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Singapore's Yeo Jiamin wins fifth career title with German Open success, and first Super 300; teammate Loh Kean Yew loses out to arch rival Viktor Axelsen in Men's Final PHOTO: LARA SUFFEL, 2025 GERMAN OPEN Singapore, 3 March 2025 - In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Singapore's top female and male badminton stars Yeo Jia Min and Loh Kean Yew took the 2025 German Open Super 300 by storm, achieving significant milestones at the Westenergie Sporthalle in Mulheim, Germany, underscoring the nation's growing prominence in the sport. Yeo Jia Min's Triumph Yeo Jia Min, ranked 13th globally, clinched her first Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour title since 2019 after she defeated Vietnam's Nguyen Thuy Linh in the women's singles final. She secured a straight-sets victory with scores of 21-16, 21-17 in just 41 minutes. This victory marks Jiamin's inaugural Super 300 title and her third title on the BWF World Tour, elevating her status on the international stage. Her previous BWF title was the Super 100 Hyderabad Open in August 2019. The German Open win not only ends her title drought but also signifies her evolution as a formidable competitor on the global stage in 2025. PHOTO: LARA SUFFEL, 2025 GERMAN OPEN Throughout the tournament, Singapore's top female shuttler exhibited exceptional form, overcoming opponents such as Denmark’s defending champion Mia Blichfeldt. Having been criticised for her lack of composure in the biggest matches previously, she demonstrated great composure and leveraged her superior net play to capitalise on her opponent's unforced errors and secure the championship. PHOTO: LARA SUFFEL, 2025 GERMAN OPEN Loh Kean Yew's Valiant Effort In the men's singles final, Loh Kean Yew faced Denmark's Viktor Axelsen , a two-time Olympic champion. Despite a valiant effort, Loh narrowly lost with scores of 21-19, 21-18 in a 54-minute match. Loh's journey to the final was marked by impressive performances, including a decisive victory over Japan’s Koo Takahashi in the semi-finals. This tournament marked his first final appearance since winning the Super 300 Spain Masters in 2024, reflecting his resilience and consistent high-level play. PHOTO: LARA SUFFEL, 2025 GERMAN OPEN A Testament to Team Singapore's Progress The achievements of Jiamin and Kean Yew at the German Open highlight the significant strides made by Singaporean badminton on the global stage. Jiamin's title and Kean Yew's runner-up finish serve as inspirations to aspiring athletes and underscore the effectiveness of the nation's sports development programs. As they prepare for upcoming tournaments, including the Super 300 Orleans Masters in France and the prestigious All England Open, both players will aim to build on their recent successes. Their performances in Germany not only bring pride to Singapore but also signal a bright future for the nation's badminton prospects. PHOTO: LARA SUFFEL, 2025 GERMAN OPEN #SgBadminton #GermanOpen #TeamSingapore

Each Pair Features a Unique Race Worn Design, With No Two Alike Cinelli, the Milan-based cycling company that redesigns the limits of performance, and Oakley®, renowned for 50 years of innovation in sport culture, drop their first-ever collaboration that transforms cycling into a journey of discovery. The Cinelli x Oakley Latch Panel and Eye Jacket Redux glasses feature an intentional ‘Race Worn’ design, inspired by the commitment to, passion for, and fatigue from biking. This distressed look is achieved through a unique tumbling process, resulting in distinct scratches making each piece one-of-a-kind and as unique as the ride. With a common heritage in prestigious cycling Grand Tours, Cinelli x Oakley reflects a protopian vision for the future of cycling—one that values creativity and joy over competition. The collection comes to life with Taylor Phinney, former professional road racer, whose relationship with cycling was once rooted in performance and now reflects a deeper connection to nature and exploration. “The bike is just a toy. A toy for children or adults. The more we ride, the more we grow and the more comfortable we become in our pursuit of flow,” said Taylor Phinney. “The paths we trace in the earth begin to hold a dear place within us and we move beyond merely cutting weight and chasing power numbers. Instead, we transform into one with our bicycles and through this machine, we progress towards a protopia.” Made for versatile escapades, the Cinelli x Oakley Latch Panel features a full-rim shield lens and a signature latch hinge, complete with removable side shields to block out glare and distractions. The striking black Race Worn colorway is paired with Prizm™ Road Black lenses, enhancing contrast on road surfaces. For off-road adventures, the Cinelli x Oakley Eye Jacket Redux is the go-to companion. The bold, familiar silhouette gets the rebellious Cinelli touch with an off-white Race Worn colorway complemented by Prizm™ Grey lenses. Both eyewear designs come in a custom micro bag and box sleeves. “Race worn is a symbolic process representing the journey. Every individual goes through their own journey. And each journey is different. The Race Worn process is crafted by hand where no two are exactly alike. Very similar to the human race,” says Brian Takumi, Oakley’s Vice President of Creative and Soul. The collection includes a Raceworn Nemo Gravel Bike not for sale, handbuilt at Cinelli's Milan HQ with Oakley's off-grid ethos. "This collaboration with Oakley represents a perfect synergy between two iconic brands that share a passion for innovation, performance, and pushing the boundaries of design", states Victor Luis, Chairman and owner of Cinelli. "Together, we’ve created products with soul that celebrate the distinctive spirit of our cycling journey and modern craftsmanship." The limited-edition Cinelli x Oakley collection, available starting February 27th at select Oakley and Cinelli retail locations and on Cinelli-milano.com and Oakley.com . #Oakley #OakleySG #BeWhoYouAre

