SEA Games: Singapore into netball final with 59-29 win over Thailand, will meet Malaysia

Singapore's Charmaine Soh shoots against Thailand in their netball semi-final on June 6, 2015. Singapore won 59-29 to set up a final clash with Malaysia. -- PHOTO: AFP 
Singapore's Charmaine Soh shoots against Thailand in their netball semi-final on June 6, 2015. Singapore won 59-29 to set up a final clash with Malaysia. -- PHOTO: AFP 

SINGAPORE - Singapore beat Thailand 59-29 in the semi-final of the SEA Games netball competition on Saturday to set up a mouthwatering clash against rivals Malaysia in the final.

The hosts started strongly, going on a 5-0 run in the first five minutes, but Thailand refused to back down, doggedly going for every ball, as Singapore started to slow down. The first quarter ended with Singapore holding a narrow 11-7 lead.

However, several changes by coach Ruth Aitken brought about an improvement in their play. They outscored Thailand comfortably in the remaining quarters to win the semi-final easily.

Singapore will now face Malaysia, who beat Brunei 79-23 in an earlier semi-final, in Sunday's final, which starts at 2pm at the OCBC Arena Hall 1.

The match will be a repeat of the 2001 SEA Games final in Kuala Lumpur, the last time netball featured at the biennial multi-sport meet. Malaysia won the gold back then.

isaacneo@sph.com.sg

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