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HYROX affiliated gym Ministry of Fitness plays host to special HYROX training event with Athletes and Creators of 100PLUS 35 days out from HYROX Singapore Race Singapore, 27 May 2024 - With just four weeks left to go to the first of two HYROX Singapore events this year, Team 100PLUS began its countdown to the highly anticipated fitness race this June by organising a special closed-doors HYROX themed workout and training session for Team 100PLUS athletes, friends of 100PLUS and members of HYROX-affiliated gym Ministry of Fitness. Led by hybrid athlete Samuel Chua and spin instructor Ria Chen, the 90-minute workout session had the group of 20 athletes try out the eight (8) HYROX stations across a mini circuit, where participants were grouped into threes for a unique "Triples" format to share the load across each station, instead of HYROX's signature "Doubles". Invited athletes and participants at the event were also refueled by 100PLUS PRO High Protein, 100PLUS' latest non-carbonated recovery drink with added protein, BCAAs and added B-vitamins to speed up their recovery post workout. They were then treated to ice-cold 100PLUS hydration bars post workout as a bonus, which gave them an extra boost in morale. Speaking with SportPlus.sg, Team 100PLUS creators and athletes shared their HYROX training progress so far this year, which stations are their most feared, as well as how 100PLUS PRO High Protein has helped their recovery in training. While not every training journey is going to go as smoothly as planned, we can always overcome challenges when we set our minds to it - as evidently shared by content creator Kenneth Lee. Kenneth shared that he feels a little underprepared for this year's HYROX although he tends to be his own harshest critic. Said Kenneth, who will be taking part in his second HYROX event: "HYROX training has not been as great as I had expected. I think I am my harshest critic. So I feel like whatever I am doing is still not enough, but I am just going to power through to the end." When asked how 100PLUS PRO High Protein has aided him in his training regime for HYROX, he shared: "100PLUS PRO has definitely helped in terms of my recovery, as I feel like I'm not training enough so I train everyday - and there is no way I can do that on my own so definitely with the help of 100PLUS PRO to supplement with my recovery as well as just to refresh myself during training." While some athletes are returning to compete in HYROX for a second time, others will be making their first HYROX appearance in June's National Stadium showpiece. Spin instructor and fitness trainer Ria Chen will be taking part in her first HYROX race on 29 June, and shared with SportPlus.sg that it has taken a bit of getting used to but she is confident she will be adequately prepared nonetheless. "It's been going okay - a lot of heavy movements which I am not used to doing, so a lot of aches so prioritising recovery at this point." She added: "My most feared stations would be the sleds - so the push and the pull, because it's not something I am used to doing at all. The first few times I'm doing it would be in the trainings leading up to HYROX." Sharing that she usually takes 100PLUS PRO before, during and after her workouts, Ria explained: "It helps me with my recovery, replenishing of electrolytes, and also gives me the confidence that I won't burn out as much as I would without it. It's been a good accompaniment of my workouts and trainings leading up to HYROX, and it also contains a lot of B vitamins to reduce the level of fatigue I would feel post workout." Meanwhile, HYROX Singapore ambassador and hybrid athlete Samuel Chua has taken a short break between his previous race and the current one, but feels he is back on schedule and believes he has been improving steadily and is now seeing his fitness coming in. His most feared station? "Definitely the wall balls," says Samuel. "The wall balls is when you have finished your 8 kilometres of running and your seven other stations, and I think it will be a mental game for me just counting down from hundred and slowly just ticking off the reps one by one." The 100PLUS athlete added that 100PLUS PRO High Protein has been an essential go-to for him while training for HYROX too. "I've been taking 100PLUS PRO after every single HYROX training, and I find that I recover quicker in between sessions because of the protein that it offers, as well as the various Vitamin Bs which helps me with my focus as well, utilising the proteins as well." HYROX Singapore 2024 will take place first at the National Stadium, Singapore Sports Hub on 29 June 2024. Those interested can still sign-up for the fitness race here. Interested to find out more about 100PLUS PRO High Protein, the choice recovery drink of many leading athletes in Singapore, find out more about the drink in our exclusive with Singapore's top athletes here: Read: Shanti Pereira x 100PLUS PRO Read: Hassan Sunny x 100PLUS PRO Read: Eliza Chong x 100PLUS PRO Find out how 100PLUS PRO High Protein fueled Samuel Chua's HYROX journey in HYROX Singapore 2023 in our special feature here. #100PLUSPRO #HYROXSG #HYROXAPAC #MySportIsHYROX #Team100PLUS

Half of Athletes who signed up for TriFactor Run and RunSwim opted to defer their participation to a later date Singapore, 25 June 2024 – Over 1,200 multi-sport athletes participated in the TriFactor Run and RunSwim Singapore event at East Coast Park last Sunday, despite risks posed by the oil spill that had affected many of Singapore's beach fronts including East Coast Park and Sentosa Island. Organisers TriFactor shared in a media release that the team had swiftly provided alternatives given the unforeseen oil spill to ensure the safety and satisfaction of all participants. TriFactor also shared that approximately 50 per cent of the athletes opted to defer their participation to a later event scheduled for 28 July 2024. The remaining participants competed in modified run routes, with distances of 21.1km and 15.75km replacing the originally planned RunSwim format. The event witnessed some outstanding performances across categories, with Singapore Runners Club being crowed winners of the inter-club running championship while Tribal Triathlon Club emerging victorious in the inter-club RunSwim challenge. Eugene Beh, Founder of Singapore Runners Club Eugene Beh, shared his thoughts of participating in the event saying: "The TriFactor run event was very well organised, and many of our club members thoroughly enjoyed it." "It's always a pleasure to participate in such professionally managed races that provide a fantastic experience for everyone involved." The perfect weather conditions contributed to a