Singapore Table Tennis News

ITTF Chinese Taipei Junior Open - Chen Feng & Xue Jie Justify Status

2011-09-18T23:07:00.002+08:00

Chen Feng and Pang Xuejie duly completed the last day of Chinese Taipei Junior Circuit with a Gold Medal hanging down their neck. Top Seeds in the Junior Boys' Doubles Event, Chen and Pang defeated opponents from powerhouse South Korea and Chinese Taipei to reach the finals. In the finals, the face second seeds, host nation's Hung Tzu-Hsiang and Lee Chia-Sheng. Our boys showed strong mental strength and determination, winning the game on many intense moments. They won 14-12, 11-7, 5-11, 13-11.

However, our youths failed to perform in other events. Top seed Chen Feng and compatriot Xuejie faltered in the round of 16 of the Junior Boys' Event. Chew Zheyu Clarence lost in the Quarter Finals. Zhou Yihan and Li Siyun Isabelle were casualties in the round of 16 as well. Tay Ming Han Maxxe, Ang Wan Qi and Lin Ye were the only players that made it to the main draw of the cadet singles event. Maxxe and Wan Qi faltered in the 2nd round while Second Seeds, Lin Ye was defeated in the quarter finals.

The doubles event were equally undesirable. Clarence and Tay Jit Kiat lost in the Quarter Finals of the Junior Boys' Event. Top Seeds, Isabelle and Yihan were not spared in the Quarter Finals of the Junior Girls' Doubles Event as well. Son of Singapore Women's Team Assistant Head Coach, Jing Junhong's son Loy Meng Hean and Maxxe suffered in the first round. Our cadet girls' doubles Or Zann Minn and Wong Gladys suffered the same fate.

ITTF Chinese Taipei Junior Open - Bronze for Boys' Team

2011-09-16T19:24:00.004+08:00

Singapore's Junior Boys' Team led by U18 World No. 40 Pang Xuejie achieved a Bronze Medal in Taipei. In the Semi Finals, our boys lost 1-3 to Chinese Taipei A. In the 1st set, Chew Zheyu Clarence lost 1-3 to the higher ranked Hung Tzu-Hsiang. Pang Xuejie then lost to Lee Chia-Sheng, 2-3. Tay Jit Kiat managed to fight back the 3rd set, winning 3-2. However, Hung Tzu-Hsiang showed his class and defeat Pang 2-3.

Earlier, our Boys beat a team made up of Japanese and Australia players, 3-2.

Meanwhile the combine team of Isabelle Li and 2 other Chinese Taipei's players was ousted out in the Quarter Finals by Hong Kong. The Cadet Girls Team made up of Ang Wan Qi and Yee Herng Hwee lost 0-3 to Chinese Taipei A in the quarter finals as well.

Our Cadet Boys suffered in Group Stages.

ITTF Women's World Cup - Purchase your Tickets Now!

2011-09-14T01:51:00.000+08:00

ITTF World Junior Table Tennis Championships - Tickets to Bahrain For Pang & Li

2011-09-11T23:40:00.004+08:00

Pang Xuejie and Li Siyun Isabelle was invited to the annual 2011 World Junior Table Tennis Championships based on their U18 World Rankings. Based on the most recent ranking, Pang is currently ranked 42 while Isabelle is ranked 20.

Pang who turned 18 in march this year is expected to attend his last World Junior Table Tennis Championships. However, both Isabelle and Pang is likely to give it a miss as the biannual SEA Games will be ongoing at the same time.

In the SEA Games, Pang will be representing Singapore in the Men's Doubles Event together with Ma Liang while Isabelle Li will be featured in both the Women's Singles and Doubles Event in the november games. She will partner another local born paddler Sim Kai Xin Zena in the doubles.

Chew Zheyu Clarence is also invited as a reserve player for the Championships.

