Story By Zachary Foo/Red Sports. Photos by REDintern Clara Yuan
Kenneth Chia (GYS) prepares to return the shuttle. Kenneth defeated Lim Shah Lun (SJI(INT)) 21–11, 21–4. (Photo 1 © REDintern Clara Yuan)
Anglo-Chinese School (Independent), Monday, February 10, 2014 — Guangyang Secondary (GYS) took down St.Joseph’s Institution International (SJI(INT)) by a 4–1 margin in the group stage of the South Zone B Division Boys’ Badminton Championship.
SJI(INT) drew first blood, as Athens Kann (SJI(INT)) beat Kevin Tan (GYS) in the first singles match. Athens dominated from the start, using smashes to assert himself in the game. With his deft racket control, he scored six consecutive points before Kevin could reply. Athens ended off the first game with a sweet drop shot, taking it 21–9. The second set was a closer affair, as Kevin slowly adapted to Athens’ strategy. A few unforced errors on the part of Athens gave Kevin the early lead. However, Athens’ control of the court allowed him to net plenty of points close to the line to snatch back the lead. He took the second set convincingly, winning 21–17.
In the first doubles match, Dan Tan and Joshua Yong (SJI(INT)) took on Andy Lim and Nicholas Leow (GYS). The GYS pair dominated from start to finish, winning both sets 21–11 in convincing fashion. They communicated well to call out shots for each other, which led to good smashes. Their counterparts on the other hand, struggled severely as they hit routine shots into the net. The win helped Guangyang tie the score at 1–1.
The second singles between Julian Toh (SJI(INT) and Promis Dewan (GYS) was a more even match. Both players traded points throughout the first set. Promis had a few unforced errors that gave Julian the early lead. A light-hearted moment occurred when Promis dove towards the umpire’s chair while getting to a shot, which drew laughs from everyone watching, even his coach. That somehow sparked the comeback for Promis, as he persevered to take the set 21–17.
The second set was a quicker affair as Julian seemed to let his mistakes get to him, putting him in a deeper hole each time. Promis smelled blood and took advantage of the opportunity, sealing the game with a 21–10 win. His win helped pull Guangyang to a 2–1 lead overall.
Guangyang’s strength in doubles came to the fore in the second doubles match. The Guangyang pair of Chong Jia Zhen and Javier Ng wiped out the SJI(INT) pair of Randall Paul and Daniel Yong 21–11, 21–8. Guangyang never trailed at any point and their second doubles pair sealed the Guangyang victory as they reach the magic three wins.
In the rubber singles match, Kenneth Chia (GYS) defeated Lim Shah Lun (SJI(INT)) 21–11, 21–4.
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