AYG Beach Volleyball: Omanis deny Singapore a place in quarter-final

By Desiree Tay/Red Sports. Photos by Marvin Lowe/Red Sports.

Siloso Beach, Friday, July 3, 2009 – Qing Shan and Melvin Goh were shown the exit of the Asian Youth Games (AYG) Beach Volleyball competition after going down to Oman 22-20, 21-19, 6-15 in a nail-biter.

With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, the tension was apparent as both teams observed each other intently during the warm-ups.

Singapore was first to serve but Oman quickly made their intention to win known with an early spike and a well-timed block, to lead 2-0.

Oman then raced to a 5-2 lead, but Singapore started settling into the game at that point to level up 5-5 with Qing Shan calling the shots, catching Oman off-guard with surprise moves.

But the deadlock was quickly broken as Oman surged on to lead 9-6. There were looks of anguish on Qing Shan’s face, while Melvin tried to remain composed as Oman continued to sail to a 11-6 lead before Singapore called for a time-out.

The teams traded points but Singapore continued to trail the Omanis most of the time. At the technical time-out of 21 points, Oman led 13-8.

Singapore then changed tactics and started to outwit the Omanis to make a comeback, reducing the deficit to just two points at 12-14. This forced the Omanis to call a time-out of their own.

Serving the role of the ‘commander’, Qing Shan capitalised on his ability to read his opponents astutely and instructed Melvin whether to retreat or to advance.

The game soon became highly unpredictable as Oman inched forward to take set point with a spike at 20-18, but the resilient Singaporeans kept the pressure on to level up 20-20. However, to the dismay of the Singapore supporters, they succumbed 20-22.

Oman took advantage of their 1-game lead to race off to a 4-0 lead in the second game. But with good team work, Singapore started to give chase and finally squared things up at 14-14. A net violation by the Omanis at that point then handed Singapore the lead.

Plenty of dives and spikes littered the game before two consecutive service aces, one from each side made the score 19-18 in favour of Singapore. Before long, it was Singapore at set point with 20-18.

The Singapore coach was seen shouting words of encouragement from the sidelines to spur his charges on as well as to constantly remind them to stay focused in this crucial set.

Melvin and Qing Shan prevailed to wrap it up 21-19.

Oman were proving to be a tough nut and they held the initiative in the final set. It didn’t take long for the Omanis to soar to a comfortable lead, reaching set and match point at 14-5.

Singapore managed to pull one back through Qing Shan’s spike but all hopes were dashed when the Omanis responded promptly to win the set 15-6 and send the Singaporeans out of the competition.

Oman’s coach, Yaqwob, revealed after the match: “The boys have only been training for one month in preparation for the AYG, as they are not actually in the national team.”

“Having the AYG here is for Singaporeans to gain experience by having exposure to sports men from around the region and not about gaining medals,” said Melvin.