memorable race day, with many participants achieving personal bests. Notably, the fastest 21.1km male runner, Yan Mun Foong, finished with an impressive time of 1 hour, 24 minutes, and 17 seconds. In the female category, Faith Ford emerged as the fastest 21.1km runner, completing the course in 1 hour, 35 minutes, and 42 seconds. Elvin Ting, Founder of TriFactor, expressed his pride and gratitude: "We are incredibly proud of our athletes and the community for coming together and making the best of a challenging situation." "The spirit and resilience displayed today are truly inspiring. We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants and look forward to seeing everyone again on 28 July." In addition to promoting athletic excellence, TriFactor's CSR arm, TriFactor Care, supports charitable organizations such as Special Olympics, Running Hour, and The Salvation Army. Through these partnerships, TriFactor aims to bring communities together for fundraising causes, enhancing the impact of sporting events beyond the race itself. Highlighting the inclusivity of the event, about 100 kids participated in the 1km run, with an inspiring performance by 5-year-old Kelly Le, who completed the course in an impressive 10 minutes. Special thanks to the organising community from TriFactor for another smooth event in Singapore. #TriFactorAsia #SwimRun

Training for Sydney Marathon? Find out why it is important to factor in recovery into your training block, and learn how The Muscle Lab plans to play an integral role in helping Singaporean and Southeast Asian runners at this year's Sydney Marathon with their recovery With just three months to go until the 2024 Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS, Singaporean runners bound for the race are in the thick of training preparations. With the intensity of training only set to increase from here as runners enter the build phase before eventually tapering closer to the race, recovery has never been more important than it is now. Partners of Sydney Marathon Singapore Chapter The Muscle Lab Singapore have been at the forefront of providing recovery services to countless runners from Singapore looking to achieve their personal bests in Sydney, and will continue to do so heading into the weekend of 15 September 2024. "We are currently in discussions with the Sydney Marathon team to have Herman and The Muscle Lab set-up in the recovery village near the finish line of this year's Sydney Marathon to support Southeast Asian runners with sports massage services," said John Yeong, founder of SportPlus.sg and main project lead for Sydney Marathon Singapore Chapter. Meanwhile beyond sports massage therapy and assisted stretch therapy services, The Muscle Lab also offers ice baths or cold plunge options for recovery, branded as "Nordic Dip" at The Muscle Lab's Strength and Recovery Zone in its Joo Chiat outlet. Herman Harun, founder of the local physiotherapy and sports recovery clinic explained some of the benefits of incorporating ice baths into athlete's recovery regimes, although these need to be done guided by professionals and should not be used too often. “Immersing the body in cold water after a long run or race can help reduce inflammation, muscle soreness, and speed up the recovery process,” shared the 47-year-old owner. “The cold water constricts blood vessels, flushing out waste products and reducing swelling in the muscles. Additionally, cold water immersion has been shown to improve circulation and enhance overall recovery.” Bryce Chong, national triathlete and sports therapist at The Muscle Lab added, “The benefits of cold plunge depend on your specific goals. In general, they help reduce inflammation, alleviate sore and achy muscles, and improve circulation throughout the body.” Herman, a former personal trainer, was inspired to open The Muscle Lab after realising that there was a lack of accessible sports massage and muscle recovery services despite the surge in interest in the fitness industry amidst Covid-19 restrictions. Both Herman and Bryce place a huge emphasise on recovery being just as important as training and is an aspect that should not be overlooked. “Recovery and sports massage play a crucial role in preventing injuries during a marathon training block. By incorporating these practices into their routine, athletes can help their bodies recover more quickly, reduce the risk of overuse injuries, and improve their overall performance,” explained Herman. “Not forgetting- prioritising rest, nutrition, and recovery activities, runners can optimise their performance and reduce the risk of injury during training and on race day.” As a national triathlete who has competed in the 70.3 IRONMAN race amongst many others, Chong knows all too well how recovery can impact one’s training for the better and hopes to impart on other athletes, whether they are performance focused or social. “I prioritise recovery above everything else. By recovery, I mean nutrition, hydration, and sleep should be the foundation of any recovery regiment,” said Chong. “I realise that many people do not understand how to recover properly. At our Strength and Recovery Zone, we offer various forms of therapy, such as sports massage, dry cupping therapy, fire cupping therapy, stretch therapy, and more. We pride ourselves on providing holistic recovery and are constantly seeking beneficial tools and equipment to improve our clients’ recovery.” Four runners bound for the Sydney Marathon, Sebastian Cheong, Samuel Chua, Ivan Kuek and Paul Martin recently gave the Nordic Dip a go at The Muscle Lab’s Katong studio. Though all four struggled with the chill at first, the quartet found the experience to be a refreshing one which they’d recommend for other athletes to try at least once. Samuel shared, “Slowly, I got used to it. I was shaking but it was an incredible experience. I finished the whole 10 minute duration and I feel more relaxed. My body temperature definitely went down! I’m interested to see how it will affect my muscle recovery leading up to my next training session.” “It was quite a weird feeling coming out of the tub. I had pins and needles and a tingling feeling but it was interesting to see how your body reacts to it,” echoed Ivan, who had his first experience with a cold plunge. The Muscle Lab’s 15% off discount for all Singaporean Sydney Marathon bound runners will last up until 15th September 2024, perfect for anyone looking for last minute recovery before jetting off to New South Wales’ capital city. Signed up for the Sydney Marathon? Find out what special discount and benefits you are entitled to at our partners page here. #SydneyMarathon #MakeSydneyAMajor #Recovery #ColdPlunge

