Tournaments in 2011

Some tournaments to look forward to in 2011

Season Opener

The 2011 has officially kick off yesterday at Sengkang Centre Court. The matches were as follows:

Headliners:

(1) Tong vs (2) Ben

Co-Headliner:

(1) Tong vs (3) Nizlan

(2) Ben vs (3) Nizlan

Opening Act:

(1) Tong/(5)Shona vs (2) Ben/(3)Nizlan

The first match for 2011 began on time with the double match. The match was pretty dull for the 5000 die hard fans and began chanting "YOU SUCKS!!" and "WHAT??" at the tail end of the game.

Time for the first co-headlining match of the day between Ben and Lan. Both had put up quite a show for their last 2 and half matches beginning at Burghley. The two had some great exchanges in the beginning but the extra training for Lan seems to pay dividend as he play slightly better on the big points. The East London based fans started singing "Im forever blowing bubbles" while the Valencia fans were singing "Ole Ole Ole!!".

Second headline match of the day feature Sengkang No 1 Senor "Gonzo" Tong and Pie Eating Sengkang No 3 Lan. Tong was clearly affected by the bad lighting and his eyesight. The match was for Lan to lose and he proceed to take the match. The Santiago fans were doing the Chilean Wave and screaming "Vamos Senor Gonzo!!" countered by the Valencia fans with their "Ole Ole Ole" chants. Tong did not play as well becuz of the bad lightings and semi blindness. We will see more from him in the next game and prove why he is THE GAME.

Headliners. Tong vs Ben. No more trash talking time for action. This match was pretty even. Tong playing with semi blindness and Ben playing on a full stomach means both not at the top of their game. Still, the fans were treated to some fine winners and shot makings which make them the top 2 player in Sengkang. Ben promises a part 2 for Tong vs Ben ala Rumble in the Jungle.

P.S. Dan is attending secret training in Jurong Island. Keep a watch out for him in the coming games!!!

Ranking as 28 December 2010

1) Speedy "Gonzo" Tong -9400

2) Benjamin Chia - 9345

3) Nizlan - 9285

4) Dan - 7005

5) Shona - 6800

6) Mel - xxxxxx

Doping Case - Guilty as charged.

It never rains but it pours. Problems seems to be mounting for current Sengkang No 6 Mel as he was failed his urine test for doping. He will banned until further notice. This will be big blow for him as he is recovering from a serious injury and now this doping incident. You cannot be serious.

Used to be one of the brightest star in the circuit with his wide range of arsenal now he is just serving time on the sidelines. The rest of the players have given Mel their full support and if he can recover fully from his injuries and finish his rehab, he will be back on the circuit.

In the meantime, he will be sailing across the 7 seas doing at what he does best besides tennis, fishing.

The Battle for Number 1 Begins...

Guerra de Palabras

2011 is about 3 days away and the "Guerra de Palabras" has begun between Sengkang No 1 Senor "Gonzo" Tong and Sengkang No 2 Mr Benjamin Chia.

This took place on the early hours of Chritsmas at Sengkang Sports Halls perataining the style of tennis being played by both players. Ben is defending his counter puncher style of play while Tong say its overated. Tong mentioned he will hit winners from anywhere and everywhere ending it with a lob. He added those moves will send shiver down Ben's spine. Ben counter by asking Tong to bring it on for tonight's game which is a warm up tournament leading to the 2011 season.

Main Event

(1) Tong ("Batista them song")

vs (2) Ben ("Bret Hart Theme Song")

Other Matches

(1) Tong vs (3)Nizlan

(2) Ben vs (3) Nizlan

Possible Matches

Doubles feat Shona

The fans will get to see a fired up Ben against the ever stylish aggresive Tong putting up a treat and possibly their best match ever which has been missing for a long time!! Or will it be one way traffic for either one of the player?? Wat about Nizlan who is not far off the rankings but apparently has injured his wrist?? Stay tuned to find out!!

FYI: Guerra de Palabras is War of Words in Castillo Language!!

Charity Funding Trail Blazing Hell Raising

After a long hard-fought season, Sengkang's ATP no 2 and no 3, Ben and Nizlan took on court for a charity and exhibition match held at Compasspoint Centre Court. The match raised a total sum od $2.1 million. The Beneficiaries are Montfort School, the IMH and to our fellow ATP Player Mel who is suffering a long term injury which kept him out all season long until god knows when as well as the Children Society.

