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SINGAPORE \u2013 On stage for the first time, little James Liew steeled his nerves, heaved in a deep breath and blocked out the cheers from the crowd.<\/p>\n
At the beat drop, the seven-year-old unleashed the yo-yo that was resting in his palm, and his moves morphed into a blur of rapid movements and smooth tricks.<\/p>\n
That evening in July, James placed ninth among 13 participants in the junior division at the Singapore Yo-yo Championship. The division featured players aged 16 and under.<\/p>\n
For James, though, the placing did not matter. Just competing on stage at the Foochow Building in Jalan Besar, in front of almost a hundred people, was a milestone in his yo-yo journey. He first picked up the activity in February 2024, and it has since grown into one he practises with zealous devotion. <\/p>\n
The Primary 2 pupil, who turned eight shortly after the competition, told The Straits Times: \u201cThe best part is learning new tricks and showing them to my family and friends. It makes me really happy, and I never get bored with it.\u201d<\/p>\n
James is part of a group of peppy young players fronting a refreshed wave of interest here in the decades-old hobby. <\/p>\n
Since August 2024, he regularly attends yo-yo meet-ups, where about 30 other enthusiasts \u2013 most of whom are aged from seven to their 20s \u2013 band together to practise routines, and share tips and tricks.<\/p>\n