Media personalities and fitness influencers rave about lululemon's latest Glow Up line following intense work out session at the lululemon Glow Up Party PHOTO: LULULEMON SOUTHEAST ASIA Singapore, 1 March 2025 - lululemon turned up the heat—literally—with the launch of its highly anticipated Glow Up line , hosting an exclusive fitness event that brought together media personalities, influencers, and fitness enthusiasts for an intense high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout labelled the lululemon Glow Up Party . Set in the sleek, urban studio of MVRCK MacPherson with plenty of room for movement, the event was designed not just to showcase the latest collection but to put it to the test. PHOTO: LULULEMON SOUTHEAST ASIA A Workout Experience Like No Other From the moment guests walked into the venue, the energy was palpable. Trainers renowned for their expertise in strength and conditioning led participants through a challenging HIIT session designed to push limits and maximise performance. With sweat dripping and heart rates soaring, attendees experienced firsthand the superior support and sculpting features of lululemon’s new Ultralu fabric. PHOTO: LULULEMON SOUTHEAST ASIA The Glow Up collection , crafted for strength training and dynamic movement, was put through its paces as attendees moved through burpees, sled push and pulls, and an assault treadmill sprint among other workouts. The Super-High-Rise Tights , a standout piece in the collection, proved their worth, staying in place with bonded waistbands that offered both compression and comfort. Meanwhile, the Medium Support Tank Tops provided the perfect balance of breathability and structure, keeping wearers supported through every rep. PHOTO: LULULEMON SOUTHEAST ASIA Influencers & Athletes Weigh In SportPlus creator Chermaine Zhou who attended the event shared: "All girl workouts and events are always special and fun. All of them were so strong, and it was really a case of teamwork makes the dream work! We got grouped into our relay teams, and had to rely on each other to complete our tasks." When asked about her thoughts on the new Glow Up collection, Chermaine added: "All of us looked super cute in our glow-up collection." "We got to experience the fabric first hand and the support of the collection for ourselves through the many stations and it was a tough workout but the outfit shined through." Following the sweat session, influencers and fitness enthusiasts took to social media to rave about the collection. Other attendees echoed similar sentiments, emphasising how the collection’s sleek, sculpting aesthetic was matched by its performance-driven design. The seamless transitions from weighted lunges to sprint intervals proved that these pieces weren’t just about style—they were built for movement. PHOTO: LULULEMON SOUTHEAST ASIA A New Era of Strength Training Apparel Lululemon’s Glow Up collection isn’t just another addition to the brand’s extensive lineup—it marks a shift toward a more performance-focused approach in activewear. With a meticulous balance of fashion and function, the collection embodies the evolution of fitness apparel, catering to athletes and casual gym-goers alike. As the event wrapped up, participants left not just with a new appreciation for the gear but with a renewed motivation to push their fitness goals further. The Glow Up collection is available now in stores and online, and if the event’s buzz is any indication, it’s bound to be a game-changer in the strength training space. For those looking to elevate their workout wardrobe with apparel that performs as hard as they do, the Glow Up collection might just be the perfect fit. #lululemon #glowupcollection

Team Singapore's men's team has been drawn into Pool A with Mongolia, while the women's team are set to face Japan in Pool C PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Singapore men’s 3x3 basketball team is set for a tough yet thrilling battle at FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2025. They are drawn in Pool A alongside top seeded team and 2023 champion, Mongolia. The third and final spot in Pool A will be contested by five teams during Qualifying Draw A. They are Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, China, Guam and tournament debutant Bahrain.  Defending champion and men’s world No. 35 Australia is in Pool C. They will face off against world No. 15 Japan and the qualifier from Qualifying Draw C which sees Kazakhstan, Iran, Maldives and Papua New Guinea competing for the final spot.  Team Singapore Starting Strong  PHOTO: SINGAPORE SPORTS HUB FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2025 marks the first major competition in an important year for Team Singapore, ahead of the Southeast Asian Games in December. Singapore will also enter the fray with its highest ever men’s and women’s combined federation ranking in Asia, standing at fourth behind China, Mongolia and Japan, and at world No. 22.  Singapore’s national 3x3 basketball head coach Lazar Rasic said: “The FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup is an important tournament for us every year, but especially so this year, and we are excited to be competing at home again. This tournament will be crucial for us as we get to see where we stand among our rivals in the region. We need as many competition opportunities as possible to keep getting better and raising the standards of basketball in Singapore, and the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2025 helps us do that. Last year’s edition was my first tournament with the team and the first time for a lot of players as well. We learnt many valuable lessons from it and we will use them to improve on our performance this year. Our opponents are all very strong but we will prepare well and put up a good fight against them.”  In the women’s competition, world No. 19 Singapore will face a close contest against world No. 14 Japan and a qualifier – Kazakhstan, Iran, Vietnam or Maldives – in Pool C. PHOTO: JAEMS CHUA, SPORTPLUS.SG Singapore women’s player Jermaine Lim said: “It’s always an honour to represent Singapore and we’re looking forward to competing in such a big tournament in front of home fans at the OCBC Square. If I’m selected, this will be my first time competing in the FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup. We’ve been preparing well for the past year and even achieved our highest combined federation ranking ever, so we’re excited to show what we’ve been working on. We hope to put on a good show for our fellow Singaporeans.”  Top-ranked Teams Vying for Women’s Title  Two-time defending women champion and powerhouse Australia will start their title defence in Pool D, facing a spirited Philippines team and a qualifier from one of these teams – Indonesia, Turkmenistan, Macau or Papua New Guinea.  PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Women’s world No. 1 China, who will be looking to prevent a third straight victory for Australia, will begin their campaign against New Zealand in Pool A. Bahrain, who are also debuting a women’s team in the tournament, will play fellow qualifiers Malaysia and the Republic of Korea for the last spot in Pool A.  Community Enjoy Free Entry to Selected Qualifying Draw Matches  FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup 2025, organised by Kallang Alive Sport Management, runs from 26 to 30 March and will be held at the OCBC Square at Singapore Sports Hub for the third straight year. The Main Draw will feature four pools each in the men’s and women’s categories, which begins on March 28. Unseeded teams will participate in the Qualifying Draw, taking place on 26 and 27 March, to earn qualification to the Main Draw.  Members of the public will enjoy free entry to selected sessions on 26 and 27 March, on a first come-first-served basis until full capacity is reached. In a first for the event, courtside seats that bring fans much closer to the action are also available.  Tickets are priced from $5 (excluding booking fee) and are available now. Secure your spot here .

