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TriFactor Asia, in collaboration with Bintan Resorts and Pandara Sports, successfully launch an action-packed weekend of races, including the highly anticipated Bintan Triathlon and the TriFactor Bike Cycle 2024 events Bintan Island, May 30, 2024 – TriFactor Asia , in collaboration with Bintan Resorts and Pandara Sports , successfully launched an action-packed weekend of races, including the highly anticipated Bintan Triathlon and the TriFactor Bike Cycle 2024 events. The weekend saw an incredible turnout, with participants hailing from over 35 countries, showcasing the global appeal and competitive spirit of the event. A total of 400 athletes will compete in various triathlon categories, showcasing their speed and endurance against the stunning backdrop of Bintan Resorts' coastal tourist area. Festivities commenced on Friday, May 31, 2024, with participants collecting their race packs. The official competition started on Saturday morning, June 1, at Lagoi Bay Beach. Indonesian triathletes such as Andy Wibowo, Inge Prasetyo, and Chaidir Akbar competed, inspiring and motivating their fellow participants. Race Highlights and Winners Enduro Distance (1.5K Swim / 80K Bike / 20K Run) International Male Winners: 1. Junya Nakadate - 04:22:59 (Japan) 2. Stephen Dow - 04:28:58 (UK) 3. Sami Nazar - 04:30:57 (France) International Female Winners: 1. Priscillia Gunawan - 05:17:52 (Indonesia) 2. Man Ling Lo - 05:31:28 (Singapore) 3. Kayo Ikeda - 06:10:18 (Japan) Olympic Distance (1.5K Swim / 40K Bike / 10K Run) International Male Winners: 1. Andy Wibowo - 02:14:14 (Indonesia) 2. Guillaume Pichot - 02:17:45 (France) 3. Wille Ool - 02:19:23 (Singapore) International Female Winners: 1. Ines Caby - 02:20:39 (France) 2. Inge Prasetyo - 02:21:25 (Indonesia) 3. Sara Ng - 02:55:21 (Singapore) Indonesia National Sprint Distance (1K Swim / 20K Bike / 5K Run) Female Winners: 1 st Tandiono Kelly - 01:40:57 (Indonesia) - Supermodel and Actress, returning to Bintan for the second year and taking the crown with Feny Rionita in a joint first place. 1 st Feny Rionita Juliana - 01:44:15 (Indonesia) 2 nd Lingkan S Ngantung - 01:54:47 (Indonesia) 3 rd Zelda Savitri - 01:56:48 (Indonesia) Event Program The race schedule began with the prestigious Enduro category, featuring a 1,500-meter swim, an 80 km bike ride, and a 20 km run, both individually and in relay. Following this were the Olympic and Sprint categories, which offered swimming, cycling, and running challenges of varying distances, allowing athletes to participate according to their abilities and goals. On Sunday, June 2, the event became even more festive with the youth (Youth) and kids (Kids Splash & Dash) categories to instill a culture of sports engagement and healthy living among the kids and youth. Quotes and Acknowledgements Elvin Ting, Founder of TriFactor, expressed his enthusiasm: "I am delighted to host the Indonesia TriFactor fans on the picturesque Bintan Island. It's incredible to witness so many young participants in this edition, showcasing the promising future growth of the sport." "The Bintan Triathlon 2024 is not just a race but a celebration of collaboration and support from various sectors dedicated to developing tourism and sports in Bintan Regency, Bintan Island, and boosting the creative economy through the participation of local small enterprises, especially in Bintan Regency," said Head of the Bintan Regency Culture and Tourism Office, Arief Sumarsono. "The tremendous support from the central government through the Ministry of Tourism; Creative Economy, the Riau Islands Provincial Tourism Office, and the Bintan Regency Culture; Tourism Office, along with the active participation of stakeholders like the Bintan Resort Council and sponsors such as Herbalife Indonesia and Zoot, not only strengthens this Bintan Triathlon event but also reinforces the joint commitment to developing tourism on Bintan Island and boosting the local economy by involving numerous cottage industries," said Chief Operating Officer of Bintan Resorts, Abdul Wahab. Involving local SMEs in every tourism activity, this year's Bintan Triathlon features the cottage industry of Bina Karya from Ekang Anculai Village, a group of tailors, as the providers of race pack bags for participants, in collaboration with Pioneer Sablon from Village of Sebong Pereh in Bintan Regency. Apart from the triathlon competition, the Bintan Triathlon 2024 showcased a plethora of festivals at Plaza Lagoi. Attendees immersed themselves in entertainment such as dance performances, traditional Kolintang music, and a local bazaar featuring micro, small, and medium enterprises, all within a vibrant carnival ambiance. This presented an excellent opportunity for tourists to embrace the rich diversity of local culture and culinary while soaking in the energetic atmosphere of Bintan Island. Furthermore, registration for the Bintan Marathon, slated for October 26, 2024, officially commenced, alongside the unveiling of plans for the 2025 Tour de Bintan. CEO of a leading sport media, Mr. Wang Ye, highlighted Bintan as an ideal year-round racing location for Chinese athletes. The upcoming Mandiri Bintan Marathon and Tour de Bintan race will attract global participants, showcasing the island’s scenic beauty and excellent facilities for international competitions, reinforcing its appeal as a premier sports destination. #TriFactorAsia #BintanTriathlon

Event marks the launch of the TriFactor Destination Triathlon Series and the 2024 Asia championship in Philippines Subic Bay witnessed over 87% returning athletes PHOTO: TRIFACTOR ASIA TriFactor Phillippines Triathlon 2024 - TriFactor , a brand synonymous with exceptional triathlon experiences, launched its 2024 Asia championship in Subic Bay, Philippines Subic Bay that witnessed over 87% returning athletes. The event also marked the launch of the TriFactor Destination Triathlon Series against the stunning Subic Bay backdrop showcasing unity, community, and sportsmanship across athletes. Co-organised by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and GoClark Event together with it’s supporting sponsors, the event plays a unique significance in promoting tourism and sportsmanship in the Philippines. Organisers TriFactor were uplifted by the success of the event, and promised more to come in the future. PHOTO: TRIFACTOR ASIA Championing Athletic Excellence: Notable among the triumphs of the TriFactor Phillippines Triathlon 2024 is the triumph of Norte, Stawicki and Santiago Bag Age Group. Banjo Norte was the first overall men’s finisher and took top honors at the age group all-stars men’s open category, finishing in 2:15:13 on the strength of his race-best 1:04:49 bike split. Rhia Stawicki was the first overall women’s finisher and dominated the age group all-stars women’s