“I watched Maria Sharapova LIVE!”

TENNIS

Story and pictures by Lai Jun Wei. © Red Sports

Singapore Indoor Stadium, December 30th, 2007 – About an hour before the match between Russian tennis stars Maria Sharapova and Anna Chakvetadze started, long queues were already forming outside the entrances of the stadium. The heavy rain did not dampen their spirits as the crowds came with their various coloured umbrellas, huddling close to each other to avoid the rain splashes. Our fellow photographer apparently got stuck in a flood at Mountbatten, but the rain did not hinder a turnout of 9,300 people for the exhibition game.

A queue already forming outside the East entrance more than one hour before the game. (Photo © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)

I was hoping to find the two St Gabriel Secondary teens we saw yesterday at the press conference but given the crowd of faces it would prove impossible. After roaming around the arena for some time (and being turned down for interviews by some), I managed to come across these cousins who were sitting somewhere in the back rows, waiting for the match to start.

Reginald, 16 came along with his younger cousin Darius, 12 to watch the game between Anna and Maria. Reginald has just finished his ‘O’ Level examinations and was waiting for his posting results. while Darius is currently studying in Bukit Panjang Government High.

Darius (front) with his older cousin Reginald (back). (Photo © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)

Both cousins play badminton but are fans of Maria. “The advertisements made me want to come down and take a look,” said Reginald. “We like the power and movements, which is very much different from badminton. Tennis packs a much bigger punch.” I was quite curious about his comparisons. So why play badminton? I asked. “I’m actually considering switching to tennis next year.” Reginald answered. Well, looks like tennis has just gained another player. Darius on the other hand, wants to stay in badminton.

When asked what started his interest in tennis, Reginald replied, “I have been watching the anime ‘The Prince of Tennis’ for about three years. It was after that I started to watch tennis matches.” This is their first time watching a tennis match live and both cousins are rooting for Maria to win. Darius finds Maria’s skills to be much better and shares a similar view with his cousin.

After roaming to the other side of the stadium, I spotted a family out in full force, accompanied by friends and relatives to watch the game. I spoke to Mdm Chitra, who brought her three kids and one “oldest child” (referring to her husband who refuses to admit it) to watch the game. Her children, Aditya, Diren and Vikram, aged nine, eight and five respectively are all keen fans of tennis. Aditya and Diren are currently tennis players and have been in the sport for about one to two years. They are both from St. Andrew’s Junior school. Vikram, the youngest and currently in St James’ Kindergarten, will be picking up a tennis racket next year.

(from left to right) Diren, Aditya, Mdm Chitra, Vikram, Mr Vijey. The whole family turned out in full force to watch the match. Together with friends together in the same row, and in front. (Photo © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)

Mdm Chitra is also a great fan of tennis. She has been following tennis for a long time and once played tennis in her teens, “But I was hopeless in it. The boys are better.” She laughed. She is rooting for Maria to win, as she feels that the star is quite skillful, especially winning Wimbledon in 2004. However, she believes that Anna will give Maria a hard match. This is the first international tennis match which they have been to and were clearly very excited about it. A true family of tennis fans.

Maria Sharapova – the main attraction. (Photo © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)

(from left to right) Vivian Chua, Geraldine Ang, Celine Chua, Matthew Chia. Matthew is in Singapore Polytechnic’s Recreational Tennis whereas the others play for Republic Polytechnic. All are fans of Sharapova. (Photo © Ng Cheng Cong)

Louise Tay and Sharon Lee, both 17 and from Pioneer Junior College. (Photo © Ng Cheng Cong)

Wee Chen, a 24-year old NSF, Zi Gui and Reyes Leow, both tennis players from Nanyang Polytechnic. (Photo © Ng Cheng Cong)

The Temasek Polytechnic Tennis team. All keen supporters of Maria Sharapova. (Photo © Ng Cheng Cong)

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