Thomson CSC Squash Invitational 2012 - THE FINALS!

Written by Michael C.S. TAN

Monday, 13 February 2012 12:53

(photos - courtesy of the photographic genius of Tyrone Almeida)

It was a resounding success for the Thomson CSC Squash Invitational 2012 Finals Day event held at Yio Chu Kang Squash Centre last Saturday. Court conditions were excellent, the weather was kind, the finalists keen and the spectators wonderful .... A perfect combination befitting the event's finale.

The Plate events started proceedings with the 3rd/4th placings and Final played simultaneously. In the 3rd/4th placings, veteran Peter Loh put on display all his experience and cunning to overcome the enthusiasm and hard running of his younger opponent, Tim Calder. Tim's over-eagerness at crucial points after doing much of the running, resulted in the tin being sounded repeatedly to his detriment. The older man emerged a worthy winner of the 3rd placing with a convincing 15-12, 15-10 victory.

In the Plate Final, young Brandon Tan continued his fine run and demonstrated his growing confidence and maturing steadiness with a methodical desptach of his game Gurkha opponent, Nabin Pun, winning 15-9, 15-13 despite a 3-point official handicap.

With results of the exciting curtain raisers decided, the Open events got underway with the 3rd/4th placings and two veterans who put on show, a performance worthy of much younger competitors.... And then some. Phil Mockridge, a recent inductee to the veterans' club, took on seasoned veteran and ex-international, Simon Yang, who was also last year's losing Finalist. The lead switched hands several times during the match and the final scores reflected the keen competition and fierce combat on court. The second set was stopped momentarily when scores were disputed before a new marker and referee eventually engaged. The brief counting debate only added to the intensity of the match and spectators continued to be treated to an avalanche of trick shots, cunning placements, deliciously long rallies and determined retrievals from two 'youthful' veterans who must have surely inspired younger squash proponents. Simon Yang emerged Young Simon and a deserving winner with a 15-12, 15-12 scoreline over a most worthy opponent in Phil Mockridge.

It was then the turn of the day's top billing, featuring two of Singapore's most exciting teenaged squashers, Pang Ka Hoe (top seed and 2011 British Junior Open U-15 quarter-finalist) and Jason Ho (defending champion, second seed and Singapore's 2012 U-19 runner-up) contesting the Open Final. The appreciative audience was treated to a fast-paced opening with breath-taking rallies and retrievals punctuated by deft wrist flicks and placements. Towards the end of the first set, Jason began to assert his authority on the last few rallies and managed to surge home at 15-10. The second set started out promisingly enough but a pattern was emerging as the set wore on with Ka Hoe just seeming to be a centimetre or two slower, small in physical measurement but near-fatal in such a high-calibre contest with the slimmest margin in reach, making all the difference in results. And so it turned out with Jason pulling increasingly ahead to romp home, a clear winner at 15-3 to retain his crown and bring home (for a limited period only) the new TCSC Challenge Trophy kindly donated by MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, Mr. Hri Kumar Nair, who sadly had to miss the occasion due to an overlap with another commitment.

During the prize-giving ceremony, the various participants were acknowledged..... The Gurkha contingent from Police, SCC, JCC, I-Hub, Thomson constituency residents and of course, our very own UCSC participants. "Dhanybhad" (Nepali for "Thank you") especially to the Police team their very friendly gesture when they presented a plaque as a token of their appreciation to the Chairman of the Thomson CSC (Community Sports Club), Mr. Tan Fong Chow, who also gave away the very attractive prizes to winners of the various events. Mr. Joseph Wong, President of the United Condo Squash Club, then gave away prizes for the lucky draw. The former trophy, graciously contributed by Mr. Wong, has now been 'retired' and on display in the trophy cabinet of the Thomson CSC.

Kudos to the Organizing Committee of Dave Phua (and his wife, Kim), Linda Tan (and her sons, Bryan & Darryl), Michael Chua and Tim Calder, for the excellent and very successful organisation of the 2012 Thomson CSC Squash Invitational.

Thomson CSC and UCSC, Live & Breathe Squash!