Sunday, September 24, 2017

An exciting first day of competition with WA 1 beating NSW 1 for the first time in memory

Dear readers


It has been a nerve wrecking day.

WA 1 played NSW 1 in their first game of the tournament. It is never easy playing NSW 1 especially when it is the first game of the tournament.

Theodore and Julian went first against R Tang and I Wong. WA was leading at 17- 10. With a loss of concentration by WA1, NSW 1 managed to scrape through with a 22/20 win. WA managed to win the 2nd set 21/12 but both WA boys had to give up at 6/21. What a waste.

The WA1 girls doubles was another tough fight. Berniece and Joanne won the first set 21/19. NSW1 fought back in the 2nd set winning 21/14. It was again down to the wire and the 3rd set went to NSW1 at 21/13. 

Theodore then played Ricky Tang. He could not contain Ricky at 21/12 and 21/16.

WA was now down 3 matches. It was looking dire. This looks like all the games we have played against NSW 1 all these years. WA 1 has never been able to beat NSW 1 and it looked like this year was not the year again.

Then young Joanne went in to fight Yasmin Say. She managed to win the first set at 21/19, Such concentration from young Joanne who can play again in the Under 15s next year.

Yasmin fought back in the 2nd set and won at 21/18. This was another 3 setter and Joanne was looking tired and clutching her tummy. It did not look good but she refused to give up. I could see the pain in her young face.

The 3rd set started and it was torturous watching Joanne play despite her pain. Half way through the game, she had to ask for a short injury break. Every one was frantic trying to get her some painkillers for her knee which was hurting.

I could see the tears in her eyes as she sprayed the painkiller on her knees.  I wonder what her parents must be feeling.

She got up and continued the fight to a final win at 21/19. What a star. She has real courage and determination. I think she must have turned the game around as every one in the team saw how she fought for WA and felt encouraged. We were now 1/3 but still trailing.

Jonny then went in for WA and easily beat Ivan Wong in 2 sets under 10. He reminds me of a young Xiang. Just as talented and equally cocky.

Next Berniece went in to fight for WA. She had no problems beating Angie Liu in 2 sets. We were now 3 sets all and things were looking interesting. She has been a real backbone for the team.

I spoke to Xiang Ling, the Under 15s triple crowner. He had been coaching some of the players with Kai Jie and Tyz. Xiang said we just needed to win 1 more game and WA 1 would win. He should know, he has played in many tournaments.

Angie and Ricky Tang beat Julianne an injured Joanne in 2 sets.

However Jonny and Berniece beat Yasmin and Ivan Wong also in 2 sets and with a better score.

Based on Xiang's calculation, we had won by 1 set.

There was no celebration as everyone was unsure.

I found out later that the tournament referee and BAWA's Executive officer said the point had not been given to WA yet as they interpreted the rules against WA.

Sok Teoh, our experienced assistant manager (yes, I think he has been appointed) went with Annie to argue the rules and persuaded the tournament referee to give WA the point. Good work Sok Teoh.

So that was the morning for WA 1. It was good that players like Xiang, Kai Chen, Kai Jie and Tyz, all experienced big brothers came down to coach.

I have been checking around and cannot find any one who can tell me when was the last time we beat NSW 1.


Meanwhile WA 2 were not having an easy time against NSW 2.

WA 2 only manged wins with T Sentoso and R Swain against A Fang and P Kustiadi in a 3 setter.

Angusamy and Damien Wan also managed wins against J Donald and Asher Ooi.

Only Dawson managed a 3 set loss against Xenos He. Never mind, WA 2 players are all young and the experience will help next year.


