Water polo: Singapore exact revenge on Indonesia, one step closer to reclaiming SEA Games gold
Singapore's Yu Jun Jie takes a shot against Indonesia at the SEA Games in Cambodia, on May 14, 2023. (Photo: CNA/Jeremy Long)
PHNOM PENH: Midway while speaking to reporters, Singapore men’s water polo captain Lee Kai Yang needed a minute to compose himself.
To casual observers, it may have been just another round-robin match at the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. But this one meant more.
“We’re very happy that we won, definitely a lot of emotions, four years of hard work. It means everything," said Lee, after leading the team to a 12-5 win over Indonesia on Sunday (May 14).
With that, Lee and his team-mates moved one step closer to reclaiming their Games crown.
The last time the sport featured at the SEA Games, Singapore finished with a bronze after two wins, a draw and a 7-5 defeat at the hands of Indonesia.
Prior to that loss, the team were Games champions 27 consecutive times.
Water polo was omitted from the last edition of the Games in Hanoi.
“I can remember every play from that game, we had every opportunity to win that as well, said Lee.
“It’s really just executing, covering for each other and doing our best. If we do our best, and the outcomes don’t fall in our favour, we have to live with that as well. That’s sports after all.”
But there would be no repeat of 2019 on Sunday, as Singapore put on a commanding performance at the National Olympic Stadium Swimming Centre in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Despite the Indonesians racing to a 3-2 lead in the first period, Singapore kept their cool, and two quick goals in the second period would give them a slender lead.
Buoyed by a number of saves by Lee, the momentum swung the way of Singapore, and they stretched their lead to 8-4 in third period.
Cheered on by a partisan crowd consisting mainly of Team Nila volunteers, Singapore closed out the match in commanding fashion.
There was added meaning for Lee, with the victory coming on Mothers’ Day.
“Just in the 13 (squad members) alone, we have four fathers. And every one of us has our parents’ support,” he said. “There’s just a lot of sacrifice that has been made.”
This is Singapore’s third win in the tournament, after beating Thailand 12-7 and thrashing Malaysia 14-1.
Currently top of the group, they will next face Philippines, before taking on host nation Cambodia.
And while there is reason to celebrate, the gold has not been secured yet, emphasised Lee.
“Ultimately, this (tournament) is a round robin format - the job’s not done,” he said.
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