Contributed by Bryan James Kwa

Paris, France - Two of our athletes did Singapore proud by coming in 2nd and 3rd in Battle Slalom and Freestyle Slide respectively in the Paris Slalom World Cup (PSWC) held from May 29 to June 1, 2009.

Terence Cheung came in second runner-up for the Battle Slalom category, only falling short behind Martin Slobada (Germany) and world-acclaimed number one, Kim Sung Jin (South Korea). Terence also came in 3rd runner-up for the Classic Slalom.

Jireh Goh En Ci clinched 1st runner-up for Freestyle Slide, narrowly losing to Kirill Ryazantsev (Russia).

Results:

Battle Slalom Men:

1-Kim Sung Jin – South Korea
2-Martin Sloboda – Germany
3-Terence Cheung – Singapore
4-Xuan Le – France
5-Tiziano Ferrari – Italy

Battle Slalom Women:

1-Nadezda Zelenova – Russia
2-Chloe Seyres – France
3-Polina Semenova – Russia
4-Anjelika Babiy – Russia
5-Maryna Boyko – Ukraine

Speed Slalom Men:

1-Tiziano Ferrari – Italy
2-Romain Lebois – France
3-Kim Sung Jin – South Korea
4-Jimmy Fort – France
5-Milleret JB – UK

Speed Slalom Women:

1-Chiara Lualdi – Italy
2-Barbara Bossi – Italy
3-Chloe Seyres – France
4-Violeau Fanny – France
5-Bert Alizee – France

Freestyle Classic Men:

1-Kim Sung Jin – South Korea
2-Igor Cheremetieff – France
3-Xuan Le – France
4-Terence Cheung – Singapore
5-Tiziano Ferrari – Italy

Freestyle Classic Women:

1-Chloe Seyres – France
2-Chiara Lualdi – Italy
3-Anjelika Babiy – Russia
4-Barbara Codazzi – Italy
5-Barbara Bossi – Itlay

Freestyle Slides:

1-Kirill Ryazantsev – Russia
2-Jireh Goh En Ci – Singapore
3-Yohan Fort – France
4-Martin Violeau - France

Jireh, the captain of Micro Team Singapore, reflected on the event. “I did good, but I know I can do better. The main aim of PSWC was to entertain and promote freestyle skating. By my standards, it was a success. I entertained, and was entertained!”

Terence also commented, saying, “On a whole, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and my achievements, but I wish I didn't forget to bring home my trophy!”

Despite the hilarious blunder (as regarded by his teammates) by one of our star athletes, both brought back glory to our nation by doing astoundingly well in yet another prestigious international skating event.

Officials in France said Terence's trophy would be shipped back to him via airmail.

Freestyle Skating is on the rise in Singapore, especially among youths and young adults. Popular venues for freestyle skating in Singapore include Sembawang Mega Court, East Coast Park Beginner's Rink and Esplanade Underpass.

Please refer to www.worldslalomseries.com for updates on competitions all over the world.

Terence Cheung Classic Slalom
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVU_c-Ui7Aw

Battle Slalom Finals
Part 1:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jq4s3ef3yqI
Part 2:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eudJlCkpmZc