Guest of Honours for the match includes:

1) Mr TCH;

2) Mr Neo T W - Ex Principal of Montfort Sec

3) Montfort Teachers; and
4) Children from all over Sengkang/Punggol.

Pre Match Event:

National Anthem of the following Countries performed and sung by the Montfort Military Band/ Choir:

1) Majulah Singapura

2) Himno Nacional De Chile

3) God Save the Queen

4) La Marcha Real

5) Advance Australian Fair

6) Boze Pravde/ Negaraku
7) Kde Domov Muj/ Yiyongjun Jinxingqu.

Intro Music to the Players:

1) Evolution Theme Song (Line in the sand) - Ben

2) DX Theme Song (Break it Down) - Nizlan

The Match

The match was pretty much an exhibition style. Players going easy with their shots, trying new shots in a light hearted game. The sell crowd at Compasspoint Centre court did not get to see the intensity of part 1 and part 2 but for spirit of fund raising, they played their part in tearing the roof down. This is despite Ben being late as he was held back by a press conference at Compasspoint. All this time, Nizlan was on centre court practicing his serves and was cheered on by the gals crowd that was there. When the match began, the crowds were all singing "Im forever blowing bubbles" and doing the mexican waves and chanting "Ole Ole Ole". OM however had to be the party pooper as he stopped the match as it was past bedtime for some of the beneficiaries kids who attended the game.

After Match

The distinguish Guests made their way to the BBQ area and help themselves to some light food and chatter their way thru the night. While the two players discuss what lies ahead for the holidays and season ahead. As the night closes, the players wish each other luck for next season which will be hard fought for the no 1 spot.

Can it get any better??

Burghley Open
18 December 2010

After a long season, the season is drawing to a close with the players returning to Burghley. The matches were held back by bad transportation timing as well as the rain. It didnt however hinder the players from giving some of the best play. So what are my thoughts of yesterday matches?

Court No 2

Shona (5) vs Taylor "Dan" (4)

Battle of the double backhands and the 2 player of the week promises much. Both players have improved their strokes and moving prety well too. Excellent exchanges between the players makes them the players to watch come 2011. As I was discussing this match with Tong, we both agreed that both had an excellent outing especially at the tail end of the season. I wish both players well for the coming season.

Match Rating : 7.5

Court No 1

Benjamin (2) Vs Nizlan (3)

After some thrash talking between the two, its time to get on court. I must say my tactics was to go for his backhand over and over. This time, Ben was prepared as he position himself slightly more to the backhand. Having said that, there were all sort of rallies, cross-court forehands, forehand to the backhands, drop shots and etc etc.. This match has it all. However, still some unforced errors on my side of play which is not surprising since Im playing a more high risk game than Ben. Our contrasting style always makes the match tasty and one to look forward too. As far as my comment, "I know where to target you", there's no surprises but stay tune for Sunday rematch.

Match Rating : 9

Court No 1

Etong (1)vs Benjamin (2), Etong (1) vs Nizlan (3)

I will preview both matches featuring Sengkang No 1 Etong in this section. Etong always play to his best strength with his speedand court coverage,venomous backhand and his running forehand. The slight change in tactics are he is more aggresive against Ben while playing against me, he will defend from the back of the court and will attack when the time is right (classic counterpuncher!!). He claimed that he was missing his backhand yesterday but had regained his forehand. I think its new new string tensions which affect his game play yesterday but surely he will be back to his best come Sunday.

Match Rating : 7

Court No 1

Doubles Matches

Etong/Ben vs Nizlan/Dan

Etong/Nizlan vs Ben/Dan

Etong/Dan vs Ben/Nizlan

Doubles games are usually for fun session full of laughter as well as experimenting some newer shots. Seriously, I feel im a bad doubles player but Im loving it because during doubles its good to relax and enjoy the casual tennis. There is definitely less tension in the doubles games compare to singles. We also make use of the doubles to have a breather and when the courts are limited.

Match Rating :8

Players Ranking (after 17 December 2010)

1) Etong - 9450

2) Benjamin- 9300

3)Nizlan - 9245

4) Dan - 7100

5) Shona - 6950

6) Mel - I wish I knew....

