NETBALL

Netball World Championships 2007
Friday, 16 November 07 at Trusts Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand

Story by Jane Sng, Netball Singapore.

Singapore netball world championship

The Singapore Netball team celebrating a 5 Nations Netball Cup victory earlier this year in Singapore. (Photo © Les Tan/Red Sports)

Singapore finished in 15th place at the 2007 Netball World Championships when they beat their neighbours Malaysia 59-44 in their playoff match at Trusts Stadium, Auckland today.

It was a good final game for Singapore who will now head home to prepare to host the 2011 Netball World Championships.

Singapore were in control for most of the match, showing more poise and structure, to lead 15-7 after the first quarter and edged their advantage to 10 goals, 27-17, at half-time. They dominated the third quarter to stretch their lead to 45-30, although Malaysia came back in the final quarter which was tied, 14-all.

“It was nice to win,” said Singapore captain Jean Ng. “Our whole team has enjoyed the competition, playing against the best teams in the world.

“We look forward now to hosting the next world championship, and to working hard in the next four years to continue to improve.”

Tan Huiyan led the way in the scoring circle for the winners, making 16 from 22 attempts at goal shoot and two from two at goal attack, while Li Ling, who injured her knee in the early stages of the tournament, had an outstanding game, making 26 of 33 attempts. Jeanine Heng came on in the 4th quarter and had an excellent game too.

The New World Netball World Championships 2007 continues as the top eight teams will play for ranking. Australia will meet England today in a mouth-watering semi-final while New Zealand will compete against Jamaica in the other semi-final game for a spot in the final.