28, 2022, 1:11 PM SGT BIRMINGHAM - Feng Tianwei arrives for her fourth Commonwealth Games fully aware how times have changed. She is 35, outside the world's top-10 and for the first time, is part of a Singapore women's team without a gold medal to defend. The Republic's perfect streak - winning the women's team event in 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014 - ended four years ago in Australia, a shock 3-1 defeat by India. Feng's opening loss to Manika Batra set the tone for that final on the Gold Coast. World No. 16 Feng, who has won six gold, three silver and one bronze medals since 2010 and is one of 13 nominees for the greatest Commonwealth Games athlete of all time, said: "Time flies. Not only have the balls and rules changed, I also no longer enjoy the kind of superiority I used to have 10 years ago." The road to redemption for her and the women's team begins on Friday (July 28) with the preliminary rounds at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre. Singapore are the top seeds and drawn alongside England, Nigeria, St Vincent and the Grenadines in Group 1. After the draw on Wednesday, team manager Eddy Tay told The Straits Times that while the Republic will be favourites to go through as group winners, they have to be ready for things to get tricky against the hosts. He said: "England will definitely have strong backing from the home support. They also have Ho Tin-Tin, who has a unique playing style as a penholder with pimpled forehand, so we cannot afford to be complacent." Preparations were made for this, Tay added. During the squad's July 5-25 training stint in Linz, Austria, they engaged four right-handed shake-hand grip Frenchmen, a left-handed Frenchwoman, and two Japanese women's players who are long-pimple experts as sparring partners. Previously, they also trained with Canada's Zhang Mo, who plays a similar game to Ho's. If Singapore progress as expected, tougher opponents await in the form of India, as well as the relatively unknown threat of Australia, who have two new naturalised players in China-born Liu Yangzi and South Korea-born Jee Min-hyung. World No. 60 Zeng Jian, who is making her Commonwealth Games debut, has had such a hectic two-month preparation since the SEA Games, where she claimed three silvers and a bronze medal, in May that she lost 3kg. Entered in all four events, the 25-year-old said: "I feel the team event is the one that best showcases our strength as a team. "In situations where I don't have a clear advantage, anything can happen if I don't do well in any component, be it stress or strategy management. So, I feel the solution is to be better at my game, and the rest will fall in place." Feng is also looking forward to competing alongside new teammates like Zhou Jingyi, 17, and Wong Xin Ru, 20. She said: "By sharing some of my experiences, I hope our younger players can learn something... Traditionally, we are powerhouses, and as the old generation gradually retires, I hope there will be a new generation who can carry on our dominance." In the men's team event, Singapore are in Group 3 alongside third seeds India, Barbados and Northern Ireland. MORE ON THIS TOPIC Commonwealth Games: Pressure on young guns to defend Singapore's status as No. 1 ping-pong nation Commonwealth Games: Well-rested after smooth arrival in UK, S'pore athletes raring to go Following the retirement of China-born Gao Ning and Zhan Jian in recent years, Tay acknowledged they face a tough challenge to top the group and avoid other big guns like England and Nigeria in the quarter-finals. He said: "India are very well-balanced and experienced with senior players like Sathiyan Gnanasekaran and Sharath Achanta. "But Koen (Pang) has beaten Achanta before in 2019, and we have a good doubles pair in Clarence Chew and Ethan Poh. We are the underdogs, but it is not a foregone conclusion." Chew, raring to go in four events after playing a bit-part role in the 2014 gold-winning team and missing the 2018 edition due to national service, added: "Based on quality and ranking, India, England and Nigeria are ahead of us, hence we are the hunters now and we want to make them feel the pressure." MORE ON THIS TOPIC Commonwealth Games: 67 athletes from 9 sports to represent S'pore in Birmingham Commonwealth Games: Shuttler Terry Hee and powerlifter Nur Aini Yasli named Singapore's flagbearers