She knows all too well the challenges of a half-marathon but this year running content creator Haw Jia Xuan will push herself to complete her first full marathon in Gold Coast, Australia It’s less than a month to go to the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon 2024, where the starter’s gun is set to fire at 6.15am on 7th July along the east coast of Australia. Known as Australia’s flattest, fastest and most scenic race course, thousands upon thousands of runners will be hoping to achieve a personal best this July. For Singaporean Haw Jia Xuan, her personal best will be recorded no matter how her race goes for it will be her first ever full marathon. Known on social media by her handle @WorldthroughJX, the social runner has been making her way through the local races having taken part in the 2XU Half-marathon and the Standard Chartered Singapore Half-marathon amongst others. Though she has also taken part in the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Half-marathon, the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon will be the furthest her running shoes will have taken her in a single race. Want to learn more about the Gold Coast Marathon? Find out more in our team's 2023 experience of the event here. “I’m a bit nervous because 42.195 km seems very long and I only have a few weeks left. I don’t feel fully prepared but I just want to give it my all,” she laughed nervously before gathering her confidence once more. “It’s going to be the longest distance I've ever run. In terms of goals, I think it’s just to finish it without getting injured and hopefully, to finish it in under five hours,” added Jia Xuan. Although long-distance running has always been a constant in her life, Jia Xuan has never ventured beyond the 21.1km mark. This makes not only the marathon itself but the entire training block uncharted territory for her. She began her preparations for the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon 20 weeks before D-Day and with the runs getting longer and longer, she admits that her biggest challenge has been juggling between training and well, every other aspect of her life. “In the beginning, the distances weren’t very long. It started with 10km, then progressed to 12km and 15km,” she shared. “Now it’s going towards 20km and 30km. It’s hard trying to maintain the intensity because the long runs take several hours. I have a full time job from Monday to Friday and my training sessions are usually after work or on weekends. I still have to meet up with friends and family and maintain my social life.” Moreover, the 24-year-old’s training doesn’t just stop at running for two to three hours, Jia Xuan also participates in aerobics and can often be found in the gym doing strength training. The three combine to become some of her biggest forms of joy, so it’s no surprise she expresses a touch of disappointment at having to give up some of her time in the gym for running along park connectors instead. “Strength training is quite important to me because I’ve been injured a few times from running and I don’t ever want to get injured again, touch wood!” she laughs. “It’s really helped to strengthen my leg muscles, especially my leg and core muscles. All of this helps to prevent people from getting injuries.” With only about three weeks to go, Jia Xuan’s struggles will all come into fruition in no time. With all the challenges she knew she’d face leading up to her longest run ever, she knew she had to pick the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon to ensure all the pain would lead to glory. “I’m looking forward most to the race route itself because I’ve seen pictures of it. It’ll be very nice to run along the coast in Australia and the weather, oh my god, I can’t wait to run in a colder country because Singapore is very hot,” she laughed as she recalled all her long, painful and humid runs along the streets of Singapore. She added, “I want the run to be enjoyable and something that I can remember with happy memories. So I decided that the Gold Coast route, which will be relatively flat, will be more enjoyable for me.” After all, Jia Xuan will pack away her running gear for the rest of her time in Australia after the race as she turns from marathon finisher to tourist. “After the race, at least I can go explore and explore Australia. I extended my trip! After the race, I’m exploring Gold Coast and Brisbane with my partner,” she shared excitedly. Before she actually gets to celebrate though, Jia Xuan will have a mammoth of a hill to climb. With her goal being to finish under five hours, she has aptly created a five-hour-long playlist on Spotify to get her through her solo run to the finish line. “I already have my playlist planned!” she gushed. “It has like 170bpm songs so my goal is to run to the beat of the songs and soak in the race vibes and I’m looking forward to the atmosphere.” Running alongside the renowned Queensland, Australia’s renowned surf beaches in winter attracts around 26,000 participants each year across eight race categories. Though the popular Marathon, Half, Marathon and 10km entries are sold out, slots for the Wheelchair race, 5km and Junior Dashes are still available here. Read up on Team SportPlus.sg's 2023 Gold Coast Marathon experience in our Gold Coast Marathon section here. Yet to sign up for the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon? You can do so here. #GCM2024 #GoldCoast #Queensland

In Singapore for Starhub's 'Football For All' Carnival, the former EPL stars and Starhub's Johan Buse talk all things mental health for Mental Health Awareness Month You don’t get two English Premier League (EPL) trophies on standby every season. In fact, this season will mark only the tenth time out of 32 where title rights will be decided on the final day.  This Sunday, Starhub’s ‘Football For All’ Carnival at Marina Bay Sands will showcase all 10 final games at the same time, but most eyes will be on Manchester City and Arsenal who take on West Ham and Everton respectively. The two teams have brought the title down to the wire, as what sets them apart in the table is only two points and one on goal difference. If Manchester City fail to secure all three points, it would be up to Arsenal to decide the fate of the 23/24 season. To call this a high pressure situation would be the understatement of the year. Not only are they playing for themselves, but also for millions of fans around the globe. As such, the players carry almost literally the weight of the world on their shoulders and this can undoubtedly have a heavy impact on the mental health of even the strongest athlete or manager.  