open category. Stawicki finished in 2:27:55 in a wire-to-wire victory, producing the women’s best splits of the day in all triathlon legs. PHOTO: TRIFACTOR ASIA In the men’s age group masters category, Elmer Santiago capitalized on his category-best run split of 48:38 to come from behind and win in 2:29:08. Juan Miguel Tayag won the junior elite division in the sprint distance category with a time of 1:06:38. Stawicki commented, “The competition was tough, and every athlete brought their best to the course. It’s an honor to win in TriFactor Triathlon Philippines. A big thank you to the organizers and sponsors for putting together such a fantastic event.” More than 800 participants converged at Subic Bay for the Pho3nix Kids Philippines and TriFactor Philippines events. It reaffirmed Subic Bay’s status as the Triathlon Capital of the Philippines. PHOTO: TRIFACTOR ASIA “This is an amazing start to our 2024 TriFactor Asian championship race in Subic where we welcome participants from 17 countries to race across 3 race formats. A very special thanks to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority for the unwavering trust and support to host our TriFactor championship event and to our partner GoClark Events and all sponsors that make this event into an iconic TriFactor triathlon event within the Republic of Philippines,'' added Elvin Ting, TriFactor Asia CEO. The event featured a 1.5 km swim in Subic Bay's harbor, a 40 km bike ride through the coastal freeport, and a hot 10 km multi-run along the waterfront road, which tested the endurance and skill of every participant. It also catered a sprint category for beginners and intermediate athletes. Scott Frankland, an athlete representing United Kingdom commented via Facebook, ""My first ever triathlon today... I have no comparison with others but this was amazing. I loved it! Great service and organisation and I will return." PHOTO: TRIFACTOR ASIA Race Director and organizer Jumbo Tayag reflected on the event’s success, stating, "We are thrilled with the turnout and the level of competition at this year's TriFactor Triathlon." Other category Winners are: Isaiah Del Rosario (Male 18-24), Jigo Libiran (Male 25-29), Lennart, Reiners (Male 30-34), Raymund Velasco (Male 35-39), Edgar Puruganan (Male 40-44), Edward Agdamag (Male, 45-49), Levy Ang (Male 50-54), Noel Mondero (Male 55-59), Angelito Bolina (Male 60+) Faith Garcia (Female 30-39), Kriska Sto. Domingo (Female 35-39), Patricia Anne Castillo (Female 40-44), Rena Marte (Female 45-49), Celma Hitalia (Female 50+). TriFactor's Commitment: CEO of TriFactor, Elvin Ting, expressed his elation, "The success of the TriFactor Phillippines 2024 is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the triathlon community and the breathtaking beauty of Subic Bay. We anticipate the arrival of many more such spectacular events in the Destination Triathlon Series, scheduled to grace scenic locations across the region." This event was not just a celebration of athleticism but also a reflection of the power of community and giving back. It has set the bar high for the forthcoming races in the TriFactor Destination Triathlon Series. #Triathlon #TriFactorAsia

The highly-anticipated FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2024 tipped off yesterday in front of big crowds at the OCBC Square. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG SINGAPORE, 27 MARCH 2024 – Three-time men’s champions Australia submitted powerful performances, while the Philippines women's team also impressed to move a step closer to qualifying for the main draw of the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2024 .  Qualification is being fought out on the first two days of the event, which runs from March 27-31. The four pool winners from the men's event and the three pool winners from the women's category will qualify for the main draw starting on March 29.  The seventh edition of Asia's biggest event has already heated up the OCBC Square at the world-famous Singapore Sports Hub, which is hosting the Asia Cup for the third straight year. PHOTO: FIBA 3x3 ASIA CUP 2024 THE TEAMS  The Philippines are hoping for their first Asia Cup medal - men's or women's. But their women's team will have to do it the hard way - through qualification and they were sluggish early against Tahiti.  The Philippines did click into gear and finished strongly to pull away with a convincing 21-3 victory.  Their momentum continued against Maldives as they attached the rim in a fast start. They were forced to fend off a spirited Maldives side before putting their foot down to win 19-11.  With two wins in two matches, the Philippines have set up a day two blockbuster against Kazakhstan, who are also unbeaten.  PHOTO: FIBA 3x3 ASIA CUP 2024 In the men's event, powerhouses Australia made a strong start with a 21-5 thrashing of Tahiti. It's a new-look Australia with only sharpshooter Todd Blanchfield returning from last year's silver medal winning team.  Newcomer Will Hickey showed off his defensive prowess to raise Australia's intensity as they also easily defeated Kyrgyzstan 21-6 to cap a perfect start.  India have never won a medal in the men's category but made a statement with comprehensive victories over Maldives and Macau. Princepal Singh dominated the paint, while young gun Sahaij Sekhon tapped into his bag of tricks to give India a good chance of reaching the quarter-finals. But they will first have to get past Malaysia, who currently sit atop Pool D, in their final match tomorrow. “Actually it’s not easy, we still have to win one more game to get through the qualifiers so we have to be locked in for tomorrow’s game against India. Most of my teammates are younger than me, so I have to give them a bit more guidance on court because it’s a new team. India is tall, we need to get the balls over them and give them a tough fight. It’ll be a 50-50 chance,” shared Ting Chun Hong of Malaysia. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG THE PLAYERS  Blanchfield left off from his outstanding 3x3 debut at last year's event with an incredible 15 points against Tahiti. He was on fire with five splashes from deep as he finished with a total of 19 points on Day One.  Jhazmin Joson made a spectacular start for the Philippines and found her range against Tahiti. She was unstoppable and hit four two-pointers in a 10-point masterpiece.  Joson didn't have the shooter's touch in the next game, but showed off her fancy skills with a terrific lay-up in traffic to shut the door on a fightback from Maldives.  THE SHOT After losing their first game to Sri Lanka, the Indonesian men faced a tough task against the Republic of Korea who won their opener against the Northern Mariana Islands.  But Korea were reduced to three men and played without a sub in the oppressive humidity. Even though they were gassed, Korea fought hard in a nerve-jangling game to force the game into overtime.  With ice in his veins, Erick Ibrahim Junior put the game to bed with a banked two to spark scenes of celebration from the Indonesian players.   #FIBA3x3AsiaCup   #Basketball