 

 

 

 

 

NSW Thunder - WA Wasps: 4-4

Time:Sun 9/24/2017 12:00 PM
Draw:Val Nesbitt Trophy - Group A
Score:4-4
Match overview
OrderEventNSW Thunder-WA WaspsScorePoints

Duration
1BD
Ricky Tang
Ivan Wong
-
Theodore Kang
Julian Mao Lun Lee
22-20 12-21 21-61-0

0:30
2GD
Angie Liu
Yasmin Say
-
Bernice Teoh
Joanne Zheng
19-21 21-14 21-131-0

0:36
3BS2
Ricky Tang
-
Theodore Kang
21-12 21-161-0

0:30
4GS2
Yasmin Say
-
Joanne Zheng
19-21 21-18 19-210-1

0:40
5BS1
Ivan Wong
-
Jonny Kok
4-21 8-210-1

0:24
6GS1
Angie Liu
-
Bernice Teoh
18-21 14-210-1

0:25
7XD2
Angie Liu
Ricky Tang
-
Julian Mao Lun Lee
Joanne Zheng
21-10 21-191-0

0:20
8XD1
Yasmin Say
Ivan Wong
-
Jonny Kok
Bernice Teoh
13-21 11-210-1

0:24
Statistics

PointsWonDrawLostMatchesGamesPoints
NSW Thunder00014-49-10327-338
WA Wasps11004-410-9338-327



WA Scorpions - NSW Lightning: 2-6

Time:Sun 9/24/2017 12:00 PM
Draw:Val Nesbitt Trophy - Group B
Score:2-6
Match overview
OrderEventWA Scorpions-NSW LightningScorePoints

Duration
1BD
Dawson Lawrence
Damien Wan
-
Xenos He
Asher Ooi
15-21 21-230-1

0:26
2GD
Cindy Lawrence
Radhika Swain
-
Jesamine Donald
Pheobe Ooi
13-21 19-210-1


3BS2
Timothy Sentosa
-
Asher Ooi
16-21 13-210-1

0:25
4GS2
Radhika Swain
-
Pheobe Ooi
13-21 10-210-1

0:20
5BS1
Dawson Lawrence
-
Xenos He
15-21 21-15 11-210-1

0:40
6GS1
Cindy Lawrence
-
Priska Kustiadi
8-21 10-210-1

0:20
7XD2
Timothy Sentosa
Radhika Swain
-
Allen Fang
Priska Kustiadi
22-24 21-11 21-171-0

0:35
8XD1
Shakthi Nimala Angusamy
Damien Wan
-
Jesamine Donald
Asher Ooi
21-12 21-161-0

0:17
Statistics

PointsWonDrawLostMatchesGamesPoints
WA Scorpions00012-65-13291-349
NSW Lightning11006-213-5349-291





































































































  












        







































                                                                 

Thursday, September 21, 2017

Introducing WA Scorpions

Dear readers

WA Scorpions are the state's 2nd team.

The players are :

Damien Wan, Dawson Lawrence (Captain), Timothy Santoso.
Cindy Lawrence, Radhika Swain, Shakthi NimalaAngusamy (Vice captain).

I believe these players are representing WA for the first time and we wish them the best.

Nick Kidd is the coach and he will guide them and push them to give their best.  Suryawati is the manager and will find it challenging to manage this young team.

The umpire is Bradley Chen who has already experienced a few national championships.


Memories of the Under 15s tournaments that I have blogged about and been personally involved in.

Dear readers

Was just going through the blog from 2012 to see what I had written before and what WA has achieved in this tournament.

The best we have won was a silver in 2012. I am hoping WA can do much better this year under Yuli's coaching.

For the players, I can not help but put in this picture of Xiang and Tyzton when they won BD silver in the Under 15s.

Xiang was so short.

Xiang and Tyz in 2012 in the Under 15s winning silver



How cute and short Xiang was in 2012. Despite giving their best Xiang and Tyz only managed a silver.

Fast forward to 2016 and they win the Under 19's Doubles gold. See how Xiang is now taller than Tyzton.


So, never give up. You never know where your talent and determination will lead you.

Of course Xiang went on to win many gold medals including triple crowning in the 2013 Under 15s.

He also double crowned in the Under 19s last year and the year before.

So players, give your best for WA and good luck.

Monday, September 18, 2017

The 2017 Under 15s WA State team

Dear readers

The Under 15s 2017 state team is preparing for the Nationals commencing next week.

I have not been blogging much about them as there was not much to blog. One of the players has been training in Indonesia. Another has been training in Malaysia.

