Day 1 Drama: Comebacks, Composure, and Crowd-Pleasing Performances
The first day of the ROKETTO Sydney International 2025 didn’t ease into the action; it launched straight into it.
From the very first match, players were tested. Some crumbled under pressure, others rose to the occasion. And for a few, the day became a defining moment in their tournament journey.
Ricky Tang (AUS) was one of them. His match against Andrew Tan (USA) started rough; errors piled up and Tan took control. But Tang refused to let the match slip away. With a shift in momentum and a renewed sense of purpose, he clawed back into contention and completed a comeback that had the crowd cheering loud.
Final score: 15-17, 15-10, 15-4
In mixed doubles, Edward Lau/Shaunna Li (NZL), the highest-ranked Oceania pair in the draw, began their campaign with high expectations. Calm, calculated, and composed, the pair controlled the tempo against Jordan Wang/Yee-Yuan Lim to safely progress to the next round.
Final score: 15-10, 15-11
The match of the day belonged to Mark Anthony Velasco (PHI). After dropping the first game to England’s Heng Lin Ngan, Velasco rallied to take the second. In the third, he trailed 8–2 — but something shifted. With long rallies and unwavering belief, Velasco mounted a stunning comeback, winning 13 of the last 15 points to seal the match.
Final score: 11–15, 15–8, 15–10
Elsewhere, last week’s MAXX North Harbour International runner-up, Ting Yen-Chen (TPE) was pushed hard early on by Sugi Sai Bala Singha Gopinath Singh (IND), while fourth seed, Le Duc Phat and Irvin Arokia Walter went the distance in a three-game thriller.
Final scores: Ting Yen-Chen (7-15, 15-9, 15-11), Le Duc Phat (15-10, 10-15, 15-6)
The doubles clash between Rio Agustino/Priska Kusti (AUS) and Daniel McMillan (ENG)/Camellia Zhou (NZL) was another exciting match, with long rallies and sharp net exchanges keeping everyone on edge.
Final score: Augustino/Kustiadi (5-15,15-12,15-13)
Day 1 is done, but the stories are just beginning. Tomorrow, the stakes get higher.
