Rudy Hesty is one of the most active players in Singapore and also the organizer of the Jurong Central Subbuteo Club, one of the big clubs in Asia.
When did you first start to play Subbuteo and what was the first team you got bought?
RH: I started playing at the age of 11 and remembered skipping week-end classes just to watch the older boys playing subbuteo at the community centres. Instantly, I became addicted and managed to convince the older boys to teach me and allowed me to join Singapore Eastern Subbuteo club.
Did not have money to buy however I was rather persistent in getting my uncle to buy the club edition set for me, thus my first teams were the red and blue subbuteo teams where I imagine them to be Liverpool & Everton.
How many years have you been playing and what are the main titles you have achieved in any level?
RH: Started back the game after a long long layoff .. Years of wilderness without flicking finally ended. In 2010, during the World Cup season, I managed to stubble onto the game through the internet where Table Football Association Singapore (TFAS) was having a promotional event. I went there and met with the goofy flicking gang and the rest was history. Hope I will continue my 6 years experience with many more. As for achievements, won a few WASPAs, Futures with several tournaments getting the bridesmaid trophy (2nd) with the latest in Dec 14, the Japan IO 2014... I must practice more.
What is the best thing about this game and why would you recommend it to someone?
RH: The flicking, the shooting, the saves .. all about the game still excites me but the real perks of the game is getting to know people locally & abroad with the same come interest.
Your most memorable moments from this game happy or even sad?
RH: It got to be the recent FISTF World Cup 2014 @ Rochefort, Belgium. Was thrilled to get the rare opportunity to play competitive games against the top two ranked players, Carlos Flores & Saverio Bari, the current WC champion Juan Noguera plus the privilege to play friendlies against the 'Maradona' of subbuteo, Massimo Bologino & the maker of Tcha4 base, Daniel Scheen. Great experience but sadden that I did not get the opportunity to flick with Vincent.
Who was your strongest opponent and who is your favorite player and why?
RH: Eventhough I experienced being hammered by the top ranked players in the WC, I still feel that Ouabi Rouis (who is based here in Singapore) is the strongest opponent I have played with. Though to get any positive results against the French guy. However playing with him frequently has help me build confidence and improve my game.
Is it a sport or a game ? what is your opinion about this question that many people ask?
RH: I feel that it is a competitive game with potential to be a good sport. Should we be able get the support of the country sports council and get establish sports sponsors; the game could evolve into a sport. As for now, I'm just happy to play the game.
What improvements would you like to see in the future and what would you suggest to improve things?
RH: Would like the implementation of 1) "No Flicks" for corner kicks .. more opportunities & more goals! 2) A video introductory of the game & rules by FISTF or WASPA. And for 3) WASPA to hold their 1st World Cup
What are your feelings about how FISTF and WASPA are working and doing something for the game nowadays? What would the WASPA rankings? Do they mean something for you?
RH: It's great that both FISTF & WASPA are working hand in hand to boost the game & making it enjoyable for all level of players. As for the WASPA ranking, I view it as a good gauge to see the players achievements in the modest circuit compare to FISTF, and with this it could boost players confidence & heighten players targets.
What would you recommend to someone who starts the game now? What are the secrets for top performance?
RH: I would recommend them to play, play and play more. The more games they play the better they get. As for the secret of top performance ... Praticse & Don't be afraid to play better players. The secret to improving is excepting defeat but you must learn from the defeats.
What do you think of the development of the game in other Asian countries and what are your expectations for the future?
RH: Singapore, Japan & Australia have continued to progress in the table football world & set a high benchmark for other Asian countries to follow. Hopeful, Malaysia & Indonesia would continue their pursue of game & organise/recruit more players. Also hope other Asian countries would soon join in the flicking fun. Another wish is for top ranked or seasoned European players to be able to play in our Asian competition & someday we (Singapore) be chosen to host the World Cup
You will remain as the first Asian player to have reached the second round of the Open FISTF world cup. Do you think some Asian player will one day win a world title?
RH: Lady Luck was smiling on me during the WC .. hmmm.. We have good current and young players in Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia & Japan but to advance further we need more top European players to play frequently in Asia for us to gain the experience to equip us in future WC... Hopefully, one day we could win .. Hopefully.
Rudi's passport
Name: Rudy Hesty
Age: 39
Nation: Singapore
Club: Jurong Central SC
Type of figures/bases used: Man city figures / Base Snipers
Job: Police Officer
Hobbies: Watching Movies + Playing futsal