To paint the picture of final day pressure, we go back to 13th May 2012 — a day etched into football folklore. Manchester City and Manchester United were toe-to-toe on points but since City were up on goal difference, they needed to at least match the result of their rivals to win the league. Meanwhile, Manchester City’s opponent that day was Queen's Park Rangers (QPR), who needed a draw to avoid relegation. With title hopes and relegation still up in the air, the pressure was at an all time high. Shaun Wright-Phillips — who played for QPR that day and who has starred for Chelsea and Manchester City — knows all too well the impact pressure and noise could have on a footballer’s mental health. Despite the occasion, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and burn out. At a roundtable session hosted by Starhub with former Liverpool star Luis Garcia, the two provided insights into what goes on in the heads of an elite footballer and how to remove the stigma around mental health. “When I was younger, I wasn't a great talker. I bottled my feelings up a lot and thought I could deal with it myself. I was lucky because I had supportive parents and friends to sit through that with me,” said the former winger, also the son of Arsenal legend Ian Wright. While it was a rarity for elite athletes to speak up in the years in which Wright-Phillips and Garcia were at the peak of their careers, times are changing. Olympian Simone Biles and Tennis star Naomi Osaka have both openly declared their battles with mental health. Pulling experiences from their own youths, the two ex-internationals emphasized on the need to open up to friends, family or professionals to tackle the stigma of mental health in sports. “The pressure that the kids nowadays have to deal with in comparison with what we had to deal with, whether it’s on social media, problems at school or family life, kids are finding it really hard and the best thing I learned to do is to talk to people. I think I found that talking really helped as it gave me different points of view and ideas. Talking, in regards to mental health, is so massive,” Wright-Phillips added. As a father of four, Garcia reflected on the difficulties of getting through to younger people who tend to be more reluctant to open up and how important it has been having athletes use their platforms to speak up. “If you feel like your tooth is hurting, you go to a dentist. If you have a problem with your eyes, you go to a doctor. No one realises that you could have something affecting your mind but you don’t go to a professional,” shared the Barcelona La Masia product. “When I was at Liverpool, I started working with a sports psychologist to help me go through my low moments because I wasn't playing the way that I wanted. The expectations that are put on players to be perfect all the time on the pitch and off the pitch can be very pressurising.” In Singapore, most are exposed to the world of the EPL with the help of Starhub’s broadcasting of the league’s matches. Passionate for football and equipped with a masters in psychology, Starhub’s Head of Consumer Business Johan Buse believes there are many intertwining aspects of football and life in respects to mental health. “With the way the world is evolving in terms of the technology and everything around us, there's so much pressure on kids,” the Dutch native explained. “So I think football helps people to connect. You need to have a healthy level of stress because it generates your mind to cope with the problems you face but if it gets too much and you don’t have support, it can cause serious chain reactions.” Ever since its broadcasting of the EPL, Starhub has organised countless events and provided access to former stars. This year alone, Starhub's initiatives has seen ex-Danish international Peter Schmeichel’s presence at the Junior Stars Football Special , while Garcia and Wright-Phillips will be gracing the 'Football For All' Carnival this Sunday. Providing not just the adults — who actually watched these former players grace the pitch — with access to these players, but also kids has been essential in growing the love for the game. “Watching football is one thing but participating and playing helps even more. It helps with your mental health tremendously. Some people play to have a good time and laugh about while some take it very seriously and that’s the beauty of team sport,” added Buse. “When Singaporeans come to our events and meet these former world-class players, it can be such a positive influence. Providing access to them motivates kids and those from less privileged backgrounds.” As we approach the climactic end of the EPL season, the intense pressure on players like those from Manchester City and Arsenal highlights the profound impact high-stakes sports can have on mental health. However, proven clearly by the emanating passion for football the game’s enthusiasts have, football has always been a vital avenue for mental health support and community connection. Registrations are still open for the 'Football for All' Carnival here . #ThePremierLeague   #Starhub #MentalHealtAwareneesMonth

ACL tears are one of the most soul-crushing and common injuries amongst footballers. Dr Bryan Wang of Beacon Orthopaedics takes us through the injury Sports enthusiasts often find themselves in the relentless pursuit of achieving excellence in their respective disciplines, often pushing their bodies to the limit in doing so. In this pursuit, the prospect of knee injuries, an injury that would affect an athlete’s journey greatly, looms ominously. Some may argue that out of the many knee injuries one can get, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear seems to be the most forbidding, often casting a shadow on the careers of various athletes. In the recent Women’s World Cup, many top players had to miss out due to this very injury. What sports have the most ACL injuries? Out of the four ligaments, the ACL may seem insignificant in its size but it is probably the most important ligament in the knee, playing a very important role in what we call rotational stability of the knee. As the ACL affects rotational stability of the knee, we most commonly see this injury in pivoting sports where rotational movement occurs a lot. Famous footballers like the English Premier League’s Ivan Perisic and England captain, Leah Williamson have been sidelined due to this injury as the rupture of the ACL can have profound impacts on an athlete’s performance. Locally, Singapore National Team's Nadhra Aqilah recently bounced back from an ACL injury as well. The biomechanics of their high-intensity sport puts immense strain on the knee joint, making it susceptible to the injury. “What happens is that patients typically pivot on a foot that is planted in the ground. They hear a pop sound and then there is immediate swelling of the knee due to bleeding