Garmin Run Club will run structured coaching sessions three times weekly, with the expert-led training runs open to all members of public PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Singapore, 28 February 2025 - Garmin Run Club Singapore has announced a new addition to its coaching team in partnership with ASICS Running Club , with former national runner and former New Balance Run Club Singapore's Head Coach Loh Guo Pei joining the team's ranks, leading the sessions to be held on Saturday mornings. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG His addition further strengthens the Garmin x ASICS partnership, bolstering the team's coaching expertise with a star-studded cast already boasting national duathlete Yong Man Yun and ASICS Running Club Head Coach Shah Feroz , all of whom are current or former national athletes with recognised coaching pedigrees - becoming Singapore's first run clubs to do so. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG In an announcement made via Garmin Run Club Singapore's Instagram page this morning, both Garmin and ASICS welcomed Guo Pei to the coaching team saying: Garmin Run Club x ASICS Running Club just got even stronger! Welcoming Coach Loh Guo Pei to the team, forming an all-star coach team with national athletes Yong Man Yun & Shah Feroz! Get ready for expert-led training runs every Tue, Thu & Sat—guided by the best in the game. 🗓 Tuesdays with Coach Feroz, 7pm at Singapore Indoor Stadium, Carpark L 🗓 Thursdays with Coach Man Yun, 7pm at CCAB MOE Stadium, 21 Evans Road 🗓 Saturdays with Coach Guo Pei, 7am at Singapore Indoor Stadium, Carpark L PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned runner, this is your chance to train with elite athletes & level up your run to go from zero to hero. Garmin Singapore had previously run its Garmin training camps built around major running events on the Singapore running calendar such as the 2XU Run and the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG It ran its largest training camp in 2024 in the lead up to October's Garmin Run Asia Series Singapore debut. SportPlus.sg understands the three-times a week training sessions will now run all year round, and is free and open to the public for all to attend. #GarminSG #GarminRunClub #ASICSSG #Coaching

Teenage motorsport star Christian Ho wraps up stellar year with a display of six wins and three more podium finishes which saw him crowned Rookie Champion and the driver with most wins in the season PHOTO: DUTCH PHOTO AGENCY Singapore, 25 February 2025 – Singapore’s teenage motorsport star Christian Ho has been crowned the 2024 Eurocup-3 champion after competitor Emmo Fittipaldi was hit with a penalty for exceeding track limits during Race 1 of the final round in Barcelona on last November. The result wraps up a stellar 2024 for Ho, whose impressive display of six wins and three more podium finishes also saw him crowned Rookie Champion and finish as the driver with the most wins in the season. Reflecting on his season, Ho said: “What an incredible season. I'm so happy to be the Eurocup-3 champion as well as the Rookies' Champion. The last few months have been a roller coaster of emotions and I'm still trying to process everything and take in the moment. But I'm very happy with my performance last season." "It has been an amazing experience. I've learnt so much from each weekend and everyone involved including my teammates, competitors and engineers. There were ups and downs for sure but that's normal. The most important thing is that I learnt something new each time and emerged stronger. Going into the final rounds, I knew it was going to be close and I just made sure to be fully focused each weekend so that I could get the best results possible. I knew I had to be at my best for the very last race." "I'm glad everything paid off and I'm just so proud of how far we've come, having overcome a shaky start to the season. All these experiences have shown me that I'm always capable of pushing myself further and doing better, and that motivates me even more to keep going. I'm excited for what's to come in F3 and I'm going to bring this energy with me this year.” Following a dream debut in the Eurocup-3, Ho’s next challenge will see him racing for DAMS Lucas Oil in the 2025 FIA Formula 3 Championship , becoming the first Singaporean to compete in the series. The third-tier F3 kicks off in Melbourne in March and the full calendar can be found here . How the final weekend unfolded At the final Eurocup-3 weekend on 9-10 Nov 2024, Fittipaldi won the first race ahead of Ho, but appeared to have left the track and gained an advantage. At that time, the stewards deemed it a racing incident and Ho’s Campos Racing team lodged an appeal immediately after the race. While the appeal result was being determined, Fittipaldi’s MP Motorsport teammate Javier Sagrera was provisionally named champion at the end of the weekend. The Royal Spanish Automobile Federation’s (RFEDA) Appeal and Disciplinary Committee later overturned the stewards’ decision, and MP Motorsport appealed that result to the FIA International Court of Appeal. On Monday (24 February), Eurocup-3 announced that Ho was officially crowned champion after the FIA International Court of Appeal upheld the decision made by the RFEDA’s Appeals and Disciplinary Committee. With Ho being promoted to race winner and in addition to his clean sweep on 10 Nov 2024, he clinched the Eurocup-3 title in his rookie season with 255 points ahead of Sagrera (250). Ho’s triumph is the latest achievement in his motorsport career. Since moving to Europe at 11 to pursue his motorsport career, Ho has been making waves in the industry. He has consistently been one of the top drivers for his age group and made steady progress earning a promotion to the next category of racing on a yearly basis. When he was 12, he became the first Asian to win a race in the FIA Karting Academy Trophy and was the series’ overall runner-up. In 2020, he finished fourth in the 2020 FIA World Karting Championship – Junior and third in the WSK Champions Cup. Following a successful karting career, Ho made the move up to single-seater racing in 2022 when he raced in his first full F4 Spanish Championship season . After finishing 13th in his rookie season, he placed second the next season after clinching five wins and 13 podium finishes. He then made the step up to Eurocup-3 last year before announcing his move up to the 2025 FIA F3 Championship. Ho’s historic participation in the FIA F3 Championship was announced last September and comes as he continues working towards his dream of competing in Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport. The FIA F3 championship is part of motorsport’s governing body FIA’s pathway aimed at helping drivers reach the pinnacle of the sport, sitting in between the FIA Formula 4 and Formula 2 championships. Most if not all F1 drivers go through the third-tier championship which serves as a feeder series. The FIA F3 season typically takes place on the sidelines of F1 races at the same circuits. The 2025 season consists of 30 drivers (10 teams), 10 rounds and includes iconic venues such as England’s Silverstone, Monaco’s street circuit and the Red Bull Ring in Austria. #Motorsport #ChristianHo #TeamSingapore

