Archive for Singapore residents

Singapore fans want better showing after Suzuki Cup draw with Philippines

by admin
December 12th, 2012

Singapore hopes to push through in the second leg of their Suzuki Cup semi-final against Philippines.

SINGAPORE: Singapore residents were disappointed after their national team showed little inspiration in the first leg of the Suzuki Cup semi-finals against Philippines, settling for a 0-0 draw on Saturday night.

The match has made the second leg all that much more important, with neither side having the upper hand.

And Singapore residents know that if they are to overcome years of disappointment, this will be their chance.

“We are a good team. We beat Malaysia in our opening match and if we can play that way against the Philippines, we will advance,” one fan told Bikyamasr.com on Tuesday morning.

Although Singapore dominated the opening half in Manila, the Philippines woke up in the second session, but neither side was able to net a goal.

Singapore had outdone expectations at this year’s Southeast Asian championships, but fans and residents of the wealthy city-state believe that they can go all the way.

“We just have to play like we are capable of and make things happen on the field,” added the avid fan, who didn’t give his name.

The Philippines may be undefeated against Singapore in the last three matches between the two countries, but Singapore has certainly stepped up their performance during the Suzuki Cup. They are a deep team with a point to prove against their regional rivals given recent results.

BM

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Singapore celebrates 1st individual medal in over 50 years

by admin
August 5th, 2012

Singapore’s Feng wins first medal at London Olympics as an individual in years..

SINGAPORE: Singapore residents are celebrating the country’s first individual medal in over 50 years at the Olympics.

Table Tennis star Feng Tianwei won the bronze medal on Wednesday after beeting Japan’s number 6 world ranked Kasumi Ishikawa in only 25 minutes, 11-9, 11-6, 11-6, 11-5.

It was the country’s first individual medal in 52 years and has residents in Singapore praising the young woman for her effort and her success.

“We all were watching here,” said shop owner Tang, who told Bikyamasr.com his electronics store on Wednesday became a hub for passersby to watch the final game of the match.

“Everyone was giving high fives and we were all happy that Singapore’s flag would be flying during the medal ceremony. It is great for the city,” he said.

This is Singapore’s first table tennis singles medal, and the first win in the bronze medal match in four tries. Li Jiawei had twice fell at this hurdle at the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Games.

Jing Junhong, now the women’s team deputy head coach, was unsuccessful at the 2000 Sydney edition. Jing was by Feng’s side for her historic win on Wednesday.

Feng is the only Singaporean to win an individual medal besides weightlifter Tan Howe Liang, who took silver at the 1960 Rome Games.

She will feature next in the women’s team event, where she will spearhead the team’s charge to retain its silver from the 2008 Games.

But it was a great moment for Singapore, who has long done well in table tennis, but so often fell just short of earning that elusive medal. Now Feng has the medal around her neck and the support of a city.

BM

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London 2012: Singapore nabs first medal

by admin
August 3rd, 2012

Singapore’s Feng wins first medal at London Olympics.

SINGAPORE: Singapore residents gathered in a small shop to watch the country earn its first medal, telling Bikyamasr.com that they felt proud of their countrywoman.

Feng Tianwei beat Japan’s Kasumi Ishikawa 4-0 in the women’s singles table tennis match to clinch the bronze for Singapore on Wednesday.

Feng, ranked world number 8, defeated the world number 6 in just 25 minutes.

The first game was tight, but Feng came out ahead 11-9 in just 7 minutes.

Singapore’s ace paddler was on fire, taking the second and third games by 11-6 each.

And she was too good for the 19-year-old Japanese, winning the fourth game 11-5.

The two had met three times before, with Feng winning two of those encounters.

The bronze is Singapore’s first singles medal since the 1960 Rome Olympics.

Feng was also instrumental in winning the Republic’s women’s team silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Games.

“I’m so happy, so happy! I can’t express my feelings!” said a supporter.

“Very proud of Tianwei. Actually all the paddlers – they put in a lot of hard work,” said another.

Singapore’s Table Tennis Association’s Honorary Secretary, Soon Min Sin, said: “If you look at the last three Olympic Games, where our players went all the way into the semi-finals, and yet we failed to win a medal for Singapore … So the win is really a great breakthrough for us.”

Within minutes of Feng’s historic win, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong posted a congratulatory message on his FaceBook page.

He congratulated Feng on her “resounding 4-0 win over Ishikawa of Japan” and her winning of “Singapore’s first individual Olympic medal in 52 years”.

Lee said: “We are all proud of you. And well done Team Singapore!”

The prime minister also urged all athletes to keep the Singapore flag flying high.

And to those who are still competing at the London Olympic Games, Lee said “we are behind you all the way.”

BM

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