Chiam Kun Yang (#7) of Singapore goes for the shot before Ali Abdulaziz (#9) of Kuwait can stop him. (Photo 1 courtesy of Singapore Water Polo)
Toa Payoh Swimming Complex, Wednesday, October 2, 2013 – Singapore raised eyebrows when they beat Kuwait 8–4 for their second straight win in the 3rd Asian Water Polo Cup. Singapore led 5–1 at half time.
“I am quite surprised by results and pleased with the team today,” said Lee Sai Meng, the Singapore head coach. “The last time we played the Kuwait team was at 2010 Asian Games when we drew in the preliminary rounds and lost to them by one goal in the final 5th-6th placing match.
“I’d say more game experience and better fitness attributed to the improvements seen in the team. New game tactics also kept the competitors at bay, especially on the defence side. However, we do need to learn how to control the game better when we are winning as we let in a few goals today.”
Singapore got their goals through Eugene Teo (2), Sean Ang (2), Yip Yang (2), Paul Tan (1) and Koh Jian Ying (1).
“In general, we were more clinical in our execution of goals playing against Kuwait today,” said Singapore vice-captain Paul Tan, 29. “Our fitness has improved, and it showed in the match as we managed to keep going all the way while the Kuwaitis ran out of steam.
“We have been training more efficiently to increase our fitness level, placing more emphasis on more cutting edge methods. I’d rate our team highly, we have a good mix of experience and youth in this squad and we need to play well for the rest of the days to win.”
Singapore had thrashed the Philippines 22–2 in their opening game.
“It wasn’t an easy game and we didn’t expect the goal difference to be so wide,” commented Singapore captain Eugene Teo, 26, on the game against the Philippines. “We played well today and managed to execute much of what we have been training. Attacking wasn’t an issue, and our defence was solid, especially in the first two periods. Though we made a few mistakes and let in two goals, we were mostly able to cover for each other and show that we work as a team, which is the main importance of the game.”
For the Philippines, they are rebuilding their team with an eye on the 2015 SEA Games.
“We are currently rebuilding our water polo team and aim to be competitive enough to take part in the 2015 SEA Games,” said Reynaldo Galang, the head coach of the Philippines. “Our boys are mostly below 20, the oldest being our goal keeper – a veteran at 33 years old – so our main goal taking part in this competition is to give them international exposure.
“Playing against Singapore is definitely a good experience for our boys. Singapore is a well-prepared team with the ability to handle pressure, so I’m sure the team will win this year’s SEA Games.”
Singapore go up against China for their third game on Thursday, October 3, at the Toa Payoh Swimming Complex. Game time is 6.30pm.
Singapore Squad
Nigel Tay (#1), Lin Diyang (#2), Loh Zhi Zhi (#3), Eugene Teo (#4), Lim Yao Xiang (#5), Paul Tan (#6), Chiam Kun Yang (#7), Samuel Yu (#8), Toh Zhi Hong (#9), Sean Ang (#10), Yip Yang (#11), Koh Jian Ying (#12), Byron Quek (#13)
Score by Quarter
Kuwait vs Singapore
1st Q: 0–1
2nd Q: 1–4 (1–5)
3rd Q: 1–2 (2–7)
4th Q: 2–1
Final Score: 4–8
Results
Day 2
Iran 25 Philippines 4
China 23 Sri Lanka 5
Kuwait 4 Singapore 8
Day 1
Singapore 22 Philippines 2
Sri Lanka 7 Kuwait 26
China 6 Iran 10
More photos next page
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