This year’s KFF Singapore Badminton Open will start on 27 May 2025, with the finals held on 1 June 2025 PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG This year marks a special year for the Singapore Badminton Open (SBO) , celebrating SG60 with a special bus journey that commemorates Singapore’s sporting and political history, and a short film of men’s singles badminton player Jason Teh Jia Heng that would showcase his preparations for the Open. The Karim Family Foundation has also renewed the title sponsorship of the Open for the third year running.  “Bringing the Open to the People” – Bus No. 7 route commemorates historic site  The Organising Chairman of SBO 2025, Mr Bryan Long, promised that this SG60 edition of the Open is going to be one of the most memorable ever: “We are going to bring the Open to the people of Singapore. We would like everyone in Singapore to follow the journey of Bus no. 7 as it travels from Bedok through Orchard Road to Clementi, passing the historic Guillemard site that is presently home to the KFF Badminton Arena." " While there are very special passes to be won to the Open, I hope that Singaporeans will also take this opportunity to learn about our sporting and political history.”  For 30 days starting from mid-April, SBS Transit bus service number 7 will be adorned with photographs of local players, past winners and top international shuttlers who have previously competed at the Singapore Badminton Open. Seven pairs of passes for the entire duration of the 2025 tournament will be given away to the most creative selfies with the bus that are posted on Instagram with the hashtag #kffsbo2025chasethebus . Bus service number 7 was chosen as it passes the Singapore Badminton Stadium which is now branded as the KFF Badminton Arena when it reopened on National Day last year. On 1 September 1999, the Singapore Badminton Hall at Guillemard became the first sports facility in Singapore to be designated a historic site by the National Heritage Board. The stadium was officially opened in June 1952. It hosted the Thomas Cup in 1955 and 1958, as well as the badminton events at 1983 SEA Games where Wong Shoon Keat won Singapore’s first and only badminton men’s singles gold medal. In the 1960s, the PAP had also made public speeches at the venue to celebrate their victory in the general elections, and the stadium was the site for the vote-counting for the Referendum on Singapore’s merger with Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak on 1 September 1962. PHOTO: SINGAPORE BADMINTON ASSOCIATION “Countdown to the Open” – a commemorative short film on Jason Teh  Titled “ COUNTDOWN TO THE OPEN: JASON TEH ”, this short 10-minute film is presented by Eagle Brand to celebrate its long history in Singapore that dates back to pre-independence days, and it would premiere on YouTube in June. Jason Teh’s dogged determination to win his first BWF World Tour title saw him battle through seven finals before his emotional triumph on his eighth attempt at the Thailand Masters Super 300 earlier this month. His remarkable resilience is a value that resonates with many Singaporeans and his fans around the world. Upon his Thailand Masters victory, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and Minister Edwin Tong all posted congratulatory messages on social media. The movie is produced and directed by fashion photographer and law professor David Tan, who is also the Singapore Badminton Association’s Vice President (Business Development & Communications), and the director of photography is Albert Vincent Wu, who has previously filmed short videos featuring celebrities such as Kit Chan and Benjamin Kheng.  The film will feature a 30-day countdown of Jason Teh, 24, in his preparations for the Open. Jason was ranked world number 61 at the start of 2024 and steadily climbed the rankings, achieving a career-high world ranking of 26 after his Thailand Masters win on 2 February 2025. The film is the first of its kind of any BWF Super 750 tournament. The 30-day countdown starts on Sunday, 27 April 2025, and viewers will be able to catch a glimpse of Jason’s preparations, including court testing before his first match and what he does when he is not training or competing.  Jason said: “I am thrilled to be a part of this national celebration, and I hope the film will give Singaporeans a rare insight into the life of an athlete. People often only see us winning –or losing–on court, but they may not know how much blood, sweat and tears happen behind the scenes. My family and friends are as much a part of my sporting journey as are my coaches, sparring partners, physiotherapists, sport scientists and the administrators at SBA.”  PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Ticket Sales  Early bird season tickets for the KFF Singapore Badminton Open 2025 will be available at Ticketmaster Singapore from 15 March 2025.  For the early bird specials available only between 15 March to 21 March 2025, season tickets are priced between $90 for standard balcony up to $400 for platinum seats. Individual daily tickets range from $30-$120 for the preliminary rounds of R32 and R16 (27-29 May), $50-$200 for quarterfinals (30 May), $75-$250 for semifinals (31 May) and $85-$300 for the finals (1 June).   PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG After this promotion period, the normal prices would be as follows: season tickets $100-$450, $40- $140 for the preliminary rounds of R32 and R16 (27-29 May), $60-$240 for quarterfinals (30 May), $85-$290 for semifinals (31 May) and $100-$330 for the finals (1 June).   Fans looking for a premium experience can opt for The Champion Club package at $1,500, which offers even more exclusive perks this year, such as VIP seating, a special one-day access to see players at court testing/acclimatisation, priority queue during the Meet-and-Greet sessions with  players, and to be able to play/take photographs on the competition courts (field of play) at the after-party at the end of finals day. The Champion Club experience is available to just over thirty individuals. More details will be announced in March. All prices are subject to prevailing GST and booking fees.   #Badminton #SgBadminton #KFFSBO2025

