Pubz Comm Reporter: Yu Kit Chan

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Badminton Prelims (F): KE vs KR (1-4)

            The preliminary round for Badminton opened with a singles match between Lee May and her opponent from Kent Ridge. Even though signs of weariness were beginning to show on Lee May’s face as she fought to fend off her opponent, she never stopped trying her best. However, her opponent’s relentless attack of fast shots tended to end in the far corner of the court and Lee May eventually had to concede defeat.

            Next up was the doubles match with Rebecca and Beatrice pairing up to face off their Kent Ridge opponents. As the match started, our KE duo clearly had the more serious and business-like attitude towards the game while their opponents appeared to have a somewhat happy-go-lucky outlook. The strong teamwork and chemistry between Rebecca and Beatrice was evident. Within seconds from the start of the game, a quick return from Rebecca that took KR by surprise earned loud screams and cheers from the KE supporters. Rebecca and Beatrice clearly had the upper hand in terms of technique and skill. However, hampered by injury, the pair was unable to return a few deft shots by their opponents. It turned out to be a very close fight and both teams battled hard for each precious point. In the end, KE lost by a very narrow margin as seen from the scores of 21-19, 21-18.

            The third match was another singles match with Hui Ning representing KE. The game had an optimistic start. However, the situation turned a little bleak as Hui Ning repeatedly had to scramble around the court to return her opponent’s fast and varied shots. Yet, Hui Ning was never daunted by her intimidating opponent and fought back as hard as she could, executing a few drop shots that took her opponent by surprise. However, victory did not belong to KE for this match.

            Elnora and Brenda took to the courts for the next doubles match. It was a hard fight as the opponents attacked quickly and aggressively. Despite both Brenda and Nora being well seasoned players, the onslaught of smashes from the opposing pair was somewhat overwhelming. However, their steely determination never wavered and they pulled off a few brilliant shots as they fought hard against their opponents.

The very last match was the longest and by far the most exciting one. It was a singles match with Janice Lee representing KE. The match was off to a shaky start as Janice conceded the first set to her opponent. She quickly picked up strength of her attack though, as she started to overpower her opponent with smashes and drop shots. Stunned, her opponent fumbled often and the second set went to Janice.

 All eyes were on the two players as they begun their third and final set of the match. Sitting amidst the loud cheering from both KE and KR supporters, one could really feel the electrifying tension in the air then. The audience groaned and cheered for each point lost or scored and held their breaths in anticipation as both girls seemed fired up for their last set and were almost evenly matched. Janice’s intense concentration in the game only seemed to grow as she fired smash after smash, while her opponent’s uncertainty became more obvious. Janice’s shout of triumph finished off the game after her final smash and the KE supporters erupted into ecstatic cheers and screams of congratulations. Victory had never been so sweet before.

It was a triumphant ending to an otherwise slightly disappointing preliminary round and it really boosted the morale of both team players and supporters. We are immensely proud of our badminton girl team for their sportsmanship and persistent efforts.  They have every right to be proud of themselves as well.

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