Posts Tagged ‘Table Tennis’
2012: Match Report: Table Tennis Girls Finals
April 26th, 2012 by CCA PRO
“We prevailed against all odds.” – Miss Lum Siew Chin., Table Tennis Teacher-in-charge.
It was clear how aptly this quote summed up the atmosphere that our Table Tennis Girls had to play in from the moment we entered the Toa Payoh Sports Hall. Our girls were matched against their traditional rivals, Raffles Institution. Unfortunately, the Raffles Family managed to see their teams qualifying in all 4 divisions. As the number of supporters allowed is proportional to the teams playing, Raffles had sent 4 times the number of supporters that we did! Undaunted however, our girls – the defending champions – stepped up to face the crowd…. And emerged victorious (:
Let’s take a look at what transpired! But first, some details…
Gameplay
The winner of a Table Tennis match is determined from the best of 5 sets. The sets are played with alternate Singles and Doubles players (ie. Singles, Doubles, Singles, Doubles, Singles).
Each player in the team can only play in one set, either in a Singles or a Doubles. In order to win the set, the player has to win 3 out of 5 games, and the first player to score 11 points wins a game. In the event of a deuce, or a tie at 10-10, play continues until one player is able to gain a two-point advantage over his opponent (eg. 12-10 or 13-11).
Common Terminologies
Drive: A direct hit on the ball by the player, propelling the ball forwards at a very high speed and low angle.
Smash: Literally, Like. A. Smash.
Line Up
Tay Hui Yi (11S61) (Captain, Singles 1)
Chen Dan (12A12) and Patricia Lu Chun Qi (11S60) (Doubles 1)
Wang Ying Chao (12A11)(Singles 2)
Luo Na (12A11) and Yee Si Min (11S7F) (Doubles 2)
Chen Xuan Yu (11S6D) (Singles 3)*
*did not have to play
Reserves:
Tan Lynn (11S7F)
Dawn Seow (12S61)
Deirdre Tan (12S6C)
Tay Si Yi (12S78)
Zheng Yirong (12S71)
________________________________________________________________
First Singles
Hwa Chong Player: Tay Hui Yi (11S61)
Game 1
The Table Tennis Girls Captain started the match for Hwa Chong, taking on Raffles No. 1, Hai Qing. Hui Yi was originally not meant to play as she is still nursing a back injury, and is also not a Singles player. However, understanding that this was all part of strategic plan to win the Championship, she gladly obliged!
Even though the first game ended really quickly with a score 3-11 to Raffles, Hui Yi was unfazed and with the support of the crowd, Hui Yi returned for another bout with Hai Qing.
Game 2
Warmed up, Hui Yi, decided to show off some of her moves this game. A fantastic drive straight towards Hai Qing threw the Raffles Player off-guard and scored Hwa Chong a point, bringing the score to 3-7. However, the Raffles Player soon responded with an equally powerful drive which caught the corner of the table, bringing the score to 3-8, and eventually ending the game with 4-11.
Game 3
Raffles quickly put the first point on the board. A good rally between both players was finished off with by another corner drive by Hai Qing. Within 2 minutes, the score was 1-6! Pressure building, Hui Yi tried her best to answer to Hai Qing’s drives and smashes, but unfortunately succumbed 4-11, awarding Raffles the first set.
First Doubles
Hwa Chong Players: Chen Dan (12A12) and Patricia Lu Chunqi (11S60)
Game 1
With the first match to Raffles, our Table Tennis Girls were even more fired up to win the rest of their games! We immediately came off to a strong start as our duo showed off true teamwork and skill, bringing the score to 6-2 within one minute! However, nerves running high, a few careless mistakes resulted in the score narrowing to within two points at 8-6! Our opponents then capitalized on the opportunity and fought hard to win the game 9-11.
Game 2
Having regained their composure, our Hwa Chong duo put up a much stronger fight. It was nail-biting as the score climbed up slowly, point by point, all the way to 5-5! Chen Dan and Patricia then decided to end the fun and games with a series of smashes and drives, earning 4 consecutive points! With the score at 9-6, Raffles desperately tried to fight back and got one point. However, our girls ensured that their score did not advance any further, finishing off the game with a comfortable 11-6 (:
Game 3
Eager to extend their lead, our Hwa Chong duo put up an exciting performance from the start of the match. Patricia delivered a powerful smash, which Raffles stood no chance at returning. Chen Dan followed with a spectacular save of a drive by Raffles that bounced 2 metres away the table, catching the Raffles players off-guard and earning Hwa Chong another point! With more amazing maneuvers, our Hwa Chong duo sealed the set at 11-5, with ease.
Game 4
Although Raffles earned the first point of this game, our Hwa Chong pair soon turned the match in our favour. A series of well placed drives and smashes by both sides brought the score to 7-7. It was a test of stamina and accuracy that our girls aced, with Patricia diving for a ball across the table, but still managing to place a controlled smash, bringing the score to 10-7! Patricia quickly followed with another spectacular smash, winning the match for Hwa Chong, 11-7!
