Posts Tagged ‘Squash’
Featured Male Athlete of the Week: Jason Ho
May 23rd, 2010 by CCA PROThis week we managed to catch up with Jason Ho, HC Squash Team’s top seed, to find out more about his life as a squasher.
Jason Ho is by no means an unfamiliar name to all in the Singapore squash community. His accolades are by no means insignificant. In the 8 years since he first held a racquet, he has achieved no less than :
Inter-School Championships
2006 C Division – 3rd
2007 C Division – 2nd
2008 B Division – 4th
2009 B Division – 3rd
2010 A Division – 2nd
External Competitions
Wilson Junior Squash Championships 2007 - U15 1st
Individual Graded Championships 2007 – F Grade 1st
Marigold Junior Squash Invitational 2008 – U15 1st
Individual Graded Championships 2008 – E Grade 2nd, D grade 2nd
Singapore Closed Squash Championships 2009 – U17 2nd
Marigold Junior Squash Invitational 2009 – U17 1st
Individual Graded Championships 2009 – C Grade 1st
Singapore Closed Squash Championships 2010 – U19 2nd
1) The 2010 squash boys’ team definitely surpassed the feats by last year’s team. What would you expect 2011 to to promise HC?
We did do better than last year’s team, and everybody is happy about that. However, our coach pointed out that this year, we as a team did not take training as seriously as we probably should have, and that was one aspect he wished could’ve been better. Of course, there’s no point in talking about past mistakes, since nothing can be changed. So all we can do is look ahead, and I would like to promise on behalf of the team (Actually, I haven’t asked them, but hopefully they agree 
) that we will train to the best of our ability from the time training resumes, until next season. Hopefully, the Squash Nationals in 2011 will end without regrets for anyone in the team, be it the coach or ourselves.
Unfortunately results-wise, I cannot promise anything since I’m not blessed with clairvoyance, and also because it is very unpredictable. There will be new and better players from other schools, and many upsets may occur during the actual competition itself. All we can hope for is that we’re the ones dishing out the upsets 
2) The match you played against your opponents in this year’s Semis and Finals were comfortably won in straight sets! How did you come thus far and when was it that you first picked up a racket and stepped into a squash court?
I think I’ll answer the second part of the question first because it’s easier. I first played squash in Primary 3. Or 4. I can’t really remember, age is catching up on me. My dad taught me how to hit the ball and stuff. At that time, it was entirely recreational. Something like how many of us in school playing street soccer etc during our free time. I used to be a badminton player in primary school so squash was more of a weekend activity to uh, just fool around. To prevent me from staying home on weekends to play video games , I think my parents decided to send me to play squash against some other kids every Saturday. Coincedentally, Bryan Seow from 10A10 was one of the ‘some other kids’ then. Basically, it was a congregation of little kids who tried to play squash like badminton.
I started playing squash properly in Secondary 1, after I entered high school. I wasn’t very keen on switching from badminton at first, but I’m thankful I did in the end. I joined a club in Sec 1, before switching to another in Sec 2, and I’m still there right now. That was useful since it allowed me to play with a player from other clubs every week, and it offered lots of valuable experience. In Sec 1, I had a private coach for 3 months or so. Other than that, my training was all done in school. Hopefully that answers the first part of the question.
3) For any athlete, mental preparation plays a determining factor in the outcome of any match. Do tell us more about your style of psyching up!
I try my best not to think of anything. Anything besides the match. Such as undone tutorials. Because these things are unnecessary (for a match.) and they tend to disrupt one’s focus. I try to clear emotions out of my head too. Basically, I just try to do whatever I’m supposed to do as best as I can, and I guess being a blur sotong helps me with it.
4) Could you enlighten us on the structure and workings of the National League? How are you faring in this aspect?
The National League is just like any League in soccer, where different clubs compete with each other weekly, and results are recorded in a point system. Its just that for the NSL, clubs send teams of 4 (all singles). If a team wins 4-0, they get 5 points. If its 3-1 , the 5 points are shared proportionately between the teams. If its 2-2, we count the total number of points won by all four players on each team, and the team with more points wins on what is called ‘countback’. In this situation, the 5 points are shared as well, with the winning team taking 3, losing team taking 2.
At the end of the season, which typically lasts 4-5 months, the team on top of the table is the winner. So every week on a certain day (different days for different grades), 8 players will meet at a certain venue (home ground or away ground for either team) to play, and results are sent in by captains of both teams to the Singapore Squash Rackets Association, which collates and records the scores every week. All teams will play with each other twice, once on home ground, once away.
In the NSL, players are divided into different grades. When starting off, everyone begins as an F grader, and they work their way up the grades, with the best grade being A. Usually, some players in the teams that top the table in a particular grade (e.g. E grade champion team) are promoted to the next grade (e.g. D grade). Another way to be promoted is to obtain a top 4 position in the annual Individual Graded Championships.
I’m in the B grade. The B Grade League matches just concluded last Thursday, and fortunately we came out as champions. This Saturday, there will be playoffs for every grade, where the top 2 teams compete with each other one more time. It, however, does not carry any weightage, and is more of a friendly game.
5) Do you have any shout-out to your teammates, opponents and fellow Hwa Chongians?
To my current teammates: Hello Ryn, Darren, Alex, Bryan, Yi Wen, Josh I’ve enjoyed the whole process of playing alongside you guys this year, and hopefully this sentiment is a shared one 
Thank you, all of you, very much for making Nationals this year as fun as it was.
To my high school teammates: Hello Timothy, Alex, Nicholas Heng, Nicholas Teo, Josh Earlier on, I listed out all our achievements from past years. Although it may not seem very outstanding compared to some other sports in Hwa Chong, always remember that we were the best homegrown school team in Singapore, and unlike other schools, we did not need DSA-ed players.
