| Singapore Badminton's SILVER Lining: Tay Wei Ming |
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25 January 2008
Vongchavalitkul University, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
Blaring strains of "The Final Countdown" ripped through the gymnasium of the Vongchavalitkul University, electrifying the arena that was soon to become the battle ground between Singapore and Vietnam for the Badminton Men's Singles crown. Singapore's Tay Wei Ming was oblivious to the melody of the stirring classic for only his opponent from Vietnam stood between him and Singapore?s first ever Badminton Gold in the ASEAN Para Games.
The match was a tense encounter between two shuttlers who met previously during the preliminary rounds. Nguyen Van Tai managed to edge out Tay during that match, needing three sets to defeat him. It was an opportunity for Tay to return his opponent the favour of a defeat.
In the first set, both athletes uncharacteristically made a series of unforced errors, managing to cancel out each other's advantage. With the set poised delicately at 12-12, the Vietnamese veteran aimed a well placed shot just beyond the reach of the much younger Tay to make the score 13-12. Nguyen raced ahead with a series of baseline shots and rallied to a 17-13 lead. Tay managed to impose himself back into the game and shredded his opponent's lead and left the score at 18-16. Nguyen displayed another dimension of his game by hitting a power smash that Tay could not return and took the first set 21-16.
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Tay Wei Ming (facing) Vs Nguyen Van Tai
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The second set began with much of the same from the first as the Vietnamese took a 2-0 lead after some unforced errors by Tay. Tay managed to compose himself and showed true grit and determination to race back and took the lead with a power shot and made the score 6-9. Nguyen seemed to be growing tired and frustrated as he started to make his fair share of unforced errors. Amid loud chants of "Singapore" from Tay?s supporters, Tay kept the contest tight with a flurry of precision shots that left his opponent floundering. However, experience proved to be too much for the Singaporean teenager as his final return failed to cross the net and handed the set, and the Gold medal to Nguyen Van Tai.
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Greased Lightning
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However, there is success in Tay's defeat as well. Hordes of adoring fans chanted for him and encouraged him throughout the match. Right after the final, many of them lined up for a photo opportunity with the dashing 19 year old with the reticent smile. His popularity with the people stretched beyond international borders as well judging by the adoration he received from the Thai students and volunteers. Coupled with youth, blinding speed on the court and with agility and precision to match, the future bodes well for Tay Wei Ming.
Singapore Badminton might have just found its next Sports Star. So folks, watch this space.
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Popularity Beyond Borders
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A Fan Club in the Making
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