Laos, Monday, December 7, 2009 – Team Singapore won their first gold medal of the 25th South East Asian (SEA) Games when they beat Thailand 8-5 to clinch first position in the water polo competition.

It was their 23rd consecutive gold medal in the sport, and came after 14-5 and 8-1 wins over Indonesia and Philippines respectively, before they beat the Thais to top the four-team table.

Singapore needed only a point to claim the gold, and went into half-time trailing the Thais 3-2. Their improved performance after the break saw them score five goals without reply, and they saw out the game to carry on their proud winning streak.

Eugene Teo topped the scorers’ list for Team Singapore in the campaign with eight goals, and was followed by Alvin Lee and captain Luo Nan with five and four respectively.

Team Singapore water polo squad:
#1 Nigel Tay Sin Chao
#2 Lin Diyang
#3 Samuel Loh
#4 Eugene Teo Zhen Wei
#5 Lim Yao Xiang
#6 Lin Diyan
#7 Alvin Lee
#8 Luo Nan
#9 Kenneth Wee
#10 Kelvin Ong Wei Sheng
#11 Yip Ren Kai
#12 Terence Tan Wei Keong
#13 Andy Chin Yong Jie

In football action, Singapore held on to beat Myanmar 2-1 in a Group B match. Goals from Muhd Safuwan and Hariss Harun in the 14th and 29th minutes put Singapore firmly in the driving seat, but had to endure a nervy end to the game when Soe Min Oo pulled one back for Myanmar in the final minute of normal time.

Singapore currently lie second in the group, where the top two would advance to the semi-finals. They trail Laos by goal difference, and will play the Games’ hosts on Thursday, December 10, at 6.45pm, Singapore time.

A point will see Team Singapore through to the last four, but even a defeat could suffice if Myanmar and Indonesia play out to a draw.