To our opponents: The weather’s pretty good today
To my fellow Hwa Chongians: I’ll repeat what we hear very often during morning assemblies: ‘We would like to thank everyone who has helped or supported us in one way or another.’ It’s cliche, but it is a very apt sentence to describe whatever any competing team wants to tell the whole school, and that is why we hear it so much in the first place.
6) What has been the biggest factor that has influenced and helped you in journey as an HC athlete?
The biggest factor is enjoying what I do, and probably the same goes for many other athletes in school. It is a pretty simple concept which roughly progresses this way: If you like the sport, you take the initiative to practise more, to train harder, and to do whatever thats related to it. It becomes quite natural, almost like a part of you (quite cheesy but nevermind). Basically, as long as you like what you do, you become better at it over time.
With such strong j1 players, Hwa Chong Squash will surely continue to strive and reach greater heights!
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Match Report: Squash Boys Finals
May 2nd, 2010 by CCA PROA’ Division Boys Squash Finals 2010
HCI vs RI
For the umpteenth time in the history of Hwa Chong and Raffles’ National Schools campaign, the two schools were set to face each other in an all-star final that promised nothing less than an electric atmosphere with incessant cheers from the audience and sensational fights between the two sides.
Both teams headed into the encounter acknowledging that their opponents would be a tough side to crack, but that did not impede each player from pushing himself to his limits. Once the line-ups were submitted, and the supporters streamed in and filled the seats, the showdown commenced.
1st Match: Bryan Seow (HCI) vs Shaun Tan (RI)
The pace of the opening game was slow as both players sought to size each other up. Bryan hit his shots with ferocity and managed to force Shaun into the corners time and again. Bryan then finished the game 11-7.
After the short interval where both teams held their separate prep talks, both players resumed play. A string of unforced errors from both players brought the score to 2-2. Shaun came back into the game stronger and pulled ahead to 5-9. Refusing to concede the game, Bryan started his comeback by winning a beautiful rally. From then on, Bryan amazed the crowd by levelling the score at 10-10, sending the game into tie-breakers. However, luck was not on his side as he struck the tin twice, conceding the game 10-12.
As the games proceeded, the exchange became more intense, while the players got more desperate. In the third game, Shaun dealt out powerful boast shots and forced Bryan to perform full body stretches, and even then Bryan could not return the shots on many occasions. Shaun capitalized on his momentum in the game and won the game 11-5.
Bryan had to stop Shaun from capturing the 4th game, or it would give RI the first team point. Both players were hardworking and steadfast, and play was even as the score went up to 3-3, thereafter, Shaun took a 7-4 lead. The tin constantly stood in Bryan’s way as his attempts at low shots rattled off the tin, ultimately causing him to concede the last game 5-11.
Match Score: HCI 1-3 RI
Team Score: HCI 0-1 RI
2nd Match: Jason Ho (HCI) vs Michael Chee (RI)
HC’s top seed Jason Ho was the never the one doing all the catching up as he maintained strong leads throughout the match. In the first game, he geared ahead 3-0, with his uncanny knack for low shots that constantly put the pressure on Michael. Despite being behind, Michael put in great effort to dish out swift shots to keep Jason running. At 5-2, Jason performed an excellent fake that put Michael on the wrong foot. From then on, Jason cruised on to take the game 11-2.
The second game proceeded in similar style, with Jason garnering a 5 point lead to nil. Jason’s superior instincts and precision gave him the upper hand and it wasn’t until the later part of the game that Michael earned a few points to bring the score to 8-3 in Jason’s favour. Jason then executed two delightful nick shots that stopped the ball abruptly at the crack joining the glass wall and the floor, winning the game 11-3.
Michael revised his tactics and came back with verve in the 3rd game, equalising at 2-2 after a string of rallies. However, Jason took the lead again with a sensational drop shot, and went ahead 5-2. Michael was given little time to respond and go on the offense as Jason forced Michael into the corners frequently. The match was won by Jason after he took this game 11-2.
Match Score: HCI 3-0 RI
Team Score: HCI 1-1 RI
With the team score levelled at 1-1, the competition was blown wide open, and the hype from the crowd was tremendous.
3rd Match: Alexander Lim (HC) vs Kevin Sim
Alex and Kevin both knew that a win in this match would grant a much needed psychological edge over the other team. Kevin maintained a healthy lead in the first game as his powerful shots often rode the walls near the corners, causing Alex to fumble with his shots on a few instances. Kevin took the first game 11-6.
Both teams displayed great team spirit, as each interval saw all players walk out of the court solemnly to engage in their team talks. Alex came back into the 2nd game with an aura of confidence, gaining a demanding 5-0 lead as Kevin started shakily. Kevin responded by winning a rally in which Alex made contact with the tin. However, Alex was already on fire as he performed multiple boast drop shots that ultimately earned him the win. 11-3.
Things took another dramatic twist as Kevin returned with what he demonstrated back in the first game. The start to the third game was intense but nontheless entertaining. Kevin showed little mercy when he caught Alex off guard several times, finishing the game strongly with 11-4.
It was another do-or-die game for HC as Alex hoped to equalise the match score. Kevin started strongly, looking dangerous upon every shot. The game saw both players up the tempo, seeking to out-maneuver each other. After Kevin pulled ahead, looking certain to take the team point for RI at 9-4, Alex delved into a sustained spell of dominance as he fought back to level the score at 10-10. The supporters were on the edge of their seats. Despite Alex’s heroics, Kevin managed to grab two points in succession to seal RI’s second point.