Hence, the team has not been a team for the last 2 months. However, I know that Yuli is the coach and my wife Annie Sim is the manager. Yuli has been coaching the team as well as she can without the full team.  Our BAWA president, Lily has been appointed as the team Umpire.  Good on her.

So who else are in the team?

Here they are. There are 2 teams as we have so many outstanding juniors:

2017 (Perth, WA)

WA Wasps:
Jonny Kok
Theodore Kang
Julian Lee
Bernice Teoh
Joanne Zheng
Vevina Yang

Coach: Yuli Zheng
Manager: Annie Sim
Umpire: President Lily Buttrose

There is a 2nd team
WA Scorpions:
Damien Wan
Dawson Lawrence
Timothy Sentosa
Radhika Swain
Shakthi Angusamy
Cindy Lawrence

Coach: Nick Kidd
Manager : Surya Santoso

Bearing in mind, the nationals will be in Perth, it is good that we have 2 teams. The first team will fight for gold. The 2nd team will be close behind to see if they can get a medal.

Last Sunday, we had the President's Cup.

The President's team were made up of:

Angie Yang
Amanda Soh
Alicia Xu
Katrina Garing
Daryl
Hong Yung
Jason Lee
WenLiang.

The games were played at Samson. The President's cup is a tournament organised before the team leaves for the nationals. It used to be ONLY for the Under 17s and Under 19s state team, When I was the manager in 2012, I asked the BAWA president Judith to organise a President's Cup for the Under 15s and she obliged. Hence, we have had a Under 15s President's Cup since 2012.

This year, the President's team, won after close fights.

The President's team lost most of the singles matches but redeemed themselves in the doubles and mixed. However, the Under 15s team could not stop the efforts of the President's team and conceded defeat. This experience will help the Under 15s team when they meet their opponents next week, Good luck.

The President's team
The Under 15s team



Wednesday, October 5, 2016

The Individual events that has ended

Dear readers

The Individual events has ended with WA players doing their best but not excelling. Only Theodore managed a singles  plate medal.

The rest of the players had the following results:

Jonny Kok beat James Delosa in the first round in singles but lost to eventual semi finalist Ryan Venpin in 2 sets.

Jackie won his first match against Souksavat but lost in the 2nd set to Ben Chen.

Theodore lost in the first set and went to win the plate.

Bernice lost to eventual winner Majan in 2 sets. She did well and can still play next year.

Alicia went to the plate and lost to Aroonsiri in the 2nd round.

Anjali lost her first round and went to the plate before losing to Irene Chau the plate winner in 2 sets.


Bernice and Thomas Ng won their first round but lost in the 2nd to R Audley and K Ea in 2 sets,

Jackie and Alicia lost the first round to R Wang and M Zhao  therefore going to the plate. They got to the quarters in the plate.

Theodore and Viravong went as far as the semis before being beaten by R Audley and K Ea  who came in second.

Jonny and Anjali went to the plate after losing to Kolla and C Bui. They lost in the plate finals to R Venpin and I Chau.

In the BD Theodore and Souksat reached the semis before losing to eventual winners R Agustino and E Chen.

Jonny and Jackie went to the plate before losing in the final to Thomas Ng and R Tang.

Phoebe and Alixia managed to win the first before losing to A Liu and Y Say in 2 sets.

Anjali and Ann Buon went to the plate. They lost to Alicia and Ooi.

So that is the end of the tournament for the players.

I am sure they have learned heaps from this experience. They may feel disappointed  they did not do better, but I am sure they gave their all. Some may still be able to play in the Under 15s next year and will definitely do better. Others have the Under 17s to look forward to.

They must be proud to represent WA. Good luck to them in their future badminton journeys.

The players need to thank Coach Nick, Umpire Lily and manager Ian.  They have done a great job.


 





Sunday, October 2, 2016

The controversial 2nd day of team events

Dear readers

You should have seen my phone on Sat. There were tonnes of whatsapp messages.

The WA team beat SA 6/2 in a very hard fight.

That meant they had a chance of getting a medal again as SA had beaten Vic 2 in points just like Voc 2 won WA in points.

