Steve Ng and Joshua Ong scrape through with narrow win at tennis age-group championships

Story by REDintern Ivan Ong. Photos by REDintern Derek Quah/Red Sports

Kallang Tennis Centre, Monday, June 14, 2010 — Steve Ng and Joshua Ong started off the Singapore Tennis Association-Sports Excellence (STA-SPEX) 2nd Age Group Tennis Championships with a 6-2, 3-6, 10-8 victory over Ward Seeger and Ethan Barnes. They defeated fellow Singaporeans in a thrilling match-up that carried on for almost 90 minutes.

Ward and Ethan started the game on a positive note, serving out the first game and scoring a subsequent service break as they raced ahead to a 2-0 lead. Steve and Joshua quickly pulled one back with a return break to narrow the margin.

However, a couple of unforced errors from Joshua gifted Ward and Ethan a triple break point (40-0). Joshua swiftly redeemed himself, letting loose a delightful array of drop-shots to bring the set into a deuce. A backhand error by Ward at the deciding point saw the score level at 2-2.

It was apparent that Steve and Joshua had settled into their game. Joshua was the main threat, as he sent his opponents scurrying non-stop across the court with an arsenal of beautifully angled lobs and drop shots. Ward and Ethan seemed unable to find an answer as they were broken twice more for Steve and Joshua to sweep the set 6-2.

The second set started cagily as neither side were able to record a service break. With the scores at 3-2, Ward and Ethan made full use of their height advantage to unleash a series of smashes, scoring a break at 4-2. After managed to break once more, Ward unleashed a serve on set point that Steve was only able to parry into the stands. Ward and Ethan then sealed the set 6-3, tying the game at one set each.

With the scores level, a special 10-point tiebreaker set was played. With both teams with having points each, Ward committed three unforced errors in a row to saw his side trail 2-5, and eventually 6-9. However, it was no easy finish, as Steve and Joshua had to endure a nail-biting finish which saw them squandering a three-point lead at match point. With Ward and Ethan narrowing the margin to just one, an unfortunate error by Ward at match point put an end to the dramatic match.

Joshua and Steve, who are gunning for a top-place finish, credited their victory to a solid game plan and dogged determination. “This was a challenging game and we’re relieved to win, especially after losing the second set,” Joshua said. “The coming games will be tougher, though.”