June 10, 2014, by Mike Munro
Let the games begin…
Day 1:
Following the spectacle of the opening ceremony, competition finally got underway yesterday.
Morning session highlights
The hotly anticipated UK vs China men’s basketball took centre stage in the cathedral-like sports centre and didn’t fail to deliver on expectations. It seemed that every athlete who wasn’t competing had gathered to watch the closely fought match that saw Team UK run out eventual winners in a 58 – 41 game.
Team China put in a strong performance in the mixed volleyball, edging Team UK out 2-0 in a best of three games format (9-25, 23-25). Team UK were left hoping that they would be able to shrug that defeat off ahead of their game against Malaysia the following morning.
Strong favourites in the women’s badminton, Team Malaysia took the spoils ahead of Team China in their first fixture of the week.
Things were a little closer on the ultimate frisbee field where Team China celebrated an 11 – 8 victory over Malaysia. The UK ultimate team were on the sidelines to check out their opposition although a game that could have gone either way will have given little away. Whatever the results over the course of the competition, the rivalry will be left on the field when all three teams take a trip to Yikun Sports on Friday. The local manufacturer is providing the teams with a guided tour of their factory to see how frisbees or ‘discs’ are produced.
Afternoon session highlights
The afternoon saw temperatures continue to rise inside and outside. Luckily for the men’s football teams, a light breeze had picked up in time for the fixture between Team China and the representatives from the UK. Nevertheless, the humidity prevented a free flowing game with both teams struggling to inject any real pace. Although the host team broke the deadlock against the run of play they were unable to soak up the constant pressure from the UK team. The eventual 6-1 scoreline may flatter the victors slightly however – three goals having come late on in the second half with the game already won.
Back in the sports centre, the Malaysian women’s basketball team took the opportunity to lay down a challenge to favourites Team UK with a convincing 9 – 34 victory over Team China.
The afternoon session also saw the men’s squash and both the men’s and women’s tennis get underway.
At the end of the day, Team UK look to have put themselves in a strong position to retain the coveted Tri Campus Games trophy although an upset could yet be on the cards.
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