Liyana Ong and Adeline Chew among debutants seeking to make an impact in a new-look squad for Singapore Women's Rugby at Phuket 7s Women's Invitational Team captain Ong Pei Yi will be leading the line for Singapore Women's rugby. FILE PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG Singapore, 7 April 2022 – While most of us are easing back into the new normal, the Singapore national rugby teams are charging back into the competitive Asia rugby arena with the inaugural Phuket 7s Women’s Invitational happening this weekend. With many of the old dogs retiring during the pandemic, the Women’s Team is set to showcase a new generation of female rugby players. Making her debut this season is Liyana Ong, the number 9 (scrumhalf) of the team. A youthful looking 28 year-old, Ms Ong started her rugby journey close to a decade ago. The former track and field runner’s foray into Contact Rugby began with touch Rugby, a sport her friends’ had recommended. She was later introduced to the contact sport through the Cross Code Challenge, a talent ID program in 2015. Aspiring to be in the national team since she was 19, scoring a place in the squad has been a surreal experience for Ms Ong. “Even though I’ve wanted this for so long, I never thought I’d actually get this opportunity,” she adds. Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Edwin Tong meeting the Singapore Women's Rugby team before their departure. PHOTO: SINGAPORE RUGBY UNION Working within the limitations of a COVID-19 regulations, the Women’s Team have been diligent in clocking their own fitness during the months of inactivity on the field. Ms Ong remarks that returning to the field has been smooth fitness-wise yet “quite mad” getting back into the game at an accelerated level. Thankfully, the supportive environment and regular goal-setting have been pivotal to coping with the pressure to perform. Despite the tough journey, the athlete is fired up and ready to prove that she has earned her position on the Phuket field. The Singapore Women's Rugby Team in training. FILE PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG Fellow debutant, Adeline Chew, echoes her teammate’s sentiment about the steep learning curve. Nominated by her club (Blacks) to join the National squad, Ms Chew remarks that being shortlisted has really challenged her to push her limits mentally and physically, “it felt like I was going from 0-100,” she adds. Balancing her work as a teacher in a Secondary school has not been an easy feat, however, her school and colleagues have been extremely supportive of her aspirations and accommodating to her commitments as an athlete. “It is daunting because I am playing amongst giants in the sport. One of the greatest challenges had been overcoming a lot of self doubt,” said the former National University of Singapore (NUS) player. Chew has found routine reflections and constant clarification crucial to ensuring that she is able to keep up with her more experienced teammates. Seasoned campaigner Jayne Chan (second from left) and Chanel Weng who is relatively new to the set-up are a good representation of the make-up of the current Singapore Women's Rugby squad. PHOTO: SINGAPORE RUGBY UNION Leading the squad is old-timer Ong Pei Yi, endearingly known as Pong by her teammates. An exceptional player from the get go, Ms Ong’s journey as a rugby player began in university and progressed straight into the national Team from 2016 onwards. “New blood is great for the team but we are also still in the process of getting back into previous levels of play and building a team culture.” No stranger to the preparations for the Asia Rugby games, the captain expresses her excitement to get out there and play with a new slate of players, and at the same time solidify the team’s chemistry on and off the field. Debutant Adeline Chew receiving her jersey from Minister Edwin Tong. PHOTO: SINGAPORE RUGBY UNION Grateful for the immense support from the Singapore Rugby Union and eager to get back in the competitive ring with her team, Ms Ong hopes to showcase some good rugby at the Phuket field this weekend. Matches will be streamed live on Singapore Rugby Union's Facebook page on 9 and 10 April, so do support Singapore Women's Rugby! Happening in the same weekend is the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens as well –– it’s been long overdue but the heat for Rugby is finally in full swing. #SportPlusSG #Rugby #RugbyLivesHere #RugbySevens

After two long years of wait, the Singapore Men's Rugby team is ready to rumble this weekend at the Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy The Singapore Men's Rugby team at the jersey presentation ceremony pre-departure for the Phuket 7s. PHOTO: SINGAPORE RUGBY UNION Singapore, 8 April 2022 - Booting up on a Sunday afternoon, the team buzzed away at the stands, anticipating another fulfilling training session in the sweltering weather. It was not long ago that they had returned to the field after a prolonged rugby dry spell triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Evidently, they were all grateful for the opportunity to represent the country at the upcoming Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy once again. It’s been a long time coming for Adam Alexander Vine, who’s been a national team player for five years now. Beginning his rugby journey as early as primary school, the former sprinter came to enjoy the sport tremendously, especially the physicality of it. “It’s always an honour donning the red and white on the field. We’re given the best opportunities, the best training and the best coaches in Singapore. I’m also honoured to be playing alongside talented teammates.” Adam Vine receiving his jersey from Minister Edwin Tong. PHOTO: SINGAPORE RUGBY UNION Vine admits that getting back on the field was not an easy feat, everyone was rusty and dropping balls, and the team’s fitness was just not what it used to be. Fast forward to the present, watching the team handling the ball like pros and executing their moves seamlessly without any sign of slowing down, it seems they’ve gotten back their groove within a short span of time. Last appearing at the 2019 SEA Games, the athlete finds that he’s grown in terms of his physical form and ability to analyse the game. Striving to become a well-rounded player, Vine adds, “I felt like I needed to become more versatile as a player and expand my options if I wanted to stay on the team.” With such a large pool of talent vying for a spot in the mens’ team, the cream of the crop is constantly looking to better themselves as team players and individuals who love the sport. While the intense competitive atmosphere may be daunting to some, Vine is confident in meeting the challenge and enthusiastic about making room for the newer talents as well. Keeping up a standard of excellence on the field, the team is locked and ready to rumble this weekend on the Phuket field. Show your support for this stellar team by catching them live on Singapore Rugby Union’s Facebook page on 9 and 10 April. #SportPlusSG #Rugby #RugbyLivesHere #RugbySevens