Singapore sports star spotlight: Koen Pang smashes his way to the top Singapore sports star spotlight: Koen Pang smashes his way to the top, Lifestyle News - AsiaOne JULY 28, 2022PUBLISHED AT 3:29 PM by Nicholas YONG In 2019, this national paddler became the first Singapore-born table tennis player to win SEA Games Gold in the Men’s Singles. Instagram/koenpang._.g How many of us can say we've experienced a meteoric rise in our careers - in our teens? One individual who can boast such a thing is national paddler Koen Pang, who turned 20 in May. Koen recently won three medals at the recent SEA Games in Hanoi – Gold in Mixed Doubles (teaming with Wong Xin Ru), Bronze in the Men’s Doubles (paired with Joshua Chua), and another Bronze in the Men’s Team event. In the lead up to the games, he was still doing his national service. Talk about dedication to the sport! The current world No. 115 (as of July 19 International Table Tennis Federation rankings) has set his sights on breaking into the Top 100. Character bio: Koen first started playing the game at the age of five, joining his mother and elder brother in playing recreational table tennis. He later enrolled into the Singapore Sports School in 2015. Koen also did gymnastics when he was younger, but dropped the sport to focus fully on table tennis when he was 10. His favourite table tennis player: Former world No. 1 Timo Boll. Fun fact: Koen's favourite food is char siew rice because he loves the sauce and he doesn’t need to remove any bones. Achievement unlocked: 2019 was the year Koen truly lived up to the hype. He became the first Singaporean to top a table tennis world ranking - No. 1 on the Under-18 boys' list. He also became the first Singapore-born table tennis player to win SEA Games Gold in the Men’s Singles. He capped off the year by winning the junior boys' doubles Bronze at the World Junior Table Tennis Championships in Korat, Thailand, teaming up with Joshua Chua. It was Singapore’s first medal in the competition. In 2021, he reached the Top 32 at the World Table Tennis Championships in Houston, USA, defeating Brazilian Gustavo Tsuboi (then ranked 38th) four-two. He eventually lost to his idol, former world No. 1 Timo Boll. And, guess what, he did this while doing national service. Ups lah! Serving the nation: Koen enlisted for full-time national service as an infantry trooper on July 2020 with the 1st Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (1 SIR). During his NS stint, Corporal (CPL) (NS) Koen Pang kept training at the Singapore Table Tennis Association after booking out during weekends or days-off on weekdays, and continued to rep our colours (such as at the 2021 World Table Tennis Championships). During his enlistment, he was awarded the 2020 Sportsboy of the Year at the Singapore Sports Awards and the 2021 NSF Of The Year by the Singapore Army. The latter honour is given to exceptional full-time national service members who have shown professionalism, leadership, and good behaviour during their national service. In an interview with the Singapore Sports School, Koen said: “It is definitely challenging to balance both National Service and sport but you have to find time to train and make things work. I have learnt to be more disciplined, to persevere through hard times and learnt how to manage my time properly.” His ORD was in May this year, and he aims to play competitively throughout 2022 before hitting the books and focusing on his studies. Level up: Koen aims to win first at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, UK and Asian Games in Hangzhou China. He also wants to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. The potential this Singapore sportstar has is limitless, and we're certain he has what it takes to smash his way to the top of the table tennis world stage. ALSO READ: Singapore sports star spotlight: Man behind the mask, Jet Ng This article was first published in Wonderwall.sg.
Commonwealth Games: Singapore's Teong Tzen Wei qualifies second-fastest for men's 50m fly final Teong Tzen Wei (left) was the second fastest swimmer with his time of 23.24 seconds at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO Kimberly Kwek PUBLISHED 5 HOURS AGO BIRMINGHAM - Just over a month after making the men's 50m butterfly final at the Fina World Championships, Teong Tzen Wei continued his remarkable form as he qualified for the final of the same event at the Commonwealth Games on Friday (July 29). He was the second fastest swimmer with his time of 23.24 seconds at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre, with only England's Benjamin Proud (23.06) going below that. Trinidad and Tobago's Dylan Carter (23.41) was the third fastest. His times may place him in medal contention, but the 24-year-old, whose personal best is 23.03 set at last month's world meet, remained a picture of calm after his semi-finals. He said: "This is my first Commonwealth Games final so I'm