Story by Chan Hui Mui/Red Sports. Photos by Soh Jun Wei/Red Sports

Chen Huifen (GA), who earned her 100th cap today, attempts a shot. (Photo 1 © Soh Jun Wei/Red Sports)

Chen Huifen (GA), who earned her 100th cap today, attempts a shot. (Photo 1 © Soh Jun Wei/Red Sports)

OCBC Arena, Saturday, June 6, 2015 — Singapore beat Thailand 59-29 to qualify for the final of the SEA Games netball tournament.

Singapore had a good start and attempted to establish a comfortable lead. However, accurate shooting from Yada Boonkong helped to keep the Thais in the game. Singapore led 11–7 at the end of the first quarter.

Singapore veterans Yasmin Ho and Chen Huifen came on as Goal Shooter and Goal Attack respectively in the second quarter. The duo have been teammates since school days, and their chemistry showed as they sank easy shots to give Singapore a 32–12 lead at half-time.

Singapore had a disastrous third quarter though, with poor passing gifting Thailand several scoring opportunities. However, the Thais could not capitalise on this and failed to find their sweet spot in the scoring circle. Singapore won the quarter narrowly 9–8.

Singapore eventually regained their momentum in the final quarter and beat Thailand 59–29 resoundingly to qualify for the final, while the Thais had to settle for bronze.

“We came out strong today. They played well. The girls played more calmly especially the centre, Pacharee Sangian. However, due to lack of international experience, the team could not find solutions to the strategies that Singapore threw at them,” commented Thailand coach Chng Li Li.

“Our mission for this SEA Games was a bronze medal and we achieved it. It is important that we earned this bronze medal as it will help to boost the development in Thailand, particularly financially,” added Chng.

Looking forward to tomorrow’s final, Singapore coach Ruth Atiken commented, “I have not decided about the lineup. We have a strong 12. Everyone knows that if they are not performing, someone on the bench will take over. It is great to have such competitiveness. Off-court, we are a great team. We just need to have that on court too.”

Singapore will play defending champions Malaysia in the final on 7 June, 2pm, at the OCBC Arena.

Scores by Quarter
Singapore vs Thailand
1st Q: 11–7
2nd Q: 32–12 (21–5)
3rd Q: 41–20 (9–8)
4th Q: 59–29 (18–9)

2015 SEA Games Netball – Fixtures and Results
 
More photos next page