Story and pictures provided by People’s Association Youth Movement

Takashimaya Square, Sunday, November 2, 2008 – Fancy a good throwdown, a couple of hurricanes and some regeneration to boot? In the world of competitive yo-yo, that’s all par for the course (if you’ll pardon the mixed metaphor).

For three days from 31 October to 2 November, Singapore played host to the Asia Pacific Yo-Yo Championship. Held at Takashimaya Square, the competition drew over 2000 spectators, who were held in thrall as the youthful players from around the world showed what they could do.

Organized by Spinworkx and the Ulu Pandan Community Club Youth Group, this year’s competition featured two new categories. Beat-It! Throwdown is a team event where participants attempt to match their tricks to music spun by event deejays. Fast Challenge on the other hand imposes a time constraint on participants as they execute tricks.

The Singapore team from Ulu Pandan Yo-Yo Club performed credibly. The team assembled by Ong Yu Cheng emerged 1st runners-up in the Fast Challenge category while Ishkandar Shah came in 4th out of the 16 players in the individual counter weight division.

Alongside the competition, friendship was in ample supply as well. During a routine practice session, Japan’s Goto Kensuke injured himself and was given first aid by Singaporean yo-yo player Muhammad Firdaus Bin Jaiyah, who happens to be a Civil Defence medic. Firdaus managed to reduce Kensuke’s pain and keep him calm until medical aid arrived.

Results of Competition
Single Hand Category:
Champion – Hiroyuki Suzuki
1st Runner-up – Shinya Kido

Double Hand Category:
Champion – Shuhei Kanai
1st Runner-up – Masanori Jodai

Counter Weight Category:
Champion – Lim Aik Hwee
1st Runner-up – Naota Okada

Off String Category:
Champion – Sojun Miyamura
1st Runner-up – Naota Okada

Asia Pacific Beat-It! Throwdown:
Champion – Japan
1st Runner-up – Hong Kong

Asia Pacific Country Fast Challenge:
Champion – Japan
1st Runner-up – Singapore