Thursday, September 18, 2008
8:06 PM
ITTF Junior Circuit Taiyuan, China Open - Isabelle Win Gold!
Isabelle Li Siyun maintained a cool and calm approach to win the Cadet Girls' Singles title. Throughout the game, she remained resolute, no unnecessary displays of emotion, just a totally focused well mannered attitude. She beat Hong Kong's Li Ching Wan in five games to arrest the title.

Isabelle Li won 11-9, 9-11, 11-2, 11-4, 11-5.

The fourteen years old, Isabelle Li is a defensive player; she is neat and compact, moves well and is prepared to attack with her forehand when the occasion arises. The basis is there for a player to develop in the mode of China's Fan Ying; a defensive player with a wide range of services and a rocket propelled first forehand attack.

In the opening round she overcame Hong Kong's Ng La Ke before securing victory in a hard fought penultimate round duel against Korea's Youn Ji Young.

Certainly, that was the most difficult match in the whole tournament, she's a backspin player like me so it was really hard, said Isabelle Li in a very quiet tone of voice, befitting someone who remains calm.

Slaying defenders you have to be patient, I was patient today and I think my attack was slightly better, continued Isabelle Li. In the final I felt confident, I had played Li Chan Wan before and won; that was during July in Singapore at the Asian Junior Championships.

Technically Isabelle Li is very correct but it is her mental stability that shines through. My head was clear today, she concluded; certainly that was most apparent. She has a stoic character, there could be a revolution taking place and Isabelle Li would not be moved.

A fine effort by the young lady from Hong Kong but against Isabelle Li she met her match. Gold was in the hands of the young lady who attends the Singapore Sports School and is coached by Cui Wei; the name is Isabelle Li, the 2008 Taiyuan Junior Open Cadet Girls' Singles champion.




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