Story by Carissa Tan/Red Sports. Photos by Jerald Ang/Red Sports
Jefri Nur Syaheeza (red) contests for the ball. (Photo 1 © Jerald Ang/Red Sports)
Sengkang Hockey Stadium, Tuesday, June 9, 2015 — After a 1–0 win over Indonesia last Sunday, Singapore fell 0–1 to Thailand in the 28th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games women’s hockey preliminaries.
In the 2013 SEA Games, Thailand finished in second place while Singapore were fourth.
Singapore were overwhelmed as Thailand attacked in numbers. Early into the game, they struggled to fend off attacks.
In the 9th minute, Tikhamporn Sakunpithak (THA #7) scored the first and only goal of the match. Completely unmarked, she pushed the ball past the helpless Singapore goalkeeper after teammate Kanyanut Nakpolkrung (THA #4) drew Singapore defenders away.
Singapore gained their first credible chance at goal in the 18th minute but failed to convert the penalty corner.
While Singapore continued to attack, the more skilful Thais was able to quickly switch play back to Singapore’s half. Moreover, Singapore attackers were hindered by their inaccurate passing.
In the second half, Singapore was forced to retreat into their own half as the Thais grew more ambitious in their offence. Within the first seven minutes, Thailand had already advanced more than five times into the D.
Singapore eventually entered into the Thai D after 20 minutes but Banuh Nursabrina (SIN #5) was almost instantly pushed off the ball by two Thai defenders. Subsequent attempts to advance were once again crippled by poor passing.
With only four minutes left, Singapore were gifted with a rare chance to equalise but the ball was lost amidst the crowd of defenders in front of Rhys Wong (SIN #10).
In the final 30 seconds, Singapore had one last opportunity to hold Thailand to a draw when they were awarded a penalty corner. However, Sanip Syasya Rifqah (SIN #13) missed the shot.
On the match, Singapore captain, Chua Xinni (#9), said, “I think we played our best. Everyone gave their 110 percent for this game.”
Even though Singapore lost the match, she commented, “I think it (this match) was way, way better than the last time we met them. I think we gave them a hard fight.”
Singapore will next meet Indonesia to fight for third place on June 12, Friday, 4pm at Sengkang Hockey Stadium. The final will be played between Malaysia and Thailand at the same venue at 6pm.
Scoring by half
Singapore vs Thailand
1st half: 0–1
2nd half: 0–0 (0–1)
Scorer
Thailand
Tikhamporn Sakunpithak (#7)
Singapore Roster
Lam Xin Ni (#1), Luo YingYing (#2), Tam Wan Ting (#3), Chen Yixin (#4), Ong Tiffany (#6), Chan Emily (#7), Chan Ivy (#8), Chua Xinni (#9), Wong Rhys (#10), Ho Puay Ling (#11), Lim Joan (#12), Sanip Syasya Rifqah (#13), Toh Limin (#14), Jefri Nur Syaheeza (#15), Tan Laura (#16), Teng Eunice (#17), Lai Felissa (#18)
Thailand Roster
Jesdaporn Tongsun (#1), Prapassorn Khuiklang (#2), Salocha Losakul (#3), Kanyanut Nakpolkrung (#4), Sirikwan Wongkeaw (#5), Benjamas Bureewan (#6), Tikhamporn Sakunpithak (#7), Kanya Jantapet (#8), Chantree Yungyuen (#9), Yanisa Pimsan (#10), Sukanya Ritngam (#11), Boonta Duang-Urai (#12), Supansa Samanso (#13), Panadda Krumram (#15), Anongnat Piresram (#16), Kornkanok Sanpoung (#17), Siraya Yimkrajang (#18), Praphatsorn Khamsaeng (#21)
2015 SEA Games Hockey – fixtures and results
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