SEA Games: S’pore edge Indonesia in women’s waterpolo opener

SINGAPORE — The Republic got off to a winning start in their quest for gold in the SEA Games women’s waterpolo competition when they defeated Indonesia 7-6 on Tuesday afternoon (Aug 15).

After a goal-less opening quarter, Ng Yi Wen broke the deadlock in the second quarter to put Singapore ahead at the National Aquatic Centre at Bukit Jalil before Rani Raida equalised. A brace from Angeline Teo and goals from Loke En Yuan and captain Gina Koh then gave Singapore a commanding 5-1 lead at the end of the third quarter.

Singapore looked set to cruise to victory against a new-look Indonesia that retained only five members from the team that took part in 2015, but were put on the ropes when their opponents stormed back to take the fourth quarter 5-2. After Ng opened the scoring, Indonesia netted five times without reply, with the fifth coming just 14 seconds before the final whistle.

Singapore managed to hold on to record their first win under coach Lee Sai Meng, who was redesignated to take charge of the women’s team this year, having previously coached the men’s side. 

It was Singapore’s third straight SEA Games win over Indonesia, having emerged 7-4 victors two years ago on home soil en route to claiming the silver medal.

Singapore, who first beat Indonesia 11-9 in their backyard to win gold when the women’s competition made its debut at the 2011 edition, are looking to reclaim the gold after a shock 4-5 loss to Thailand in the 2015 final. 

When contacted, Lee decribed the team's performance as decent but noted the lapses in concentration that led to the goals being conceded. "It was a decent performance, everyone stuck to their task and played their part in the win," he said.  

"Everyone played to the game plan. The lapses of communication can be improved upon."

Singapore next face hosts Malaysia on Wednesday and are expected to record a second straight win. Malaysia lost 2-22 to defending champions Thailand on Tuesday.

 With only four teams in the round-robin tournament and the expectation that Thailand will beat Indonesia as well, a win for Singapore today will set up a winner-takes-all clash with Thailand on the final day on Saturday.