.. so good to see Ken's dream came true. When Ken started to train seriously under Zainal in 1998 - Zainal set him a goal to be the National Champion! Last weekend (22 March 2009), Ken beat Rizal in a convincing straight sets win to win his first (maybe more to come?) National Mens Open title. It is really satisfying to see him achieve this long time goal.
Over the last few years, he has been closed but lost out because of various reasons (illness, being on duty during the tournament, etc) but this year it all came together. Played a thrilling 3-1 semi finals with Samuel Kang (aka SKung); an up and coming junior. Samuel has been training very hard this year between his A levels and enlisting for National Service. Furthermore, Samuel had beaten Ken a few weeks ago during a league match. But Ken raised his game and beat SKung convincingly.
In the finals, he met Rizal (who has been past national champion for many years) and was in great form during this tournament - beating Vivian 3-0 in the semis. Thus, Ken expected a really tough match but he raised his game even further to neutralise Rizal's attacking game. He picked up every shot and returned the rally with more venom. So with great relief, he won in straight sets.
I had to rush immediately to the airport (reaching there at 6.30pm for a 7pm flight) but the adrenalin continued till way past midnight. It was a good day.
Over the last few years, he has been closed but lost out because of various reasons (illness, being on duty during the tournament, etc) but this year it all came together. Played a thrilling 3-1 semi finals with Samuel Kang (aka SKung); an up and coming junior. Samuel has been training very hard this year between his A levels and enlisting for National Service. Furthermore, Samuel had beaten Ken a few weeks ago during a league match. But Ken raised his game and beat SKung convincingly.
In the finals, he met Rizal (who has been past national champion for many years) and was in great form during this tournament - beating Vivian 3-0 in the semis. Thus, Ken expected a really tough match but he raised his game even further to neutralise Rizal's attacking game. He picked up every shot and returned the rally with more venom. So with great relief, he won in straight sets.
I had to rush immediately to the airport (reaching there at 6.30pm for a 7pm flight) but the adrenalin continued till way past midnight. It was a good day.
Photo above shows Ken (Mens Champion) and Zainal (Veteran Champion)