The Women's Premier League will be played at Choa Chu Kang Stadium, brimming with new signings and a slew of youngsters set to make their top flight debut PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG The 24th season of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) is set to kick off on Saturday, 1 March 2025, with nine teams competing across 18 match weeks at a centralised venue, Choa Chu Kang Stadium.  Last season saw Lion City Sailors Women's Team take the title for the third year running after a tight battle against title rivals Albirex Niigata (S). While the two are set to start their campaigns in a blockbuster clash against each other on the 8th of March, it is Balestier Khalsa and Tanjong Pagar kicking off the 2025 season this Saturday. They will then be followed by Still Aerion going up against Tampines Rovers on Sunday. With players looking to hit the ground running for an all new season, Hougang United's Reneelyn Riddle has high hopes for 2025. Last year, Hougang finished the season in fifth place, amassing 27 points across 8 wins out of 16 games. PHOTO: HAIQAL TAHIR, HOUGANG UNITED WOMEN'S FC "We have a lot of new players and we’ve been working hard preseason to come together and play together as a team. There’s so many talented teams and players this season so I’m looking forward to go up against them with the team! I think it will really push us to raise our game and play our very best each time," shared the student athlete, who studies at Singapore Institute of Technology. The growth of women's football has seen countless youngsters from different academies and teams around Singapore making their top-flight debuts in the WPL. With that, comes higher competition and elite players spread across the WPL. For Reneelyn, who has witnessed the growth for herself, hopes that she can become a player who adapts to the ever-growing game. Reneelyn Riddle in 2022, then playing for Tiong Bahru FC PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG "Every team has their unique playing style and I think it’s important to adapt to that. I definitely want to be more consistent in my performance too because consistency is key! I'm aiming to score and assist more goals too and have a bigger impact on my team this season," she said. Hougang certainly hasn't been the only team strengthening their squad. Amongst them is Tiong Bahru, who've opened their doors to a familiar face. Former Singapore international Lim Li Xian, who has 29 caps and two goals to her name, returns to help Tiong Bahru improve on the club’s seventh placed finish last season.  After spending two-and-a-half years in Madrid working as a derivatives trader and playing for amateur club C.D. San Roque E.F.F., the 29-year-old is champing at the bit to jump back into the WPL, where she previously played for the now-defunct Warriors FC from 2015 to 2019.  PHOTO VIA FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION SINGAPORE "I have really missed playing alongside teammates I’ve known since I was young, and having the support of family and friends. Coming back, I knew I wanted to play with my old Warriors teammates, and Tiong Bahru felt like the perfect fit (because several of them play here now). I’ve never worked with Coach Ngiap Tai, but I’ve heard great things about him, and training has been going well so far,” she said.  "I hope to contribute to improving Tiong Bahru's standings from last year. We are players coming from different backgrounds and different teams, but I believe we can gel as we train and play together.”  This season marks an interesting season for the league, with the Women’s National Team lining up in three international competitions across the year - the Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup Qualifiers, the ASEAN Women’s Championships, and December’s SEA Games in Thailand.  “Because of the packed calendar, the WPL will play an even bigger role for the Lionesses than it did in previous years. The league will be important in keeping our local-based players sharp and competitive while also providing opportunities for national coaches to uncover new talent who can represent Singapore on the international stage,” said Football Association of Singapore (FAS) General Secretary Chew Chun-Liang.  “Women’s Head Coach Karim Bencherifa has already set aside two FIFA windows in February and April for the WPL clubs to prepare their squads for the league, and I look forward to a year of closer collaboration between the FAS and clubs.”  He added: “It’s going to be an exciting season with all clubs having strengthened, and I’m looking forward to the competition.”  This season, however, will see the end of Deloitte's role as the title sponsor of the WPL. Back in 2022, Deloitte made history for the women's game in Singapore, becoming the first ever title sponsor since the league's beginnings in 2000. WPL and Deloitte's sponsorship signing ceremony in 2022 PHOTO: FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION SINGAPORE “Deloitte’s sponsorship has helped the league’s development, and we are grateful for their efforts to raise the profile of women’s football in Singapore,” said Mr Chew who shared that FAS is actively engaging with potential sponsors to bring fresh support and investment to the league.  “We are excited about the future and look forward to building on the momentum created by Deloitte’s sponsorship. New partnerships will help us continue to provide opportunities for women in football, and the future of the WPL is bright as we move forward,” he added.  "It has been a pleasure to journey with WPL,” said James Walton, Deloitte’s Sports Business Group Leader for Asia Pacific and Southeast Asia.  “The goal of our sponsorship was to support the development of women’s football in Singapore and we are pleased to see improvements in the women’s game, including a centralised competition venue that lends itself to elite competition, and the increase in young players coming through the ranks of clubs through to the Singapore national team.  “Deloitte regularly reviews our sponsorships so that we can give support to a broad base of groups in our society. Even as we sunset our time with WPL, we remain supporters and fans of women’s football, and committed to partnerships that help advance sports in Singapore,” he added. As the league embarks on a new chapter, Reneelyn is hopeful that the immense potential within the WPL will be realised, fueled by increased exposure. "I'd love to see more media coverage and engagement for WPL. This would help raise the profile of women's football and inspire the next generation of players. The WPL has so much talent and potential, and I believe it deserves more recognition," she shared. "I’m hoping to see more initiatives that promote women's football and encourage young girls to take up the sport." #SgFootball #SGWPL

MetaSprint Series Duathlon demonstrates growing appeal of multi-sport among amateur athletes with 1,200 athletes in attendance PHOTO: SHAUN LEE, SPORTPLUS.SG Singapore, 23 February 2025 - The MetaSprint Series Duathlon , held this morning, proved to be a remarkable and electrifying event, attracting over 1,200 athletes from all over. The multisport event, which features five categories including the Sprint Duathlon, Discovery Duathlon, Youth Duathlon, Kids Duathlon and Team Relay events witnessed athletes running and cycling at blistering paces in a showcase of athleticism and intense competition, with plenty of personal bests achieved. PHOTO: SHAUN LEE, SPORTPLUS.SG This year's edition was also preceded by a Triathlon Association of Singapore (TAS) SEA Games Heats and qualifiers, as the top three athletes of Ahmad Arif Ibrahim, Ben Khoo, Nicholas Rachmadi (Men's) and Louisa Middleditch, Herlene Yu, Rachel Hew (Women's) booked their spots to represent Singapore at the year-end SEA Games in Thailand, pending due process from Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC). PHOTO: SHAUN LEE, SPORTPLUS.SG The SEA Games qualifiers featured a super sprint distance comprising a 2km run, 8km ride and 1km run and proved to be a keenly fought contest among Singapore's top athletes with Tey Yi Jun disqualified after initially having crossed the finish line first for the men's category. In the women's category Rachel Hew overcame her initial mistake of running in the wrong direction in her second transition to claim third place behind Louisa Middleditch and Herlene Yu, displacing Rachel Longstaff in the process who placed fourth ahead of rising star Ng Xuanjie and the event's defending champion Yong Man Yun. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG The main Sprint Duathlon event (3km run, 18km cycle and 3km run) saw equally stirring performances from everyday athletes, as Finn Bannister, Kyle Arnold and James Farley completed the podium set for the men's while Fiona Lim underscored her status as the next up and coming multi-sport local star after cementing first spot in the women's elite race, leading the pack from start to finish, finishing ahead of Suzie Bacon and SportPlus' Sarah Tan. PHOTO: SHAUN LEE, SPORTPLUS.SG SportPlus Dominates Relay Events Team SportPlus dominated the podium in the relay event, with all three teams finishing on the podium - with SportPlus Team 2 (Bryce Chong, Ameline Tan and Lucas Tan) emerging as champions of the mixed relay category while SportPlus Team 1 (Neyton Tan, Maxine Tan and Raymond Sng) taking second runners up behind Geylang Cycling Team. An all-female SportPlus Team 3 also surprisingly found themselves on the podium, reward for the beginners who showed courage to participate this year. PHOTO: SHAUN LEE, SPORTPLUS.SG Community Spirit What made this event truly special was the vibrant community atmosphere. Spectators lined the course, offering support and cheers, while volunteers ensured the race ran smoothly. The event was more than just about competition—it was a celebration of the duathlon community, fitness, and determination. PHOTO: SHAUN LEE, SPORTPLUS.SG Post-Race Festivities After the race, participants gathered at the finish line for refreshments, massages, and the opportunity to relax and socialise with fellow athletes. The post-race area was filled with smiles, laughter, and camaraderie as everyone celebrated their accomplishments. PHOTO: HANIDA HUSSIEN, SPORTPLUS.SG Looking Forward The MetaSprint Series Duathlon continues to grow year after year, attracting both seasoned pros and first-time duathletes. With an excellent event organisation, a challenging course, and a welcoming atmosphere, participants are already looking forward to the next edition. PHOTO: SHAUN LEE, SPORTPLUS.SG Whether you’re a veteran or a newbie, the MetaSprint Duathlon is a must-do event for anyone looking to challenge themselves and experience the excitement of a multisport race, and is the perfect pre-cursor to the Singapore T100 . Or if you are big fan of the MetaSprint Series, be sure to mark your calendar for the next race of the MetaSprint Triathlon happening next month! #Metasport #MetaSprintSeries #Duathlon

