Hangzhou 2022: Bridge bronzes for Singapore’s card teams

By Patrick Johnston

Singapore claimed two Asian Games bronze medals on the bridge table on Wednesday (Oct 4), with the women’s and mixed teams both putting up strong showings in defeats by China in the semi-finals.

The mixed team of Tan Sock Ngin, Gideon Tan, Seet Choon Cheng, Lam Ze Ying, Loo Choon Chou and Luo Cheng were involved in a particularly close battle that ended 231-225.77. However, defeat was only confirmed after Singapore failed with a post-match protest to the judges about penalty points being awarded for hesitations during play.

It was a dramatic end to a tense last four clash, played out over six sessions and two long days at the Hangzhou Qi-Yuan (Zhili) Chess Hall.

China had started the tie well only for Singapore to come roaring back and lead 187.77-183 after five sessions before China pipped them in the finale.

“We were trailing behind by about 30 and then today we tried to fight back and by the second set today we actually won back quite a lot. I think that’s quite remarkable,” said Tan Sock Ngin.

“Our team will never give up to the last board, last card, last match and we did that. Personally, for all of us, it's no regrets. China is in the world’s top eight. To be so close to China is something that (means) every Singaporean should be proud of us.”

Gideon Tan (top left) and Tan Sock Ngin (bottom right) look at their cards during the Asian Games mixed team round robin match against Indonesia in Hangzhou. (Photo: Sport Singapore/Bryan Foo)

The women’s team also showed plenty of fighting spirit to claim a bronze after starting the tournament in, by their own standards, disappointing fashion.

Jazlene Ong, Lim Jing Xuan, Li Lan, Low Siok Hui, Selene Tan and Leong Jia Min came through the round robin qualification stage in fourth out of the eight teams after registering 153.58 points.

That set up a last four showdown with China, who showed their strength in taking an early lead on Tuesday which they never showed any signs of relinquishing.

“I think we started round robin one a bit rocky, we expected to finish a lot better than we did, the outcome wasn't satisfactory,” said Selene Tan. 

“After round robin one we sat together and told ourselves we needed to work hard, everything was not lost yet and we could still fight back in round robin two and I think that's how we did it. We did really well.

“(Against China) We took it as a learning experience as well. We are all non-professionals and I think part of improving our game is really being exposed to good players in the region as well and I think this was an excellent opportunity.”

Lam Ze Ying looks at her cards during the Asian Games mixed team round robin match against Indonesia in Hangzhou. (Photo: Sport Singapore/Bryan Foo)

The squad, who all took leave from work to compete in Hangzhou, hoped their endeavours in China would change the narrative around bridge and help grow the game.

“Singapore ladies, we have never won a medal. We were almost never in the top four, so that is a huge achievement,” Li Lan said.  

“We need to have more exposure and to tell people this is the same as chess, a mind sport. Don’t discriminate.

“Not all card games are related to gambling. This stereotype has to go away.”

Tan Sock Ngin prepares to make a move during the Asian Games mixed team round robin match against Indonesia in Hangzhou. (Photo: Sport Singapore/Bryan Foo)

The women said they had been training heavily in preparation for the Asian Games. They routinely played 60 boards a day so they were ready for the lengthy periods of intense concentration required to play for so many hours in China.

The men’s team were unable to match that fantastic gold medal achievements at the last Asiad, as they finished fifth out of the 11 teams in the round robin phase in Hangzhou.

The 19th Asian Games are held in Hangzhou, China from 23 September to 8 October 2023. For the latest Team Singapore coverage and news, follow Team Singapore on their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) or visit the official Team Singapore website.