WA then went on to beat NSW 2 5/3 giving them the right to fight for a bronze medal.

The kicker was that when NSW 1 played against Vic 2, they won 6 matches. NSW 1 then forfeited 2 matches to Vic 2 in walkovers. That gave Vic 2 a 2 game lead against WA in the total game score.

At first WA thought they had won the chance for a medal fight but it was not to be. The referee deemed Vic 2 the winner against WA despite the howls of protest by all in WA and the WA team.

Vic 2 went on to beat the territories again in points.

How cruel it was for WA and the young players.

There was even shouts of protest that NSW 1 should be disqualified for throwing the last 2 matches to allow Vic 2 to win 2 matches.

Life can be tough. I hope the players pick themselves up and prove themselves in the individual events to put themselves up as the worthy winners.

In the team event as there are only 7 teams, WA came in 5th and did not have to play on Sun. Maybe its a blessing in disguise so they can have a rest. I will try an cover the individual events tomorrow,

I am sure WA and the players parents are very proud of what the young players did for WA.

NSW Lightning (NSW Lightning) - WA Sharks (WA Sharks): 3-5

Time:Sat 10/1/2016 4:00 PM
Draw:U15 Val Nesbitt Trophy 2016 Val Nesbitt Trophy - 2016 VN A3 v B3 & B4
Score:3-5
Match overview
OrderEventNSW Lightning (NSW Lightning)-WA Sharks (WA Sharks)Score
Points

Duration
1BD
Jonathan Donald
Xin Yuan Yang
-
Theodore Kang
Jonny Kok
15-21 11-210-1

0:28
2GD
Angie Liu
Yasmin Say
-
Bernice Teoh
Alicia Xu
11-21 21-15 21-191-0

0:40
3BS2
Jun Yin
-
Theodore Kang
17-21 7-210-1

0:20
4GS2
Yasmin Say
-
Bernice Teoh
10-21 14-210-1

0:23
5BS1
Jonathan Donald
-
Jonny Kok
11-21 11-210-1

0:20
6GS1
Angie Liu
-
Alicia Xu
16-21 15-210-1

0:21
7XD2
Phoebe Ooi
Jun Yin
-
Anjali Bhujun
Theodore Kang
Walkover1-0


8XD1
Angie Liu
Xin Yuan Yang
-
Jonny Kok
Bernice Teoh
21-11 21-131-0

0:20
Statistics

PointsWonDrawLostMatchesGamesPoints
NSW Lightning00013-56-11264-289
WA Sharks21005-311-6289-264

SA (SA) - WA Sharks (WA Sharks): 2-6

Time:Sat 10/1/2016 9:00 AM
Draw:U15 Val Nesbitt Trophy 2016 Val Nesbitt Trophy - Group B
Score:2-6
Match overview
OrderEventSA (SA)-WA Sharks (WA Sharks)Score
Points

Duration
1BD
Christopher Kollakkombil
Gavin Ong
-
Theodore Kang
Jonny Kok
18-21 16-210-1

0:25
2GD
Aim Aroonsiri
Cat-Thy Bui
-
Bernice Teoh
Alicia Xu
16-21 21-13 21-181-0

0:40
3BS2
Don Bui
-
Theodore Kang
15-21 12-210-1

0:30
4GS2
Cat-Thy Bui
-
Bernice Teoh
21-15 18-21 15-210-1

0:45
5BS1
Gavin Ong
-
Jonny Kok
19-21 21-18 16-210-1

0:50
6GS1
Aim Aroonsiri
-
Alicia Xu
14-21 23-250-1

0:30
7XD2
Cat-Thy Bui
Christopher Kollakkombil
-
Anjali Bhujun
Theodore Kang
21-12 15-21 17-210-1

0:35
8XD1
Aim Aroonsiri
Gavin Ong
-
Jonny Kok
Bernice Teoh
21-10 23-211-0

0:30
Statistics

PointsWonDrawLostMatchesGamesPoints
SA00012-67-13363-384
WA Sharks21006-213-7384-363