Second Singles
Hwa Chong Player: Wang Ying Chao (12A11)
Game 1
After the win by the First Doubles, Ying Chao was determined to continue the streak and win the 2nd set for our school. The game started off in our favour as Ying Chao took the lead. The score equalized for a short while at 2-2 before mistakes started to show in the opponent and the score widened to 6-4. A brilliant low smash by Ying Chao took home another point and this was the trend until the score became 10-5 to us. At the game point, a well-placed shot by the opponent brings the sore to 10-6, but this did not deter Ying Chao in winning one more point and her first game in under 4 minutes.
Game 2
Blunders by Ying Chao gave the opponent a lead in this game, much to the opponent’s delight. However, it did not remain this way as Ying Chao returned a menacing unguarded smash to obtain her first point 3-1. Raffles gained momentum, bringing the score to 5-2 in their favour. Unfazed by this, a calm Ying Chao bounced back to 7-6 in our favour. Weaknesses of the opponent manifested themselves as Ying Chao got the better of her opponent, blazing to a comfortable 11-6, with no chance for the opponent to get another point.
Game 3
Raring to win the match by this game, Ying Chao displayed unmatched skill and verve, quickly bringing the score to 5-1 in her favour. Delivering a high smash that was simply impossible to defend, the score became 6-3. Another chance came soon enough as Ying Chao aimed her smash straight at the middle of the opponent, impossible to return. Notable attempts were then made by the opponent to block Ying Chao’s smashes, but they were not enough to stop Ying Chao in a rally. Then came the final straw as Ying Chao ended the game and match with a powerful smash that was blocked…but to no avail, winning 11-7. Match ended with 11-6, 11-6, 11-7.
Second Doubles
Hwa Chong Players: Luo Na (12A11) and Yee Si Min (11S7F)
Game 1
Probably spurred on by their previous loss, the Raffles duo fought to obtain the first few points of the game. But knowing they could end the finals right there and then, Luo Na and Si Min did not disappoint as they soon equalized the score at 4-4. Every point became a long-drawn battle as both sides were taking turns to take the lead, only to be equalized by the other. This carried on until a tie at 8-8 when a blunder made by Raffles brought us into a crucial lead in the game. Egged on by this, Luo Na proceeded to deliver a skillful smash to game point 10-8. The final point was also taken by Luo Na as she delivered the final blow to the opponent, winning the first game.
Game 2
Knowing their opponents better by now, Si Min took the show with a couple of smashes the opponent simply could not return. Superb teamwork and ball handling forced Raffles into one mistake after another, bringing the score to 9-2. A powerful smash by Si Min at this point of time brought us into game point. Another smash by Si Min was revoked by a contentious decision to award Raffles with a point instead. However, this did not matter as our duo kept their cool and Si Min served a skilful, what seemed to be top spin, ball that earned us the last point to win the game 11-3.
Game 3
Facing a game that would determine the outcome of their match as well as the entire finals, pressure was definitely compounded on our duo, Luo Na and Si Min, in this game. The opponent, knowing this equally well, seemed to be also determined to stop us from winning. Our players drew first blood in the game, only to be equalized by an excellent smash by Raffles to 1-1. Luo Na’s excellent smash tore through Raffles’ defense to a lead of 4-3. Raffles then stole the lead against us to a worrying 8-5. Another mistake on our part gave Raffles another point. At this crucial point, many would be nervous and lose focus, but not our duo. Luo Na went on to smash a direct hit at the opponent to earn us a point, bringing the score to 10-8, game point to Raffles, the closest the opponent ever got to winning a game against our duo. Raffles then made nervous blunders that our players utilized to painstakingly bring the score up to 10-10, a remarkable feat that is achievable by few. A tie was all our players needed as they pushed their opponent, as 2 more points are all that we need. The first point came when Raffles’ return hit their own net. The final blow was delivered by a skilful smash by Si Min which ricocheted off the opponent’s bat, and veering off in a spiral mid-air, showing the powerful spin of the ball.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Presenting to you- The Hwa Chong Table Tennis Team 2011-2012
Hot Off The Press: April 24, 2012
April 24th, 2012 by CCA PROApril 24 saw many of our schoolmates heading off to various competitions to win glory for out school. Eager to find out about their performance? Here is a quick summary of all the matches today!
___________________________________________________________________
Badminton Girls
Just like their male counterparts yesterday, our badminton girls did not fail to deliver a smashing start to their season with a 4-1 win over Dunman High! They certainly look set to keep it that way! Keep it up girls!
Basketball Boys
Despite a not so satisfactory start of the match all the way till half-time, our basketball boys did not take that lying down but instead bounced back even harder to widen the score gap between them and NJC, ending off with a respectable 86-22 win!