ITTF Pro Tour Austrian Open - Player List

2011-09-03T10:31:00.005+08:00

Men's Singles
Chew Zheyu Clarence
Gao Ning
Li Hu
Ma Liang
Pang Xue Jie
Yang Zi
Zhan Jian

Women's Singles
Li Jiawei
Li Siyun Isabelle
Sim Kai Xin Zena
Sun Beibei
Wang Yuegu
Yu Mengyu

Men's Doubles
Gao Ning/Li Hu
Ma Liang/Pang Xue Jie
Yang Zi/Zhan Jian

Women's Doubles
Li Jiawei/Wang Yuegu
Li Siyun Isabelle/Sim Kai Xin Zena
Sun Beibei/Yu Mengyu

U21 Boys' Singles
Chew Zheyu Clarence
Ma Liang
Pang Xue Jie

U21 Girls' Singles
Li Siyun Isabelle
Sim Kai Xin Zena

September World Rankings

2011-09-01T22:10:00.006+08:00

Men's Team
16 - Gao Ning
31 - Li Hu
60 - Yang Zi
67 - Zhan Jian
137 - Chen Feng
183 - Liu Zhongze
211 - Ma Liang
368 - Pang Xuejie
409 - Hao Anlin
542 - Chew Zheyu Clarence
1030 - Tan Kiat Yi Kerry
1030 - Yin Jing Yuan
1088 - Tay Jit Kiat
1320 - Chau Jia Liang
1544 - Lim Zheng Jie Edric

Women's Team
4 - Feng Tianwei
10 - Wang Yuegu
19 - Li Jiawei
22 - Sun Beibei
28 - Yu Mengyu
137 - Zhou Yihan
141 - Li Siyun Isabelle
214 - Huang Kang Kang
228 - Lin Ye
359 - Sim Kaixin Zena
503 - Chau Haiqing
716 - Lam Tengsi
897 - Ang Wanqi

ITTF Pro Tour China Open - Japanese Opponents Proved Too Strong

2011-08-27T23:43:00.002+08:00

Today seems to be unlucky day for our paddlers. Both Singaporean Female Paddlers faltered against Japanese counterparts while our Male paddler lost to Koreans. Seeded no.6, Japan's Fukuhara Ai beat Sun Beibei, the no.24 seed 4-0, (11-9, 11-8, 11-4, 11-6) before her Japanese National Team Compatriot, Ishikawa Kasumi, the no.7 seed, caused Singapore more anguish. In five games (11-7, 7-11, 11-8, 12-10, 11-7), she accounted for veteran Li Jiawei, the no.19 seed.

Gao Ning was unable to break through the strong defense of South Korea's Joo Se Hyuk. The world's best defender swept Gao Ning 0-4.

ITTF Pro Tour China Open - Li Hu the Name to Note in London

2011-08-26T23:59:00.003+08:00

Singapore new Star Li Hu made it to the 2nd round of the Men's Singles Event before losing to higher ranked Chinese Taipei's Chuang Chih-Yuan. Seeded No. 29, Li Hu was beated 0-4 by No. 11 Seed 11-2, 11-4, 11-7, 11-6. Earlier in the first round, he crashed France's qualifier Lebesson Emmanuel 4-1.

On the other hand, Yang Zi and Zhan Jian was halted in the opening round. Yang Zi lost 0-4 against France's Mattenet Adrien while Zhan Jian lost to Japan's Matsudaira Kenta 3-4. Both Yang and Zhan were unseeded and played in the Qualifier.

Gao Ning was the sole Survivor to get pass 2nd round. Along the way, he defeated England's Drinkhall Paul, Swedish Lundqvist Jens with a comfortable margin of 4-2.

Yang Zi/Zhan Jian were the casualty in the Men's Doubles Event as well. They lost to 2nd Seeds, China's Ma Long/Wang Hao, 0-3. Meanwhile, Gao Ning/Li Hu beat Japan's Niwa Koki/Yoshida Kaii 3-1. However, Gao and Li fail to progress to the next round. The faced the same Chinese opponents and lost 0-4.

ITTF Pro Tour China Open - 2nd Round Exit for Feng & Wang

2011-08-26T23:31:00.002+08:00

Singapore's Top 2 Women Paddlers crash out of the 2011 ITTF Pro Tour Harmony China Open in the 2nd round of the Women's Singles Event. Feng Tianwei clinched the first two games against Japanese Hiroko Fujii. But the world No. 34 fought back to level the score at 2-2. Feng won the 5th set but lost the 6th and rubber. Wang Yuegu also failed to advance after a 1-4 loss to lower ranked South Korea's Jeon Ji Hee.

