Story and pictures by Marvin Lowe/Red Sports

Kallang Tennis Centre, Friday, February 27, 2009 – Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) emerged as champions again when they beat Victoria School 3-2 in the B Division Boys Tennis Championship final.

ACS(I) powered their way through with victories in the singles matches and one doubles match. ACS(I) took an early lead with easy victories notched up by Kristopher Tan who mowed down his opponent, 6-0, 6-1. His teammate, Daryl Goh, also took his singles match with an imposing scoreline of 6-0, 6-1.

It all then came down to the doubles teams and the last singles match. Victoria, knowing that they could not overpower the ACS(I) singles, staked their strength in the doubles, needing to win both doubles matches and their last singles game to stand a chance of victory.

The first doubles team of Kevin Wee and Terry Teo from Victoria School managed to win a point, pulling off a close but decisive 6-3, 6-4 win against Chrissmin Tan and Nicklaus Koh of ACS(I). The second doubles pairing of Abieta Billy and Tay Weiron from Victoria lost their first set but they managed to take a 4-3 lead in the second set. However, unforced errors and a strong fight back from the ACS(I) pairing of David Balakrishnan and Sarit Sukseree saw them lose three straight games in a row to yield the match and the title to ACS(I).

The last match was now inconsequential but pride was at stake. Ryan Phua of Victoria School began with all guns blazing, winning the first set 6-3 against Naoki Nakamura. The second set was hampered by a rain delay and when play resumed on Friday, Naoki had the upperhand, winning the tiebreak 7-6. Ryan then showed some clinical finishing in the final and won the game 6-1, securing the final point for Victoria School.

ACS(I) coach, Mr Hassan Bohari, was undoubtedly proud of his team’s success.

“The boys really gave their all and they truly deserve to win. They learnt their lessons from the previous encounter and showed great fighting spirit in the final. I am really proud of their achievements!” beamed Coach Hassan.