Softball Girls
With a fine showing of focus, might and grit, our softball girls managed to triumph over their opponent, ACJC, today with a win by tie-breaker (10-9)! The match was significant in ways, be it the fact that they are facing tougher competition or the fact that this win means a ticket to the finals directly!
Table Tennis Girls (Finals)
Facing off against traditional powerhouse Raffles, against a backdrop of the entire Raffles family, our table tennis girls were undaunted, kept their cool and found their way to the CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE today! They defeated Raffles A Div girls with a 3-1 win. Keep a lookout for the match report coming up!
2012: Pre-Season: Table Tennis
April 17th, 2012 by CCA PROThe sports season is here again! Ever wondered what goes behind the scenes of your fellow athletes in the past months? And have you ever wondered what it really takes to bring home the glory? In this series of articles, we will find out more from the captains of each sport and learn just how much effort the teams put into their pre-season trainings!
In this article, the Hwa Chong Table Tennis Captain, Hui Yi, shall tell us more!
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Table Tennis team would much rather let our results do the talking, but here’s a brief overview on what to expect!
This Week at a Glance! (9/4-15/4)
April 15th, 2012 by CCA PROMany Hwa Chongians have busying about this week, and with all the updates, lots of posts have been pushed down! So lets recap all the results of the hard work put in by our school mates in this quick summary! If you wish to find out more about specific matches, do click the tag at the bottom of the article for the sport you are interested in for more information (:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Air Pistol Boys
10 April: National 4th!
Air Rifle Boys
9 April: National 2nd!
Basketball Boys
13 April: Defeated ACS(I) 92-14
-
Basketball Girls
10 April: Defeated TPJC 74-13
-
Canoeing Boys Finals
12 April: CHAMPION!
Canoeing Girls Finals
12 April: National 2nd!
Fencing (Finals)
9 April: CHAMPION!
Soccer Boys
13 April: Defeated NUS(H) 3-0
Soccer Girls
11 April: Lost to MJC 0-1
Softball Boys
9 April: Defeated ACS(I) 10-5
12 April: Defeated TPJC 15-0
Softball Girls
10 April: Defeated ACS(I) 14-4
12 April: Defeated TPJC 20-0
Squash Boys
11 April: Lost to ACS(I) 2-3
13 April: Defeated JJC 5-0
Squash Girls
11 April: Defeated AJC 5-0
13 April: Defeated ACJC 4-1
Finished as the Top of their group!
Table Tennis Boys
9 April: Lost to NYJC 0-3
11 April: National 3rd!
Table Tennis Girls
9 April: Defeated TJC 3-0
Through to Finals against RI on 24/4!
Tennis Boys
11 April: Defeated NJC 5-0
Through to Top 8 Quarter Final Stage!
-
Tennis Girls
10 April: Defeated SRJC 5-0
11 April: Defeated CJC 5-0
Touch Rugby Girls
11 April: Defeated NJC 7-0 and NYJC 3-1
Track and Field Boys Finals
10 April: CHAMPION!
-
Track and Field Girls Finals
10 April: National 2nd!
Trampoline Finals
11 April: DOUBLE CHAMPS!
Volleyball Boys
10 April: Defeated RI 2-0: 25-3, 25-4
12 April: Defeated RV 2-0: 25-22, 25-14
Volleyball Girls
9 April: Defeated JJC 2-0: 25-6, 25-6
11 April: Defeated YJC 2-0: 25-8, 25-8
13 April: Defeated RV 2-0: 25-9, 25-11
Waterpolo Boys
11 April: National 2nd!
Waterpolo Girls
11 April: National 3rd!
Wushu Boys Finals
13 April: National 3rd!
-
Wushu Girls Finals
13 April: National 2nd!
Hot Off The Press: Table Tennis Girls, Shooting, Chinese Dance
April 21st, 2011 by CCA PROIt never gets tiring writing posts about the extraordinary feats of our schoolmates. Today, like any other day, saw our friends bring their A game to their opponents.
First up, our Table Tennis girls triumphed over RJC 3-2 and finally brought the championship back to HC! Great job girls! Do look out for the full match report soon!
Up next, our Chinese Dance Girls brought back Gold with Honours for the umpteenth time! GOOD GOING GIRLS 
Finally, our Shooting girls added the icing to the cake by coming 1st runners-up and winning Silver ! Keep it up HCSC! We’re all proud of your achievements!
Match Preview: Table Tennis Girls
April 19th, 2011 by CCA PROIt was just over a year ago that our Table Tennis Girls experienced suffered an agonising defeat in the hands of archrivals RI. Better,faster and stronger, our Girls are raring to unleash 12 months of sorrow, in hopes of finally bringing back the title back to HC. Its 2 days till armageddon; do YOU want to be at the epicentre as this fight unfolds?Then keep your Thursday free, as our Girls are set to take over the table tennis scene once and for all! For those unfortunate enough not to be selected to support our Girls, and are even more unfortunate for having lessons during the match, fear not. We will keep you up to date with all means of communication possible!
