Thursday, July 2, 2009
9:44 PM
ASIAN Youth Games - 2 Points from Isabelle Secure Top Spot for Singapore
The Singapore Table Tennis team secured top spot in Group D with 8 points, courtesy of an exhilarating win against fellow group rivals Hong Kong, China.

Isabelle Li Siyun and Clarence Chew Zhe Yu, the stars of the first day, had to weather intense pressure during their Mixed Doubles match against the Hong Kong pair of Chiu Cheung Hei and Li Ching Wan. Earlier on, Li took a 3-0 win over Ng Ka Yee, someone who denied her of a medal in the 2009 Bahrain Junior Open. However, Clarence had lost to Chiu earlier in the Boys' Singles match. Thankfully, both Li and Chew kept their wits to prevail 11-8, 8-11, 11-8, 7-11, 11-8 and clinch a 2-1 win.

In their last match against Kuwait, Singapore was dominant. Once again, Isabelle gave Singapore the lead by defeating Alammar KH F Maha in straight games. Clarence then secured victory by overcoming Almkeemy O R Abdulla by the same margin. In the last Doubles Match, Singapore fielded 2 left handed players, Tay Jit Kai and Chau Hai Qing, instead of the usual Isabelle and Clarence. They did not disappoint as well. Tay and Chau beat Alemjadidiel A A S Aisha/Albanai A J Meshari with another 3-0.

The team will play against India tomorrow in the 2nd Stage at 0900 hours. Chances of winning is quite high, and a Bronze Medal could well be in our paddlers' pocket. However, our players will have to upset hot favourites, China, in the Semi-Finals to fight for Gold at 1700 hours.


Matches tomorrow includes the Mixed Doubles Event as well. Isabelle will pair with Clarence whilst Tay Jit Kai will partner Chau Hai Qing. Isabelle/Clarence 1st opponent is Samdan Baasankhuu/Chinbat Saruulsaikhan, but they will have to take on South Koreans in the next round. Tay/Chau are not any luckier. Their 1st match is against Vietnamese Le Tuan Anh/Nguyen Thi. South Koreans will then be awaiting for them in the next round.




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