However, it was good news for veteran Li Jiawei and Sun Beibei. Li defeated Hong Kong's Ng Wing Nam with a 4-1 margin to earn a place in the 3rd round where she will take on Japan's Ishikawa Kasumi. Meanwhile, Sun Beibei caused a upset against Netherlands' Li Jiao by the narrowest margin of 4-3 in the 2nd round. She will face Japanese Top paddler Fukuhara Ai in the next round.

Singapore also faltered in the Women's Doubles Event. Li Jiawei/Wang Yuegu lost to China's Fan Ying/Wen Jia whilst Sun Beibei/Yu Mengyu faltered against Hong Kong's Lee Ho Ching/Ng Wing Nam.

ITTF Women's World Cup - Witness the Best

2011-08-25T11:41:00.001+08:00

Catch the world’s top women table tennis players as they compete in the Volkswagen Women’s World Cup 2011, which will be held at the Toa Payoh Sports Hall from 28 Oct to 30 Oct.

Reigning World Champion China's Ding Ning and World No. 1 China's Li Xiaoxia will lead the field. Other players invited includes Japan's Ai Fukuhara, Kasumi Ishikawa, Sayaka Hirano, South Korea's defensive specialist duo Kim Kyung Ah, Park Mi Young as well as Hong Kong's Tie Yana, Jiang Huajun.

Singapore top 3 women players, Feng Tianwei, Wang Yuegu and Li Jiawei will be featured in this event as well.

ITTF Korea Junior Open - Team Singapore

2011-08-20T19:27:00.001+08:00

Junior Boy's Team
Chen Feng
Chew Zheyu Clarence
Pang Xuejie

ITTF HongKong Junior Open - Quarter Final Finish for Pang & Li

2011-08-08T07:08:00.001+08:00

Despite many strong nations sending their players to the annual ITTF HongKong Junior Open, Team Singapore managed to achieve remarkable results. Pang Xuejie and Li Siyun Isabelle made it to the quarter finals of the Junior Boys' and Girls' Singles event respectively before losing to table tennis powerhouse China. Pang partnered Chew Zheyu Clarence in the Junior Boys' Doubles event to a quarter final finish as well.

In the Boys' Singles Event, Pang defeated Japan's Ryuzaki Tonin in the 2nd round 4-3. In the quarter finals, he met eventual champion and China's Zhou Qihao. Pang took the first set but lost the next four. He lost 11-8, 5-11, 7-11, 9-11, 7-11. Youth Olympic Silver Medalist Isabelle fought hard against Hu Limei of China, but faltered 6-11, 1-11, 7-11, 8-11. She beat host nation's Ng Ka Yee 4-1.

Meanwhile in the Junior Boys' Doubles event, Pang and Clarence received a walkover in the first round and defeated HongKong's Wong Ka Ho and Yau Sing Ho in the second. However, they found the pairing of Chinese Taipei's Hsu Chia-Liang and Lai Yi-Yao too strong. The Singaporean youths faltered 2-3.

Being the only Singaporean female representive, Isabelle paired with Chinese Taipei's Tsui Pao-Wen in the Junior Girls' Doubles Event. They were the top seeds for the event. However, due to the lack of practice together and mutual understanding, the lost in the first round to Japan's Ishikawa Rira and Morita Ayane by the narrowest margin of 2-3.

Our paddlers will be taking a break before heading to South Korea.

ITTF HongKong Junior Open - Junior Boys' Team Shine

2011-08-05T00:13:00.001+08:00

Our Junior Boys' Team comprising Pang Xuejie, Chew Zheyu Clarence and Tay Jit Kiat achieved a Quarter Finals finish despite facing a strong competition from other Asian countries such as China, Japan and host HongKong. In the quarter finals, they faltered against Chinese Taipei by the narrowest margin of 2-3.

Pang took Singapore to a great start after clinching the first set 3-2 against Lee Chia-Sheng. However, their opponents levelled matters in the second set with Clarence losing to Hung Tzu-Hsiang. Things became even more unfavourable to our boys when Tay Jit Kiat lost the third set against Lai Yi-Yao 2-3. In the fourth set, Pang managed to calm his nerve to sweep Hung Tzu-Hsiang 3-0. All hopes were dashed when Clarence lost the deciding fifth set to Lee Chia-Sheng 0-3.

