Singapore master class

Singapore’s Den Mulia Yusni put on a world class performance to claim the International Open in June, beating France’s Ouabi Rouis 3-2 in a thrilling final at the Singapore Sports Hub Library.

Three Aussies made the trek to Singapore for the event: Raffaele Lombard (Subbuteo Parramatta), and Johnny Ball and Steve Dettre (Northern Falcons).

Den Mulia put on a master class in the final. Taking an early lead, his flicks and positional play nullified the great play of Ouabi, and his own direct attacks caused the Frenchman huge problems. When it became 3-1 deep into the second half, it seemed all over, but Ouabi had one last riposte, before time beat him and Den Mulia claimed a famous 3-2 victory.

Ouabi (FRA) against Den Mulia (SIN) in the final.

The day had started inauspiciously for Ouabi when the security in place for the South East Asian Games staged in Singapore had caused him to miss the opening round of the Sunday tournament.

Despite that he still qualified for the Barrage round.

Great set up at the Singapore Sports Library

In Group One, the inevitable happened and Steve and Johnny were drawn together, with Johnny coming out on top 1-0 using his new Snakes to great effect. His winning goal was a beautifully crafted and executed shot that looped over the keeper.

Johnny lost 4-1 to Den, but his goal was priceless, and he then qualified despite a surprise against youngster Ruhan Sham. Leading 2-0 he was pegged back by the determined and skillful Ruhan for a 2-2 draw. Steve lost 2-0 to Den, striking the post and bar several times, then overcame young Ruhan 2-0, but was relegated to the consolation tournament.

Over in Group 7, Raffaele was putting on a great show to beat Vikas Chandiramani 2-1 in one of the best displays I have seen from him. He overcame young Japanese player Karibu “The Moose” Miwa 4-0, then battled all the way to overcome young Isaac Lim of Singapore 3-2.

Once again the fates conspired against the Aussie contingent, and in the Round of 16, Raff and Johnny were drawn, with Raff coming out 2-0. His reward was a match up against Ouabi, who put on a masterclass to win 5-0.

In group two, Rudy Hesty powered to the top, while the legend of the game in Singapore, Chandru Chugani, who played in the 1982 World Cup, could not get his game going. Kenzo Koi of Japan came second to Anas Rahamat after losing 2-0 in a tight tussle. Belgium’s Stephane Lambert topped group 4, while Malaysian based Frenchman Emmanuel Miranda lead goup 6.

In the semifinal, Den Mulia overwhelmed Stephane 3-0, while Ouabi beat countryman Emmanuel by the same score, to set up the final.

For those eliminated in the first phase of the IO, the WASPA event provided some extra matches, with Steve making the bold move and keeping his Toccer figures in their case and pulling out the Tcha4 Snipers 2.0 for some action!

After the barrage, Steve beat “The Moose” 4-0, and then overcame Singapore president Tan Kok Wee 2-1, reveling in the soft touch of the Snipers and scoring some well worked goals. In the semi-final he beat Chandru 1-0, and then took the lead against Bernard in the final before a great fightback by the local man gave him a 2-1 win.