Try GOLD - Free
Ex-SEA Games champions reunite for silver
The Straits Times
|August 23, 2025
Their wrinkles may be more pronounced, their hair grey or thinning, and some are sporting bulging tummies.
But with the same competitive spirit and guile when they dominated the SEA Games in the 2000s, the Merlion Masters B – a predominantly Singaporean side – captured the water polo men's 40+ silver on Aug 22, the final day of the World Aquatics Masters Championships.
In front of family and friends at the WCH Arena, they beat another Singapore-based side Merlion Masters A 15-8 to finish second out of seven teams in the round-robin competition with five wins.
Their only defeat came in a 12-5 reverse by The Olympic Club, who finished champions, while ACS Hello Sport clinched bronze.
Merlion Masters B coach and captain Marcus Ng said: "We have a group of very close friends and ex-teammates, many of whom haven't played for years.
"So, when we knew the world championships were going to be in Singapore 1½ years ago, I told them this could be the last chance for us to play water polo at the international level at home. If that's not a good enough reason to play, I don't know what is."
This story is from the August 23, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Straits Times
The Straits Times
Students lead effort to save birds from crashing into iconic NTU building
Birds would fly straight into the glass facade thinking the windows are part of landscape
4 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
'What we promise, we deliver': Sunway founder on building a legacy of trust
Tycoon seeks to make conglomerate a major gateway from S'pore to Malaysia
4 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
Why renewables are difficult to talk about at UN climate summits
When the 2035 climate targets of countries are scrutinised at the upcoming United Nations climate change conference COP30 in Brazil, the spotlight will be on whether the nations have done enough to meet a collective goal to ramp up clean energy adoption.
4 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
Benz Hui's family to donate all condolence money to charity
All the condolence money for veteran Hong Kong actor Benz Hui will be donated to the Children’s Cancer Foundation, his family said in an obituary released on Oct 31.
1 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
Dear Evan Hansen still moves with its message of feeling included
The title's second outing in Singapore features a larger cast and set, and has maintained the relatability and heart of the story
2 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
From Vanuatu to Yishun: The plant giving S’pore fall colours all year
As the weather cools in the Northern Hemisphere, fall foliage is sure to draw the eye. But even in tropical Singapore, the colours of autumn can be enjoyed year round - in Gardens by the Bay and along the country’s streetscapes, from Yishun to Bukit Panjang.
5 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
Nearly half of Cat A COEs go to EVs in first 9 months of 2025
EVs make up 43% of new car registrations, up from 33.8% in 2024 and 18.2% in 2023
2 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
Youth who faced family tragedy among 12 inaugural President's Challenge fellows
Growing up in a troubled family, Ms Shirlene Ng was 13 when she witnessed her mother take her own life. Her mental health took a hit.
3 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
An uneven muddle of themes and genres
A deeper dive into the intergenerational female trauma of Congratulations, Get Rich! would make for a — pun intended — richer story
2 mins
November 03, 2025
The Straits Times
Backyard cafes in JB village give owners hope of lease extension
Locals bank on increased economic activity boosting their case, preserving area’s heritage
5 mins
November 03, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size