New kids Regent are new kings

REGENT Secondary may be the new kids on the block, but they look like they have been around for ages.

Regent, who opened their doors to their first batch of students only in 2000, have just completed their fairytale run in the West Zone table tennis B Division boys' competition.

On Monday, they were crowned the West Zone champions - beating defending champions Hwa Chong Institution (HCI) 3-2 no less.

To get to the final, Regent overcame three of the top four teams: Unity Secondary (4-1, group stage), Nan Hua Secondary (3-2, group stage) and River Valley High (3-0 in the semis).

Said a delighted Soon Bing Han, the Regent captain: 'It was really a surprise win.

'We never thought that we could beat Hwa Chong as they're one of the giants in schools table tennis.'

Regent have never made it past the group stages in previous zonal competitions.

Following the upset victory, they will compete in the Schools National competition for the first time.

Only the top four schools from each zone will advance to the Nationals.

Said teacher-in-charge Teo Hock Siong: 'This is the result of very hard work from the players and coach, as well as strong support from the school.

'Table tennis was identified in 2005 as having the potential to be developed into Regent's niche sport. Winning the zonal final shows that we are on the right track.'

What transformed the losers into champions?

Bing Han attributed their success to extra training, strong camaraderie and coach Li Zhoumin's valuable experience.

Li was China's national champion in the 1970s.

He was Malaysia's national coach from 1988 to 1992 and again from 1999 to 2005.

He said: 'Basics are very important and that's where they were weakest in when I first saw them.

'Training is now tougher for them. They train at least three times a week as compared to twice previously.

'They are also more disciplined, and even train during holidays.'

The coach also took advantage of the HCI players' weaker backhands, a strategy that proved crucial.

Having three China-born players - Chu Tianshu, Li Tianyu and Lu Hanjie - also helped.

He started coaching at Regent last year when Teo approached him for help. He and the teacher-in-charge are good friends.

Teo said team spirit was also a key to Regent's success.

He said: 'The team go for hikes at Bukit Timah Hill and MacRitchie Reservoir. There is a good rapport among them.'

Post-victory celebrations have been postponed as Regent gears up for Nationals, which begins at the end of this month.

Their target?

A top-eight finish.

hpeishan@sph.com.sg