CAN women beat men at their own game when it comes to sport?
The quick answer is no. But female pool player Charlene Chai recently proved that there are exceptions to the rule.
Last Sunday, the 28-year-old dispatched a host of male players to win the national 9- ball title - no mean feat, considering that most of her opponents were national players.
Charlene deserves every accolade and pat on the back that comes her way for this gender-defying achievement. But similar stories are rare in most sports.
The reasons are both physical and logistical.
Source: ASHLEIGH SIM
In most major sports, like football, athletics and swimming, raw power, stamina, and strength are key determinants when it comes to results. Few would argue that women will find it difficult to match the top males athletes in these physical areas.
Competitively, there are also few opportunities for women to line up against men on a level playing field. In most competitions, the men are separated from the women, and prizes are awarded according to gender categories.
The exception, at least in Singapore, is in cuesports like 9-ball and 8-ball. At the Olympics level, only certain events in sailing and equestrian offer women a chance to compete with men for the same prize.
However, the battle of the sexes may not necessarily be a one-sided affair.
Aside from pool and sailing, sports like shooting, bowling and even auto racing often test the athlete's natural skill, sense of timing and coordination. These are areas in which women are in no way disadvantaged compared to their male counterparts.
Danica Patrick for instance, made motor racing headlines last year when she became the first woman to win an IndyCar race. In the history of Formula One, there have also been five drivers who are female.
Male pride, usually a powerful motivator when it comes to sports, could also play to a woman's advantage. When a male athlete is pitted against a woman, the pressure to win could be too much even for seasoned pros.
Of course, the world of sport is a long way away from becoming gender-blind. But there are ways for women to fill their trophy cabinets at the expense of men.
Just ask Charlene.