pumped but it's time to relax, come back down so that tomorrow I can peak again. There's no need to get over-excited so just taking it step by step, this is just according to the process. "Sometimes when I visualise or think too much, I can get pumped up even when I'm not swimming so there's no need for me to spike my adrenaline. I don't need to put so much pressure on myself." It was also a special night for Quah siblings Ting Wen, Zheng Wen and Jing Wen, as they and Jonathan Tan clocked 3min 31.90sec and finished sixth in the mixed 4x100m freestyle relay final on Friday night. Australia won gold in a Games record of 3:21.18 followed by England (3:22.45) and Canada (3:24.86). While they have competed at multiple international meets together, they have never all been on the same relay team. "It's a special thing because you're racing with the people you train with, so it makes it all the more fun, more special, especially when is trying to do their best," said Jing Wen, the youngest at 21, who also finished 10th in the women's 100m fly semi-finals. "You're also talking about people I've lived and grown up with so that makes it extra, extra special." Another Singaporean, Maximillian Ang, clocked 2:13.25 to come in sixth in the men's 200m breaststroke. Australian Zac Stubblety-Cook won in 2:08.07. While Ang, 21, he could have swam faster in the finals, he was pleased to finish in the top eight. He said: "I feel good but at the same it's not my best of the best. "I've been having a lot of back-to-back competitions like the SEA Games, a few weeks of training, then world championships and now Commonwealth Games; I'm exhausted. But at the same time, I always do my best. "I did what I could. Hopefully I can carry this momentum to the next few days to the 50m and 100m breaststroke." The Australians dominated the opening day of the swimming competition, winning five of the seven golds on offer. Elijah Winnington won the first final, the men's 400m freestyle, touching the wall in 3:43.06, ahead of his compatriots Sam Short (3:45.07) and Daniel Wiffen (3:46.49). Canadian teen sensation Summer McIntosh, 15, claimed a Games record of 4:29.01 in the women's 400m individual medley, rewriting Hannah Miley's previous mark of 4:31.76 set at the 2014 edition. Australia's Kiah Melverton (4:36.78) and Scotland's Katie Shanahan (4:39.37) were second and third respectively. MORE ON THIS TOPIC Swimming: Singapore's Teong Tzen Wei finishes 8th at world c'ships Swimming: Singapore's Teong Tzen Wei qualifies for World C'ships 50m fly final
Commonwealth Games: S'pore women's table tennis team open with wins against England, Nigeria Feng Tianwei training at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham on July 26, 2022. PHOTO: ST FILE David Lee PUBLISHED JUL 29, 2022, 6:35 PM SGT BIRMINGHAM - Singapore are through to the Commonwealth Games table tennis women’s team quarter-finals after 3-0 wins over hosts England and then Nigeria on Friday (July 29). They will meet minnows St Vincent and the Grenadines on Saturday and a win will see them progress as Group 1 winners, which should ensure a more favourable draw for their quarter-final later in the day. The Republic had dominated this event since table tennis was included in the Games programme in 2002, but suffered their first defeat in the 2018 final against India. World No. 16 Feng Tianwei, who is the event’s top-ranked women’s player, said: “It’s nice to get a good feel of the environment and experience playing in front of the home crowd on the show table. We managed to overcome the pressure by playing our own game well. “What is important is we got the job done and advanced to the last eight. I played quite well and I feel the younger players also proved themselves.” In their first match at these Games, they were not overawed by the sight of hundreds of locals who flocked to Hall 3 at the National Exhibition Centre to watch their compatriots play. Zeng Jian partnered 17-year-old Zhou Jingyi to beat Charlotte Bardsley and Maria Tsaptsinos 3-0 (11-5, 11-5, 11-9) in the opening doubles match, before Feng, 35, overcame the glare from the hall’s lighting and her opponent’s unique pimpled forehand to beat the 144th-ranked penholder Ho Tin-Tin 3-1 (9-11, 11-4, 11-7, 11-2). World No. 60 Zeng returned to the table to beat the 313rd-ranked Tsaptsinos 3-0 (11-2, 11-6, 11-8) to seal the overall victory. After getting used to the conditions, things were more straightforward against Nigeria. Zeng and Zhou breezed past Fatima Atinuke Bello and Offiong Edem 3-0 (11-7, 11-4, 11-1), before Feng tamed Esther Oribamise 3-0 (11-5, 11-9, 11-4). Zeng then won her fourth match of the day