The table tennis team had a truly eventful experience this year. Right from the start, we had set a goal for ourselves – Nationals Top 4. With our eyes firmly fixed on the goal, we persevered through the late, long and tough training sessions. Looking back, determination was the key to our success. Everyone gave her all on court, giving her best for each game. We fought like warriors on court. Giving up was never an option for us. A game was not over till it officially ended. During the 3rd -4th position game, the team put up a great fight. We might have lost in the end but we won something more important – team spirit. This strengthened our team and bonded us much more closely. If winning is about putting determination and dedication in every match, then we are definitely winners.
Melinda “Comeback Kid” Khoo
CG 21/09
It is a terrible feeling to see your dream slowly evaporating right before your eyes. That was what happened to me one Thursday afternoon when our table tennis girls’ team was playing the team from ACJC. History was in the making as the winner of this match would make it to the Nationals Top 4. The match was tied at 2-2. It was down to two girls to determine the outcome - Melinda from our team and Florence from ACJC. ACJC had the edge. The two girls had met before in past tournaments and Florence had come out top most of the time.
20 minutes into the game, it seemed that everything was going according to the form book. Florence was punching the air and bouncing around the court. She was two sets up and leading 10-7 in the third set. ACJC supporters were all on their feet. Their team was just one point away from victory. My dream was just one point away from being shattered into pieces.
Then came probably the greatest comeback I have ever witnessed. Despite staring at defeat, Melinda refused to give up. Focusing on every point, she crawled her way back. 8-10 then 9-10 then 10-10! Deuce! All was not lost yet! The momentum was now with Melinda and Florence suddenly looked lost. And as the saying goes, the rest is history. After wrapping up the 3rd set in deuce, Melinda went on to clinch the final two sets to send the TJC players and supporters into ecstasy. It was nothing short of a fairytale finish. I am very sure that this game would remain etched in the memory of the fortunate few who were there that afternoon to witness the match. From then on, Melinda would be known as the Comeback Kid. Where words fail to express aptly, her one glorious act itself has excellently expressed the meaning of the Temasek Spirit.
Mr Tan Teck Joo
Table-Tennis Teacher Mentor
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