Seeing himself as an underdog entering most competitions, Chayut does not see his size as a disadvantage, regularly outshining other athletes in a talented Thai track and field squad PHOTO: SYUHAINI AZLIN, SPORTPLUS.SG Born in the southern city of Surat Thani in Thailand, sprinting sensation Chayut Khongprasit has come on in leaps and bounds since he first burst onto the global athletics scene in 2015. His timing of 20.71 seconds in December 2019 earned him the men's 200m SEA Games gold medal, an achievement that left an indelible mark on the Games held in Clark, Philippines, as well as fans all across Southeast Asia. And while he was unable to defend his men's individual 200m SEA Games title in Hanoi, Vietnam this May, he clocked a respectable 20.77 seconds to clinch bronze before joining hands with his teammates Sora-at Dabbang, Siripol Phanpae and Puripol Boonson in the men's 4x100m to record a time of 38.58 seconds and seal the relay gold in SEA Games record time. PHOTO: SYUHAINI AZLIN, SPORTPLUS.SG A firm believer of living in the present moment, Chayut has looked beyond the disappointments in his young career and is constantly working towards improving his performances as he visualises his personal bests in each competition. PHOTO: SYUHAINI AZLIN, SPORTPLUS.SG Setting small achievable goals, the 23 year-old attacks each training session with great tenacity, and carries a mindset that the greatest reward at the end of each training session is the rest he gets to enjoy. Seeing himself as an underdog entering most competitions, Chayut does not see his size as a disadvantage, regularly outshining other athletes in a talented Thai track and field squad. PHOTO: SYUHAINI AZLIN, SPORTPLUS.SG For him, to live uplifted means to enjoy the present and to remain positive - an attitude he carries with him every step of the way that has helped him overcome numerous career challenges and setbacks: including a serious injury in 2017 that left him sidelined for six months, as well as a personal career low when his dropping of the baton in Thailand's World Track and Field Championships in Italy caused his team to be disqualified. PHOTO: SYUHAINI AZLIN, SPORTPLUS.SG Ever grateful, Chayut acknowledges that sport has changed his life greatly, and offered him an avenue in which to support his family financially while giving him opportunities to travel and see the world, a life which the little boy in him who grew up in Surat Thani could only have dreamed of. He hopes his story will blaze a trail for other young athletes to uplift their dreams and crush their goals. #SportPlusSG #SEAGames31 #ChayutKongprasit #ASICSSG

Singapore A Men’s team maintained their top position with three victories in Water Polo Inter-Nations Cup Singapore's Women's A Water Polo team reacts after drawing level with Thailand on Day 3 of the Inter-Nations Cup. PHOTO: CHEAH CHENG POH, SINGAPORE SWIMMING ASSOCIATION Singapore, 20 May 2022 – Day 3 of the Singapore Water Polo Inter-Nations Cup got underway with the clash between Indonesia and Malaysia, and the Indonesians bounced back from the shock defeat to Thailand yesterday by emerging 17-4 winners. Revanza Rizky Rahman was in top form as he plundered 6 goals for the Indonesians, while Muhammad Fadhil added to the scoring with a hat-trick, with Hizkia Bimantoro, Hamid Firdaus and Fakri Mahmud scoring braces. Malaysia’s star man Bryan Wong, took his tally to 9 goals after 3 games as he scored a hat-trick to lead his side. Malaysia’s other goal came from Lai Wenhang. Indonesia takes on Malaysia in the men's Water Polo Inter-Nations Cup 2022 competition. PHOTO: SK TECK, SINGAPORE SWIMMING ASSOCIATION The second game of day 3 saw a fast-improving Thailand team clinch their second straight victory when they beat the Philippines 15-6. After losing their opening game to Singapore A, Thailand has now beaten both the SEA Games Gold Medalists and Silver Medalists in back-to-back games. After an even first quarter, the Thais pulled away in the second to take a 4-1 lead at half-time and never looked back. Suteenan Kaewmanee helped himself to 4 goals, while Kreerati Pimpapak and Watcharawarong Ekchaona continued their hot hand in front of goal with a hat-trick each. Teodoro Roy Canete made it two hat-tricks in two games to lead the Philippines. “We have pressure because the Philippines Team is one of the best teams in SEA and 2nd place in 2019 SEA games, but our players have courage and showed it on the field. Every player sticks to the plan and is in good form until the victory,” thanked Thai Coach Nuttawut Rughea. Philippines vs Thailand in the men's competition. PHOTO: JIA XING, SINGAPORE SWIMMING ASSOCIATION Two-times match MVP Thai player Phatsakorn Maneejhon shared, “I think we play well and my teammate play very well that gave us victory today. We are happy for victory today because the Philippines Team is a good team and number 2 of SEA. The final game of the Men’s competition on Day 3 saw Singapore A emerge victorious in the top of table clash over Singapore B in the Hometown Derby, with a convincing 11-2 win. Singapore A proved too strong for their younger counterparts, as they held Singapore B scoreless until the final quarter. The victory was never in doubt for Singapore A, and it was Yip Yang who led the way with a hat-trick. Koh Jian Ying chipped in with two goals for Singapore A. An all Singapore affair as Men's A team takes on Men's B team. PHOTO: CHEAH CHENG POH, SINGAPORE SWIMMING ASSOCIATION The win saw Singapore A maintain their place at the top of the table with three straight victories. Day 3 of the women’s competition saw two teams looking for their first win of the competition as Singapore B took on Malaysia in the Causeway Derby and it was Malaysia that prevailed 7-4. Fam Jia Shuan led Malaysia with three goals, along with teammates Elise Yin with two goals, Low Jia Yee and Wong Yu Xuan contributing a goal each. Tang Yee Teng led Singapore B with 1 goal in the first quarter with teammates Loh Yu Xuan and Teri Choo contributing to the goals in the later in the third quarter, still unable to catch up. Singapore's water polo women's A team in the match against Thailand. PHOTO: CHEAH CHENG POH, SINGAPORE SWIMMING ASSOCIATION The final game of Day 3 saw the heavyweight clash between Singapore A and Thailand, a rivalry that has been in place since 2011. Our Singapore A Team, led by Koh Ting Ting put everything on the line in a nail-biting match against the defending champion, Thailand. Pushed through hits and interceptions, the girls fought till the end and reward themselves with a last-minute equalizer to the game in a draw! The draw sets the team on 2nd placing, which will see them face off Malaysia tomorrow as the winner of the match will see themselves set for the Gold Medal Match on Sunday. Saturday’s matches in the women’s competition will see Singapore B square off against Thailand and Singapore A against Malaysia. The men’s competition will see Malaysia taking on Thailand, the reunited rivals Singapore A taking on Indonesia and Singapore B taking on Philippines. The Singapore Water Polo Inter-Nations Cup 2022 is open to spectators and tickets can be purchased at https://ticketmaster.sg/ . #SportPlusSG #TeamSingapore #WaterPolo #InterNationsCup

