WEEKLY ROUND-UP: Sports happenings in Singapore (20-26 Sept)
SINGAPORE — Here is a round-up of sports events and developments in Singapore in the past week (20-26 September):
Lion City Sailors take over atop the Singapore Premier League
With one match to go, the Lion City Sailors leapfrogged over Albirex Niigata Singapore atop the Singapore Premier League (SPL) table on goal difference after a 3-0 win over Geylang International at Our Tampines Hub on Sunday (26 September).
Goals from Faris Ramli (32nd minute), Song Ui-young (39th) and Hafiz Nor (87th) gave the Sailors the vital win, and a win against Balestier Khalsa on the final matchday on 10 October will likely land them their first league title in their two-year history.
Albirex lost ground in their SPL title defence after a 0-0 draw against Tampines Rovers on Friday. They will face Tanjong Pagar United on 10 October, and need to beat the Jaguars by at least five goals to stand a chance at overtaking the Sailors.
Meanwhile, the final round of SPL matches has been rescheduled from 2 October to 10 October, extending the season to accommodate two postponed matches due to players being tested positive for COVID-19.
This will allow the postponed matches - Geylang vs Balester and Balestier vs Hougang - to be played on 3 October and 6 October respectively.
Lioness lose 0-1 to Indonesia in AFC Women's Asian Cup qualifier
The Singapore national women's football team lost 0-1 to Indonesia in their first Group C match of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on Friday (24 September).
A fourth-minute headed goal by Baiq Amiatun Shalihah gave the Indonesians the victory.
The Lionesses will face Indonesia again on Monday. Victory by a two-goal margin will see them progress to the finals, while a one-goal winning margin will lead to a penalty shootout to decide the qualifier.
Shannon Tan among golfers invited to Hana Financial Group Championship
Singapore golfer Shannon Tan, Malaysia’s Norezrine Alisa and Noraishah Alisa, along with Thailand’s Sherman Santiwiwatthanaphong, Jaravee Boonchant and Onkanok Soisuwan have accepted their invitations for the Hana Financial Group Championship at Pocheon, South Korea, from 30 September to 3 October.
The tournament is part of the Ladies Asian Tour Series, and offers a prize purse of about US$1.2 million (S$1.6 million). It has already confirmed the participation of top golfers such as New Zealand's Lydia Ko, Australia's Minjee Lee, and American Yealimi Noh.
As part of the KLPGA's "Asia Prospects" campaign, promising Asian young golfers from Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia are invited to compete in the tournament, providing emerging female golfers with the opportunity to compete in an international tournament amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Former Lions coach Ken Worden dies, aged 78
Former Singapore national football coach Ken Worden died on Monday (20 September) at the age of 78. He had taken the helm of the Lions for a brief three months in 1994.
The former Burnley and Preston North End player won three Malaysia Cups, two Charity Shields and one FA Cup between 1991 and 2002. Besides coaching Singapore, he also coached Selangor, Sabah and the Malaysian national team.
The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) wrote in a Facebook post that it is saddened to hear of Worden's death.
"The Englishman was at the helm of the Singapore side for three months in 1994, during which he oversaw the pre-season preparations for what turned out to be a Double-winning season for the Lions in the Malaysia League and Cup," FAS wrote in its post.
"Our condolences and well-wishes are with his family and loved ones during this period."
AIA to hold Singapore health and wellness event with David Beckham
Following its AIA Live 2021 online health and wellness event in September, AIA Singapore will hold a special online event at 5pm on 7 October, featuring its global ambassador, former football star David Beckham.
The former England captain, together with Singapore Premier League footballers and local influencers Benjamin Kheng and Andrew Marko, will take part in a tai chi masterclass to sharpen focus, build emotional resilience, sleep better and enhance overall well-being.
He will also answer questions from fans on how he keeps himself healthy and happy in challenging times.
To register for the event and stand a chance to have your questions answered by Beckham, please visit this webpage. Question submission and event registration will close on 4 October.
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