or homeostasis to the knee,” Dr Bryan Wang, orthopaedic surgeon at Beacon Orthopaedics explained. What should I do if I have an ACL tear? “Usually after a suspected ACL tear, it’s highly recommended for one to go to see an orthopaedic or knee specialist.” Apart from a clinical examination where the stability of the knee will be assessed, MRI scans will be ordered to confirm the diagnosis. Types of ACL injuries The ACL test can often be categorised into three grades. Grade one, the least severe, is ACL sprains where there is partial stretching but the ligaments are intact. Grade two are partial tears while grade three are complete tears of the ACL. According to how a patient gets graded, they then go on to receive different types of treatments for their injuries. “Very often we will have collaborative discussions with patients and the treatment options, it's really dependent on their personal preferences and their desire to return to sports,” Dr Wang emphasised. He then adds that as long as somebody is passionate in sports and plans to return to their active lifestyle whether it is in football, rugby, or golf, then he would recommend a surgical reconstruction of the ACL. As for non operative treatments which apply for grade one and two ACL tears, Dr Wang adds that they will initially be instructed to rest and be provided with anti-inflammatory medication to let the swelling subside. The timeline of an ACL rehabilitation process “A little bit of cycling and a little bit of pivoting activities may be allowed, but a full return to their sport will typically involve about nine months to a year,” he said. “It is a very slow and long process of behaviour detection, but it is actually a very important part to ensure a successful outcome for your ACL reconstruction surgery.” Nearing the end of the ACL reconstruction journey, Dr Wang says that patients typically do need to be protected in the knee brace. “Even though certain ranges of motion points may be reachable at this point, the knee should still be protected if there are other injuries involving the meniscus source of the knee for the first six weeks,” explained Dr Wang. This is due to the fact that ACL injuries can occur along with other injuries. For example, an ACL tear often occurs along with tears to the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and the shock-absorbing cartilage in the knee (meniscus). However, once the knee brace comes off, with good rehabilitation and motivation, most patients are able to go to the full range of motion. Dr Bryan Wang is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon, with an interest in Shoulder, Elbow, Knee and Sports injuries. He has more than 18-years of experience in the management of general orthopaedic conditions, including musculoskeletal injuries and fractures of the upper and lower limbs. With his extensive years of experience, Dr Bryan has seen countless injuries as a result of putting a strain on the human body. For priority Consultations, preferential consultation rates for SportsPlus readers, visit: https://www.beaconortho.com.sg/

Danelle Tan has played in stadiums and grounds all over Euro 2024 hosts Germany, so what are her tournament predictions? Find out here Every few summers, a spell is cast on people all over the world, beckoning them to turn on their TVs or if lucky enough, march into stadiums to watch countries vie for the title of champions. Even if you’re not a football fan, you’ll get roped into the chaos one way or another. Sometimes, it’s the FIFA World Cup, sometimes it’s the UEFA Euros and even the African Cup of Nations. This summer, the quadrennial men’s UEFA Euros 2024, better known as the Euros, will take center stage. While it may only be between the European nations, the competition’s popularity goes beyond the northern hemisphere mostly due to its high profile players. Just like how non-football fans get roped in, it doesn't matter that we’re in Southeast Asia, we’re getting hyped too. This year’s edition of the tournament is set to take place across ten cities in Germany, with the competition culminating at the Olympiastadion in Berlin. It will kick off on 15th June 3AM (SGT) at Allianz Arena where hosts Germany will take on Scotland. Singapore National Team and Borussia Dortmund footballer Danelle Tan became the first Singaporean to win an European title when the Dortmund Women’s team clinched the Landesliga title back in April. The 20-year-old and her teammates then celebrated their achievement at Signal Iduna Park at half-time during a Bundesliga clash between Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen. Having lived in and travelled all around Germany throughout her first season with Dortmund, the striker has seen all levels of football being played in the Euro 2024 host nation. What are her predictions for the Euros this year? Sportplus.sg asked her the burning questions. Who’s got the best chances at winning the Euros this year? Danelle: I think Germany and England have very good chances specially with Germany playing at home. There’ll be huge support for them and it might push them over the edge to get the championship. Recently, I think they’ve had very strong players such as Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala coming back but I think England also has a very strong team so I would say those two would be my picks. But do you think football is coming home? This one is for your ex-teammates back in London. Danelle: No, it’s not. *laughs Who do you think will get the golden boot? Danelle: Tough one! A bit cliche but I’ll say maybe Kylian Mbappe. Any particular players to look out for? Danelle: I really, really enjoy watching Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala. They’re incredible players and they’re just a joy to watch. They’re magical on the pitch. Every time they touch the ball, something happens. Thoughts on James Maddison and Jack Grealish being left out of the England squad? Danelle: To be honest, I don’t follow that much so I don’t really have strong opinions on who should be in or out of the squad! I mean, I think the English squad is already very strong and there’s a lot of competition. Good players are bound to be left out. Who’s your favourite German player? Danelle: I don’t really have favourite players. When I watch football, I like to watch the game and the team so I don’t really focus on a specific player but I think Jamal Musiala and recently Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. Leverkusen have been a joy to watch the entire season and what a season they’ve had as well. I think Wirtz has been a very key part in that whole system. What is your favourite European venue you’ve played at so far and what is your dream venue? Danelle: There have been a couple but I think the best was the pitch at Alemannia Aachen. We played in their men’s stadium and it has a seating capacity of I think 30,000. Their men’s team used to play in the Bundesliga so the stadium has perfect grass. We played there for a pre-season friendly and it was a really nice pitch to play at. Dream stadium would maybe be Wembley Stadium. I recently went there for the Champions League final and when I saw what the atmosphere was like, I knew it would just be a dream to play there. #euro2024 #SGFootball

