Helen Heng
王锡娘
Helen Heng in 1951
Personal information
Nickname(s)Mrs Badminton[1]
Birth nameHelen Heng Siak Neo
CountrySingapore
Born1933 (1933)
Singapore, Straits Settlements
Died16 April 2018(2018-04-16) (aged 84–85)
Singapore
HandednessRight[1]
EventWomen's singles & doubles

Helen Heng Siak Neo (simplified Chinese: 王锡娘; traditional Chinese: 王錫娘; pinyin: Wáng Xī Niáng; 1933 – 16 April 2018) was a Singaporean badminton player who won numerous titles in the late 1940s to the mid 1950s. She was Singapore's badminton star of the 1950s and was the youngest winner of the Malaysia Open women's singles and doubles titles when she won it at the age of 15.[2] Helen was also the most successful female shuttler in Singapore Open history with 15 titles (seven in singles and eight in doubles)[3] and the first female player from Singapore to participate in the Uber Cup as part of the Malayan team in 1956.[4][5]

Early life

Helen was born in Singapore to Mr Heng Mui Cheng and Madam Han Huai Cheng.[6] She had three brothers and an elder sister named Mary Sim (née Heng),[7] whom also played competitive badminton.[8] With her family members being great badminton enthusiasts, she was urged by her father to join the United Family Badminton Party which consists of her own family members, relatives and friends in the mid-1946 when she was 13.[9]

There she pick up the game rapidly and her talent was noticed by her father and uncle and they entered her for the 1947 Singapore girls' singles and doubles championships while she was still schooling at the Methodist Girls' School.[9] She performed well at the junior championships and ended up winning the girls' singles title.[10]

Badminton career

In late 1947, Helen entered into the seniors competition for the first time at the Singapore Open and performed amicably, beating former women's singles champion, Alice Pennefather on route to the final.[11] She, however, would lose to Chung Kon Yoong in a competitive women's singles final.[12] Sensing that Helen could go on to greater heights, her father and uncle started to trained her more systematically with sparing sessions against them to gauge her progression.[9]

Helen Heng, pictured in 1949 with her badminton trophies.

In 1948, she try her hand at the Malayan Open (now Malaysia Open) for the first time and won both the women's singles and doubles (with Alice Pennefather), thus becoming the youngest player to do so at age 15.[2] Later that year, Helen took part in her second Singapore Open and once again reached the women's singles final but was defeated by veteran and former champion, Ong Siew Eng in a three sets battle.[13] She then partnered Ong Siew Eng to win her first Singapore Open women's doubles title when they defeated the Eurasian pair of Eunice de Souza and Alice Pennefather, 7–15, 18–14, 15–11.[14] She also took part in the mixed doubles by partnering with Ong Poh Lim but they went down in the final to the brother and sister pairing of Wong Peng Soon and Waileen Wong in straight sets.[15]

From 1949 to 1955, Helen dominated the Singapore women badminton scene, winning a record seven consecutive Singapore Open women's singles titles after missing out for the past two years.[3] She also won seven more women's doubles titles (four with her sister, Mary Sim and three with Baby Low) to add to the one she won in 1948.[3] Her eight consecutive women's doubles titles is also another tournament record.[3] In total, her 15 combined titles made her the most successful female shuttler in the competition history. Besides her success in Singapore, she also managed to defend her Malaysia Open crown in 1949 by upsetting the tournament favorite, Cecilia Samuel (née Chan), who was unbeaten in Malaya since 1939, in the women's singles final, in two sets.[16] She reached three more final in 1950, 1951 and 1952, losing to Cecilia Samuel on all three occasion in tightly contested rubber games.[17][18][19] Helen's dominance in the region mean she could have participate in the prestigious All-England Championships but she decided not to do so in order to focus on her studies.[20]

Helen was also part of the first Malayan Uber Cup squad that competed against Hong Kong in 1956 and won 6–1.[21] She played only in the doubles and partnered Tan Gaik Bee to win both their matches against Diana Yung and Ulian Khoo in the first doubles, 15–5, 17–16 and Helen Kwong and Cinder Hon in the fourth doubles, 15–8, 15–6.[22] In October that year, Helen decided to take a one year sabbatical to concentrate on her undergraduate studies and did not defend her Singapore Open women's singles and doubles titles.[23] She did return to play in Uber Cup Asia Zone final against India in December which Malaya lost 3–4. Partnering with Tan Gaik Bee again, they lost both their matches to Mrs. Lotwalla and Mrs. Athavale and to Mrs. Prashar and Mrs. Kapadia.[24]

After the Uber Cup competition, Helen decided to retire from game, citing that the death of her father in mid-1950s make it hard for her to continue playing due the influence her father had on her career and the sad memories that will come along with it now that her father is no longer by her side.[9]