Meanwhile, Isabelle Li joined hands with players from Brazil and Chinese Taipei in the Junior Girls' Team Event and achieved a ninth position.

ITTF HongKong Junior Open - Team Singapore List

2011-08-02T00:07:00.000+08:00

Junior Boys' Team
Chew Zheyu Clarence
Pang Xuejie
Tay Jit Kiat

Junior Girls' Team
Li Siyun Isabelle

Asian Junior Table Tennis Championships - Powerhouse China almost made a clean sweep

2011-07-26T05:16:00.000+08:00

Our Singaporean team returned with a Bronze Medal in the recent concluded Asian Junior Table Tennis Championships. Powerhouse China swept 9 out of the 10 golds available, and Japan was awarded the Junior Boys' Singles Crown.

Li Siyun Isabelle and Chau Haiqing was awarded the Bronze Medal in the Junior Girls' Doubles Event after bowing out to China's Zhao Yan/Gu Rouchen.They lost 4-11, 8-11, 4-11.

Below are the results for competition:
Junior Events
Boys' Team: China (Yin Hang, Wu Jiaji, Lin Gaoyuan, Cai Wei)
Girls' Team: China (Zhu Yuling, Gu Yuting, Zhao Yan, Gu Ruochen)
Boys' Singles: Yoshimura Maharu (JPN)
Girls' Singles: Zhu Yuling (CHN)
Boys' Doubles: Lin Gaoyuan/Wu Jiaji (CHN)
Girls' Doubles: Gu Yuting/Zhu Yuling (CHN)

Cadet Events
Boys' Team: China (Zhou Qihao, Yu Ziyang, Zhou Kai)
Girls' Team: China (Zhu Chaohui, Liu Gaoyang, Fan Siqi)
Boys' Singles: Zhou Qihao (CHN)
Girls' Singles: Lin Gaoyang (CHN)

Below are the results of our youths:
Junior Events
Boys' Team: 7th (Pang Xuejie, Chew Zheyu Clarence, Tay Jit Kiat, Tan Kiat Yi Kerry)
Girls' Team: 8th (Li Siyun Isabelle, Chau Haiqing, Leong Yau Yeak Aldrea, Lam Tengsi)
Boys' Singles: Pang Xuejie (round of 16)
Girls' Singles: Li Siyun Isabelle (round of 16), Chau Haiqing, (round of 16)
Boys' Doubles: Pang Xuejie/Chew Zheyu Clarence (round of 16), Tan Kiat Yi Kerry/Tay Jit Kiat (round of 16)
Girls' Doubles: Li Siyun Isabelle/Chau Haiqing (Semi Finals), Tang Jiawen Cheryl/Ng Xueqi (round of 16)

Cadet Events
Boys' Team: Quarter Finals (Yin Jingyuan, Chau Jialiang Oscar, Lim Zhengjie Edric)
Girls' Team: Quarter Finals (Ang Wangqi, Ng Xueqi, Tang Jiawen Cheryl)
Girls' Singles: Ang Wangqi (round of 16)

Asian Junior Table Tennis Championships - Singaporean Team

2011-07-22T17:41:00.002+08:00

Boys' Team
PANG Xue Jie
CHEW Zhe Yu Clarence
TAY Jit Kiat
TAN Kiat Yi Kerry
YIN Jing Yuan
CHAU Jia Liang Oscar
LIM Zheng Jie Edric

Girls' Team
NG Xueqi
ANG Wan Qi
LI Isabelle Siyun
CHAU Hai Qing
LAM Teng Si
LEONG Yau Yeak Aldrea

South East Asian Junior Table Tennis Championships - Gold for Clarence & Isabelle

2011-06-25T23:27:00.001+08:00

Our youth paddlers pocketed another gold today, raising the total gold medal count to 3! Chew Zheyu Clarence and Isabelle Li Siyun defeated Thailand in the finals of the U18 Mixed Doubles Event to clinch gold. Along the way, they defeated players from Thailand and Vietnam with comfortable wins. In the finals, the attacking and defensive pair made a clean sweep, winning 11-4, 11-4, 11-7.