Luksika Kumkhum eliminates Alexandra Eala in last four, while the Women's Doubles and Men's Doubles witness all Thailand and all Philippines Finals Jeson Patrombon of the Philippines in action during the Men's Doubles semi-final. PHOTO: CHERYL TAY, SPORTPLUS.SG Hanoi, Vietnam, 21 May 2022 - Thailand and Philippines have secured top two finishes in the Women's Singles, Women's Doubles and Men's Doubles after an enthralling day of action at Hanaka Paris Ocean Park that saw two Philippines men's doubles pairs defeat Vietnamese opposition from the host nation. Women’s Singles In the Women's Singles, Thailand’s Luksika Kumkhum beat Alexandra Eala of the Philippines 2-0 (6-4, 6-1) to punch her ticket to the final. Luksika has been in imperious form en route to the semi-final, trouncing Vietnamese home favourite and 2019 SEA Games silver medalist Savanna Ly Nguyen 6-1, 6-1 on her path to the semis. Thailand's Pimrada Jattavapornvit in action during the Women's Doubles semi-final. PHOTO: CHERYL TAY, SPORTPLUS.SG Women’s Doubles In the Women's Doubles, Thai duo Pimrada Jattavapornvit and Lanlana Tararudee also booked their place in the final after taking out Indonesia’s Beatric Gumulya and Jessy Priskila Rompies in a three-set match. Pimrada and Lanlana lost the first set 4-6, but found their rhythm after to win the next two sets 6-2, 10-8. Thailand's Pimrada Jattavapornvit in action during the Women's Doubles semi-final. PHOTO: CHERYL TAY, SPORTPLUS.SG The other Thai pair Patcharin Cheapchandej and Anchisa Chanta defeated Malaysia’s Jawairiah Bte Noordin and Shariah Elysia Wan in yet another exciting three-set match. Patcharin and Anchisa won the first set 6-2, but lost 5-7 in the second set and managed to turn the tides around to win the third set 10-5 to advance to the final. This means an all-Thai final, whilst Jawairiah and Shariah settle for the joint bronze. Vietnam's Hguyen Van Phuong in action at centre court during the Men's Doubles semi-final. PHOTO: CHERYL TAY, SPORTPLUS.SG Men’s Doubles Philippines’ Ruben Gonzales and Treat Huey kept things simple with a 2-0 (6-4, 6-2) win over Vietnam’s Minh Tuan Pham and Giang Trinh Linh to go for gold next. They will be meeting their teammates Francis Casey Alcantara and Jeson Patrombon in the final, after the latter pair beat Le Quoc Kuanh and Hguyen Van Phuong from Vietnam 2-0 (6-4, 6-2). This marks the end of the SEA Games journey for the Vietnamese duo who will settle for a joint bronze. Philippines' Jeson Patrombon in action at centre court during the Men's Doubles semi-final. PHOTO: CHERYL TAY, SPORTPLUS.SG Mixed Doubles Pruchya Isaro and Patcharin Cheapchandej had to unfortunately bow out of the competition today after losing to Indonesia’s Christoper Rungkat and Aldila Sutjiadi. Pruchya and Patcharin played a very hard first set and narrowly won 7-6, but fell to the Indonesians in the next two sets 2-6, 5-10. Vietnam's Hguyen Van Phuong in action at centre court during the Men's Doubles semi-final. PHOTO: CHERYL TAY, SPORTPLUS.SG #SportPlusSG #SEAGames31 #Tennis

Singapore stay top of the table with perfect record on day 3 after triumphing over Thailand, while U19s succumb 1-4 to contenders Philippines Hoo Mei Hui goes past Thailand's Nelly Johansson in the Women's Floorball AOFC Cup match at OCBC Arena. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Singapore, 26 May 2022 - Missed the action of the Singapore Floorball Series: Women's AOFC Cup at OCBC Arena, Singapore Sports Hub? Relive two of the matches here in pictures as Singapore beat Thailand 6-2 while the Philippines remain hot on the heels of the leaders with a 4-1 win over Singapore U19s. More photos from the Women's AOFC Cup available in our photo gallery here . SINGAPORE 6-2 THAILAND Defending champions Singapore beat Thailand with an astounding 6-2 victory at the Women’s Asia Oceania Confederation Cup (Women’s AOFC Cup) on Wednesday (25 May). Ong Swee Ling(left) and Amanda Yeap (centre) of Singapore attempt to close down Thailand's Rungnapa Kebsomrong. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Singapore's Sandy Koh (left), Min Hwee Gracia Koh (centre), and Maryam Kassim defending against a Thai attack. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Siti Nurhaliza celebrates a Team Singapore goal with teammate Ong Swee Ling as Singapore beat Thailand 6-2 on day 3. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Thailand claw a goal back through Rungnapa Kebsomrong to reduce the deficit. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Team Thailand celebrates the goal as they reduced the arrears to 1-2. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Singapore captain Michelle Lok looks on as Thailand attempt to launch a counter attack. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG The mercurial Shannon Yeo of Singapore speeding down the wing. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Singapore's Ong Swee Ling (centre) weaving through a sea of Thai defenders as Siti Nurhaliza looks on. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Singapore's Foo Wen Xin defending against Thailand's Nelly Johansson. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Thailand celebrates scoring a second goal against league leaders Singapore. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Thailand's goalie Supasuta Thiptha in pensive mood during the Singapore vs Thailand match at OCBC Arena. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Singapore celebrates Ong Swee Ling's goal against Thailand. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Singapore's Maryam Kassim (left) takes on Thailand's Alisa Syrjaenen. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG More photos from the Women's AOFC Cup available in our photo gallery here . SINGAPORE U19s 1-4 PHILIPPINES Meanwhile, the Philippines extended their winning run after defeating the Singapore U-19s 4-1. The Filipinos cruised to a 3-0 lead in the first period before scoring a fourth in the third, while Lim En Jia from the Singapore Under-19 side scored her first goal of the tournament in the third period. Singapore U19s team captain Lim Jie Ying dribbles the ball out of defence in the match against the Philippines. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Singapore U19's Nasha Jeffri (left) cuts inside her marker Philippines' Nathalie Sundin during a counter attack. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Singapore U19s celebrate Lim En Jia's goal against the Philippines. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Natasha Lim of Singapore U19s attempts to pick out a teammate with a pass as Philippines' Heidi Hyrylainen looks on. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Singapore U19s Tracy Ng in action against the Philippines while defending an attack. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Singapore U19s' Ng Jia Qi and Philippines' Helena Vaha-Nissi contest the ball. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Nasha Jeffri of Singapore U19s floorball team begins a team move from the flanks. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG More photos from the Women's AOFC Cup available in our photo gallery here . #SportPlusSG #Floorball #SgFloorballSeries #AOFCCup

Led by national champion Thanakan Chaiyasombat, the four-man Thai team completed the 10km event in a blistering 17 minutes and 47 seconds, with Indonesia and Malaysia coming in second and third Singapore, 11 May 2024 – Thailand overcame stiff competition from Indonesia and Malaysia to be crowned champions at OCBC Cycle’s Speedway SEA Championships. Led by national champion Thanakan Chaiyasombat, the four-man Thai team completed the 10km event in a blistering 17 minutes and 47 seconds. Indonesia came in second at 18 minutes and 5 seconds, with Malaysia in third in 18 minutes and 23 seconds. The Malaysians narrowly edged out Vietnam to third place by 0.28 seconds, and Singapore came home in fifth place, missing out on the podium by one second. Mr Chaiyasombat, 24, who will be representing Thailand at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, said: “Our strategy for winning the race was to make sure that we played our cards right. There were moments in the race when we felt that we could have lost. But we stuck to our strategy to close up any breakaways and exploited any gaps as we pushed for the finish line.” The SEA Championships saw nine of the best national cyclists from the region vie for the title for the first time since 2019. In addition, more than 20 teams took part in the OCBC Cycle Speedway Club and Corporate Championships. Club Championships: Quantum Racing makes it a three-peat Quantum Racing, formerly Allied World Racing, successfully defended the Club crown they held since 2022, in the face of the tough challenge from past winner Specialized Dynasty Mavericks and last year’s third-placed Team Garcia. In a dominant performance, Quantum Racing A and B took home first and third place respectively, with returning finalists matadorRACING coming in second. Mr Reuben Bekker, 43, team captain of Quantum Racing A, said: “We’re extremely happy with the great work we’ve done since the pandemic, and holding onto the crown for three consecutive years. Every year is a new challenge as the younger crop of talent emerge stronger. Our objective this year was to make it through each round. Having a strategy to try to advance and then let the results on the track speak for themselves. This year we had great competition who really pushed the entire race, all three rounds. With our age and experience, we put ourselves in the best position to win and were able to pull off the win." Corporate Championships: Team OCBC storms to victory for a second year in a row Team OCBC was unscathed from a pile-up in the first half of the race to comfortably take home the crown against past champion SCDF Cycling Team and Team AWS. This marks the second successive time Team OCBC took home the crown at the OCBC Speedway Corporate Championships. Mr Donald Macdonald, a member of winning team, said: “OCBC has been holding this event for 16 years in Singapore. As such, there’s pressure on us as staff to bring the championship home, but we’re really happy to be able to defend the crown and we’re really looking forward to doing it again and going for the triple next year!” Mighty Savers Kids and Family Rides More than 300 young participants between the ages of 2 to 12 years old also took to the roads on Stadium Drive in the OCBC Cycle’s Mighty Savers® Kids and Family Rides. Among these participants were 43 less-privileged children from OCBC’s Teach-a-Child-to-Cycle corporate social responsibility programme. These beneficiaries, aged between 8 to 12 years old, were carefully selected through partners Care Corner Singapore, SportCares, and Beyond Social Services. They were taught fundamental cycling skills from Singapore Cycling Federation’s coaches over the course of three training sessions. In addition, Decathlon donated a brand-new bicycle for each beneficiary, as well as safety gear worth $100, to equip them for their burgeoning cycling careers. Siti Nur Alysha Binte Ahmad Azrin, 9, one of the 43 beneficiaries from Teach-A-Child-To-Cycle, said: “I’m very happy to be able to learn how to cycle, and take part in the Mighty Savers® Kids and Family Rides. The trainers and volunteers who helped us learn to cycle were very kind and Teach-a-Child-to-Cycle has made me more interested in sports. I hope to continue cycling after the event!” OCBC Cycle 2024 continued with The Sportive 40km Ride, The Foldie Ride by Brompton, and The Straits Times 20km Rides on 12 May, and with the 100km Virtual Ride and 500km Virtual Ride from 11 May till 10 June. More details on OCBC Cycle 2024 can be found on www.ocbccycle.com . #OCBCCycle #LetsGoCycle #SpeedwayChampionships

