Squash (M)
KE vs SH - 4 : 1

From left: Dominic, Raymond, Denis, Sean, Chris, Jeremy, Vincent.

* * *
The game was set. Win against Sheares Hall and we were headed straight for the semis and to top the scoreboard for Squash (M).

It was the second round of preliminaries for our guys who had claimed an astounding win the day before against Kent Ridge Hall. There was a boisterous, supportive crowd at our very own KEVII Squash courts. The game has been moved here due to renovations in SRC and that probably encouraged more KEVIIans to come down to support.

To win, we needed to bag at least 3 of the 5 games played. Our five players were: (in order of playing) Christopher, Raymond, Jeremy, Denis and Vincent. In each game, the best of three sets wins.

First up was Chris. He was looking comfortable and fluid and was happy to take control in the first set, which he won 9-2. His opponent fought back, and fought back hard he did. The second set was a harder game in which the opponent gave his all. He was losing his cool and Chris took advantage of this and closed the game 9-7. Overall, it was a good game on both parts.

Raymond, also team captain, looked sharp and in control as he took on his stocky opponent. He gave a strong start and quickly recognized his opponent’s shortcomings. You could see a difference in pace between the two players as Raymond was stepping up and taking control. He stayed on top of his game throughout. The winning formula brought him all the way to finish both games quickly with 9-0, 9-0.

When it was Jeremy’s turn to play, it was an entirely different variety of squash. It was fast, furious, attacking, and electrifying. Both the players countered each other’s strong drives adeptly. There were many good shots from Jeremy and his opponent put up a good fight. The Sheares player was well aware that every score counted and ran hard to save the shots. The
outcome was sweet though as Jeremy sealed the path to the semis with a 9-2, 9-2 victory.

It was not over yet as the other two games still needed to be played. We came to the fourth and most exciting match of the night. It was good squash, not just in terms of game-playing, but in terms of the determination and sheer willpower that the players showed. For that I take my hat off to Denis and his opponent friend. Denis was suffering multiple injuries and running a fever. Still, he played on with a swollen middle finger and bruised right arm, which was smashed into by his opponent’s racquet yesterday.

Known for his skill and drop shots, Denis finished the first set without realizing it. The second game proved even more exciting as the game came to a deuce. Both sides held on to the game, not allowing the other to take it away. In the end, the Sheares player took the second set. Denis had to tolerate the throbbing injuries and had to keep on playing in the deciding set. Shouts of “From here!”, “Go Denis!”, “Good shot!” were directed at our
inspiring Denis. There were a few exchanges that demonstrated creativity, reaction, and reflexes from both players that were dazzling. Then, it was another episode of suspense when they again came to a deuce. This time, Denis took it all the way and won the game! Overall, it was a great game that was well played by both of the players.

Vincent was the fifth player. Having not trained for a long time, he was not in top form. He lost the first set after being a true sportsman. With no intentions of letting the streak fall by the wayside, he pulled out a 10-8 win in the second set. By the third set, signs of tiredness were apparent in Vincent and the opponent closed out the game with 4-9.

“Our boys put up a good fight. Denis played well and Jeremy played exceptionally well,” says Raymond, team captain. Our win can be attributed to a combination of good players, adequate training and useful, strategic advice from Sean, who will only be playing for KE starting next semester. But of course, having a healthy crowd there helped too!

With such brilliant results, we can now look on with optimism and probably will hear of greater achievements from our Squash team. We offer them our congratulations. To our sportsmen uffering injuries, may you have speedy recoveries!

Meanwhile, to all readers: Do make it down for the semis which will be on 9th of February! (Venue to be confirmed, but most likely KE courts again!)

- Mi Chelle