Then came the South zone interschool badminton competition. We assumed that all school team players will be playing every match so the whole family took half day to support Jacob on his first match day. To our disappointment, he was not fielded that day as we learnt that only 5 out of 8 players will be fielded at every match. Their first opponent was St Andrews, one of the stronger teams in group A so the coach has to ensure a victory by fielding the experienced P5 players. They won 4-1 that day and Jacob seemed happy to support the team from the sidelines.
Just before match 2, Jacob was told that he will be partnering a P5 for the 2nd Doubles game. I think I was more excited and nervous than him on the day before the match. On match day, his biggest fans papa and gong gong were there before the match started while I rushed down from work at 4pm. On the way there, I learnt that one of his opponent will be Ethan, son of my good friend Christy. I knew chances of winning are low as Ethan and his partner are older and more skillful. I prayed hard that Jacob will try his best and not give up halfway through the match. They lost in the end but they put up a good fight ( 12-21, 21-18 and 18-21). I felt extremely proud of him!
Unfortunately, they got a big scolding from their coach after the match. The coach called them "brainless", "lousy" and threatened to slap them. He also accused Jacob of showing off because of his style of playing. His P5 partner broke down but Jacob managed to hold back his tears. It was tough pretending not to watch when the coach was putting them down!
The next few days, while I struggled with either leaving him alone or complaining to the teacher -in-charge, Jacob seemed to be taking the pressure quite well as he dilligently practised his strokes everyday. Looks like my boy is stronger mentally than I thought. I decided that my hubby and male friends were right and I will let him learn to deal with the " verbal abuse".
The training session today before match 3 went well today. He does not think he will be fielded tomorrow as there are 2 other P5 reserves that has not played in any matches yet. He seems fine with that but I do hope he will be given at least one more chance to play in Match 4 or 5. A win will be a nice morale boost for him, which will help motivate him to excel further in this game!
Meanwhile, I am praying that I will receive my first founder's day invitation.....
