HISTORIC SILVER THE ‘FIRST STEP’

Despite losing to Thailand in 3x3 final, S’pore edge closer to 2029 gold target

- Joel Chang

Singapore's Liam Blakeney on the ball against Thailand's Panthawat Techasamran in the SEA Games men's 3x3 final on Dec 11. Thailand won 21-18. PHOTO: KONG CHONG YEW/SNOC

(KONG CHONG YEW/SNOC)

History was made at the Nimibutr Stadium in Bangkok on Dec 11, as Singapore clinched their first SEA Games medal in 3x3 basketball with the men’s team winning a hard-earned silver.

It was also the Republic’s first silver medal in SEA Games basketball since the women’s five-a-side team finished second in Vietnam in 2003. Since then, Singapore had won only the bronze in the men’s five-a-side game twice (2013, 2015).

A stunning 21-20 win over the Philippines in the semifinals on Dec 11 helped the men’s 3x3 team achieve the feat.