Match Score: HCI 1-3 RI
Team Score: HCI 1-2 RI
4th Match: Ryn Wu (HCI) vs Yap Kim Wee (RI)
In the semi-finals, team captain Ryn took on the National and ACSI’s top seed Bryan Koh. It was déjà vu again as Ryn took on the RI’s most polished player, Yap Kim Wee in the 4th order of the day. RI were hoping to secure this match and the championship, and Ryn was there to stop them at all costs. Ryn and Kim Wee both made no bones about their desire to win this match in style, as both produced exquisite shots that stunned the crowd. The first game possessed the fastest pace yet, with the electrifying sounds of their shots echoing off the walls. Ryn gained the lead after a stalemate up until 5-5. In the end, Ryn went against all odds and created the major upset of the day as he stole the game 11-9.
The Hwa Chongians present were elated, and hopes for the title stayed strong. There was no space or time for complacency as RI would have re-strategised and come back with valour. Not surprisingly, they did as Kim Wee capitalized on Ryn’s errors, coming back from behind to lead at 5-3. A bout of unforced errors by Ryn ultimately lost him the game as Kim Wee won 11-5.
The following two games epitomised the standards of the entire finals and were simply delightful to watch. Ryn played a style that was supernormal to his usual game in terms of agility and strength. RI earned a couple strokes that gave Kim Wee’s score a boost to 9-4. Ryn refused to give in or give up, and performed a stunning drop shot. However, the burst of greatness was short-lived as Kim Wee ultimately got his game together to show why he was RI’s top player, winning the game 11-6. It was an emotional moment for all, with applause reaching both teams for their excellent displays.
Match Score: HCI 1-3 RI
Team Score: HCI 1-3 RI
RI had effectively won the championship, but HCI was determined to prove their worth in the last game.
5th Match : Darren Toh (HCI) vs Ong Jun Wei (RI)
Going into the last match with nothing to lose, Darren was a picture of composure and confidence. In the first game, Darren came out on top after every rally. His knack for finding Jun Wei’s blind spots proved to be the crucial ingredient in his 11-8 win.
The 2nd game started slowly but Jun Wei exercised his tactics well. Darren fought for every ball, as exemplified by his lunges and dives, but he was naturally outclassed 11-4 by Jun Wei.
Darren worked even harder in the 3rd game, producing a splendid kill shot to level the score at 4-4. It was a close fight to the end as Jun Wei made every shot count, catching Darren unaware at many instances. The game was set at 11-8 to Jun Wei.
Jun Wei came into what was to be the last game with fervour and class, flying ahead with a score of 6-1. Darren responded with a boast shot that brought his game back on. But Jun Wei proved to be untouchable as he executed a drop shot late in the game to win the game 11-2.
Match score: HCI 1-3 RI
FINAL SCORE: HCI 1-4 RI
The HC Squash team is to be commended for surpassing their own limits on Friday, and no matter the result, know that we have all been inspired by your all-out performances. Great job, squash boys! This year’s result is a an improvement over last year’s third placing. With any luck and of course, hard work, the championship is ours to win in 2011!
HCunite!
Many thanks to Darren from VoxSports for agreeing to our use of their photos and video.
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Hot Off the Press: Squash Guys Finals, Touch Rugby Girls Finals, Netball, Badminton Guys, Floorball, Basketball Girls, Tennis, Soccer Boys
April 30th, 2010 by CCA PROSquash Guys Finals
In the small capacity of Kallang Squash Centre packed with three classes, Hwa Chong councillors, along with our Bishan acquaintances, eyes were fixated upon the five star players who walked into the glassed courts to tackle their Raffles opponents. Bryan Seow, Jason Ho, Alex Lim, Ryn Wu and Darren Toh who represented our school today in the finals, lost to RIJC 1-4, in an encounter that displayed nothing short of the team’s true fighting spirit and resolve. It’s ok, boys, HC is proud of you coming thus far and for all your valiance. Let’s get them next year!
Touch Rugby Girls Finals
JURONG JC FIELD - Today, the touch rugby girls’ team faced stiff competition from Jurong JC who put up a surprisingly strong fight against defending champions HCI. In the end, JJC went against all odds to claim the championship with a final score of 4-2, and HC obtained the 1st runner-up position. It’s ok, HC! All who were there saw how you girls battled it out to the end; we’ll get that title next year!
Netball
The Netball team continued their unstoppable streak of win as they eased past Tampines Junior College with a thumping score of 99-5. Great going, girls, keep it up!
Badminton Guys
The badminton team won their match 5-0 today, boosting their team morale greatly and preparing them for their next match against TJC on the 4th of May. Jiayou guys!
Floorball Guys
Despite giving their best and, the floorball boys were ousted 1-6 in their match against Yishun Junior College. Cheer up, all! The floorball team will need your support for their remaining match against NYJC, go boys!
Floorball Girls
In another dramatic match, the floorball girls’ team were held to a draw 2-2 to Temasek Junior College. Victory was well in sight until TJC scored a last minute goal which produced the final score. You’re already getting better, girls, keep improving and keep it up!
Basketball Girls
The girls’ basketball team continued their romp at the Singapore Basketball Centre with their victory over Jurong Junior College today. 68-17. Well done, girls!
Tennis
Both girls’ and boys’ teams have advanced to the quarter-finals. The boys’ team defeated SRJC 5-0 and PJC 4-1 on the 30th and 29th of April respectively. However, each team still has one crucial group stage fixture to play, which can contribute greatly to their form and momentum for the rest of the season. The tennis teams will need your support when they play SAJC (boys) and CJC (girls) on the 3rd and 4th of May respectively! Go HC Tennis!
Soccer Boys
Facing defending champions VJC, the soccer boys were outclassed 6-0 in today’s 2nd round match. Cheer up, boys! There’s still one last fixture on Tuesday, May 2010 against Serangoon Junior College, and the boys will need all your support in concluding their breakthrough season on the highest note/score possible!