by beating Edem 3-0 (11-3, 11-3, 11-6). The 25-year-old, who was able to impose her speed and spin, said: “After the SEA Games, I realised it’s normal to be in tight situations and I learnt how to control my nerves and temperament better to focus on each point instead.” Fellow Games debutante Zhou added: “It’s a good experience. I didn’t really feel nervous because I had a good partner.” Meanwhile, the Singapore men’s team also opened their campaign with a 3-0 sweep over Northern Ireland on Friday. Clarence Chew and Ethan Poh beat Zak Wilson and Paul McCreery 3-0 (11-8, 11-7, 11-6) in the opening doubles. Koen Pang then defeated Owen Cathcart 3-0 (11-7, 11-8, 11-9) before Chew beat McCreery 3-0 (11-5, 11-6, 11-3). But they were then overpowered 3-0 by 2018 champions India later in the day. Using the same line-up, Chew and Poh were beaten 3-1 (11-5, 11-5, 9-11, 11-2) by Harmeet Desai and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran. Pang pushed Sharath Kamal Achanta but was still lost 3-0 (11-8, 11-9, 11-9), before Chew fell 3-0 (11-7, 11-5, 11-8) to Gnanasekaran. Singapore's men's national coach Gao Ning lamented: "We played our normal standard against Northern Ireland but we did not perform to expectations against India. "They are tough opponents, but we were too anxious to close out the points quickly and made too many errors against experienced players who could pull off more variety of shots. "We should beat Barbados (on Saturday) and progress as group runners-up, which means we will have a tougher quarter-final match. We will do our best to prepare, but what I want the boys to do is stay calm, find solutions at the table and give a reasonable account of themselves." MORE ON THIS TOPIC Commonwealth Games: Feng Tianwei eyes redemption for S'pore in table tennis team event Commonwealth Games: Pressure on young guns to defend Singapore's status as No. 1 ping-pong nation
Commonwealth Games: Malaysia to face Singapore in women's table tennis final Seng Foo Lee August 1, 2022 06:55 MYT The Malaysian women's table tennis team secured at least a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games after overcoming Wales on Sunday. The team of Karen Lyne, Alice Chang Li Sian and Ho Ying, who stunned defending champions India on Saturday, continued their impressive run by winning 3-2 in the semi-finals at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. With the success of reaching the final, the Malaysian table tennis contingent ensured a medal finish for the fourth straight Commonwealth Games. The women's team previously won bronze in 2010 and silver in 2014, while Ho and Lyne teamed up to bag a women's doubles bronze medal four years ago in Gold Coast. They next face heavy favourites Singapore, who beat Australia 3-0 in the other semi-final tie, on Monday. Singapore won four of the last five women's team finals and had more table tennis gold medals than other winning nations combined at the Commonwealth Games.
Commonwealth Games: Singapore in women's table tennis team final after 3-0 win over Australia Zhou Jingyi (left) and Zeng Jian gave four-time champions Singapore the perfect start as they beat Australians Lay Jian Fang and Jee Min-hyung 3-1 (11-3, 13-11, 10-12, 11-4) in the first match of their women’s team semi-final. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO David Lee UPDATED 4 HOURS AGO BIRMINGHAM - The Republic took a big step towards reclaiming the Commonwealth Games table tennis women’s team gold after sweeping Australia 3-0 in the semi-finals on Sunday (July 31). They will face Malaysia, who edged Wales 3-2 in the other semi-final, in Monday's final at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre. The shock exit of defending champions India, at the hands of Malaysia on Saturday, meant Australia were arguably the Republic’s biggest threat remaining. But world No. 16 Feng Tianwei and her teammates rarely looked troubled despite facing opponents who were using pimpled bats that create more spin variety as they sealed the country’s six straight appearance in the final for this event. She said: "I'm very happy to have made it to my fourth consecutive women's team final. There was regret of not being able to win gold in 2018, and we will do our best to set the record straight this time around." Zeng Jian, 25, and Zhou Jingyi, 17, gave four-time champions Singapore the perfect start as they beat Lay Jian Fang, 49, and 35-year-old Jee Min-hyung 3-1 (11-3, 13-11, 10-12, 11-4) in the first match. Feng, at her fourth Games, used all her experience to overcome 72nd-ranked Liu Yangzi 3-1 (14-12, 6-11, 11-5, 11-5). It was then left to Zeng to seal the victory