Medalist Player Profile with Shaun Chng

Fresh from his victories at the Medalist Asia-International Darts Tournament 2006, we talked to Shaun about his experiences at the tournament in Bangkok.

Q. What was the most memorable event that you experience at the tournament?

That must be the moment when I first entered the tournament hall. It was as grand, if not better than the World Darts Federation Cup Tournament held recently at the Challenge Stadium, Perth, Australia in 2005.

Q. What dart techniques or strategy have you learned from this tournament?

I learned to do a simple dart release. This will reduce the chances of messing up the release. Soft-tip darts are more sensitive because the darts are lighter and that makes it more error prone especially if we are nervous. Steel tip affords you a bigger margin of error but with soft tip darts, there is hardly any room for error. Soft-tip darts demand even more perfection.

Q. How was your performance during the 3-day tournament?

I did quite well. Yes, I am happy with the results but I could have played better. I am also happy with the recognition that I got when players that I don't know, came up and congratulated me on my game.

Q. Which player have inspired you the most and why?

There's actually more than one. They are the 2 Japanese players that were my opponents, Daai and Yoshiyuki, as well as my partners: Kazuhito and Kiyoshi. Although we are around the same rating, they are surprisingly highly skilled and are easily much better than I am.

Q. You were the only player from the Singapore team that got the opportunity to walk down the Finals Pit to play a Finals match. How did you feel ?

It was quite a new experience for me. After all the high-fives during the walk up, I had to quickly focus myself and mentally prepare for my game again.

Q. What was the most memorable match that you have played during the tournament?

It was during a cricket game where my team was given a 4-point handicap. I shot a White Horse – triple 20, triple 19 and triple 18, closing all 3 houses and having 2 darts each on 17 and 16 due to the handicap. So the game was already "in the pocket" after the first throw. In fact, this happened twice!

Q. What was the most inspiring game you have watched ?

It was Paul Lim’s Grand Masters finals. He demonstrated that a player could throw consistent 17-rated games.

Q. After playing at the event, what would you be telling your darter friends back in Singapore?

I would say, don’t be narrow minded about soft-tip darts. Do not have the impression that the game does not have any challenge. Although scoring is relatively easier, your opponent also has the same easier chance. So you have to be more accurate and perfect in your game in order to defeat your opponent. In fact, I found this game to be more challenging than steel tip. Playing with the Medalist Rating and handicap system makes the game more difficult as every opponent could pose a tough challenge.

Q. Would you come again for next year’s tournament?

Yes, I will definitely come again next year. It would be better if the organizers can ensure the game play format are clearly written down and understood before the event starts.

Shaun Chng’s Darts Achievement
	Asia-International Darts Tournament 2006, Bangkok - 2nd place, AA Flight Doubles (Day One) - Joint 3rd place, AA Flight Doubles (Day Two) - Joint 5th place, AA Flight Doubles (Day Three)   Won a total of US$2260 and 3 trophies
	Medalist Singapore 2006 League A Flight Champion - Fido Dido with partner Tony Teo
	1993 Malacca Open Singles Runners-Up (Steel tip)
	1988/89 Singapore Open Joint 3rd (Steel tip team event)
	And many other league championships