The 2024 edition of the region’s leading marathon promises to deliver an enhanced race experience designed for all runners and sees the return of the Ekiden category Singapore, 3 June 2024 – The Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) is set to return on 29 November to 1 December 2024, with Standard Chartered Bank renewing its commitment to Singapore’s marquee running event. The Bank has partnered SCSM since 2002, making it one of the longest sports partnerships in Singapore, connecting people from all walks of life through shared values of resilience and determination. SCSM 2024 aims to reignite the passion for running and community camaraderie, and promises to be a celebration of resilience, determination, and the enduring spirit of Singapore’s running community. What’s new SCSM 2024 will see the re-introduction of the Ekiden Race, adding a new layer of excitement and teamwork to this year's edition. In the Ekiden Race, teams of five runners will take turns to complete sections of the marathon course, passing a sash to the next runner at designated transition points. This encourages teamwork and greater inclusivity, enabling more to participate in the marathon. In support of the community, Standard Chartered will provide 100 complimentary Ekiden slots on a first-come-first-served basis to corporate teams who commit to fundraise for Futuremakers by Standard Chartered, a global youth economic empowerment initiative, supporting young people in our communities to learn, earn and grow. Futuremakers empowers young women in need to gain skills and sustainable employment, and supports entrepreneurs to build thriving microbusinesses and create jobs. The Bank will also roll out the inaugural ‘5km and Beyond' challenge for its Singapore-based employees to inspire novice runners to join the race and achieve their personal fitness goals. This initiative includes complimentary registration slots, training programmes, running clinics and other incentives. This complements other employee activations such as Home Run @ SCSM, where colleagues are invited to run or walk to raise funds for Futuremakers. SCSM 2024 will also feature a "Run-cation" promotion exclusive for Standard Chartered Singapore cardholders until 13 October 2024. Four lucky participants who sign up for SCSM 2024 using a Standard Chartered card will have the opportunity to win marathon race slots for the 2025 Standard Chartered Marathon events in Hong Kong, Taipei, Hanoi or Kuala Lumpur, and a pair of round-trip, economy flights to the respective cities with a three-night hotel stay. Patrick Lee, CEO, Singapore and ASEAN, Standard Chartered, said, “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon, the nation’s marquee running event which has grown from strength to strength. Through sports, we are able to play an integral role in building social bonds and community resilience." "This year, we are focused on giving back and making the marathon an even more inclusive event for our community, colleagues and clients. With the re-introduction of the Ekiden race, a “Run-cation” promotion, and the launch of a ‘5 km and Beyond’ employee challenge, we look forward to connecting Singapore’s diverse running communities, delivering yet another remarkable experience.” This year's marathon is also set to delight participants with a scenic route that showcases Singapore’s stunning landmarks to add to the run experience. More details on the route and road closures will be announced closer to the event. Jeff Edwards, Managing Director of Asia for The IRONMAN Group, organisers of SCSM said, “We are excited and honoured to once again collaborate with Standard Chartered and our renewed partnership to promote a running culture in Singapore. The resounding success from last year's event, where we saw some 44,000 runners, including more than 8,600 international participants - the highest in the marathon’s history - has fuelled our determination to elevate the 2024 race experience even further. We aim to celebrate runners of all abilities with the return of the Ekiden Race, championing shared achievements and inclusivity. With a wide range of race festivities in the pipeline, the event will engage the community and build an atmosphere that runners as well as race supporters enjoy.” Marathon registration SCSM 2024's three-day event will kick off with the Kids Dash on Friday 29 November, followed by the 5km and 10km run on Saturday 30 November, while the half marathon and marathon categories will flag off on Sunday 1 December, with Ekiden teams running alongside the marathoners. Public registration opens on Tuesday, 4 June 2024. Tier 1 pricing for the marathon, half-marathon, 10 km, 5 km, Ekiden race and Kids Dash are $119, $99, $80, $61, $600 (per team) and $39 respectively. Prices are inclusive of GST, but subject to a 9% platform fee. Standard Chartered cardholders will enjoy a 15% discount off registration fees. To register and for more information, please visit https://singaporemarathon.com/. #SgMarathon #SCSM2024

In a captivating final day, China's shuttlers took home all three doubles titles while An Se Young and Shi Yu Qi prevailed in the singles 2 JUNE, SINGAPORE - Four games, sixteen world-class players, 6,240 fans. The KFF Singapore Badminton Open came to a close yesterday after four thrilling finals, but it was An Se Young's Women's Singles win that stole the headlines. It was battle between the two best players in the world as An defended her Singapore Badminton Open title against World No. 2 Chen Yu Fei — and defend it she did, as she became champion for a second year running. The first set was closely-fought as the two were in a constant game of catch-up. An eventually played herself into the lead and took the set 21-19. Olympic Champion Chen didn't go down without a fight. Though the young 22-year-old An may be reigning the Women's Singles, Chen — four years her senior — reminded the world that she too was at the top of the rankings just five years ago. The Chinese shuttler pushed a fatigued-looking An into a third set, as she responded to the first defeat with a 21-16 win. The South Korean however, was determined to defend her Singapore Badminton Open title and