SriKDU News

Zoe Foo ~ A ‘Squashing’ Success

A soft spoken girl with an ever ready smile, Zoe Foo Yuk Han, our very own squash princess paints a very different picture on the court. Zoe initially started off as a gymnast. However she got bitten by the ‘squash bug’ after having tagged along with her elder brother, Clifford, to his squash lessons. Inspired by her brother and the game, she decided to take up squash more seriously.

Zoe started training with Squash Racket Association of Malaysia (SRAM) in 2005. Although her current training schedule has her practising up to 7 times a week, she never seems to tire. Andrew Cross, Zoe’s coach and Mdm. Chung, her mother are currently her mentors.

Her parents are very supportive of her squash career and have even forked out their own money to let her take part in the 2010 Scottish Junior Open. It was Zoe’s best New Year gift as she bagged the Girls Under-13 title in superb style. She remained on course for her second title in a row in the 2010 British Junior Open but only managed to reach the quarter finals. It was still an achievement to be proud of.

Just like any other aspiring players, Zoe is disappointed when she loses any game. “I have had my fair shares of victory and losses but whatever it is, I always learn to improve myself. Although I am disappointed with my losses, I never allow that to dampen my spirits.” Her mother and coach conduct a post-mortem after every game to help Zoe improve her game.

Idolising Datuk Nicol Ann David, Zoe felt proud when her idol personally told her that she has good potential. She has also played a few games with her. To improve even more, Zoe constantly watches squash games played by Nicol and other international players on video.

Asked how she manages her time between her studies, training and competitions, Zoe admitted that her schedule is very tight and it was not an easy task juggling all three. “I will take a break after the tournament in Hong Kong in August and give my fullest attention to my UPSR exams.” “Besides being a world renowned squash star, I would also like to be a successful businesswoman when I grow up,” added Zoe confidently when asked about her ambition.

Zoe has notched up quite an impressive string of wins both in local and international tournaments in her young career. This has made Sri KDU and her parents extremely proud.  We wish Zoe all the best as she carves a name for herself in the world of squash, both locally and in the international arena.

August School Events and Holidays (Primary School)

Dear Parents/Guardians,
Please take note of the important school events for August 2010:

3 August
ICAS Mathematics 2010

3, 10, 17 & 24 August
Primary 1, 2 & 3 CCA Clubs/Societies

4, 11, 18 & 25 August
Primary 4, 5 & 6 CCA Sports/Games

5, 12, 19 & 26 August
Primary 1, 2 & 3 CCA Sports/Games

6, 13 & 20 August
Primary 4, 5 & 6 CCA Clubs/Societies

7 August
Sri KDU^® Mandarin Open Day

9-12 August
Health Awareness Week

11 August
Toon Creator Awards Workshop

16-18 August
UPSR Trial 3

24 August
Legend of the Guardians School Outreach Programme

27 August
Nuzul Al-Quran

30 August
2^nd Occasional Holiday

31 August
National Day

For the love of chess

A behind-the-scenes look at Sri KDU’s resident chess prodigy, ROSHAN SINGH.

By BRYAN THOR YEN JUN (4 Mozart)

First impressions can be misleading. Indeed, many opponents would do well not to underestimate Roshan Singh, whose recent runner-up placing in MSSM (Majlis Sukan-Sukan Malaysia) for the Chess competition saw him get the better of 30 other participants from diverse locations across the nation. This prestigious competition was held in the Putra Palace Hotel, Kangar from 7th to 11th June 2010.

Currently in Form 1 Mozart,Roshan certainly does not look the most formidable of opponents, but be warned…as beneath that cheerful exterior lies the strong determination of a hunter waiting to catch his prey! In fact, when asked about the total number of prizes he has, he replies cheekily; “I can’t remember, but there’s lots!”.

However, he still remains a humble person despite his many achievements, as he labels the MSSM as being “very tough as (it is) against the nation’s best players”. He also finds chess a difficult game to play . “It is difficult to wait for the other party to make his next move. I constantly have to find ways to keep myself alert!” he laughs. Indeed, chess is not for those who are impatient in nature, he claims.

The road to Roshan’s success was paved with many obstacles. His first chess game was with his father at the young age of 7. Since then, his playing skills have improved by leaps and bounds, as he works towards improving his overall game. This easygoing player has no specific strategy when indulging in a game, as he claims “I simply improvise as I go along.”

Nevertheless, prizes come abound for this quick-witted young man, whose largest windfall was a cash prize of RM 400. He has a humorous side too, as he claims “I can’t remember where I put any of my trophies…for me, the cash prizes are all that matter!”

When asked about his goals for the future, he shrugs, revealing that he has no particular goals to attain. “Chess is simply a way to help me face problems”, he explains. He credits his father with helping him start off his interest in the game, in addition to currently handling his transport arrangements for tournaments. However, he is unable to play any games with his father nowadays, as his dad is too busy.

Roshan has 2 siblings, a younger brother currently in Standard 4, and a sister currently in kindergarten. Unfortunately, it seems that his siblings do not share Roshan’s passion for the game. “My brother plays a bit, but that’s all!” shrugs Roshan when asked. Nevertheless, his entire family is very supportive towards his endeavours in the game.

Other major competitions that this 13- year old boy has taken part in include the MSSM over the past 3 years, and the National Age Group Chess Competition over the past 5 years. However, Roshan prefers to take part in smaller competitions as he likes quick games. “Long games are boring”, he says.

Nonetheless, it isn’t only chess on the brain for Roshan, as he enjoys football and badminton as side hobbies. His favourite subject? “English, as it’s easy and I don’t have to study for it!” .

Asked about his career plans for the future, he answers “I have not decided on anything yet. For me, it’s still too early to say anything!”. He is adamant that it will not be anything related to chess, though. It seems that for this chess master, chess is but a hobby, and nothing more.

To wrap up, when asked for his advice, Roshan has this to say for any future chess masters out there : 

“Keep trying!”

“Remember that chess is a game of patience. With hard work and determination, you’ll get there!” he offers.

• Thanks Roshan, for that insightful interview and insight on the game of chess. The Editorial Board on behalf of the school would like to take this opportunity to wish Roshan the best of luck on any upcoming tournaments that he might have. For this particular student though, any tournament, no matter how small, is another chance to do better. GOOD LUCK ROSHAN!