See ya on Sunday!! Vamos!!

Just when they thought it ended

Burghley Open
Date: 17th Dec 2010
Time: 8pm

When all the dust has settled and all the smoke has cleared, when we have drawn our conclusions for 2010, we were in for more.

Fans got a preview of what is to come in 2011. Outfit wise, Tong presented himself with new black strings for his racquet, new Nike black top and a new black wrist guard.

Dan and Shona were locked in a battle of the most improved player in Court 2. The rallies were short, but nevertheless still a spectacle for the fans.

Simultaneously, the attention shifted to Court 1, where 2 of the big 3s faced off. What was supposed to be an exhibition match turned out to be arguably the best match of the year between Lan and Ben. Motivation wasn't a question. The 2 gladiators fought tooth and nail and threw everything they had at each other. They displayed what truly was a masterpiece of tennis. There were no lack of good rallies, cross-court shots, fast footwork, swashbuckling tennis which awe the fans right through the roof.

"Today is the reason why I played tennis," Ben said in a post match interview. Lan had other ideas."I know where to target you in the next match," Lan said, refering to a post-Burghley part 2 at Sengkang in 2 days time. Will we see a part 2 of this epic match at Sengkang?

Preview for last official game of the year
Sengkang Centre Court
Date: 19th Dec 2010
Time: 9am

This is supposedly the last game for all 5 active players for Sengkang ATP. After the highly rated game on Friday at Burghley, the tickets for Sengkang were sold out within 24 hours.

A few questions will be answered:
1) Will Tong finally find back the rhythm for his tenacious backhand?
2) Will the 2 most improved players end the year with a bang, giving the big 3s a run for their money?
3) Will Lan and Ben repeat what was the best match of the year, and maybe fight for the number 1 spot in 2011?


Preview
Sengkang Centre Court: Lan vs Ben
Date: 22 Dec 2010
Time: 8pm

This is an unofficial closing game of the year. The 2 players who started the year 1 on 1 at the debut of Sengkang back in 18th January 2010 are scheduled to close the year in same fashion. Tickets are available.

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P/S: The blog will be re-named "Tennis Dailies" come January 2011. New blog link will be updated. Do update your favourites page in order not to miss your daily dose of Sengkang ATP action and news.

2010

Well 2010 coming to a close and we will playing 3 more exhibition matches if all is well. After which the player will decide what lies ahead for the Sengkang ATP.

After much wear and tear, the players needed a break to find the fire and motivation going again.Together with the in the festive season mood, its hard to give your best at times.

Looking forward to 2011. Maybe players will come with new apparels, racquets, game play. Maybe we will be explore new venues to play to keep the fire burning and surely we will need to replenish our tennis balls cuz some of the old balls dont live up to standard anymore. So we will look into the balls come new year (wat brand and how often to change the balls).

Signing off,

Sengkang joint no.3 player

Nizlan

As of today ranking:
Etong : 9500

Ben: 9100

Lan, Dan and Shona: 7150

Melvin : Out due to injury.

Double Backhands = Double Trouble?

Dan our previous player of the week proved that he is no fluke. Rising from the junior tour, he has proven that he can mingled around the "big 3". In fact, he is capable of beating the "big 3" now. He has a vicious double backhand (ala David Nalbandian) and constantly improving his forehand with abundance of stamina, he will be a force to be reckoned with once he get a good feel in court coverage and his anticipation of the incoming balls. Game Rating : 8

Shona, our only WTA player on tour hailing from Ipoh, Perak (Asian version of Serbia), was known for her consistent serve. According to sources, she had a learn serving from one of her pals for 2 days and it shows in her great quality serve. Despite lacking of power, the tricky bounce can be a handful to handle for those who misjudged the bounce. Her double backhand (ala Novak Djokovic) surprisingly has pace and power and placement ("3P"s) (probably 8 in power) and her forehand isnt bad at all with pace and power but lacking slight placement. Her wall playing also has helped her in the improvement of her game. Game Rating : 8

Thus, the common traits for both these player are their dangerous double backhand and their increasing in pace and power of their shots. While myself and Tong do possessed some power and pace in our shots, the placement can be all over the court. Ben, however, has the placement but lacking power and pace.