Fresh from their experience at the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup at Singapore Sports Hub, Team Singapore now turns their attentions to the year-end SEA Games PHOTO: SHAUN LEE, SPORTPLUS.SG This is a feature article written by SportPlus.sg  for Kallang Alive Sports Management . For more sports events, programmes and human stories of Singapore Sports Hub, visit the Singapore Sports Hub's  ' Here t o Play' website . To say that Team Singapore stole the hearts of basketball fans at the recently concluded FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2025 would be untrue, as they already had them from the very beginning.  OCBC Square erupted each time the home side took the court, as fans clamoured around the arena with the international basketball spectacle drawing several thousand spectators to Singapore Sports Hub over the five days to catch a glimpse of the on court action. Growing Singapore’s Basketball 3x3 Scene Singapore Sports Hub confirmed that it would play host to a slew of major basketball 3x3 competitions in the coming few years at the tournament’s prestigious opening ceremony, solidifying the venue’s status as an integral platform for the development of Singapore’s 3x3 basketball scene.  PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG 2026 will witness the return of both the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup and the FIBA 3x3 World Cup Qualifiers, before culminating in the main event—FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2027. To be sure, Singapore has hosted four consecutive editions of FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup, three of which were held at the Singapore Sports Hub, and attendance has seen a year-on-year 20% increase since 2023.  The results? Today, Singapore’s men’s and women’s teams’ world rankings stand at 31 (Men’s) and 19 (Women’s) respectively, establishing the nation firmly within the top five in Asia.   Journey to Regional Glory With major competitions attracting highly experienced and elite athletes to the Sports Hub, mixed with the rise in popularity of 3x3 basketball in Southeast Asia, the road to the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games 2025 will only get tougher—but that’s exactly what the players want. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG “We know we have a lot of things to fix and eventually work on. That’s the whole aspect of sports, it’s cruel. No matter what you try to pick up on and adjust to, it can be difficult. Whether we get overwhelmed by them, it’s still a good experience. By playing opponents above us, we understand what we lack outside of height and physicality,” said Team Singapore Men’s player, Nur Aufa Emil Putra on the privilege of playing tough opponents. Facing off against highly experienced players, with the raucous crowd cheering them on every step of the way, created the perfect atmosphere to propel the Singaporeans toward their journey to the Land of Smiles this December. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG “The support was amazing and this is something we will definitely hold close to us. The season just started and we have the SEA Games at the end of the year. We need to remember the support we had today as we prepare for these upcoming competitions,” added Lazar Rasic—Head Coach of Team Singapore—as he emphasised on the motivation given to the team by the crowd and playing on home soil. Captivating the Court Team Singapore’s women’s team were up first on the first day of the main draw (27 March), as they took on a formbidable Japanese side. Despite a strong effort, Singapore was bested by Japan, who went on to reach the finals. PHOTO: SHAUN LEE, SPORTPLUS.SG Nonetheless, the crowd at OCBC Square backed their own every chance they got — with screams and cheers each time a Team Singapore athlete took possession of the ball - underscoring their roles as the all important fourth man. “It definitely felt good to hear them cheer for us, even when we were down. It definitely gave us more energy to fight harder for the next ball,” shared Team Singapore’s Lydia Ang as she recounted the crowd erupting into a chorus of cheers each time they earned a point. PHOTO: SHAUN LEE, SPORTPLUS.SG Nur Aufa of the men’s team, who had the opportunity to experience the effects of the crowd the following day, shared the same sentiments. “I will constantly repeat that we are very grateful for this crowd,” he shared. “Building a basketball or sporting culture in general can be very difficult. So having fans definitely helps support not only the players who’ve put in all the hours, but the coaches too and anyone who’s helped in this journey.” The women’s team then returned to the court once more in the evening to face regional opponents Vietnam, and with the regional SEA Games 2025 beckoning on the horizon, this clash was a test of Singapore’s readiness to achieve their goals in Thailand. PHOTO: HANA BASIR , SPORTPLUS.SG “Through these matches, we actually see our weaknesses, so we’ll definitely work on it and try to improve. We will go back to training and look at some other competitions coming up, including the SEA Games at the end of the year,” shared Singapore’s Women’s veteran Tang Choy Ting. “So many people came down to support us and we really wanted to show what we’ve been working on throughout the year, how we trained. Unfortunately, we didn’t really manage to show it in the first game. The second was better but there was so much more we could do. We have to accept the pressure and train hard so we can show what we can really do,” added her teammate, Han Xing Yue. The following day then saw the men’s team begin their FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2025 campaign, and they came charging out of the bullpen with a win against Hong Kong. The home side dominated and gave Hong Kong no chance of a comeback, going on to triumph 21-16. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG The four players, featuring three who had never played in front of a home crowd of this scale before, were then back to the drawing board to prepare for a mammoth clash against top seeds Mongolia. Praising his young teammates, veteran Team Singapore athlete Kelvin Lim said: “This is their first time competing in Singapore in front of such a big crowd. They came out courageous and just did their thing. They were aggressive and they did a good job.” PHOTO: SHAUN LEE, SPORTPLUS.SG Choosing to look on the brighter side of things, Nur Aufa took the lessons he received as a privilege for the team to learn ahead of the SEA Games. “Our local talents are always stuck playing against one another but in sports, I believe iron sharpens iron. We rarely expose ourselves to talents like Mongolia so I think it was a very good experience,” he shared. As a result of notching an all important win against Hong Kong, Singapore booked a quarter-final berth against Japan the next day, finishing as runners-up of Pool A in the process. In what was an electrifying game in front of a boisterous crowd then, Singapore put up a heroic effort, but fell to the Japanese 21-17. For many, the result mattered little, as the team had already stole their hearts. Laying the Groundwork for Success at Singapore Sports Hub While the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup is a major tournament, it isn’t only when the FIBA 3x3 is in town that the Singapore Sports Hub witnesses basketball talent. In fact, much of the sport’s growth can be attributed to the trainings that take place within the halls of OCBC Arena.  PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG With state-of-the-art facilities and a one-stop-shop for athletes, Sports Hub has been able to play a key role in laying the foundation for the growth of Singapore 3x3 basketball. 