GOLDEN NUMBER 23

By Jeannette Xavier

Picture By Danny Toh

A proud unbeaten record. For the new faces among our Water Polo guys, it was hard to appreciate the historical significance of the team's feat as they clinched gold at the SEA Games in Laos yesterday (Dec 7).

Third Win

But newcomers Lin Yaoxiang, Samuel Loh and Andy Chin will celebrate as hard as their more seasoned team mates, Alvin Lee and Luo Nan. Afterall, the team had to come back from behind to beat Thailand 8-5 to score their third win after earlier victories over Indonesia (14-5) and the Philippines (8-1).

First Gold

In winning our first gold here in Vientiane, the boys had also earned our 23rd straight Water Polo title in this regional competition. Everyone played their part, from coach Lee Sai Meng to experienced centre-back Yip Ren Kai to the newbies. In the crucial match against Thailand, Ren Kai, in particular, showed superb form with his steady display in defence. Other players who stood out included Terence Tan, Eugene Teo, Luo Nan, Alvin Lee and Lin Diyang.

Better Things

There was much celebration after the gold was won. It included the team's traditional ritual of throwing Singapore's Chef de Mission into the pool. Jessie Phua, the "victim" this time, took it well. For her, the first gold before the Games' opening ceremony could only mean better things to come in the days ahead.