Story by Tessa Cho/Red Sports. Photos by Low Sze Sen/Red Sports
Nigel Tay in action as Singapore put in a devastating performance to trounce Malaysia 19–4. (Photo 1 © Low Sze Sen/Red Sports)
OCBC Aquatic Centre, Thursday, June 11, 2015 — Defending champions Singapore triumphed 19–4 over Malaysia in their first game to start their campaign to win their 26th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games water polo gold medal in a row.
“Essentially our team – technically, tactically, physically – we’re all quite strong and at the end of the day, that was what brought us through the game,” commented Singapore goalkeeper, Nigel Tay (#1).
Singapore started strong with fast attempts to score and gain the upper hand. While the first attempt by Lin Diyang (#2) was saved by the Malaysian goalkeeper, Singapore’s Eugene Teo (#4) came in quickly to net the first goal.
The home team’s fast movement and strong defence saw them enjoy possession of the ball most of the time to lead 4–0 after the first quarter.
The second quarter, however, was marked by slower movement and more missed opportunities from the defending champions. While they had more attempts at scoring, the number that were actually converted to goals was fewer.
The first half closed with the hosts leading 7–1.
On dealing with the crowd and loud cheers, Nigel (#1) replied, “To be honest this is my fifth SEA Games so I don’t really feel any pressure anymore. For me, I’m playing for the love of the sport, for my country, and since we are playing on home ground, for my family and friends. It’s great – to have family and friends around watching you, and I really feel very comfortable.”
“So honestly, no pressure. None at all,” he added.
Singapore next play Thailand on, Friday, June 12, at 8pm.
Score by Quarter
SIN vs MAS
1st quarter: 4–0
2nd quarter: 3–1 (7–1)
3rd quarter: 5–1 (12–2)
4th quarter: 7–2 (19–4)
Singapore’s Roster
Tay Sin Chao Nigel (#1), Lin Diyang (#2), Loh Zhi Zhi (#3), Teo Zhen Wei Eugene (#4), Ong Wei Loong Bryan (#5), Tan Jwee Ann Paul Louis (#6), Chiam Kunyang (#7), Ang An Jun (#8), Goh Cheng Wei Marcus (#9), Ang Wei Ming Sean (#10), Yip Yang (#11), Koh Jian Ying (#12), Lee Kai Yang (#13)
Malaysia’s Roster
Low Leslie Yow Chung (#1), Tan Yi Xun (#2), Chiew Chern Kwang (#3), Wong Anderson Yong Hui (#4), Tan Tsien Hann (#5), Sung Jun Hao (#6), Chow Choon Yung (#7), Tan Alex Ming Han (#8), Soh Yong Wee (#9), Chow Tie Cheng (#10), Vivekanandan Sharvin N (#11), Fam Jia Yi (#12), Chee Huan Song (#13)
2015 SEA Games Water Polo – fixtures and results
More photos next page
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