as she beat Lay 3-0 (11-5, 12-10, 11-8). Zeng said: "In the doubles, I feel the chemistry and understanding between Jingyi and I are getting better. For a partnership that started only from the SEA Games in May, we want to stay humble and continue learning and battling against strong pairs. "In the singles, I was up against an experienced player who has many ways to fight back, so the key for me was to stay calm." Earlier, Clarence Chew and Koen Pang battled back from big deficits and saved match points before leading Singapore to a 3-0 win over Canada in the men’s team quarter-finals. They face England, who beat Cyprus 3-0, in Monday’s semi-finals. The other last-four clash is between defending champions India and 2018 finalists Nigeria. Despite playing together only this year, the unranked Singaporeans Pang and Izaac Quek beat Jeremy Hazin and Edward Ly 3-0 (11-7, 11-6, 11-4). Koen Pang (left) and Izaac Quek playing in the table tennis men's team quarter-finals at the Commonwealth Games on July 31, 2022. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO MORE ON THIS TOPIC Commonwealth Games: Singapore reach men's table tennis semi-finals after 3-0 win over Canada Commonwealth Games: Malaysia oust defending champs India in women's table tennis Chew then survived three match points against Eugene Wang before prevailing 3-2 (7-11, 11-5, 9-11, 13-11, 13-11). After losing the first two games, Pang also conjured up a great escape as he beat Ly 3-2 (11-13, 7-11, 11-5, 11-6, 11-6) to clinch the tie. Since table tennis was included in the Games in 2002, Singapore have won two gold, one silver and one bronze medals in the men’s team event but lost the bronze-medal play-off to England in 2018. National men’s team coach Gao Ning said: “I’m pleased with our team’s fighting spirit and hope we’ll do more of the same tomorrow. “We’re underdogs against England, so there’s no pressure on us. “Hopefully they are the ones feeling stressed in front of the home crowd. With good preparation, I hope we can be ready to capitalise." MORE ON THIS TOPIC Commonwealth Games: Feng Tianwei eyes redemption for S'pore in table tennis team event Commonwealth Games: Pressure on young guns to defend Singapore's status as No. 1 ping-pong nation
Silat: Singapore end World Championship campaign with four-gold haul Sheik Farhan Sheik Alau'ddin (right) picked up his fourth world title at the World Pencak Silat Championships in Melaka on July 31, 2022. PHOTO: PERSISI Sazali Abdul Aziz Correspondent PUBLISHED JUL 31, 2022, 10:01 PM SGT SINGAPORE - The Republic's exponents picked up more two gold medals on the final day of the World Pencak Silat Championships in Melaka on Sunday (July 31) to take their overall tally to four gold, five silver and eight bronze medals. Singapore's best performance at the world meet was in 2018 when, on home soil, its athletes claimed seven gold, six silver and seven bronze medals. The 2020 edition of the biennial meet did not take place owing to the pandemic. The Republic had seven athletes competing in the various tanding (match) weight category finals on Sunday. All were hoping to add to triumphs in the male singles and female trio artistic categories on Friday night. However, only Sheik Farhan Sheik Alau'ddin (Class J, 90-95kg) and newcomer Aniq 'Asri Yazid (Class B, 50-55kg) triumphed in their respective finals. Farhan, 24, picked up his fourth world title, after triumphs in 2015 (which had been postponed a year), 2016 and 2018. He beat Indonesia's Rangga Andika via disqualification. Meanwhile Aniq, 16, scored an upset win over Malaysia's Khairi Adib Azhar - the reigning SEA Games champion - via technical knockout. At the Hanoi Games in May, Singapore's silat exponents delivered their best showing at the regional multi-sport showcase, with four gold, three silver and four bronze medals. But barely a week after the end of the Games, the squad were dealt a blow by the sudden passing of national coach Mochammad Ichsan Nur Romadhon, an Indonesian, who died aged 33 in a road accident in Bali. Over 500 exponents from 40 countries featured at the 19th world championships in Melaka. MORE ON THIS TOPIC Silat: S'pore win two golds at World C'ships; seven athletes to contest finals SEA Games: Singapore has 'bright future' after meeting medal targets in Hanoi, says SSI chief