it showed in her dives across the court to keep rallies alive. With the score at 19-12, An dove from right to left thrice consecutively, leaving commentators and Chen speechless at her determination to win herself a match point — which she did as what should have been Chen's fatal shot went out of bounds. An then went on to win her second consecutive title after a convincing 21-12 victory. Ecstatic after a hard-fought win, the 22-year-old said: “This experience of playing my own game and becoming the champion before the Olympics is very important, especially in terms of preparing for the Olympics. It really boosts my confidence.” With the crowd buzzed after the electrifying final, Shi Yu Qi and Li Shi Feng walked onto the court for an all-China men's singles final. World No. 2 Shi had previously never overcome Li, having lost all of his previous head-to-heads against his compatriot. As he always has, Li won in rather comfortable fashion in the first set which ended 21-17. The second set, however, was anything but. Driven by the crowd mostly rallying for him, Shi took the second set 21-19 after a nail-biting exchange of leads. Just like the match prior, the game was forced into a third set to vie for the title. The third and final set was equally as dramatic, if not more. With Li in a significant lead, it looked as if the World No. 6 was once again about to triumph over Shi. However, the 28-year-old staged a late and dramatic comeback and charged himself into the lead before eventually winning 21-19. Shi said after his win, "It hasn't been easy, but I'm happy. I know this hall is a challenging venue for all players. This makes my hard work in this tournament all the more rewarding.” The two games were preceded by that of the Mixed Doubles finals. World No. 1 pair Zheng Si Wei and Huang Ya Qiong won their first Singapore Badminton Open title after defeating Chinese Taipei pair Yang Po-Hsuan and Hu Ling Fang. The victory was a rather straightforward one, with the formidable Chinese pair winning 21-11, 21-19. China also dominated the Women's and Men's Doubles as their shuttlers triumphed over their opponents to claim their respective titles. Against Japan's Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida, Chen Qing Chen and Jia Yi Fan won 21-15, 21-12 in 50 minutes to become Women's Doubles champions. Over in the Men's Doubles — which closed off the KFF Singapore Badminton Open as the final match of the day — China's He Jing Ting and Ren Xiang Yu took on fan favourites and World No. 7 pair Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Rian Ardianto for the crown. In just 40 minutes, He and Ren defeated the Indonesians 21-19, 21-14 and took to the final podium ceremony of the tournament. After what has been a riveting week of world-class badminton, there is no doubt that excitement is already building for the return of the Singapore Badminton Open next year. While the Badminton World Federation (BWF) tour now makes its way to Indonesia, all eyes will be on the Paris 2024 Olympics where Singaporean shuttlers Loh Kean Yew, Yeo Jia Min and Mixed Doubles pair Terry Hee and Jessica Tan are slated to compete. For more KFF Singapore Badminton Open 2024 photos, visit our galleries below. Round of 32 Round of 16 Finals #KFFSBO2024 #Badminton #SgBadminton

Signed up for the 2024 Sydney Marathon? Find out the full benefits and discounts you can enjoy from our partners here As the appointed media and marketing agency for the Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS, SportPlus.sg is pleased to bring together eight partners to support runners in their running journeys leading up to this year's Sydney Marathon on 15 September 2024. These are designed to enhance your overall running experience, and to help make relevant products and services that much more affordable to support your training. Sportswear Partner: ASICS Singapore Equipment Partner: iRun Singapore Watch Partner: Garmin Singapore Sports Tech Partner: Leader Radio Technology (WeAreReady.sg) Recovery Partner: The Muscle Lab Singapore Nutrition Partner: Simply Active Asia Coaching Partner: Elevate Performance Coaching Official Sports Medicine Partner: Beacon Orthopaedics #SydneyMarathon #MakeSydneyAMajor #ILoveSydney

Singapore's Loh Kean Yew advances to the round of 16 while Yeo Jia Min and Terry Hee and Tan Wei Han bow out of the KFF Singapore Badminton Open 28 MAY 2024, SINGAPORE - Day one of the KFF Singapore Badminton Open saw all four of Singapore's shuttlers take to the court in three back-to-back matches at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Loh Kean Yew thrilled the rambunctious home crowd by emerging victorious against China's Lu Guang Zu in a nail-biting three-set clash. The two players took the first set to the wire and beyond, as it eventually ended 25-27 to Lu. Both Lu and Loh had their own opportunities to take the first set but threw away their respective match points. Though the 27-year-old from Xuzhou, China's determination to smash his way through was fruitful, the loss only ignited a fire in the Singaporean shuttler. Roared on by the home crowd at every point he won and every shuttle he smashed towards Lu, Loh staged a hard-earned comeback. Despite a tight start to the second set deadlocked at 4-4, Loh eventually took the game 21-15 and forced a third and final set. The former World Champion ran away with the lead in the third set as Lu's struggles began to show. The 27-year-old Singaporean was ruthless in his smashes, wasting no time in gaining a 10-0 lead before taking the set 21-5. Advancing to the round of 16, Loh will take on Danish powerhouse, Anders Antonsen to vie for a spot in the quarter finals. “It means even more to win at home and to be able to advance to more rounds. I hope to be able to play in front of the home crowd more. So hopefully, I’ll be able to do well and keep progressing,” shared Loh after his home ground win. Women's singles shuttler Yeo Jia Min then took to the court after her compatriot's victory. Despite putting up a tough fight against eighth-seed He Bing Jiao, the Singaporean eventually fell to the Chinese shuttler. Staging her comeback from a nagging ankle injury that's set her back since January this year, the odds never seemed to be in her favour for her home ground tournament. Having never beaten He before in their previous five head-to-heads, the Singaporean lost the first set 21-12. Come second set, Yeo's spirit radiated throughout the Indoor Stadium — clearly felt in the stands as the crowd rallied her on throughout the entire game. With the fans cheering her on and determination pumping through her, the 25-year-old made history for herself by winning her first-ever set against He. Full of energy, you wouldn't be able