These youths continue their good performance in other events. In the Junior Boys' Singles Event, Tan Kiat Yi Kerry is in the finals where he will face Le Tien Dat from Vietnam. Singapore already won 2 bronze in this event as Clarence and Tay Jit Kiat were also among the Top 4.

In the Junior Girls' Event, Isabelle Li settled for Bronze after bowing out to Thailand's Rattanporn by the narrowest margin of 3-4.

Pang Xuejie/Clarence as well as Isabelle/Chau Haiqing are also in the finals of the Junior Boys' and Girls' Doubles Event. Yin Jing Yuan/Chau Jialiang Oscar are also in the finals of the Cadet Boys' Doubles Event. However, in the Cadet Boys' Singles Event, Yin Jing Yuan had to settle for Bronze after faltering against Vietnam's Ta Hung Khanh 1-4.

South East Asian Junior Table Tennis Championships - Double Happiness for Singaporean Camp

2011-06-24T01:49:00.004+08:00

Both Singapore's Junior (U18) Boys and Girls Team secured the team gold at the annual South East Asian Junior Table Tennis Championships today.

The Junior Boys' Team which featured Pang Xuejie, Chew Zheyu Clarence and Tan Kiat Yi Kerry defeated Thailand 3-1 in the finals yesterday. Meanwhile, the Girls' Team which fielded Youth Olympic Silver Medalist Li Siyun Isabelle, Chau Hai Qing and Cheryl Tang handed the same punishment to the female team from thailand. They won by the same margin 3-1.

Our youth paddlers will embark on the individual events today as they hope to outdo their performance last year.

The Boys' and Girls' Team were the Bronze and Gold Medalist respectively in the previous edition, and the Singapore camp garnered a total of six golds, two silvers and seven bronzes then!

South East Asia Junior Table Tennis Championships - Players' List

2011-06-20T11:46:00.004+08:00

Boys' Team
Chau Jialiang Oscar
Chew Zheyu Clarence
Pang Xuejie
Tan Kiat Yi Kerry
Tay Jit Kiat
Yin Jing Yuan

Girls' Team
Althea Leong
Chau Haiqing
Lam Tengsi
Li Siyun Isabelle
Ng Xueqi
Tang Jiawen Cheryl

Aug 2010 Issue

2010-08-01T10:47:00.000+08:00

Click on the link below to view the first issue (Aug Issue) of the STTnews Newsletter.

http://www.megafileupload.com/en/file/259111/Aug-2010-pdf.html

Newsletter Instead?

2010-07-26T23:44:00.001+08:00

Due to our busy schedule, the editors of STTnews are no longer able to maintain the blog as before. Hence, we have came up with a solution in which we will provide monthly newsletter on the blog instead.

Please feel free to voice your comments on the chat page or email us your feedback on the change or about the enewsletter at sttnews@live.com.sg.

Thank You.

ITTF Pro Tour China Open - Nominal Roll

2010-07-22T09:27:00.000+08:00

Men's Singles
Cai Xiaoli
Gao Ning
Hao Anlin
Liu Zhongze
Ma Liang
Yang Zi

Women's Singles
Feng Tianwei
Li Jiawei
Sim Kaixin Zena
Sun Beibei
Wang Yuegu
Yu Mengyu

Men's Doubles
Cai Xiaoli/Ma Liang
Gao Ning/Yang Zi
Hao Anlin/Liu Zhongze

Women's Doubles
Feng Tianwei/Wang Yuegu
Li Jiawei/Yu Mengyu

U21 Boys' Singles
Ma Liang

U21 Girls' Singles
Sim Kaixin Zena

ASIAN Junior Table Tennis Championships - Junior Girls' Team Faltered In Group Stage

2010-07-21T09:31:00.000+08:00

Singapore's U18 Junior Girls' Team failed to advance further in the group stage yesterday after losing to Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei. However, our youth paddlers did well in other events. In the Junior Boys' Team Event, the upset Hong Kong by the narrowest margin of 3-2 to earn themselves a place in the Quarter Finals. Our Cadet Boys' Team was also the underdogs against Sri Lanka, but they did exceptionally well to crash them 3-0! Meanwhile, the Cadet Girls' Team advanced to the quarter finals but was tested by Thailand B Team.