Commonwealth Games: Women's table tennis team deliver first gold for S'pore after beating Malaysia Singapore are Commonwealth Games table tennis women's team champions again after they beat Malaysia 3-0 in the final on Aug 1. The team of (from left) Feng Tianwei, Wong Xin Ru, Zeng Jian and Zhou Jingyi have been in imperious form in this year's competition. David Lee PUBLISHED 2 HOURS AGO BIRMINGHAM - Singapore are Commonwealth Games table tennis women's team champions again, after they beat Malaysia 3-0 in the final on Monday (Aug 1). The Republic has made every women's team final since the sport was included in the Games programme in 2002 but was stunned by India in the 2018 final. They have been in imperious form in this year's competition, however, as they steamrolled their way back to the top. Along the way, they beat England, Nigeria, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Guyana, Australia and their Causeway rivals without dropping a match. Underdogs Malaysia also have to be given credit for their never-say-die attitude, as they produced stirring comeback 3-2 wins against India and then Wales en route to the final. But in a repeat of the 2014 final, Singapore showed they are a different preposition and reprised another sweep. After an early scare, Zeng Jian and Zhou Jingyi helped the team settle down by beating Karen Lyne and Ho Ying 3-1 (7-11, 11-4, 11-6, 11-5) in the opening doubles match. In the stands, a mini cheering competition also broke out between Singapore - featuring Singapore National Olympic Council president Tan Chuan-Jin, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Culture, Community and Youth Eric Chua and Singapore Table Tennis Association president Ellen Lee - and Malaysia's contingent of supporters. But it was the Singaporeans' roar and Majulah Singapura which rang loudest after Feng Tianwei beat Alice Chang 3-0 (11-9, 11-1, 11-7) before Zeng overcame Ho 3-1 (11-3, 11-4, 8-11, 11-5) to re-establish their status as queens of Commonwealth table tennis. Australia took the bronze after overcoming Wales 3-0 in the play-off. This is the Republic's first gold medal at these Games and their second medal after swimmer Teong Tzen Wei's silver in the men's 50m butterfly on Saturday. Singapore women's coach Jing Junhong paid tribute to her team and said: "This gold medal did not come easy. "We have a new team this time, with experience in Tianwei, but also young debutantes like Zeng Jian, Jingyi and Xin Ru. We are very united, which helped us overcome difficulties when we faced them. "Before the tournament, we thought Australia would be the trickiest opponents but we prepared and performed very well in the semi-final. "Even though we faced some difficulties along the way, we were confident in our own capabilities. We were calm when the opponents threatened to fight back, which is very important." The Singapore women's team will have a day's rest on Tuesday before they turn their attention to the individual events starting Wednesday. Given their fine form, a deep run into the women's singles and doubles is not out of the question. MORE ON THIS TOPIC Commonwealth Games: Singapore in women's table tennis team final after 3-0 win over Australia Commonwealth Games: Feng Tianwei eyes redemption for S'pore in table tennis team event
Commonwealth Games: Singapore book place in men’s table tennis team finals after beating England Clarence Chew competes at the Commonwealth Games on Jul 31. (Photo: Commonwealth Games Singapore/Andy Chua) Matthew Mohan @MatthewMohanCNA 02 Aug 2022 02:41AM(Updated: 02 Aug 2022 02:44AM) SINGAPORE: The Singapore men’s table tennis team booked their place in the final and guaranteed themselves a Commonwealth Games medal after beating England 3-2 in Birmingham on Monday (Aug 1) night local time. Up against vastly experienced opponents, Singapore’s young trio of Izaac Quek (16), Koen Pang (20) and Clarence Chew (26) displayed nerves of steel to take the victory. Quek and Pang combined to give Singapore an early lead in the tie when they upset Sam Walker and Liam Pitchford 11-9, 11-7, 11-7. But world number 74 Paul Drinkhall would level proceedings when he beat world ranked 133 Chew 3-1 (11-8, 9-11, 11-4, 12-10). Pang, who was superb in the opener, then stunned world number 20 Pitchford to put Singapore 2-1 up. The world number 117 took the match 11-7, 9-11, 11-8, 11-9. Once again, it was Drinkhall to the rescue for England as he beat Quek 11-7, 11-5, 11-4. Then it was down to Chew who held his nerve to defeat Walker 3-1 (11-6, 11-5, 7-11,11-7). Singapore will face either India or Nigeria in the final. At the last edition of the Games, Singapore lost the bronze medal playoff tie to England 0-3. Earlier in the day, Singapore clinched the women's table tennis team gold after beating Malaysia 3-0 in the final. The win was Singapore’s first gold medal of the 2022 Games and means the team recaptured the gold medal that evaded them in 2018 when they were beaten by India in the final.
