The UCSC 'F'hantoms were in high spirits after toppling New Pioneers, which was the group leader before last evening's key match.

'F'hantom #1, Ben Chan, and 'F'hantom #4, Liao Ming Hao, coordinated their matches to perfection, both entering and exiting the courts at the same time and emerging with similar victory margins ..... 3-0.

'F'hantom #3, Warren Seow, dropped the first set against an ex-UCSC player, Andy Cheong, but regained his composure, came storming back and hustled for every point to restore law and order with a 3-1 win to axe the ex-UCSC player.

Unfortunately it was not to be another clean slate for the 'F'hantoms as 'F'hantom #2, Brian Chang, saw his one-week absence from practice, come back to 'haunt' him as he faced a determined NP opponent who controlled the tie, giving Brian few opportunities to assert his normal game. Brian went down 0-3 but we have no doubts that he will see his 'spirits' return and he goes on to terrorise his future opponents.

It was a good and significant victory nevertheless, over another genuine title-contender. Our thanks to New Pioneers for their hospitality.

UCSC Lives & Breathes Squash!