to tell of the injury Yeo was struggling with. It was evident though to the experienced He, who attacked Yeo's injured left side constantly in a bid to outdo her opponent in what should have been an easy win for the Chinese shuttler. He's frustrations were etched on her face as Yeo eventually fought towards a 23-21 win. However, the challenge of beating a player like He began to overpower Yeo in the third set. The 27-year-old eventually got herself back on track and triumphed over Yeo in a 21-16 victory. The entertainment didn't stop there for the home crowd as mixed doubles pair Terry Hee and Tan Wei Han then stepped onto the court, greeted once again by a chorus of cheers. Like Yeo, the pair were dealt with a tough opening round draw. Tan and Hee were up against world champions Seo Seung Jae and Chae Yu Jung. Seo had already tasted victory earlier in the day, having won in his men's doubles match with partner Kang Min Hyuk. Once again, the Korean triumphed against his opponents. The Korean pair proved to be too strong for the Singaporeans who never quite found their footing in the game. In the match that lasted 32 minutes, Hee and Tan lost 21-14, 21-13 in two straight sets, leaving Loh as the only Singaporean to qualify for the next round. Day one of the KFF Singapore Badminton Open also saw several other world-class players vie for a spot in the round of 16. As expected, women's singles world number one and Singapore Open defending champion An Se Young triumphed over Myanmar's Thet Htar Thuzar 21-14, 21,10. Current Commonwealth Games women's doubles champions Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan took on Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning on court two. The Malaysian fan favourites earned themselves their own wave of cheers as they walked onto the court despite the attention being on Loh and Lu on the neighbouring court at the time. The pair however, fell to the third-seeds Tan and Liu in two straight sets having never gained balance on the court. Loh's next opponent, Antonsen secured his spot against Loh by beating compatriot Rasmus Gemke in two straight sets in his opening match. The world number four dominated court three as he beat Gemke 21-17, 21-15 in a 49 minute long match. Day two of the KFF Badminton Open will see many other world-class shuttlers face their opening round opponents. With Lee Zii Jia and Ratchanok Intanon announcing their withdrawals due to injury, defending champion Anthony Sinisuka Ginting and world number five Akane Yamaguchi have both earned themselves a walkover to the round of 16. Mixed doubles pair Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai, men's singles world number one Viktor Axelsen and women's singles Carolina Marin are just some of the big names taking to the court today. Follow the action here. For more pictures of KFF Singapore Badminton Open day one action, visit our gallery here.

Loh Kean Yew, Yeo Jia Min and Mixed Doubles pair Terry Hee and Tan Wei Han are set to represent Singapore in the home tournament 27 MAY 2024, SINGAPORE - Excitement builds at Singapore Sports Hub once again as tomorrow marks the return of the KFF Singapore Badminton Open. Poised to set the Singapore Indoor Stadium alight, the spectacle will see badminton’s best, including world number ones Viktor Axelsen and An Se Young take to the court for the crown. Alongside international superstars, the HSBC BWF World Tour Super 750 event will also see Singapore’s top shuttlers battle it out on home ground. All eyes will be on former World Champion and local favourite Loh Kean Yew, current Commonwealth Games Mixed Doubles Champions Terry Hee and Tan Wei Han, as well as world number 18 Yeo Jia Min, as the quartet hopes to perform for the local fans. “The home crowd is behind us so we don't have to be afraid. We just have to give our 100% and hope to do well,” said Terry. The mixed doubles pair — also a married couple — share differing opinions on the pressures of playing on home soil. “Singapore Open is actually the tournament I’m most nervous for because I know that when we walk onto the court, the entire stadium is here to support us. Everyone really wants us to do well so there’s that pressure that we won't be able to perform to our best. It’s all part of the journey and it’s a challenge we have to embrace,” shared Wei Han. The pair will take on fourth seeds Seo Seung Jae and Chae Yu Jung in the first round. Despite the demands, the Singapore Open is nonetheless special to Wei Han and the other athletes. “Singapore Open is one of the tournaments I look forward to most every year. It’s especially meaningful as we’ll have our friends and family coming to support us so it means a lot,” gushed Wei Han. Fellow Team Singapore shuttler, Jia Min echoed, “My family and friends will get to see me play live. It always gives me motivation to do well because there’ll also be a lot of Singaporean fans and upcoming young players watching.” Like Terry and Wei Han, Jia Min is set to face a tough, seeded opponent in the first round. Eighth seed, He Bing Jiao has beaten the Singaporean in every head-to-head so far but for Jia Min, who has just returned from injury, hopes lie in maintaining her physical fitness ahead of the Paris Olympics in July. “The last week has been a rollercoaster for me because I wasn't sure if I could even play. I took it day by day and did what I could off the court to make sure I get back to close to 100% fitness,” she explained. “Thankfully I was able to recover relatively fast. I’m hoping to maintain my fitness and keeping in mind that the Olympics are near, I’ll try to keep injury-free from now on.” Fan-favourite Kean Yew will be taking on China’s Lu Guang Zu in his opening round fixture. Since the Team Singapore shuttler won the Madrid Masters in march, he has competed in the Thailand Open and Malaysian Masters, both of which the Singaporean bowed out of in the opening round. However, the world number 12 will be looking to redeem himself and advance past Lu, who he has triumphed over in their last two head-to-head matches. “I’m not sure if it’s pressure or excitement but I get more nervous in front of a home crowd. It’s a good thing though as it motivates me to play better. It’s all about handling the pressure,” shared Kean Yew. “Ultimately, it’s how we perform on the day. I treat every match like it's the final day of the tournament. You can prepare yourself more mentally but training wise, we only have so much time each day so there’s only so much we can do with our bodies.” The KFF Singapore Badminton Open begins tomorrow (28 May) and runs through Sunday (2 June) , culminating in the finals at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Limited tickets are still available here.