Here are some details:
The match will be held at Toa Payoh Sports Hall at 12pm
The girls playing are, in no particular order:
Loh Kai Ying
Mavis Leong
Si Min Yee
Tang Yingxin
Althea Han
Patricia Liu
Chen Ying Chao
One-way transport will be provided for supporters from school. Buses will leave at 11.15 SHARP from tennis courts!DO NOT BE LATE, or you will miss part of the action!
The selected classes to come down and cheer for the team are:
10S6C
10S6G
10S6H
10S62
10S64
10S65
10S7A
10S7K
10S7P
10S79
For these lucky classes, make sure you turn up with all your hearts and souls, and remember to cheer as loud as you can because the Girls need your support to win the title!
Hot Off The Press: Table Tennis Guys, Fencing, Vollleyball Girls
April 12th, 2011 by CCA PROTable Tennis (Guys)
Having lost to Raffles in the semi-finals this year, our Table Tennis Boys faced an unusual situation today when they fought against Nanyang JC for the position of 2nd runners up. Our Boys’ display of determination,concentration and nerves of steel pulled them through and helped them defeat NYJC with a final score of 3-2. Good job Guys! Keep it up and get them back next year!!
Fencing
The Fencing team’s competition ended today with aplomb! The young team displayed their grit and strength in the arena to achieve extremely commendable results! Here is the roundup:
Girls
Women’s epee: Gold – Rania
Women’s foil: Bronze - Rania
Women’s sabre: Bronze – Lee Shu Fen
Overall: Silver!
Boys
Overall: Bronze!
Check back soon for a full report on the competition!
Volleyball (Girls)
The girls met with IJC and never gave their opponents a chance to win, and thrashing them with a score of 2-0. The first game ended 25-3, while the second had a score of 25-6. No mean feat, and we are extremely proud of you all! Keep this up as the season gets more exciting as you girls gear towards the later stages of the competition! Jiayou
Once again, we would like to call for supporters in tomorrow’s epic showdown between traditional powerhouses in the Water Polo Boys Finals, 3pm at CCAB! Buses leave at 2.30pm. Here’s wishing all the best to the team, and you have all our support!
Hot Off The Press: Squash, Volleyball (Girls), Table Tennis
April 9th, 2011 by CCA PROAs the week draws to a close, our sports teams once again entered the arena to fight for the school. Let’s take a look at today’s results
Squash
Today, the guys’ team met with YJC and beat them mightily with a score of 5-0! The girls team put up and equally strong fight and emerged as winners against AJC with the same scoreline of 5-0. Well done, squashers! Jiayou:)
Volleyball (Girls)
In the opening match against RVHS in the group stage, the HC Volleyball Girls won 25-5 and 25-13. This is a good sign for the defending champions, and we wish the Volleyballers all the best for the 2011 season!
Table Tennis
Both the guys and girls team played in the crucial semi-finals today. The teams played their hearts out and fought tooth and nail for a spot in the finals. Unfortunately, the guys team lost 0-3 to RI, and will compete in the 3rd/4th play-offs. The girls team brought the house down and it was also not an easy match, but they emerged the winners with a score of 3-2 against NYJC. To the boys team, you’ve played your best and we are proud of you for that! Once again, congratulations to the girls team and here’s wishing you all the best for the finals against RI. Jiayou, girls!
Hot Off The Press: Squash (Boys), Soccer (Girls), Touch Rugby, Table Tennis, Water Polo (Boys), Rugby
April 6th, 2011 by CCA PROWednesdays are always especially important days for our sports teams as many go out to meet their opponents, fighting their hardest for Hwa Chong. Let’s take a look at what went on around the island today:
Squash (Boys)
The guys met NYJC today and eventually emerged the winners with an astounding score of 5-0! With their second win in tow, they look set for a strong season, and are a dominant force in the squash scene! Keep this up, guys!
Soccer (Girls)
Today, the soccer girls scored twice against NJC, and did not let them have a chance to get on the score sheet for all of 90 minutes! A score of 2-0 to HC is no mean feat. Jiayou for the upcoming matches!
Touch Rugby
Once again, the Touch Rugby girls proved that they should be feared on the pitch, winning 4-0 against MI! The match against NYJC was postponed to a later date due to weather circumstances. Let’s hope they continue their unbeaten run:)
Table Tennis
Today, both the guys and girls teams met against RJ, an extremely strong opponent in the Table Tennis arena. Both teams fought with much grit and power, but eventually fell 1-4 for the guys, and 2-3 for the girls. However, we did not give them an easy time as seen by the slim score margins. This Friday, they will meet with RJ again in the semi-finals. We would like to appeal for supporters for this crucial match. Buses will be provided so please head down to support our players if you are free! More details will be given during tomorrow’s morning announcement. To both teams, keep fighting! We will always be supporting you!
Water Polo (Boys)
The boys team met ACJC today, and beat them with a score of 7-5! Nice one, guys!