Overall after yesterday games, the ranking are as follows:

1) Tong : 9655

2) Ben: 9020

3) Lan: 8985

4) Dan: 6230

5) Shona: 6015

6) Mel: 240

Ending of Season

We're closing in on the season. The 3 players who dominated all season Tong, Lan and myself went a gear down probably due to the festive mood. This provided a great opportunity for 2 most improved players to close up the gap on the ranking points (Lan will update on this).

I will let the pictures do the talking for now:


The Players on tour





2 on 1 handicap match

WTF London 2010 -- Funny Random Questions [HD]

ATP 2010 - Year end Review

Player of the Season:
1) Rafael Nadal
3 Grand slams, unbeaten in the clay season (clay slam), finalist in the season ending WTF and completion of a career grand slam (youngest man in open era to do so). You may hit more aces, more winners and play better but still end up losing. Just ask Andy Murray who put up a brilliant display in the WTF semifinals but still end up losing. To note that he hasnt won a title for 11 months until Monte Carlo and the machine keeps rollin!!!

2) Roger Federer
The best player in history of tennis period. A record breaking of 16 grandslams to his name (winning Australian ’10) and 5 season ending wtf to his name. By his standard, it is a average season but still no players (except Nadal) can even match his achievement. With a new coach and new aggressive style tennis, he is on course for more glory.

3) Robin Soderling
Made it to the French open finals and qtr finals in Wimbledon and US Open (losing to Nadal and Federer respectively) and Paris Master 1000 series title, proves that last season success was no fluke with exception of first round exit in Australian Open.

Most Improved Player

1) Gael Monfils
Finishing as runner in Japan Open 500 (l. to Nadal) and Paris Masters (l. to Soderling). This major change in him is attribute to coach Roger Rasheed and the new KSwiss outfit and Prince Exo Rebel95.

2) David Ferrer
Back to his best this year by ending as world no 7. Despite lacking many killer weapons, he is one player who will make you work for every single point. Unlike Andy Murray who succumbs to pressure, this man plays with none at all. Winner of Valencia Open and playing well in clay court season and runner up in Beijing and qualifying for the WTF tournament.

Flop of the Year

1) Andy Murray
How long do we have to wait for Andy Murray to win his first grandslam?? Sure he play a hell of a tournament in Australian Open, did well in Wimbledon and have a forgetful French Open as well as US Open and he always choke when it matters most. No Grandslams = No Glory for player his caliber!! Mentally not as sound as Rafa and Roger!!

2) Ernest Gulbis
Beat Roger Federer in the second round of Rome Masters and gave eventual champion Rafa a fight of his life. He has plenty of arsenals but deliver very little and with all the buzz going around, he still has nothing worth mentioning to makes him a title contender.

Match of the Year

1) Novak Djokovic vs Roger Feder (US Open Semifinals)
If you didn’t catch it, go and youtube it!! Words cant describe how great this match is!!!!!!

2) Rafael Nadal vs Andy Murray (WTF Semifinals)
Same as above!! Damn a tennis fan shld miss this match unless you went out karaoke like myself!!

3) Juan Carlos Ferrero vs David Ferrer (Copa Telmex Final 2010)
3 sets in 2 hours plus of pulsating clay court tennis by 2 clay court specialist makes this a super exciting match. Long baseline rallies from both are just brilliant.

4) Fernando Verdasco vs Novak Djokovic
Excellent clay court match that produces an upset win for Verdasco.

Players to look out for

This is one section which is difficult to write as the ATP is really dominated by Federer and Nadal. Even, Djokovic and Murray find it difficult to get closer in terms of titles let alone player below them. But here are 3 players who made it.

1) Gael Monfils
See above.

2) Juan Martin Del Potro
Winner of US Open 2009 and runner in WTF 2009 and was out for most of 2010 season due to injury and his ranking dropped. Beat both Rafa (thrashing) and Federer to win US Open (Murray can u do it??) so he has proven that he can do it at the big stage so no question he is a dangerous player to look out for.

3) Fernando Gonzalez

Out for most part of the year due to injury, Gonzo still can ripped the most vicious forehand on tour!!

Outfit of the Year
Gael Monfils (Kswiss)
Andy Roddick (Lacoste)
Rafael Nadal (Nike)

Shocker of the Year
Taylor Dent Retirement
The retirement of serve and volley expert and American Sweetheart sure is a shock of all shock as he was kinda back on tour and then…….