Commonwealth Games: Shanti Pereira betters her own 100m national record Singapore’s Shanti Pereira (above, at the 2022 SEA Games) ended 21st in a field of 49 and earned a spot in the semi-finals. ST FILE PHOTO Kimberly Kwek PUBLISHED 8 HOURS AGO BIRMINGHAM - After a stellar outing at this year's Hanoi SEA Games in May when she won a gold and silver medal, Shanti Pereira continued her fine form as she rewrote her own 100m national record at the Commonwealth Games on Tuesday (Aug 2). She clocked 11.48 seconds and finished fifth in her heat, which was won by Grace Nwokocha in 10.99sec. Pereira ended 21st in the field of 49 and earned a spot in the semi-finals today. The 25-year-old's previous mark of 11.58sec was set at the 2019 Asian Athletics Championships. She said: “Extremely pleased with my performance and race execution today. The goal was to get a personal best with the hopes of qualifying for the semi finals so I am really glad I did that. Her coach Luis Cunha was pleased with the sprinter's progress since the SEA Games. At July's World Athletics Championships in Oregon, she came within 0.01sec of breaking her 200m national record of 23.52sec, set at the SEA Games. Cunha said: "She's been doing well since the SEA Games - she almost broke the national record there. We prepared for the Commonwealth Games and she broke the national record finally and she's very happy. "That's (making the semi-finals) the bonus - the time only depends on her." He highlighted two overseas training camps in the past month as a key reason for Pereira's ability to break her 100m national record yesterday. The first was in San Diego, which was in preparation for the world championships, while they had another in Sweden ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. During the two camps, she has been able to focus solely on training as compared to before that when she had to juggle her job and training. Pereira added on Tuesday that it was “rewarding to see the efforts of my training bearing fruit”. Cunha said: "She's been able to train the same way as professional athletes do. In Singapore, it was not possible so now she has the same conditions as her main competitors. "She doesn't need to stress, can go to bed early and do what professional athletes should do." MORE ON THIS TOPIC Commonwealth Games: S'pore get silver lining in table tennis men's team final Commonwealth Games: Singapore clinch bronze in badminton mixed team event
Commonwealth Games: Toh Wei Soong earns silver in 50m free (S7) final Commonwealth Games: Toh Wei Soong earns silver (yahoo.com) Chia Han Keong ·Editor Tue, 2 August 2022 at 8:37 am·3-min read Toh Wei Soong Singaporean swimmer Clarence Chew Singaporean table tennis player Para-swimmer Toh Wei Soong wins a silver medal in the men's 50m freestyle (S7) event at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. (PHOTO: Commonwealth Games Singapore/Andy Chua) SINGAPORE — Para-swimmer Toh Wei Soong clinched a silver medal in the men's 50m freestyle (S7) final at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre on Monday (1 August), earning Singapore's third medal of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. The 23-year-old, clocked 29.10sec to finish behind Australia's Matthew Levy (28.95sec), and improve on his bronze-medal showing in the same event at the 2018 Games in Gold Coast. South Africa's Christian Sadie came in third in 29.78sec. Toh had made his Paralympic debut at the 2021 Tokyo Games, and narrowly missed out on a medal in the men's 50m butterfly (S7) as he came in fourth while setting a national record. He also came in seventh in the men's 50m free (S7) final in Tokyo, also setting a national record of 28.65sec in his race. Men's paddlers clinch thrilling win over England in team s-finals At the National Exhibition Centre, Singapore pulled off a thrilling 3-2 victory over top-seeded England in the men's table tennis team semi-finals to book a gold-medal showdown with defending champions India on Tuesday. The youthful team of local-born paddlers - who have an average age of just 21.2 years old - showed composure amid the partisan home crowd to secure at least a silver medal in the event. Koen Pang, 20, and Izaac Quek, 17, took the crucial first match when the doubles pair defeated Liam Pitchford and Samuel Walker 11-9, 11-7, 11-7. However, Clarence Chew could not overcome his inferior world ranking to Paul Drinkhall (133rd to 74th) as he lost the first singles match 8-11, 11-9, 4-11, 10-12. Pang put Singapore 2-1 ahead after he defeated Pitchford 11-7, 9-11, 11-8, 11-9, but Drinkhall levelled the tie again with a 11-7, 11-5, 11-4 victory over Quek. It was left to Chew, the oldest and most experienced player in the Singapore team at age 26, to try and take the winning point against Walker. And he duly managed the feat, winning 11-6, 11-5, 7-11, 11-6 over his world No.92 opponent and collapsing on the court in joy as his teammates mobbed him. There was no joy for Singapore's shuttlers, however, as they lost their mixed team semi-final tie 0-3 against India. They were also rocked by news that doubles player Loh Kean Hean - world champion Loh Kean Yew's brother - had tested positive for COVID-19 and was ruled out of the semi-final after going into isolation.