Rugby
The Rugby team met ACS(I) today, and unfortunately lost 0-65. However, do not let this get you down, guys, and keep pushing on! Be resilient and show your opponents what you’ve got:)
And this wraps up the matches played today. Amongst the wins and losses, one thing for sure is that the whole school is supporting our sportsmen and sportswomen! Jiayou, HC!
Hot Off The Press: Table Tennis
April 6th, 2011 by CCA PROToday, both the guys and girls Table Tennis teams played 2 matches each, which in itself was no mean feat. The guys team unfortunately lost against both NYJC and NJC. On the bright side, the girls team won against the same two schools! It is a tough position at this point as we head towards the semi-finals. Here’s wishing all the best to both teams, and we’ll be behind you always! Just a shout out to all team members, JIAYOU! Play your hardest and it’ll be a match well-played.
The next two matches for both teams will be held on Wednesday, 6 April and Friday, 8 April. Supporters are welcome to hop on the chartered bus and come and cheer for them!
Hot Off The Press: Table Tennis Boys & Soccer Boys
March 28th, 2011 by CCA PROTable Tennis Boys
Runners-up of the 2010 A Division Nationals, HC Table Tennis kicked off the 2011 season with a bright start, beating ACJC 5-0 in the opening match! Kudos to them for showing their opponents the true fighting spirit of Hwa Chong. Keep up the good work, Table Tennis, as you strive towards the next few matches. HCunite and the whole school will be behind you:D
Soccer Boys
After a successful campaign last year that saw them break into the top 8 in the nation, our Soccer Boys have been scheduled to kick-start their bright camaign today, also against ACS(I). Prepared to show the whole soccer fraternity what Hwa Chong is capable of, they went to ACS(I) looking for a win. But lady luck was on our opponents’ side, as heavy rain and lightning alerts resulted in the game being postponed their impending l*ss to another date. Do look out for further posts on our Soccer Boys’ pursuit to end their trophy drought!
Featured Female Athlete of the Week: Kwa Huiqi
May 2nd, 2010 by CCA PROThis week, we also present to you our Female Athlete of the week, Kwa Huiqi, who led the team in the first match against Raffles in the Table Tennis Championship Finals.
Even though she was originally an RGS girl, Huiqi has successfully integrated into our Hwa Chong environment, and is proud to say that she is a true blue Hwa Chong paddler, and has Hwa Chong blood pulsating through her veins. We are definitely proud to have her in our big family!
Amidst her busy schedule of intensive training everyday, we are grateful to Huiqi for finding time in responding to our interview. A role model for all to follow in her footsteps, Huiqi is definitely an athlete worth noticing, for she has demonstrated her capabilities in juggling both competitive table tennis, as well as excelling in her academics. Well done Huiqi!
Besides representing Hwa Chong in table tennis competitions, Huiqi is also a national player, representing SINGAPORE in numerous competitions and has collated a whooping number of awards. Some of her more recent achievements are as follows:
National Table Tennis Championships: Women’s Singles 1st
SEA Junior Table Tennis Championships: U18 Girls’ Team Silver, Girls’ Singles Silver, Mixed Doubles Silver, Girls Doubles Bronze
Asian Junior Table Tennis Championships: U18 Girls’ Team 9th
World Junior Circuit India: Junior Girls’ Team and Doubles 3rd
Taipei International Junior Open: U18 Girls’ Team Silver, Girls Singles 5th
National Youth Top Ten Championships: U18 Singles 1st
National Interschools Individual Championships 2010: U20 Singles 1st
1. As the first player representing your team, how did you prepare yourself to face your toughest opponents, from Raffles Institution?
To be honest it required even more mental preparation than anything else cos I knew I was going to play with my old teammates from RGS and especially when the coach told me I would most probably be playing with their top player who also happened to be my best friend. Even though I’d played with her numerous times in local and overseas tournaments but this time I was really edgy! So I went back and watched a few videos of our past matches for preparation.
2. It was amazing watching you play and winning the points with your awesome skills and tactics! How did you read your opponent’s game and is there some sort of a “mantra” that you follow when playing against different opponents each time?
Haha thank you! I guess I know my opponent’s style of playing really well since I see her at training almost everyday and we train together. And in fact, she was my doubles partner at the SEA championships so we kinda know each other very well! I think for me, it takes the first game to find out where my opponent’s weakness is and for subsequent games just pit my strengths at those weaknesses. Haha I don’t, but I do have a habit of tying my right shoe lace then my left before a match for good luck.
3. Just to find out more about you, how long have you been playing table tennis and do you intend to continue with the sport after graduating from Hwa Chong? Why table tennis as your CCA?
I have been playing table tennis for ten years and I do wish to turn fully professional (HCunite shouts WOW!!!) after A levels. I was waiting for my elder sister’s training to end when her coach saw me picking ping pong balls really quickly and he thought I had potential so he told my mum to enrol me in!
4. Did you meet any setbacks during your years of training? (Physical, mental, etc) How did you overcome these stumbling blocks?