All seven of Sailors' goals across the two legs were scored by Maxime Lestienne, Bart Ramselaar and Shawal Anuar, driving The Sailors to the quarter finals PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG The Lion City Sailors have been blazing trails in Singapore football wherever they go, and it was no different last night. History makers once again, The Sailors became the first Singaporean team to progress to the quarter finals of the Asian Champions League (ACL) Two after a resounding 4-0 win against Muangthong United. Not only that, but the Boys in Blue are the only Southeast Asian side left in the competition after Bangkok United, Port City, Nam Dinh and Muangthong's exits in the round of 16. Thursday night's victory at Jalan Besar Stadium secured a 7-2 aggregate triumph, following the Sailors' 3-2 away win at Thunder Dome Stadium in the first leg. With Muangthong—based in Northern Bangkok—being one of Thailand's most popular clubs and who currently sit in third place in one of Southeast Asia's most competitive leagues, it was set to be an intense clash. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG While The Sailors requiring a draw to progress, Muangthong needed at least two goals. Living up to expectations, the clash was not without grit and frustration. The two teams amassed 20 fouls all together and two yellow cards each, some of which were awarded by a rushed referee trying to keep control of tempered players. And it only took 15 seconds for the first foul to occur. In a desperate attempt to deny Shawal from reaching a loose ball, Muanghthong goalkeeper Kittipong Phoothawchuek clashed into the onrushing forward. Calls for a red from the home fans were ignored, and it was Maxime Lestienne who stepped up to the spot to calmly slot the ball in for Sailors' first of the night. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Whether it was nerves or a lack of rhythm due to the early disruption, Muangthong never gained control of the game, leaving Izwan Mahbud with little to do aside from one or two routine saves. With lethal touches on the ball and each having an opportune shot on goal, both Diogo Costa and Bart Ramselaar were creating trouble for the Thai side. Just before the whistle blew for the break, Lestienne's pinpoint lob over almost everyone on the pitch found Shawal. Spotting Ramselaar on his right, the Singaporean forward found his Dutch teammate, and squared it to the latter to finish. A 55th minute corner then provided the best chance for the visitors, as The Sailors struggled to clear the ball away from the net. The scramble between the two sides eventually led to Izwan collecting the ball safely. With that, all hope was eventually lost for Muanghthong as Shawal netted his first of the night. The forward latched onto a perfectly weighted ball over the top by Hariss Harun, and chipped the ball cleanly over Kittipong to make it 3-0. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG In the 88th minute, Shawal—sealing his brace—then made it four to stamp their tickets to the quarter finals. It was substitute Lennart Thy who forced a save from Kittipong with a powerful strike. Shawal, showcasing his experience as a seasoned forward, was in the right place at the right time to latch onto the rebound and drive the ball home. Having already put up performances against top sides in different regional competitions this year, The Sailors will face their biggest test yet for the ACL two quarter finals. They will battle against three-time J1 League champions Sanfrecce Hiroshima, played over two legs on 5th and 12th March. Here are more highlights from the 4-0 win against Muangthong United. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Signed on loan from Primeira Liga side FC Famalicão in January 2025, Portuguese left-back Diogo Costa was a driving force in the attacks against Muangthong. Paired to face against captain, Tristan Do, the aggressive and speedy wing-back showed no fear and was successful in in his attempts to frustrate both the visiting players and fans, sat on the Gallery Stand close to the defender. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Kittipong Phoothawchuek looks over to Maximme Lestienne as confusion ensues in the 15th second, after the goalkeeper makes a hasty decision to run into Shawal Anuar and force a penalty. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Toni Datkovic plays a ball over the top for Bart Ramselaar. Muanghthong's Korean defender Hong Jeong Un spots the danger and rushes to battle for the ball. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Bart Ramselaar misses a chance on goal in the first half as his powerful, driving shot from the left flank narrowly goes over the bar. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Shawal Anuar and Tristan Do are locked in an aerial battle in a dangerous position. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Tempers flare as Diogo Costa goes down again after clashing with Tristan Do. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG Muangthong United's fans, who were in full voice, show support to their team at the end of the game as the players made their way over. PHOTO: HANA BASIR, SPORTPLUS.SG The Sailors celebrate with the fans as they successfully defied all odds to make history in the ACL Two. #LionCitySailors #ACLTwo

The exhibition match is part of A-League Women's team Brisbane Roar's five-day tour in Singapore Singapore's Danelle Tan in action for Ninja A-League's Brisbane Roar. Singapore, 21 February 2025 – Brisbane Roar’s Ninja A-League Women’s squad is set to make history as they embark on their first-ever overseas tour, heading to Singapore for an exhibition match against a Women’s Premier League (WPL) All-Stars side during the FIFA International break in April. In partnership with the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) , Brisbane Roar will showcase their A-League Women’s program on an international stage, furthering their commitment to the growth and promotion of women’s football. The five-day tour, running from April 1 to April 5, will include junior football clinics, community engagement events, and a highly anticipated Exhibition Match against the best of the WPL. Geylang International's Farah Nurzahirah could feature in the exhibition match. The match is scheduled to take place on Friday, April 4, at Bishan Stadium, with kick-off at 8:00 pm (local time) / 10:00 pm AEST. “This overseas trip presents an incredible opportunity for our squad to experience the challenges of international travel while fostering team growth and personal development,” said Brisbane Roar COO Zac Anderson. “We are immensely grateful to the Football Association of Singapore for their support in hosting our women’s program. This marks a major milestone for our club as we continue our preparations for the final stages of the Ninja A-League season.” Danelle Tan has represented Borussia Dortmund and had a brief stint with the Lion City Sailors' Women's team in the Deloitte Women's Premier League. Brisbane Roar forward and Singaporean international Danelle Tan expressed her enthusiasm for the trip: “I’m really excited for our trip to Singapore. It’s