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Hot Off the Press: Squash Girls 3rd/4th, Netball, Tennis Boys, Softball Girls, Touch Rugby Girls, Badminton Boys, Basketball Girls, Bowling, Floorball
April 28th, 2010 by CCA PROSquash Girls
Our girls’ squash team have clinched the National 3rd placing after beating ACSI 5-0 in the 3rd/4th placing match.
Playing the last match of their season and giving this finale a superb touch by achieving a fantastic winning score of 3-0 each, the female players for today are:
Gladys Kee
Alicia Tee
Hannah Lee
Mao Shihui
as well as Chua Hui Ying
Well done, girls! For next year, we’ll get that title!
Netball
The netball team staged another tremendous win at Republic Polytechnic, this time over CJC, with a scoreline of 93-17! Great job, and continue with the streak, Netball!
Tennis Boys
The match away at SRJC was in Hc’s favour as we were 2-0 up in the team score before it was stopped and postponed to Thursday morning, 29th April, when it will resume and hopefully conclude on the same day. Bag another win for HC, tennis boys! All the way!
Softball Girls
The heavy rain has caused the softball match versus Victoria Junior College to be postponed to tomorrow, 3.00pm, and will be held in Hwa Chong’s home ground. Do lend the girls your support and give your voice boxes a little exercise by cheering them on after lessons tomorrow!
Touch Rugby Girls
The girls’ finals against Jurong Junior College has also been postponed due to bad weather, and will be held tentatively on Friday. Do keep your ears and eyes peeled for more confirmation of match details!
Badminton Boys
After experiencing the tragedy of losing to ACJC in their first match, the shuttlers have rebounded and came back even stronger, and now relish in their 4-1 triumph over Millenia Institute.
1st Singles: Lim Jie Rong
Despite nursing numerous leg injuries, Jie Rong managed to overcome his pain and took the match 2-0 in a very hard-fought match against MI’s best singles player. He definitely demonstrated his ability to turn the tables around by overcoming a 4-point deficit at 12-16 in the second set, unelashing a streak of 9 straight points which allowed him to clinch victory and earn the valuable first point for the team.
1st Doubles: Lee Keng Boon and Ray Tan
The doubles pair made short work of their opponent and displayed their dominance on the court by sweeping the match 2-0. With their win, Hwa Chong was 2-0 ahead of their opponents!
2nd Singles: Chong Kai Ren
Kai Ren played relatively well in his first match of the tournament and triumphed 2-0, giving the team’s valuable third point and hence the affirmation of the win over MI
2nd Doubles: Lucas Lim and Nigel Ang
Rare cases of mistakes and merves meant that the pair dropped the first set narrowly. They came back strongly in the second set, however, and brought the game to a decider match in the third set. However, the nervous factor crept in again and they lost the last set by a narrow margin too. Wonderful effort nonetheless by the J1 pair.
3rd Singles: Lim Rui Jin
Playing one of his best games yet, Rui Jin defeated MI’s second singles player 2-1. Even though he lost the first set, he came back motivated and stronger, taking home the next two sets, with a narrow score of 21-19 in the final set. Despite being down 17-19, Rui Jin mustered his strength and gave it his all, managing to clinch the next 4 points and score a valuable victory over his friend from MI.
The shuttlers will be playing their crucial match against SAJC on Friday, who managed to defeat MI 4-1 too. The odds are on Hwa Chong to win, but support is still much needed for the guys to triumph in this must-win match. So Hwa Chong peeps, do keep the guys motivated by giving them your utmost support!
Basketball Girls
Playing against the school with much similarities in our uniform look, Nanyang Junior College, our basketballers showed who was superior by dominating the court and bringing a huge 50-point difference of 62-12 in today’s match. Well done girls!
Bowling
In the Guys’ Team Doubles Event today, special mention goes to Magnus Lim of 10S75 reached the upper band rankings with an overall average of 201. The school team is still in good contention for the 3rd/4th seeded placing which will depend on the Quadruples next Wednesday and Thursday. The bowling guys’ squad will be looking to break out of the underdog status and strive for the seeded status. All the best for HCBowl’s upcoming fixtures!
Floorball
It was just not HC’s day for the floorball teams as the girls lost 1-3 to MI, while the guys held a commanding 3-0 lead in the first period, but suffered a late comeback by RVHS, losing the match 3-4. We’re halfway through the 1st round, and we wish the floorball teams all the best and all the luck they need! Cheer up, these few matches are for us to prove ourselves. Go Floorball!
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Match Report: Squash Girls Semifinals HCI vs RI
April 27th, 2010 by CCA PROA’ Division Girls Squash Semi-finals 2010
Tradition dictated that the finals of the A division squash girls have always been a showdown between HCI and RI. This year went differently, with our squash girls having to compete against RI in the semi finals. With their captain still recovering from a virus, the girls gave their all, but were beaten 4-1 by RI.
The match was held at Kallang Squash Centre at Court 1 at 2pm. With all odds against them, the girls brought the game to their opponents, and gave them a tough fight.
1st Match : Gladys vs Tian Yi
The first match saw team captain Gladys pitted against Tian Yi. Despite having just recovered from a fever, Gladys nonetheless put up a strong fight. The first set started off evenly, with both players taking turns winning the point. At 7-5, Tian Yi hit Gladys with a few amazing shots that she was just unable to reach, and closed the first set 11-7.
Not willing to lose so easily, Gladys found the touch she had been missing before and hit a flurry of shots that caught Tian Yi off guard, taking a 7-3 lead. The opponent was not to be taken lightly either, as she managed to catch up and take the lead at 8-7 for a short period of time. At 9-9, Gladys took the game to her opponent and hit 2 shots that left the opponent stuck to the ground, and won the 2nd set 11-9.