My biggest setback would be the lack of sleep and leisure time over the years cos I train almost everyday and I don’t get to go home until 10pm. And I’ve been sticking to this routine for a few years now so its kind of sad when I can’t go out with my friends and I have to try really hard to stay awake in class. In fact, I even missed my friend’s huangcheng debut this year cos I had training! But I guess these sacrifices are all worth it when you see the smile on the coaches and when you’ve done the country proud.
5. Do tell us more about your teammates and express anything you’d like to them! (:
I have a really funny group of JC2 teammates back at HCTT whom I am very thankful for cos without them Hwachong would have been so alien to me. Especially the J2 girls, Caipok, Yun and the fun-sized Chunkai for those great great memories! It has really been an honour to play with them, for them, and together with them.
6. Any advice you’d like to give to aspiring table tennis players?
Enjoy the game and hard work definitely pays off! (:
Featured Male Athlete of the Week: Leong Yunhao
May 2nd, 2010 by CCA PROThis week, we caught up with outstanding male athlete Leong Yunhao, captain of the Table Tennis Team, to find out more about his table tennis adventures throughout his years!
Those who were present at the Table Tennis Finals where Hwa Chong pitted their skills against Raffles could not forget the heartwrenching memory of the exciting match of Yunhao versus his Raffles opponent, with every point being so hard-earned, and the fighter spirit that Yunhao, as a captain, demonstrated not only as a role model to his team, but as an example to all who were present there too. So even though the last deciding match went to Raffles, Yunhao remains a hero of our school, and it’ll be hard to forget in a long time to come!
Having played table tennis for quite a couple of years, Yunhao has managed to accumulate many medals and trophies in his house. In recent years, some of the awards he received were:
2009 National Interschools A Div Table Tennis Championship (Individual) Boys Under 17 — 2nd position
2010 National Interschools A Div Table Tennis Championship (Individual) Boys Under 20 — 2nd position
2009 Asean Schools Games (Table Tennis Men’s Team) – First position
2009 Asean Schools Games (Table Tennis Men’s Doubles) – Third position
1. Everyone who witnessed the deciding match that day had their hearts in their mouths as they watched the match point-by-point. How did you maintain your composure and what were the thoughts in your mind as you played?
I wasn’t really thinking much about being composed at that point of time. All I could think of was winning the next point! But it’s quite funny to see what your opponent is doing under the same stress; everyone just shrinks and plays as defensively as they can haha! I guess it also helps when you’ve been through 8 years of nasty coaches placing you at the end of matches.
2. We heard that your siblings play table tennis too. Is your family the main reason why you are so passionate for the sport, and what keeps your passion burning? Any advice you’d like to give to fellow athletes out there?
Nope haha! My elder brother played squash and softball for HC; I was the first to pick up the sport, followed by my younger brother. I don’t even remember what got me started actually, but I guess what kept me going were my peer opponents. It was ridiculous how much they would improve every time I met them in a match, and that really gave me the motivation to train harder and best their new standard. Okay but in short I think I was passionate about it because I enjoyed it. To my fellow athletes, just go out there and enjoy your game!
3. As captain of the team, you have to possess good leadership skills and lead your team against other schools. How do you get your team to work together and prep them for their games?
Working together wasn’t much of a problem for us; most of us have been playing with each other for at least half a decade! Everyone in the team had the common desire to win. I guess all I had to do was to make sure they were motivated all the way. Like by saying ridiculously optimistic things at every single opportunity heh!
4. Even though Hwa Chong lost to Raffles, you were hailed as our hero for displaying such fantastic fighting spirit, refusing to give up all the way to the last point. Your teammates also gave their all in every match played. Can you take this opportunity to say a few workds to the school, as well as the brothers who played alongside you?
I would like to thank everybody who came down to support us during the finals! I think our team really felt that your cheering beat RJ’s cheering hands down! We didn’t manage to win in the end, but we will. Sooner rather than later. Shoutout to my classmates for staying back to support me and my 4e brothers for giving me moral support .
As for my teammates, you guys are the biggest baddest badasses (thats a 7th degree badass! ) I’ve ever played with! I’ll never give up any one of you even if it means winning!
5. Last but not least, any prediction you’d like to make for Hwa Chong’s sporting scene in the next couple of years? (:
We’re gonna win 82372098390217590217389216389216381263821328768412 championships! Seriously though, continue fighting HC, we’ll only get bigger and better.
Next year, the paddlers will definitely be back, with the desire burning stronger than ever.
Match Report: Table Tennis Finals
May 2nd, 2010 by CCA PRORemember what happened on a recent Friday, not too long ago?
