Double joy for Singapore in Water Polo as Men's team defeat reigning SEA Games champions Indonesia, while Women’s team get first win over Thailand in 11 years
Singapore's Women's A Water Polo team in high spirits in their big clash against powerhouses Thailand in the Inter-Nations Cup. PHOTO: SINGAPORE SWIMMING ASSOCIATION
Singapore, 23May 2022 – Singapore Water Polo’s road to reclaim their crown as kings and queens of the region began in decisive fashion when both the Men’s and Women’s A teams clinched the inaugural Singapore Water Polo Inter-Nations Cup 2022 titles at the OCBC Aquatic Centre on Sunday.
The Men’s team, who relinquished their tag as Southeast Asia’s kings of water polo in 2019, exacted a measure of revenge over their successors and reigning SEA Games champions Indonesia, as they emerged 16-2 winners over the Indonesians to clinch the title over Thailand.
Emotions run high on a day of significant achievements for both men's and women's water polo teams. PHOTO: WONG YOON WAH, SINGAPORE SWIMMING ASSOCIATION
Cheered on by the vociferous home crowd, the hosts were in control from start to finish and were led by stalwarts Bryan Ong, who scored 4 times, and Koh Jian Ying and Chow Jing Lun, both with hat-tricks.
Kan Aoyagi, Technical Director of Water Polo said: "Today was a very good, almost perfect game. Overall, it was a very good competition. At the last SEA games, we lost to Indonesia, so the team really wanted to win today.
Singapore's Men's Water Polo team thanking the partizan home support at the Inter-Nations Cup. PHOTO: SINGAPORE SWIMMING ASSOCIATION
The team needed this competition environment, to get the experience. The boys need to know that this is not an individual sport but a team sport, and they have to play till the end to win the game as a team.”
Thailand were runners up of the Men’s competition after beating Singapore B in a see-saw battle that saw them run out 9-7 winners. Watchawarawong Ekchaona was the star for the Thais, leading his side to victory with a hat-trick. Captain Pattanit Chompoosang added a brace. Derek Chan scored twice for Singapore B, who finished the competition in 4th place.
Singapore men's Water Polo team getting ready to enter the water for their match at the Inter-Nations Cup. PHOTO: SINGAPORE SWIMMING ASSOCIATION
Philippines finally got their first win of the Inter-Nations Cup as they ended their campaign on a high with a 19-6 win over bottom of the table Malaysia. Teodoro Roy Canete continued his purple patch in front of goal, with 7 goals, to lead his side. Matthew Royce Yu, Reynaldo Salonga and Juan Paolo Serrano all chipped in with hat-tricks. Chai Chuan Ze scored twice for Malaysia.
For the Women’s team, since winning the Gold medal at the 2011 SEA Games, they have been playing bridesmaids to the Thais since then, but the 9-4 victory for the gold on Sunday, was the first time that they have beaten the Thais in 11 years.
Singapore B vs Thailand on the penultimate day of the Inter-Nations Cup. PHOTO: EUGENE, SINGAPORE SWIMMING ASSOCIATION
Leading by example, captain Koh Ting Ting, who had been a standout throughout the whole competition, added another 2 goals to her tally, with sister Xiao Li and Ong Cheng Jing also scoring twice for the hosts. Also in top form was goalkeeper Rochelle Ong, who repelled the Thais time and time again and deservedly won the Player of the Match trophy. Yanisa Turon led the Thais with a brace.
“I am very happy for the girls. It was a tough fight against a very good opponent, but we managed to keep our focus and structure. Overall, we had a very good competition, and I am proud of the team”, said Singapore Women’s Head Coach, Luo Nan.
Joyous scenes from the Singapore camp after winning the inaugural Inter-Nations Cup. PHOTO: CHEAH CHENG POH, SINGAPORE SWIMMING ASSOCIATION
Malaysia claimed bronze in the women’s competition after beating Singapore B 9-3 in the Bronze-medal match. Looking to end their campaign on a winning note, the Malaysians started with aplomb and led 6-0 at the half-time break, with the hosts trying their hardest to get back into the game. The hosts did manage to pull 3 consolation goals back in the final quarter. Mak Sin Sin and Low Jia Yee were the starring lights for Malaysia, with 4 and 3 goals apiece. Charlene Tio led Singapore B with 2 goals.
The top goalscorer award for Men went to Canete of Philippines with 15 goals, while Raksina Rueangsappaisan of Thailand clinched the Women’s award with 14 goals.
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