Gladys went behind at the start of the 3rd set 3-1, but then dominated the rest of the set with her accurate and deadly shots, winning the set with a convincing score of 11-6.
As she came off the court for the timeout, Gladys kept coughing. Supporters could not help but feel that a twist of fate was about to occur.
The dreaded came true in the 4th set as Tian Yi started off by leading 5-1. Her opponent hit shots that always seemed to reach to the areas farthest from her, draining her energy even further. Gladys tried to make a comeback, but did not manage to tame her opponent, losing this 4th set 15-13. Tian Yi clearly had a physical and mental advantage over Gladys at this point.
Gladys knew she had to get back into her rhythm to win the deciding set. That was exactly what she did. Gladys took the lead 4-1 with a series of wonder shots that got the small HC crowd roaring. However, it was just not Gladys’ day, as her opponent came from behind to lead 8-7. Gladys may have looked tired, but her body sure didn’t show any fatigue. She summed up all the lactic acid filled muscles within her and got her opponent fighting just as hard for her win. At 11-11, everyone was on tenterhooks. Whenever Gladys got ahead, Tian Yi quickly drew level. However, it was not the gritty and determined captain’s day, and she ended losing the set 11-9.
Overall team score HCI 0-1 RI
2nd Match: Mao Shihui vs Teo Li Fang
The second match saw vice captain Mao Shihui taking on RI’s top seed, Teo Li Fang. Knowing the importance of this match, Mao Shihui as always, did not fail to deliver.
In a largely one sided affair that left the crowd gasping in disbelief at the serves and shots she dished out, Mao won the match 3-0.
In the 1st set, Mao just seemed to be in the right place at the right time, and was almost always able to return the opponent’s shots with ease. For certain shots that seemed impossible to reach, Shihui returned them with flicks of the forearm that seemed like pure routine. Not only did she simply hit the ball back, she hit it with a brand of accuracy that was out of this world. 1st set: 11-4.
The 2nd set saw Mao carry on her momentum from the 1st set, giving her opponent little space and time to respond, and winning the 2nd set 11-3.
The 3rd set saw a changed opponent, who tried to stage a comeback. Yet Mao was clearly the better player, and gunned the opponent down whenever she tried to hit Mao back with a point. Mao closed this game and gave HCI their first win with a score of 11-6.
3rd Match: Alicia Tee vs Jacqueline Zhou
Alicia stepped into the court knowing that a win for her would give HCI the lead they very well needed.
Hitting a shot that was unforgiving to say the least, Alicia got the 1st point and managed to shake the opponent. She continued to extend her lead as her opponent remained shell shocked. At 4-1, the opponent got back into the game and went on a streak, leading Alicia 4-7. What proceeded was an intense battle of speed and accuracy. Both players hit shot after shot with velocities that were heart-wrenching to say the least. At 5-9, Alicia reached what seemed to be a ball just out of her reach and pummeled it with so much force that it left the opponent left rooted at the wrong side of the court. Sensing a comeback, the opponent did very well to halt Alicia in her tracks and finished off the first set 8-11.
The 2nd started off with a flurry of unforced errors and before you knew it, the score was already 3-3. It was Alicia who got back into the game first, and she capitalized on the chance like how a professional athlete would. Leading 7-3, the opponent also tried to win this set, and managed to close the point gap to 8-6. Just like the previous set, Alicia started to hit shots that were always out of reach for her opponent, who was much taller than her, and leveled the game 11-6.
The 3rd set saw multiple shots by Alicia that hit the tin. The opponent did well to hit accurate shots that were out of reach for the shorter Alicia, and managed to pull away from Alicia 2-8. Knowing that her opponent was in great form and mentality, Alicia had to step up her game quickly. Her efforts were met with cheers as she won a streak of points to make it 7-9. But a twist of the wrist and a full blown swing later, the opponent had made the score 7-11, winning the 3rd set.
Alicia gave her all in this 4th set, but was not able to stop the opponent from winning the deciding set. At 3-4, the opponent suddenly showed her secret artillery of shots that were top-class. It was déjà vu as the score went 3-7 and Alicia was left with the uphill task of winning this set and possibly winning the game. Alicia’s last minute surge of energy brought her back into the game, but it was not enough to keep her opponent from winning this one 7-11, again.
Overall Team Score: HCI 1-2 RI
4th Match: Linghan vs Cherie Neo
All odds were against Linghan in this draw. Even though she lost in straight sets, anyone who saw her play that day would have been left puzzled as to why they would write her off before the game even started. Clearly she had put in 110% to prepare for this competition, and gave 120% during the match.
Instead of letting her opponent push her around at the start of the game, Linghan started off ferociously to set the tone for the remainder of the game. At 4-1, Cherie hit a beautiful drop shot that Linghan was unable to reach. At 4-3, Linghan decided to up the tempo yet again, and dictated the long rallies to lead 10-6. As she lowered her guard down a bit, the opponent struck back with equal intensity, forcing the first set to go into deuce. Linghan had slight difficulty keeping up with Cherie, who had already gotten into her rhythm, and lost the set 13-15.
The 2nd set started off no differently, with Linghan maintaining the lead all the way till 6-5. However, a streak of unforced errors caused Linghan the game yet again, losing out to her opponent 8-11.
In the 3rd set, Linghan was forced to bring the game to her opponent and play more aggressively. Her heightened accuracy and speed was maintained until 5-2. The intensity of the match was taking a toll on Linghan’s stamina, and the opponent took advantage of the signs immediately. The set concluded 11-8 to Cherie Neo.
Linghan put up a magnificent challenge for Cherie and it was clear that she is a player you do not want to mess with or underestimate.