always special to go back home, and this is a fantastic opportunity to promote women’s football. Young aspiring players will get to watch a professional women’s team up close, giving them a benchmark for the level overseas. It’s also a great chance for us as a team to grow closer, both on and off the pitch.” “We’re delighted to throw our doors open to Brisbane Roar. It will be fantastic to have a trailblazer like Danelle – playing at the top level, alongside some players with World Cup experience – return and inspire young girls who are dreaming of doing the same,” said FAS General Secretary Chew Chun-liang. Manami Fukuzawa of Albirex Niigata Women's team could feature in an all-star womens' side from Singapore. “We are committed to the women’s game here, and we are honoured that the Roar will – through development clinics and open training sessions – support our cause. It is exciting to see the WPL fraternity come together for a match I’m certain will spark interest among our young – interest that we are ready to harness with our Unleash the Roar! Initiative." Match Details Fixture: Singapore Premier League All Stars vs Brisbane Roar FC (ALW) Date: Friday, April 4, 2025 Kick-off: 8:00 pm (local time) / 10:00 pm AEST Venue: Bishan Stadium Stay tuned for further updates via WPL and Brisbane Roar’s official channels. #BrisbaneRoar #DeloitteWPL #SgFootball

Seven marathons, seven days, seven continents. Mench Dizon creates history as she becomes the first Filipina to conquer some of the world's most grueling races PHOTO: WORLD MARATHON CHALLENGE MANILA, PHILIPPINES - In a remarkable display of grit and determination, Mench Dizon has become the first Filipina to complete both the prestigious World Marathon Challenge and the World Marathon Majors, earning her place in Philippines history with an achievement defined by ambition, perseverance, and national pride. The World Marathon Challenge is one of the most grueling endurance events in the world. Participants run seven marathons on seven continents in just seven days—a test of physical stamina, mental strength, and sheer willpower. Over the course of 168 hours, Mench ran consecutive 42.2KM races in Ultima Basecamp (Antarctica), Cape Town (Africa), Perth (Australia), Dubai (Asia), Madrid (Europe), Fortaleza (South America) and Miami (North America). Battling extreme weather conditions, jet lag, and minimal recovery time, she crossed the final finish line in Miami on 6th February 2025, conquering an extraordinary physical and mental challenge, a feat achieved only by an exceptional group of athletes who have pushed the boundaries of human capability. Mench is no stranger to pushing boundaries. She has been an avid marathoner since 2008 and in 2017, she earned the coveted Six-Star Medal by completing all six races in the Abbott World Marathon Majors (WMM)—Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. The WMM is widely recognized as the pinnacle of global marathon running, attracting the world's top runners and dedicated amateurs alike. PHOTO: WORLD MARATHON CHALLENGE With her latest accomplishment, Mench becomes the first Filipina to complete both the World Marathon Challenge and the WMM, marking a historic milestone for her country. She is also the second Filipino to ever accomplish this feat, following Dr. Potenciano “Yong” Larrazabal III, who completed both in 2020. Notably, Filipino-American runner Julie Uychiat has also completed both the World Marathon Challenge and the World Marathon Majors, making her the first Fil-Am Filipina to achieve this distinction. “I’ve always believed that running is more than just a sport—it’s a way to challenge ourselves beyond what we think is possible,” said Mench, who wrote about fighting negative thoughts, injuries, and fatigue, at the website  Road 2 Seven . “Completing the World Marathon Challenge was not just about proving my endurance, but about using my passion for a greater purpose.” Beyond personal achievement, Mench embarked on this journey to raise PHP 7 million to establish a new digital education center for the Sisters of Mary School, which provides secondary education and vocational training to nearly 8,000 students from underprivileged backgrounds across the Philippines. The planned facility will equip students with skills in blockchain, AI, robotics and other emerging technologies, preparing them for high-demand careers in a fast-growing industry. PHOTO: WORLD MARATHON CHALLENGE As the Country Head of Yield Guild Games (YGG) Pilipinas, Mench has been at the forefront of the Metaverse Filipino Worker (MFW) movement, empowering Filipinos to build careers online as an alternative to working abroad as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). With the global Web3 industry valued at  USD 3.2 billion in 2021 , and projections for it to reach  USD 81.5 billion by 2030 , she sees education and digital upskilling as critical tools in ensuring Filipino talent can compete globally—without needing to travel overseas for work. The World Economic Forum estimates that emerging technologies will generate 97 million new jobs worldwide, underscoring the urgent need to equip young Filipinos with future-ready skills. “If we can bridge the digital skills gap, we can create sustainable pathways for Filipinos to thrive in the global economy without having to leave their home country and their families behind,” Mench added. “For me, this race was more than just a physical challenge—it was a testament to the relentless pursuit of progress that empowers Filipinos to succeed on their own terms.” PHOTO: WORLD MARATHON CHALLENGE The MFW campaign launched  a short film on YouTube  that honors the creativity and determination of the YGG Pilipinas community, spotlighting the unique human-centered stories that are driving a new era of work and innovation. Garnering over 1 million views in less than two weeks upon its release, the movement continues to gain momentum and inspire more Filipinos to explore new career paths in digital industries that offer economic mobility and global opportunities, no matter where they are located. With her unstoppable drive and unwavering vision, Mench Dizon’s achievements embody the indomitable spirit of Filipinos pushing boundaries—whether from home or across borders—by forging new paths, embracing challenges, and proving what is possible on the world stage.