Personal life

Helen studied at the University of Malaya (now National University of Singapore)[25] and graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Arts.[26] She married Dee Ong Yoke Cheong, an executive in an oil company and together they had a son.[9]

Death

Helen died in Singapore on 16 April 2018 at the age of 85. She was buried at Choa Chu Kang Christian Cemetery.[27]

Achievements

Tournaments

Women's singles

Year Tournament Opponent Score Result Ref
1947 Singapore Open Colony of Singapore Chung Kon Yoong 7–11, 8–11 2nd place, silver medalist(s) Runner-up [12]
1948 Malaysia Open Federation of Malaya Amy Choong 11–7, 11–4 1st place, gold medalist(s) Winner [28]
1948 Singapore Open Colony of Singapore Ong Siew Eng 10–12, 11–2, 7–11 2nd place, silver medalist(s) Runner-up [13]
1949 Malaysia Open Federation of Malaya Cecilia Samuel 11–8, 11–7 1st place, gold medalist(s) Winner [29]
1949 Singapore Open Colony of Singapore Ong Heng Kwee 11–7, 11–0 1st place, gold medalist(s) Winner [30]
1950 Malaysia Open Federation of Malaya Cecilia Samuel 12–10, 10–12, 7–11 2nd place, silver medalist(s) Runner-up [17]
1950 Singapore Open Colony of Singapore Ong Siew Eng 11–4, 11–2 1st place, gold medalist(s) Winner [31]
1951 Malaysia Open Federation of Malaya Cecilia Samuel 3–11, 12–11, 8–11 2nd place, silver medalist(s) Runner-up [18]
1951 Singapore Open Colony of Singapore Baby Low 11–1, 11–1 1st place, gold medalist(s) Winner [32]
1952 Malaysia Open Federation of Malaya Cecilia Samuel 9–11, 12–9, 9–12 2nd place, silver medalist(s) Runner-up [19]
1952 Singapore Open Colony of Singapore Baby Low 11–5, 11–1 1st place, gold medalist(s) Winner [33]
1953 Singapore Open Colony of Singapore Baby Low 15–2, 15–3 1st place, gold medalist(s) Winner [34]
1954 Singapore Open Colony of Singapore Baby Low 11–3, 11–0 1st place, gold medalist(s) Winner [35]
1955 Singapore Open Colony of Singapore Baby Low 11–3, 11–5 1st place, gold medalist(s) Winner [3]

Women's doubles

Year Tournament Partner Opponent Score Result Ref
1948 Malaysia Open Colony of Singapore Alice Pennefather Colony of Singapore Chung Kon Yoong
Colony of Singapore Ong Siew Eng		 2–15, 15–12, 15–2 1st place, gold medalist(s) Winner [28]
1948 Singapore Open Colony of Singapore Ong Siew Eng Colony of Singapore Eunice de Souza
Colony of Singapore Alice Pennefather		 7–15, 18–14, 15–11 1st place, gold medalist(s) Winner [14]
1949 Singapore Open Colony of Singapore Mary Sim Colony of Singapore Ong Heng Kwee
Colony of Singapore Alice Pennefather		 15–8, 15–8 1st place, gold medalist(s) Winner [36]
1950 Singapore Open Colony of Singapore Mary Sim Colony of Singapore Baby Low
Colony of Singapore Suzie Pang		 15–7, 15–9 1st place, gold medalist(s) Winner [37]
1951 Singapore Open Colony of Singapore Mary Sim Colony of Singapore Ong Siew Eng
Colony of Singapore Teo Tiang Seng		 15–10, 15–4 1st place, gold medalist(s) Winner [38]
1952 Singapore Open Colony of Singapore Mary Sim Colony of Singapore Doreen Kiong
Colony of Singapore Alice Pennefather		 15–5, 15–5 1st place, gold medalist(s) Winner [33]
1953 Singapore Open Colony of Singapore Baby Low Colony of Singapore Ong Siew Eng
Colony of Singapore Teo Tiang Seng		 15–7, 15–4 1st place, gold medalist(s) Winner [39]
1954 Singapore Open Colony of Singapore Baby Low Colony of Singapore Nancy Ang
Colony of Singapore Tan Chooi Neoh		 15–1, 15–7 1st place, gold medalist(s) Winner [40]
1955 Singapore Open Colony of Singapore Baby Low Colony of Singapore Eunice de Souza
Colony of Singapore Jessie Ong		 13–15, 15–7, 15–4 1st place, gold medalist(s) Winner [41]

Mixed doubles

Year Tournament Partner Opponent Score Result Ref
1948 Singapore Open Colony of Singapore Ong Poh Lim Colony of Singapore Wong Peng Soon
Colony of Singapore Waileen Wong		 5–15, 8–15 2nd place, silver medalist(s) Runner-up [15]