5th Match: Hannah vs Mabel Li
With RI through to the semis, there was still one more match to go. It was not a match to decide the finalist. Rather, it was a match of pride and honour, of the hours of training that each of them put in, of the sweat and blood they shed for the team.
There was nothing to separate the two players in the 1st set. Long rallies right from the start occurred, as neither of the two was willing to drop even a single point. The incessant running had to stop at some point, or the two would have no energy left to play the remainder of the game. At 6-7, the opponent adopted a slower more controlled tactic which worked to her advantage. Hannah tried hard to break her opponent’s rhythm and succeeded. But it was too little too late as the opponent fired home a shot to win the 1st set 9-11.
Hannah returned in the 2nd set with greater anticipation and control, as she cruised to a 4-0 wonder start. But Mabel would not let things go so smoothly, and stepped up her own tempo. When the match finally settled down into a pace that the audience was able to keep up with, it was Mabel who was in control of the game. She did well to return Hannah’s shots and kept her at bay to win the 2nd set 7-11.
Despite being tired, Hannah nevertheless, gave her all in what would turn out to be the last played set of the day. Hannah tried hard to dish out shots that might catch the opponent off guard, but fatigue hindered her from doing what she normally could, and Mabel grasped all her chances to bring the score to 6-11.
The final score was 1-4 to RI, and the better team won. It has been a long journey for our squash girls. Even though you guys lost, we know that all of you gave everything you had in this match, and for that we salute you.
The girls will be playing their 3rd/4th placing match tomorrow, 28th April, at Court 2 of the Kallang Squash Centre! Let’s wish them all the best!
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This Week at a Glance!
April 25th, 2010 by CCA PROFeatured Athlete of the Week: Jeevaneesh
Basketball Guys
23 April: Beat Temasek Junior College 67-33
Basketball Girls
23 April: Beat Yishun Junior College 96-5
Canoe
23 April: National Champions in the 10th National School Dragonboat Championship 2010
Floorball Guys
22 April: Lost to Victoria Junior College 2-7
Floorball Girls
21 April: Lost to Raffles Institution 0-3
Netball
20 April: Season Preview
21 April: Beat River Valley High 54-28
24 April: Match Report of HCI vs RVHS
Soccer Guys
23 April: Quick Bites - Qualified for Quarter-finals
Soccer Girls
21 April: Beat Temasek Junior College 3-0
23 April: Match Report for HCI vs TJC
Softball Guys
22 April: Beat Raffles Institution 6-1
Softball Girls
21 April: Lost to Raffles Institution 1-3
Squash Guys
23 April: Beat Anglo-Chinese School Independent 4-1 in semi-finals
24 April: Match Report for Semi-Finals HCI vs ACS(I)
Squash Girls
21 April: Lost to Raffles Institution 1-4
Table Tennis
19 April: Match Report for Semi-Finals
23 April: Lost to Raffles Institution 1-3 and 2-3 for the girls and guys’ teams respectively in the finals
Tchoukball U18 Team
24 April: Achieved 3rd Placing in the U18 Teengames Street Tchoukball Tournament
Tennis Guys
19 April: Beat River Valley High 5-0
23 April: Beat Meridian Junior College 5-0
Tennis Girls
20 April: Beat River Valley High 5-0
22 April: Beat Jurong Junior College 5-0
Touch Rugby Girls
21 April: Beat National Junior College 9-3
24 April: Beat Millenia Institute and Raffles Institution 6-0 and 6-0 respectively
Track and Field
19 April: Match Report for Finals
Volleyball Guys
20 April: Beat Pioneer Junior College 2-0
23 April: Beat Serangoon Junior College 2-0
Volleyball Girls
19 April: Beat Anderson Junior College 2-0
21 April: Lost to Nanyang Junior College 1-2
Wushu
25 April: Match Report for Finals
As more competitions take place next week, we wish all teams going out all the best and may the Hwa Chong force be with you. (:
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Match Report: Squash Boys Semifinals HCI vs ACSI
April 24th, 2010 by CCA PROA’ Division Boys Squash Semi-finals 2010
HCI vs ACSI
The boys from the squash team have successfully bettered last year’s results by making it into the finals after their emphatic victory at the Kallang Squash Centre over ACS(I) on Friday, 23rd April 2010.
With the match taking place in Court 2 rather than Court 1 with the spacious audience stands where RI faced their semi-final opponents ACJC, one would not easily feel the importance of this match. However, one by one the boys entered the court, steadfast and strong-willed. At 2pm, first blood was tasted as HC team captain Ryn Wu faced national top seed Bryan Koh in the first match of the day.
1st Match: Ryn Wu vs Bryan Koh
Top seed Bryan of ACS(I) scored a flurry of points early in the game, but Ryn pulled back with another 3, and subsequently kept his play even with Bryan’s standards up until the score was level at 7-7. HC supporters could almost smell an upset, as the two were neck to neck in a race to reach the game point. Bryan then executed multiple shots that were simply out of Ryn’s reach to seal the first game at 11-8 to ACSI.
Ryn stepped up the tempo in the second game and gained an early lead of 3-1, producing slick shots to keep Bryan at bay. Alas, his efforts took quite a toll on his stamina, and Bryan geared ahead to finish 11-6.
In the third game, Ryn gave his all, trying his best to produce shot that would catch Bryan off guard. However, with his precision and agility, Ryn’s opponent held out well and finished strongly at 11-4, sealing the first set point for ACSI. Overall team score: 0-1.
2nd Match: Darren Toh vs Bryan Wee
Darren stepped into the court tasked with the job of leveling the team score, and did not disappoint. He gave himself ample time to respond to Bryan Wee’s shots by dishing out his strokes vehemently throughout the match. Darren flew ahead with a tremendous point gap and gave his opponent little chance to go on the offense. First game: 11-2.
