ACS(I) too strong for SJI in C Division boys’ squash final

Story contributed by reader Edward (edited by Jan Lin/Red Sports). Photos by Tan Jon Han/Red Sports

Kallang Tennis and Squash Centre, Monday, 19 April, 2010 – The Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) beat St Joseph’s Institution 4-1 to retain their C Division Squash Championship title. The highly-anticipated final got off to an exhilarating start when the first tie between Koh Tai Seng (ACSI) and Loke Xuan You (SJI), which went to five sets, turned out to be the most interesting match of the day.

It was a yo-yo affair with Xuan You seizing the opening set 12-10 but losing the second and third sets, then making a heroic comeback in the fourth. But eventually, a visibly tired Xuan You allowed Tai Seng to take the fifth set rather comfortably. According to the line-up of the day, this match would have been crucial in deciding the final outcome.

All was, however, not lost for SJI as the next game between ACS(I)’s second-ranked player Benedict Chan and SJI’s top player Gladwin Giam was expected to have been a tight match. But a lethargic-looking Gladwin, who had just recovered from an illness, was outclassed 3-0. With Gladwin’s defeat, SJI’s title chances was as good as gone.

The third tie was a complete mismatch as ACS(I)’s top player Pang Ka Hoe steamrolled a valiant Ashley Ong 3-0. The untouchable Ka Hoe, who played a key role in helping ACS(I) recover their B Division crown from Raffles Institution in 2009, was again an inspiration for ACS(I) by clinching the winning point.

With the title in the pocket, the ACS(I) supporters were able to relax and enjoy the rest of the competition while the vociferous SJI supporters continued to spur their players on with cheers.

“Look, the school flag is still flying,” said SJI’s squash coach Mr Gan Ai Gee to his fourth player, Daryl Tan, before the 14-year-old entered the court. With that dose of motivation, Daryl confidently disposed of Jason Tong 3-1 to register his school’s first and only point in this final.

Then in the fifth and final tie, Jeremy Goh (ACSI) overcame a difficult start to finally subdue a spirited performance from Lin Jiele (SJI). The third-ranked player of both schools entertained the spectators with long rallies and clever placements in the first set before Jiele lost focus in the second set and bequeathed Jeremy a comprehensive 3-0 victory.

So even as SJI’s fairytale run comes to an end, all eyes will be on the development of this talented squad as the two schools are likely to exchange fire again when they meet in their B Division campaign.

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