The highly-anticipated clash of the titans between Singapore’s powerhouse colleges Hwa Chong Institution and Raffles Institution finally commenced on the 23rd April, 2010, at Jurong East Sports Hall. Packed with supporters not only from both schools, we also had companions from our younger juniors hailing from Cedar Secondary, Anglican High, Maris Stella High and St Gabriel’s Secondary. All four blue tables set up in the middle of the huge indoor sports hall saw players from the different schools clamouring for every point to bring back the championships glory to their school. Spectators alike, were excited and apprehensive at the same time, desperately praying for the little orange ball to show a little more favouritism towards their schools.
Over at our side, Team Hwa Chong, donned in their red jerseys, were geared up for the first match against Team Raffles, who were in their white jerseys and luminous green and black shoelaces.
Guys Finals
First Singles: Jie Yan
Kick starting the first match and leading his team to the battlefield was Jieyan, as he carried the expectations of his teammates and instilled the first lethal dose of fear in his opponents. The first set started off with momentum as Jieyan swept the points easily with an 11-4 win and his opponent faced difficulties returning his killer shots. In the second set, Raffles picked up and closed the gaping chasm between their abilities by chasing the score to 6-7. But Jieyan sealed the win with a score of 11-6. The beginning of the third set saw Raffles delivering a vicious smash and clinching the first point. An intense match ensued between the two as Raffles claimed the third set with an 11-7 win. The fourth set then went to Jieyan as he performed magnificent saves against the vicious smashes delivered by Raffles, which Raffles failed to return thereafter. The set then went to Jieyan 11-6, bringing home the first point to Hwa Chong.
First set: 11-4
Second set: 11-6
Third set: 7-11
Fourth set: 11-6
Overall: HCI win 3-1
First Doubles: Mark, Chun Kai
The duo comprising of Mark and Chun Kai took off with a lead of 8-3, before clinching 11-5 for the first set. As the second set went underway, both teams were plagued with a curse of a frustrating game of point-by-point with ties starting from 10-10, 11-11, all the way to 15-15. Hwa Chong eventually broke off from the shackles of the curse and claimed the win with a score of 17-15, amidst the cheers from the supporters and the team. Raffles then upped their tempo in the third set, leading 6-2. The set eventually went to Raffles, 11-7. Fourth set began with the curse befalling both teams again as they were tied at 3-3, and Mark and Chun Kai stumbled in holding off their opponents, losing the set 6-11. With the last deciding set, Mark and Chun Kai displayed great tenacity in the face of adversities and satisfied the team’s expectations by clinching 11-6.
First set: 11-5
Second set: 17-15
Third set: 7-11
Fourth set: 6-11
Fifth set: 11-6
Overall: HCI win 3-2
P.S. Look at Mark's hair
Second Singles: Jia Yang
Pitting himself a lanky, bespectacled opponent, Jia Yang remained undaunted and executed his attacks swiftly and mercilessly, winning the first set 11-9. Displaying his accurate chops and spin balls which proved difficult for his opponent to return, Raffles however, managed to turn the tables around and clinched the second set 11-6. Jia Yang showed tremendous efforts in saving the balls in the third set, as he leapt to save the ball from side to side, a great distance away from the small blue table. Despite his attempts to clinch the fourth set with some fantastic shots, the point eventually went to Raffles as the game concluded in the fourth set.
First set: 11-9
Second set: 6-11
Third set: 6-11
Fourth set: 4-11
Overall: RI win 3-1
Second Doubles: Kenneth, Zi Wai
The first set was a close one which saw ties standing at 3-3, 5-5. However, Hwa Chong committed some mistakes as the ball was hit into the net, and Raffles won the first set 11-6. The pair from Raffles maintained their standards in the second set too, executing some fantastic swift saves as they were constantly in the lead, from 7-4 to 9-6. Besides their accurate saves, Raffles also delivered some killer smashes which were difficult to return, and the second set also went to Raffles 11-7. In the third set, Kenneth and Zi Wai picked up their speed and saved some shots which were meant to kill, leaving the spectators flabbergasted with their impressive shots. The game, however, went to Raffles 11-7, as they clinched the second point. This meant that the score was at a nerve-wrecking 2-2, where the third singles from both colleges were locked in a life-and-death struggle that would ultimately determine the fate of their schools.
First set: 6-11
Second set: 7-11
Third set: 7-11
Overall: RI win 3-0
Third Singles: Yun Hao
As the only table left standing in the hall with the outcome undecided, all attention was diverted to the Hwa Chong versus Raffles deciding match for victory, and the prevailing silence was laced with fear as everyone pined for the sweet glory for their schools. With the beginning of the first service, every point fought was held in the hall of complete silence, and the sound of the little orange ball tapping from side to side of the table was reverberating throughout the hall, juxtaposed to the furious pounding of hearts in the players and supporters. As both players vie for that valient last point, Raffles proved to be stronger in the first set, easily clinching the set 11-3. The second set was definitely an eye-opener for most who were present, as both players were constantly smashing the ball, hoping to gain the points. Yunhao was more apt, leading the second set 3-0. However, as his Raffles opponent chased up, the game tempo was upped as there were ties standing at 5-5, 9-9 and eventually 10-10. Raffles then broke off and won the second set 12-10.