Darren and his opponent warming up
Early in the second game, Darren executed a delightful nick shot that drove the ball to its second floor bounce with sensational speed, leaving Bryan with no chance. This drew thunderous cheers from the supporters and silent recognition from the ACS camp. Subsequently, Darren emphasized his command of the game as he emerged victorious in multiple rallies, finishing 11-4.
Darren sealed HC’s first team point with the third win of his match by keeping the pressure on Bryan relentlessly. Bryan showed his resolve to make an impact in this third game, but he gave away high balls one time too many, allowing Darren to exact his volley kills with ease, ending the game 11-3, and the match with 3 sets to nil. The team score was leveled at 1-1.
3rd Match: Jason Ho vs Jian Sheng
HC’s top seed Jason Ho won the first point in style after an intense rally. Jian Sheng of ACS demonstrated decent accuracy which kept the game close. Jason proved his worth with his deadly drops shots that always looked to outdo his opponent’s agility. The first game concluded 11-3 to HC.
Jian Sheng returned with fervour in the second game, with greater vision and anticipation, which gave Jason a little run for his money. However, Jason responded by sending the ball on demonic velocities and ultimately edged out his opponent 11-9 by consistently producing low shots that made contact close to the tin but were still well in play.
Jason kept up his speed and seemed to reach any part of the court with ease. This, coupled his stamina and ever low shots, allowed him to tire out Jian Sheng and finish the third game at 11-5. HC was then 2-1 up.
4th Match: Alexander Lim vs Nicholas
HC were resolute in securing this match and gaining entry to the finals. Therefore, this was where a sizzling fight took place, more than any of the previous 3 matches. A close encounter ensued after the warm-up where both players sent each other scurrying around the court. Alex’s firm angling made Nicholas fumble with his shot at a few instances. Nicholas himself caught up with a streak of exquisite shots, but the game tipped in Alex’s favour, with a 11-8 win to HC.
In a face-off with two evenly-matched players, reaction and anticipation is key. The word of the second game was ‘rally’, as both patiently looked out for chances to score a swift kill. Alex kept his cool despite a few faults to seal the game at 11-6.
Cheers from the audience grew louder in the third game as both players conceded points by hitting the tin. Alex showed great composure and determination as he leveled the score after falling behind 3-0 in the most intense game yet. A win in this game would grant HC the finalist status. With the score hanging at 10-9, Alex made a jaw-dropping drop shot to the bottom right of the front wall after a heated rally, sealing the team’s entry into the finals with a 3-1 team score.
5th Match : Bryan Seow vs Shaun
ACSI were down, but not out as their last player made apparent efforts to score against Bryan Seow. Bryan showed no signs of letting and took the last game as an opportunity to prepare for the finals showdown. The first game ended 11-6.
In the second game, Bryan continued to pummel his shots with ferocity and committed close to zero unforced errors. His strokes forced Shaun to race around the court. Shaun hit back with a brace of points that caught Bryan unaware, closing the score to 9-8. However, Bryan stood his ground and finished ahead, 11-9.
In what was to be the last played game of the fixture, Bryan showed even greater finesse and played low shots with ease. Shaun’s last ditched efforts to capture the game were ultimately in vain as Bryan’s sharp vision and agility gave him the upper hand. 11-6.
The final score sat at 4-1, and both teams cheered for and congratulated each other in a scene of post-match camaraderie. The match were well-fought and ever-entertaining, as is the sport itself. Hey ACSI, should we meet again next year, we’ll both play better and give each other a plethora of learning points.
Well done, HC Squash! The road to the final is complete and the journey to the title is almost at its closure. The boys will have their finals on the 30th of April, and they will appreciate all of your undiluted support! Go boys!
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Hot Off the Press: Squash Boys Semifinals, Canoe, Tennis Boys, Basketball, Volleyball Boys, Soccer Boys, Rugby
April 23rd, 2010 by CCA PROAs the schooling week comes to a close, our sports teams will no doubt wish to end a gruelling week on a high note, and these fixtures were a perfect avenue for appropriate venting. Alas, these guys did not disappoint as HC was propelled towards greater things after today.
Squash Boys SEMIFINALS
The boys’ squash team walked into the Kallang Squash Centre Court 2 with zero complacency, expecting a tense encounter with ACS(I). After the girls’ team’s loss at the hands of Raffles, their boys counterparts were even more determined to bring home the championship title. Our boys played with sheer will and composure, emerging victorious with a 4-1 win despite falling behind after the first match.
The lineup was as follows:
Ryn Wu 0-3
Darren Toh 3-0
Jason Ho 3-0
Alex Lim 3-0
Bryan Seow 3-0
Having gained entry into the finals, the squash team will give their 200% to be crowned champions. Do support the boys in every way you can in their most crucial fixture of the season!
Canoe [Dragon Boating]
Today, our canoeing team emerged NATIONAL CHAMPIONS for the A Division in the 10th National Schools’ Dragon Boat Championship 2010! This simply demonstrates HCanoe’s prowess in the canoeing scene this year, and possibly in the many years to come. What an amazing feat, guys! We’re immensely proud of you! Check out the Hall of Fame for their accolades!
Volleyball Boys
The volleyball guys met Serangoon Junior College today and displayed tremendous skill by sweeping both sets easily with a score of 25-5, 25-3. Well done!
Tennis Boys
The tennis team faced little challenge today as they produced another 5-0 win, this time over visitors MJC. The boys will face SRJC at their home ground on the 28th of April. All the best, HC Tennis!
Basketball Girls
First match into the season and our basketball girls unleashed their merciless streak, showing who owned the court by scoring a whooping 96-5 against Yishun Junior College. Watch out, people, the game has only just started! Amazing feat accomplished by our girls today! You girls certainly can challenge the boys’ team’s records! (:
Basketball Boys
The basketball boys continued their spotless record with a 67-33 win over Temasek JC at the Singapore Basketball Centre today. The significant decrease in the point gap of the scoreline compared to previous matches can only mean that the season is heating up faster than we can imagine. Go boys! Continue to do us proud!
Soccer Boys
Having won their last group match against AJC, the ultimate progress of the team depended on AJC’s last match. Over the course of this week, the soccer team had their fingers crossed, duly hoping AJC would do HC a favour by winning their match by a goal. When news of the final score broke out, where AJC won 2-1, the soccer team could not have been happier this season. HC is proud of you for making it further than any previous team! Dominate that 2nd roun match, boys!
Rugby
The HCI vs CJC match is again postponed due to heavy rain, this time to Monday, 26th April. Go boys!
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Hot Off the Press: Hwa Chong’s Showdown with Raffles
April 21st, 2010 by CCA PROSquash Girls Semi-Finals
As the highly-anticipated match of the season against Raffles Institution Junior College finally arrived today, our girls marched into the battlefield filled with strong fervour, and determined spirits. With the sturdy backing of the whole school, as well as the supporters present at Kallang to cheer the team on, our female players walked into the courts individually, and displayed their personal interpretation of what it means to “fight to the end”. Unfortunately, our rivals were more apt in their skills, eventually beating HCI with a score of 4-1.
Lineup for today:
Gladys Kee 2-3
Mao Shihui 3-0
Alicia Tee 1-3
Ling Han 0-3
Hannah 0-3
We thank the girls for their immense effort and courage displayed. Next Wednesday, they will be playing against ACS (I) for Third/Fourth position, so do show your support for the girls in playing the last match of this season.
Floorball Girls
While the curtains are coming to a close for the Squash season, the Floorball girls, on the other hand, have just started out on their conquest for the Championships. In the opening match of this year’s season, the team met powerhouse rivals Raffles Institution at the court once again, but lost with a score of 3-0.
It was an intense match between the two teams for the three periods (each lasting 15 minutes), with the first period seeing Raffles score 2 points, second period scoring 1 and last period having no goals from both teams even though our floorball girls came very close to scoring numerous times.
As the next match approaches, our girls are continually preparing hard and gearing up for more action on court. All the best to the team!
Tough Rugby Girls
The team was supposed to play both Raffles Institution and National Junior College today, yet the unpredictable weather proved to be the ultimate deciding factor, causing the match against Raffles Institution to be postponed to Saturday, where the team will play against Millenia Institute too.
However, the match managed to commence with success with National Junior College, and the girls did us proud once again, beating the college located opposite us with a score of 9-3. Well done girls!
Next Wednesday, our girls will be playing their finals. Good luck!
Softball Girls
Due to unforeseen weather, the match against Raffles Institution was postponed to today. Playing the first match of the season (just like Floorball), our softball girls met their strongest rivals on the field today, but lost with a score of 1-3.
Many of us would have seen the softball team training hard, rain or shine, so as we continue to believe in their potential, await the good news as subsequent matches arrive! We wish the team the best of luck for the upcoming matches. (:
HCUnite!
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This Week at a Glance!
April 17th, 2010 by CCA PROHey Hwa Chong!
Because most of us have been so busy involved with competitions and events, and we too have been updating almost everyday (Hot Off the Press, Quick Bites, Season Previews, etc) the posts have been constantly pushed down so you may not have had the chance to read previous posts. So here’s encapsulating the results and posts we’ve had this week, and if you’re interested in the details, do click on your preferred CCA tags below the tagboard on the right hand side on the Home Page to view the posts in greater depth! (:
Basketball Guys
April 15: Defeated ACJC 69-9
April 13: Defeated MI 76-8
Featured Athlete of the Week: Mervyn Toh from Canoe
Fencing
April 17: Individual Championships
Judo
April 13: Judo Finals (Lost to Raffles Institution for both guys (1-4) and girls( 2-3), obtaining 1st runner-up)
April 13: Judo Semi-Finals, with both A guys and A girls winning NYHC 4-1 and 3-2 respectively
Music and Dance (MAD)
April 13: MAD Moderners winning Best Choreography and Beset Ethnic Dance at the Barcelona Dance Awards Competition
Season Previews
Bowling
Volleyball
Shooting
April 13: A Boys Rifle Team reclaimed the title of A Division Men’s Rifle Champions, with a team score of 1737
Soccer Guys
April 16: Defeated AJC 2-1
April 15: Match Report (HCI vs NJC)
Soccer Girls
April 15: Match Report (HCI vs MJC)
April 14: Defeated MJC 1-0
Squash Guys
April 16: Defeated ACJC 3-2
April 14: Defeated MJC 5-0
Squash Girls
April 16: Defeated NJC 5-0
April 14: Defeated MJC 5-0
Table Tennis
April 12: A Boys and Girls Team defeated NYJC with a common score of 3-1
Touch Rugby Girls
April 17: Defeated NYJC (4-0) and PJC (8-3)
April 14: Defeated TJC (7-1) and JJC (4-1)
Track and Field
April 14: Track and Field Finals (1st runner-up for both A boys and girls)
April 12: Previews for Finals
Volleyball Guys
April 16: Defeated MI 2-0
April 14: Season Preview
Volleyball Girls
April 15: Defeated CJC 2-0
Water Polo
April 13: Water Polo Finals (Lost to Raffles 2-8, obtained 1st runner-up)
Wushu
April 13: Wushu Championships Day 5
As a new week approaches, do keep a lookout for more updates and results from our competing teams. In the meantime, sleep more, clear up the homework, and recharge before we see each other again on Monday. (:
HCUnite!
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