The Masters Finals proved to be more interesting than the Nationals. Of special mention is that father Wong Shoon Keat, a past National Singles and SEA Games champion and son, Derek Wong, who emerged as this year's MS champion, are featured in the same tournament. Masters 45+ Wong Shoon Keat also fought a tough 3-gamer to become the M45 champion with Bernard Tan. They overcame Lee Ah Ngo (also a past National singles champion) and Joseph Sng 21-19, 8-21, 21-18 in 33m. Here are some pictures of their formidable battle: 1. Wong Shoon Keat 2. Bernard Tan 3, Joseph Sng 4. Lee Ah Ngo
Masters 55+ The oldest group in these Masters, the M55 turned out to be the most dramatic during the final stages when Cheng Teck Poh gave his all by diving across the court to save the last point in the match. But alas, it was a futile attempt for in the ensuing melee, he hurt his right shoulder and he remained sprawled on the court for some time before he managed to regain his feet and walk away. The celebrated Singapore Swimming Club pair of Yeo Ah Seng (an ex-National singles champion) and Susanto Halim, which had won an international masters before, was given a fright in the first game when they lost narrowly 21-23 against evergreen Kamaludin Lee and Cheng Teck Poh. of Mayflower Badminton Party. But they soon recovered to take the second 21-17 and won the rubber convincingly 21-10 in 35m. Ah Seng and Susanto wore orange tees while Kamaludin and Cheng were in dark blue. The group picture shows from left, Kamaludin, Cheng, Ah Seng and Susanto.
Masters 35+ M35 Being the youngest Masters group, exchanges were much faster between Lau Wing Cheok/Kenny Wong and Timothy Kam Kim San/Aldi Wahjdi, both sides representing SAFRA (Singapore Armed Forces Reservists Association). But ex-National players, Lau in singles, and Kenny in doubles (seen in the first pic on left and right), proved a notch better and prevailed in straight games 21-17, 21-14 in 29m. Picture shows Lau and Kenny in white and Timothy and Aldi (serving in 5th pic) in red.
Derek Wong Zi Liang It must have been a most memorable evening for Derek Wong for winning three national titles, the MS, MD and XD, albeit in the absence of some better know National squad players such as Kendrick Lee, Ronald Susilo, Hendri, Hendra and Li Yujia. Ronald withdrew after some matches to return to Jakarta, I understand. It was also memorable because Derek's success came in the same tournament when his father, Wong Shoon Keat, also won the Men's Doubles Masters 45+. Incidentally, mother Irene (Lee?) was also a national champion. Derek's decision to turn professional after his 'O' Levels early this year could well be a good decision as with more training with the National team and overseas competitions, he has improved appreciably. But no doubt, there's still a long way to go before he can become world class in the mould of the Chinese, the Indonesians, the Danes and the Malaysians. But Derek has taken the right steps. Especially now that the Singapore governement has included badminton as one of four key sports to place greater emphasis on to get Olympic Games medals immediately after our succesful outing at the Doha Asian Games, the other three sports being sailing, shooting and table-tennis, Derek, as well as other talented players ought to get a great deal of attention and help if he still has the passion and commitment to become a world champion. Derek's National titles are: MS: beat Wayne Kuo Wen 21-17, 21-9. MD: with Assistant Coach and ex-National player Chua Yong Joo beat National players Khoo Kian Teck and Koh Yan Sen 21-10, 17-21, 23-21. XD: with Lim Tien Juan beat Ashton Chen and Macey Tan 20-22, 23-21, 21-17. Good Luck to Derek and we wish him more successes in the future, especially at the international level.
Women's Doubles They are all in the Youth Training Squad, not the National Team, but in the end, the older girls beat their younger teammates decisively! Colleen Goh Li En and regular partner Karen Yuen Ka Ying of Raffles Junior College prevailed over newly crowned singles champion, Jill Vanessa Poo and Macey Tan of Raffles Girls School 21-13, 21-12. These are some of our best local hopes, apart from those in our Sports School, that feature in our current badminton scene, but it is anybody's guess whether they will turn professional. Most unlikely for those in the JCs as university beckons them very soon, unfortunately. Pic 1. Macey Tan & Jill Vanessa Poo Pic 2. Colleen Goh & Karen Yuen
Mixed Doubles National Teammates Derek Wong and Ashton Chen, together with their respective partners, Lim Tien Juan and Macey Tan fought out an exciting match that lasted 40 min. In the end, Derek and Tien Juan went ahead for a narrow finish 20-22, 23-21, 21-17, a match that they nearly lost had they not closed the second game.
Men's Doubles A most unexpected victory for the scratch pair of Chua Joo Yong and Derek Wong over National teammates Khoo Kian Teck and Koh Yan Sen. Derek should thank the more experienced Chua for the win as Khoo and Koh have been playing together for a long time as the National no.2. Unused to the new pairing, Khoo and Koh were stoutly defeated in the first game 10-21 but came back strongly in the second 21-17 only to lose out marginally in the third 21-23. For Chua, who I believe is the Assistant National coach to the women's team, it must have come as a pleasant Christmas gift, as I doubt he played enough of competitive badminton. Nevertheless, it goes to show how lacking we are in Men's Doubles.
Budding Coaches During the last match of the evening, two budding coaches sitting behind the eventual MD champions, whispered to themselves: "Hey Charlie, why aren't they listening to us, hah?" To which Charlie answered, "Yah hoh, they lost in the second game and still so proud!" "You see Charlie, they sure lose the third game. We better shout louder." "Wah 20-20, sure lose one there!" "But why are they still not listening to us?" "Maybe they are deaf!" "Forget them, we coach those who listen to us."