19-year-old Liam Blakney, who starred at the recently concluded Asia Cup, emphasised on the opportunities given to showcase the team’s abilities on the regional and global stage as a result of the facilities. With the intent of a podium finish at the SEA Games this December, the sport is bound to grow leaps and bounds with the help of not only major competitions, but also making the sport accessible. “Basketball has become a mainstay of Singapore Sports Hub’s vibrant sporting calendar. We look forward to build on this momentum - curating accessible programming and creating unforgettable experiences for athletes and the basketball community - and cementing the Singapore Sports Hub as a preferred destination for international sporting events,” shared Quek Swee Kuan, CEO of Kallang Alive Sport Management. PHOTO: SHAUN LEE, SPORTPLUS.SG This is evident in the level of interest present in the sport within the ActiveSG Basketball academy, which boasts over 2,000 youth participants each season and strives to develop fresh talent.  With major events like the upcoming NBA Rising Stars Invitational in June and the FIBA Intercontinental Cup in September at Sports Hub, Singapore’s emergence as a rising basketball 3x3 nation is now surely undeniable. #FIBA3x3 #TeamSingapore #3x3AsiaCup

ASICS Running Club Singapore's Dora Lau shared with Sportplus.SG on how running will always be part of her life, no matter the trials and tribulations of being a third-year resident PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG / HANA BASIR Growing up, Dora Lau once wanted to be a PE teacher, then a reporter, and then thought—maybe she’d follow in the footsteps of her father, an engineer. It was only after being hospitalised as a teenager and experiencing the compassion of healthcare workers that she discovered her true calling.  Now a devoted member of the ASICS Running Club Singapore , she is in her third year of family medicine residency, carrying with her the hope of paying forward the care she once received. The days are long, often spent on her feet, and the work is as mentally taxing as it is meaningful—but through it all, running has never been secondary. No matter how busy she got, it’s always been there as her steady constant. “There have been a few occasions where I’ve had to break bad news to family members, but once was especially tough,” she recalled. “The family found it hard to accept as everything happened too suddenly. They shared their side of the story with me, and it really weighed on me. I had training that evening after work and I was so close to skipping it. When I showed up, seeing the running community all excited for training really cheered me up. The run helped me to reset mentally.” PHOTO VIA DORA LAU Dora’s love for running stemmed from childhood innocence—a common game played by many Singaporeans who grew up in the early and mid 2000 and 2010s. “My interest in running began in primary school where my friends and I played Catching during recess! I then started running longer distances in university as an outlet to clear my head. I grew to love it, and now, I look forward to my runs after a day's work,” Dora recounted her journey fondly. From the courts of her primary school and the streets near her university, Dora has gone on to take part in local races such as the 2XU Compression Run, Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon and has even served a pacer at events such as the Garmin Run Asia. Not only that, but she’s even made time to take part in overseas races such as the ASICS META : Time : Trials as part of the ASICS Running Club crew. PHOTO VIA DORA LAU Balancing training with a full-time job is never easy—but for doctors, it’s an entirely different challenge, a test of endurance and resilience that only those who’ve lived it can truly understand. As a third-year resident climbing the ranks, it’s not uncommon for Dora to work through the night and into the early hours of morning. Yet, she always finds a way to push through, sometimes even running home from work as a form of commute to get her miles in. With her bubbly, happy-go-lucky personality, it’s no surprise she chooses to embrace the rewards of her two passions instead of letting it break her. PHOTO VIA DORA LAU “Running keeps me grounded. It gives me space to process my thoughts and brings me peace amidst a stressful day. It also helps me understand my patients better. I hope to promote the importance of staying active to everyone. It does not have to be hard or painful, starting small by integrating exercises into our daily routine can make a difference,” she shared. Some weeks are more packed than others with longer hours, admin work, and prepping for exams. Sleep and recovery can be affected but I’ve learned to be more flexible with my running routine and not be too pressured because small, consistent efforts still count.” Like everything in life though, dark days inevitably come—but when they do, she leans on her colleagues who instinctively know how to weather the storm by her side. PHOTO VIA DORA LAU “There are some days where I'll think of my patients after work. It may be after an emotional conversation with them or concerns about their progress overnight. Over time, these thoughts can lead to burnouts easily, and I've had friends who’ve had to reach out for professional help,” she shared in earnest. “I want to bring across the message that it is okay to not be okay and allow others to help you when you feel vulnerable. For myself, I’ve slowly learned to let go after work and trust in my colleagues who take over the care of my patient.” Soon, Dora will trade the hospital corridors for the bustling streets of Bangkok, as she takes on the ASICS META : Time : Trials Thailand 2025. Once again, she’ll be running alongside the ASICS Running Club—a crew that has grown into some of her closest friends and one of her favourite parts of the event. PHOTO: SPORTPLUS.SG   / HANA BASIR “We have been travelling every year as a team with the ASICS running club. I enjoy the memories we make pre-race, on race day, and even post-race! Everyone is so supportive. There is a common love for running that brings us together,” gushed Dora. “The running community—shoutout to ASICS—keeps me going because I’m around people who love the sport so much. Their energy is infectious too. Running has become part of my life, and I truly enjoy it for what it is—the rhythmic footsteps, the quiet reflections, the familiar sights. I'll never get bored! "I'm looking forward to this year's new running route at the Rama VIII Bridge and park. I've never been there before, so I'm excited to explore the area. Coupled with running alongside my friends and regional athletes, I'm sure it'll be a memorable experience.” #ASICSMETATIMETRIALS   #ASICSRunning   #ASICSSG