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By Patrick Johnston
Thailand’s women’s water polo team have caused plenty of pain to their Singaporean counterparts in recent years. But not today (Sept 28). Not at this Asian Games.
The Singapore team shook off the heartbreak of the 11-4 loss to the Thais at the SEA Games earlier this year, and scored revenge for the home defeat in the final of the 2015 SEA Games by producing a brilliant 7-6 win at an atmospheric HSC Swimming Centre in Hangzhou.
“We are overjoyed with today's result,” said captain Koh Ting Ting. “The team has been working hard to make a comeback ever since our defeat to Thailand at the 2015 SEA Games. Our persistence and effort have finally paid off and I'm so glad we were able to claim the victory today.”
Singapore's Ranice Yap makes a pass in the women's water polo round robin victory over Thailand (Photo: Sport Singapore/ Bryan Foo)
Singapore trailed 2-1 after the first quarter, but clawed back in a tight affair with 17-year-old Ranice Yap, the youngest member of the team, scoring what proved to be the winner in the final quarter to complete a hat-trick.
Chow Yan Teng, Gina Koh, Michelle Tan and Ong Cheng Jing were Singapore’s other scorers on the night.
The victory was Singapore’s second from four matches in the seven-team round robin competition.
Singapore's Heather Lee (left) stretches to make a pass while her Thai opponent watches on in the women's water polo round robin fixture at the Asian Games. (Photo: Sport Singapore/ Bryan Foo)
They began with opening defeats to Kazakhstan and China, before bouncing back to beat South Korea 24-1 and now Thailand.
Singaporean goalkeeper Rochelle Ong was delighted with the fight and spirit shown by the team. She offered optimism that the win over Thailand was not the pinnacle, believing they can do even better in the final two matches against Japan on Friday (Sept 29) and Uzbekistan on Saturday (Sept 30).
“The team came together to fight on even though there were some lapses in our offensive play,” she said. “There are still two games remaining, and we are looking forward to them.”
Singapore's Michelle Tan prepares to throw a pass during the Asian Games round robin victory over Thailand (Photo: Sport Singapore/ Bryan Foo)
The 19th Asian Games are held in Hangzhou, China from 23 September to 8 October 2023. For the latest Team Singapore coverage and news, follow Team Singapore on their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) or visit the official Team Singapore website.