It was a stiffening and petrifying atmosphere for the third set, as the championship title would have gone to Raffles if he had won the third set. Intensive gameplay ensued as every ball was played with determination and conviction. Yunhao was seen more ferocious and vicious with his shots, with the score 9-6 favouring HCI. Raffles caught up to 9-10, but Yunhao was merciless this time, sealing the set with an 11-9 win. As the fourth set commenced, Yunhao was in the lead 5-3, his face displaying courage and determination, the desire to win burning brightly in his eyes. He definitely displayed this bleeding desire to win, and eventually clinched an easy 11-6 win over Raffles.
In the last concluding set, which set the stage for the grand championship titles, Raffles began by leading 3-1. However, at the halfway mark and change of sides, Yunhao was leading 5-4, and lead up to 8-7. Yet Raffles was tenacious enough to chase the score 8-8, then 9-9, and a similar situation was encountered again as he finally won 11-9. Raffles broke through the barricades surrouding the table, embracing their Raffles hero and exuberant over their win. Hwa Chong on the other hand, was disappointed, yet the guy paddlers showed great team spirit by supporting each other and congratulating themselves for all the hard work, blood and sweat they’ve put in after so many months, and to have come thus far. Supporters alike, were proud of our Hwa Chong paddlers, and we all gave a standing ovation for our brave warriors.
First set: 3-11
Second set: 10-12
Third set: 11-9
Fourth set: 11-6
Fifth set: 11-9
Overall: RI win 3-2
Girls Team
First Singles: Huiqi
Over at the girls’ table, female paddler Huiqi was the first to take on Raffles. Throughout the four sets played, Huiqi was constantly maintained great composure and used her skilled tactics to take on her opponent. As compared to the guys who were swift in their kills, the girls took another approach and went with long rallies to tire their opponent out and eventually delivering the killer shot to earn the points. In the first set, Huiqi got off to a headstart and Raffles succumbed to her 6-11. It was then a case of deja vu as Huiqi also won the second set 11-6. In the third set, Huiqi’s opponent started attacking Huiqi’s backhand, gaining many points through this tactic and obtained victory, 11-9, in the third set. However, Huiqi once again dominated the third set, winning 11-6 over her opponent once again.
First set: 11-6
Second set: 11-6
Third set: 9-11
Fourth set: 11-6
Overall: HCI win 3-1
First Doubles: Althea, Yingxin
Althea and Yingxin began with a two-point lead of 7-5, but failed to maintain the record and allowed the win to swing over to Raffles, as Raffles caught up 8-8 and gained the upper hand 11-8. In the second set, Althea and Yingxin gave potentially vicious smashes, paving the way 5-3. However, at timeout the score stood at 5-5, and Hwa Chong had to endure a stagnant period, allowing Raffles many chances and winning 11-5. The commencement of the third set saw Raffles viciously dominating the set, and Hwa Chong only managed to earn 1 point before the eventual point went to Raffles 11-1.
First set: 8-11
Second set: 5-11
Third set: 1-11
Overall: RI win 3-0
Second Singles: Kaiying
Smashing her way through the first set, Raffles was obviously intimidated by Kaiying’s merciless stance and failed to hold up her defences, losing 6-11. Kaiying displayed no hints of fatigue at all as the second set went underway, but Raffles upped the tempo and led 6-2. Despite catching up with 6 points, Kaiying lost the second set 8-11. As the sets were played point-by-point, Kaiying was definitely commended for her strong determination, and her quick thinking on her feet. Raffles won the third set 11-9, but the score in the fourth set drew even closer, as Kaiying played with wits and patience. As the score stood at 10-8 favouring Raffles, Kaiying refused to give up, chasing up to 10-10, and then to a crucial score 11-11. Yet, the match was won by Raffles 13-11.
First set: 11-6
Second set: 8-11
Third set: 9-11
Fourth set: 11-13
Overall: RIwin 3-1
Second Doubles: Samantha, Mavis
Raffles reigned supreme in the first set, leading 5-1 and clinching the set 11-9. Quick exchanges occurred between the two pairs and Samantha and Mavis had excellent partnership and played in tandem with each other. The second set went to Raffles with an 11-6 win. In the third set, Samantha and Mavis brought the scores closer, and made efforts to lunge for the balls with fantastic display of footwork. The score was tied at 9-9, and both players tried to bridge the gap, bringing the score 10-10 and held the win 13-11. Both teams refused to budge in the fourth set, and at 7-7, Raffles actually gained 4 points in a row, winning 11-7. The girls from Raffles were indeed jubilant with the win over the last set, as the match concluded, the championship title going to Raffles.
First set: 9-11
Second set: 6-11
Third set: 13-11
Fourth set: 7-11
Overall: RIwin 3-1
Third Singles: Wangxun
This match did not take place as Raffles had already secured champions.
Do check out HCunite’s Facebook page for more pictures from the Table Tennis Finals. (: