There’s nothing quite like the electrifying match-day anticipation and the back-slapping camaraderie that accompanies any spectator sport. 2016 is set to thrill sports junkies whether they’re fans of high-octane motor racing or fast and furious Muay Thai matches. Here’s our guide to the hottest events of the year.
ASEAN Basketball League 2015-2016 Season
The NBA might be across the pond from us, but you can watch our very own Singapore Slingers take on some of the best teams in Asia at their home court at the OCBC Arena. The 2015-2016 season, which goes on until 21 Feb, will pit the Slingers against teams like Saigon Heat, Hi-Tech Bangkok City and the Pilipinas MX3 Kings.
ASEAN Basketball League 2015-2016 Season, OCBC Arena, 5 Stadium Drive, Singapore 397631. Until 21 February. p. 6653 8900.
SMBC Singapore Open
The SMBC Singapore Open will see some of the world’s greatest championship golfers tee-off at the Serapong Course at Sentosa Golf Club. Set against the scenic backdrop of the South China Sea, this challenging course will pit golfers against a slew of natural hazards like freshwater lakes and massive trees. 2016’s open will showcase newcomers like Jordan Spieth as well as veteran players like Darren Clarke.
SMBC Singapore Open, Sentosa Golf Club, 27 Bukit Manis Road, Singapore 099892. 28-31 Jan. p. 6275 0090.
Singapore Fighting Championship: Ole ‘Baguio’ Laursen VS Jian Kai Chee
Muay Thai legend, Ole ‘Baguio’ Laursen, and MMA veteran, Jian Kai Chee, will go toe-to-toe in the ring for a second time in the Singapore Fighting Championship. Their second bout will see them duke it out under Pro Boxing rules that limit the match to four three-minute rounds. If their last match was anything to go by, spectators can expect a helluva show when these titans collide!
Singapore Fighting Championship, February, details TBA.
HSBC Women’s Champions 2016
Watch the world’s best women golfers take on Sentosa Golf Club’s devious Serapong Course at HSBC’s flagship women’s event. The winner of the ninth edition of this prestigious tournament is set to bring home a massive 1.5 million dollar prize.
HSBC Women’s Champions 2016, Sentosa Island, 33 Allanbrooke Road, Singapore 099981. 3-6 March. p. 8233 5300.
HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens 2016
Ruggers, take note! The HSBC Rugby Sevens will kick off on the 16th of April at the Singapore Sports Hub. Expect adrenaline-pumping, rough-and-tumble action as the two-day tournament showcases 16 of the world’s best Rugby Sevens teams from Fiji, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens 2016, Singapore Sports Hub, 1 Stadium Drive, Singapore 397629. 16-17 April. p. 6476 7377.
2016 Formula 1 Singapore
The ninth edition of the world’s only Formula 1 night race kicks off once again in September at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. Fans of this high-octane motorsport can expect to see favourites like Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso take on the course’s narrow, winding turns. While the Marina Bay track may be the slowest in Formula One, the bumpiness, lack of daylight and humidity make the track extremely challenging for both driver and car.
2016 Formula 1 Singapore, Marina Bay. September (Exact dates TBA). p. 6738 6738.