References

  1. 1 2 "Be Ready for Sacrifices Warns 'Mrs Badminton'". The Straits Times. 19 June 1956. p. 14. Retrieved 1 January 2023.
  2. 1 2 "15-year-old Badminton Star Honoured". Morning Tribune. 24 May 1948. p. 16. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "Helen Still Rules". Singapore Standard. 3 November 1955. p. 13. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  4. ↑ "BAM pick five for Uber Cup tie". The Straits Times. 2 July 1956. p. 14. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  5. ↑ "HK Uber Cup team confident". The Singapore Free Press. 2 September 1959. p. 10. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  6. ↑ "Obituaries". The Straits Times. 12 July 1995. p. 39. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  7. ↑ "Useful B.P. to fete Helen Heng". The Singapore Free Press. 29 August 1949. p. 6. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
  8. ↑ "Sisters Clash In S'pore Badminton". Singapore Standard. 14 December 1951. p. 11. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 "Helen was egged on by her father to become a champ". New Nation. 28 April 1972. p. 9. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  10. ↑ "Helen Heng Is Junior Champion". Straits Budget. 25 September 1947. p. 19. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  11. ↑ "Helen Heng Beats Mrs. Pennefather In SBA Meet". Malaya Tribune. 21 November 1947. p. 8. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  12. 1 2 "Ex-Selangor Girl Wins Spore Title". The Straits Times. 30 November 1947. p. 12. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  13. 1 2 "Mrs. Chionh Springs Surprise, Wins Title". Sunday Tribune (Singapore). 10 October 1948. p. 11. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
  14. 1 2 "Tribune Backed The Right Man". Sunday Tribune (Singapore). 17 October 1948. p. 10. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
  15. 1 2 "Peng Soon Wins Mixed Doubles Title". Malaya Tribune. 25 October 1948. p. 7. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
  16. ↑ "Miss Helen Heng Retains Title". The Straits Times. 2 August 1949. p. 12. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
  17. 1 2 "Helen Loses All-Malaya Title". Malaya Tribune. 7 August 1950. p. 10. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  18. 1 2 "Peng Soon champion for sixth time". The Straits Times. 7 August 1951. p. 16. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  19. 1 2 "Samuels Win 4 Titles at BAM Championships". The Straits Times. 5 August 1952. p. 16. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  20. ↑ "'My Studies First', Says Helen Heng". The Straits Times. 12 February 1951. p. 8. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
  21. ↑ "Malaya Win Uber Cup Tie". Singapore Standard. 31 August 1956. p. 1. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
  22. ↑ "Malayans Score Convincing Win". Singapore Standard. 31 August 1956. p. 13. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
  23. ↑ "'No badminton for one year' says Helen". The Straits Times. 8 October 1956. p. 12. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
  24. ↑ "Malayans edged in Uber Cup match". Straits Budget. 27 December 1956. p. 19. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
  25. ↑ "242 New Students for Varsity". The Straits Times. 14 May 1953. p. 8. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
  26. ↑ "University Examination Results". Singapore Standard. 22 June 1954. p. 2. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
  27. ↑ "Mrs Helen Ong née Heng Siak Neo Helen". www.facebook.com. 17 April 2018. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
  28. 1 2 "Penang Champion Annexes Malayan Badminton Title". Morning Tribune. 30 March 1948. p. 16. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  29. ↑ "Wong Peng Soon Regains His Title". The Straits Times. 2 August 1949. p. 12. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  30. ↑ "Miss Heng Regains Title". The Straits Times. 28 November 1949. p. 8. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  31. ↑ "Helen Heng Keeps Singles Title". The Straits Times. 22 October 1950. p. 19. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  32. ↑ "Colony Title to Peng Soon". The Straits Times. 25 January 1952. p. 16. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  33. 1 2 "Poh Lim is Triple Champion". The Singapore Free Press. 30 December 1952. p. 6. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  34. ↑ "Helen Heng champ for fifth time". The Straits Times. 25 November 1953. p. 13. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
  35. ↑ "Poh Lim beats Peng Soon in three-set final". The Straits Times. 16 January 1955. p. 23. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
  36. ↑ "Peng Soon Makes Badminton History". Sunday Tribune (Singapore). 18 December 1949. p. 15. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  37. ↑ "Another Title For Helen". The Straits Times. 23 October 1950. p. 12. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  38. ↑ "Will Poh Lim be new champ?". The Singapore Free Press. 7 January 1952. p. 6. Retrieved 3 July 2023.
  39. ↑ "A Junior Defeats Marjan". The Straits Times. 3 December 1953. p. 16. Retrieved 4 July 2023.
  40. ↑ "Ong Poh Lim makes badminton history". The Straits Times. 17 January 1955. p. 11. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
  41. ↑ "Poh Lim Survives a Shock: This Robert is Good". Singapore Standard. 16 November 1955. p. 13. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
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