Sengkang ATP Masters
Most Stylish Player
Tong
The man with the best prestigious brand( Fred Perry), Shades, and stylo devilish haircut with the people’s backhand. Definitely, the most stylish player on circuit and him being a VFM definitely helps.

Best Finishing Move
Pure Storm Peoples Backhand
The bounce is low and the spin is crazy, trouble all players all season long!! How would the others counter it?? Stay tune to find out!!!

Most Consistent Move
Shona’s Serve
Hardly faulted on her serve (95% accuracy) and the bounce on the serve makes it difficult for all. Definitely something for us to learn from.

Ben’s Forehand
Despite the lacking of power, it’s good to keep most rallies going and has little unforced error. If more power and speed can be generated it would definitely be a great shot.

Shocker of the Year
Nizlan’s new weapon of mass destruction
Dunlop was never on the discussion table and my allegiances to Prince seem unbroken but always expect the unexpected!!

Worst Guy on Tour
The Apek at Compass point Centre Court
Gave us a hard time entering the centre court and booking of slots!! Need I Say more???!!!

Best Fellow on tour
All the 5 players (Tong, Ben. Shona, Dan and Nizlan) have contributed to make this season great. We hope to see more of Mel in the upcoming season.

ATP 2010 season - Ben's Choices

As the ATP season 2010 has just ended, I have rounded up my picks for the highs and lows of the season. So here are my choices:

Player of the season

1. Rafael Nadal - Won 3 out of 4 grandslams. Need I say more?
2. Roger Federer - Dismal by his high standards. Still, winning 1 slam and ending the year unbeaten at ATP Finals puts him at number 2
3. Andy Murray - I'm convinced. Best player never to win a slam. He won a few masters 1000, showed how good he is but his mental strength got the better of him at the critical moment. Hope he can finally win a slam next year.

Most Improved Player

1. Jurgen Melzer - Semi-finalist in Roland Garros. One of the rare few to beat Nadal this year. Reached a career high ranking of 11
2.Tomas Berdych - Roland Garros Semi-finals, Wimbledon finals and qualified for ATP Finals
3. Andrey Golubev - Biggest surge in rankings

Match of the Year

1. Rafael Nadal vs Andy Murray (ATP World Tour Finals, Semi-final)
2. Rafael Nadal vs Andy Murray (Australian Open, Quarter-final)
3. David Ferrer vs Fernando Verdasco (US Open, 4th round)
4. Gael Monfils vs Roger Federer (Paris 1000, Semi-final)
5. John Isner vs Nicholas Mahut (Wimbledon, 1st round)

Celebration of the Year

Soderling's girly celebration after beating Berdych at Roland Garros

Outfit of the Year

Radek Stepanek the fashion icon (puns intended)

Flop of the Year
1. Marin Cilic - He was touted as the next big thing for 2010. He made it to Australian Open semis in January and went downhill after that
2. Juan Martin del Potro - He won the US Open in 2009 and was destined for great things but injury wrecked all anticipation as he dipped to number 40 from number 4

Shock of the Year
1. Federer crashing out of Wimbledon in the Quarter-finals for the first time in 8 years.
2. Roddick losing to unknowns Gabashvilli and Lu Yen Hsun in grandslams

Players to look out for in 2011

Kei Nishikori - asian sensation


Grigor Dimitrov - the next federer


Bernard Tomic - the aussie homeboy


Rendy Lu Yen Hsun - asian number 1


James Blake - final chance to save his career


and last but not least GAEL MONFILS!!!

He will make it to top 8 next year. Watch this space...

Wimbledon Special

It was a night to remember. Not for the tennis, but for everything else. It's the Wimbledon Special, and tour players turned up in the traditional all-white. No singles games for the first time. The players got into doubles action for an hour and a half. Last week's player of the week Dan, got off to a flying start with his new found confidence with the lowest error rate in his whole career. Tong, who missed 2 weeks of action due to illness is back in court in resounding fashion, sporting a new hairstyle (see bottom pic). Lan and myself got ourselves dressed up in traditional all white to embrace the event. Let's hope we can end the year with a bang as Christmas beckons...


Wimbledon outfit and Lan's new bandana


Hairstyle of the season?