SEA Games Water Polo (Women): Goalkeeper Eunice Fu stars in Singapore’s opening match against Indonesia

Story by Koh Yizhe/Red Sports. Photos by Soh Jun Wei/Red Sports

Eunice Fu (SIN #13) saves the penalty shot for Singapore. (Photo 4 © Soh Jun Wei/Red Sports)

Eunice Fu (SIN #13) saves the penalty shot for Singapore. She made three penalty saves to ensure Singapore won their first match. (Photo 1 © Soh Jun Wei/Red Sports)

OCBC Aquatic Centre, Wednesday, June 10, 2015 — The Singapore women’s water polo team overcame a slow start to defeat Indonesia 7-4 to open their Southeast Asian (SEA) Games campaign on a winning note.

Goalkeeper Eunice Fu (#13) was in fine form, saving three penalty shots while making numerous saves at timely moments in the match. Denise Chew (#10) and Adelyn Yew (#5) both scored a brace each as Singapore started their gold medal campaign.

“I am happy about what I did today,” said Eunice after the match. “We did what we were meant to do and for me. Things went in my favour today.”

Singapore struggled to find their rhythm at the start of the match. Indonesia were causing Singapore all sorts of problems at the back, while also limiting Singapore’s options at the offensive end. The host were able to edge ahead through Denise Chen but parity was quickly restored on the next play as Febby Familya Putri (#5) equalised through a penalty.

It could have been a lot worst for Singapore as Indonesia were given two penalties – one at the end of the first and another at the start of the second quarter. Fortunately, Eunice made timely saves on both occasions to keep her team from trailing.

Adelyn eventually broke the deadlock with 2 minutes 30 seconds remaining in the second quarter before Loke En Yuan (#6) doubled Singapore’s advantage on the next possession as Singapore ended the half with a 3-1 lead.

Lynnette Tan (#8) and Angeline Teo (#7) then netted one each to push the lead to 5-1 in the third quarter, while Eunice made her third penalty save of the afternoon to preserve Singapore’s lead.

However, a fourth quarter surge by the visitors put Singapore’s mettle to the test. Melviani Rayina Eka scored with a lob before Ariel Dyah Siwabessy netted through a penalty to cut Singapore’s lead to 5-3 with a little over five minutes remaining. Singapore replied through Adelyn and Denise, but Sarah Manzilina kept things interesting with another goal.

Indonesia then missed another penalty, hitting the cross bar with one and a half minutes remaining, as Singapore held out to claim victory.

“The first quarter was a bit disorganised but from the second quarter onwards, we upped our game and were able to win the match,” said head coach Edmund Choo. “Our goalkeeper was also on form today. The Indonesians were a bit rough and a couple of Singapore players had their costumes torn.”

When asked if they are confident of retaining the gold medal, he said, “Yes, definitely yes. There is a lot of pressure but the girls have worked very hard. I’m sure we can do it.”

Singapore will next play Malaysia June 12, 4 pm at the OCBC Aquatic Centre.