Singapore's Junior Boys' Team will take on Top Seed China in the Quarter Finals. The Junior Girls' Team will continue playing in the second stage to determine their position (9t to 12th). They are scheduled to meet Kazakhstan. The Cadet Boys' and Girls' Team will be challenged by Chinese Taipei and Thailand respectively.

ASIAN Junior Table Tennis Championships - Group Standing

2010-07-21T08:13:00.000+08:00

Below are the Final Standings for the Respective Groups.

Junior Boys' Team Event
Group A
1st - Japan
2nd - North Korea
3rd - Thailand
4th - Bahrain

Group B
1st - Chinese Taipei
2nd - Singapore
3rd - Hong Kong
4th - Qatar

Group C
1st - India
2nd - Iran
3rd - Kazakhstan
4th - Sri Lanka

Junior Girls' Team Event
Group A
1st - Japan
2nd - India
3rd - Kazakhstan
4th - Iran

Group B
1st - North Korea
2nd - Thailand
3rd - Sri Lanka

Group C
1st - Hong Kong
2nd - Chinese Taipei
3rd - Singapore

Cadet Boys' Team
Group A
1st - China
2nd - Thailand (A)
3rd - Kazakhstan
4th - Bahrain

Group B
1st - Korea Republic
2nd - Hong Kong
3rd - Iran

Group C
1st - Chinese Taipei
2nd - Thailand (B)
3rd - India
4th - Qatar

Group D
1st - Japan
2nd - Singapore
3rd - Sri Lanka
4th - Malaysia

Cadet Girls' Team Event
Group A
1st - China
2nd - India
3rd - Malaysia

Group B
1st - Thailand (A)
2nd - Japan
3rd - Sri Lanka

Group C
1st - Korea Republic
2nd - Singapore
3rd - Thailand (B)

Group D
1st - Hong Kong
2nd - Chinese Taipei
3rd - Kazakhstan

ASIAN Junior Table Tennis Championships - Groupings for Team Events

2010-07-21T01:31:00.002+08:00

Junior Boys' Team Event
Group A
Japan
North Korea
Thailand
Bahrain

Group B
Chinese Taipei
Hong Kong
Singapore
Qatar

Group C
Iran
India
Kazakhstan
Sri Lanka

Junior Girls' Team Event
Group A
Japan
India
Kazakhstan
Iran

Group B
North Korea
Thailand
Sri Lanka

Group C
Hong Kong
Chinese Taipei
Singapore

Cadet Boys' Team
Group A
China
Thailand (A)
Bahrain
Kazakhstan

Group B
Korea Republic
Hong Kong
Iran

Group C
Chinese Taipei
India
Qatar
Thailand (B)

Group D
Japan
Sri Lanka
Singapore
Malaysia

Cadet Girls' Team Event
Group A
China
India
Malaysia

Group B
Japan
Thailand (A)
Sri Lanka

Group C
Korea Republic
Singapore
Thailand (B)

Group D
Chinese Taipei
Hong Kong
Kazakhstan

ITTF Pro Tour Korea Open - Nominal Roll

2010-07-15T23:28:00.001+08:00

Men's Singles
Cai Xiaoli
Gao Ning
Hao Anlin
Liu Zhongze
Ma Liang
Pang Xuejie

Women's Singles
Feng Tianwei
Li Jiawei
Sim Kaixin Zena
Sun Beibei
Wang Yuegu
Yu Mengyu

Men's Doubles
Cai Xiaoli/Pang Xuejie
Gao Ning/Ma Liang
Hao Anlin/Liu Zhongze

Women's Doubles
Feng Tianwei/Wang Yuegu
Li Jiawei/Sun Beibei

U21 Boys' Singles
Ma Liang
Pang Xuejie

U21 Girls' Singles
Sim Kaixin Zena
Yu Mengyu

ITTF Pro Tour Japan Open - 4th Tittle for Wang Yuegu

2010-07-04T20:42:00.002+08:00

Singapore's Wang Yuegu won her 4th Pro Tour Singles Title today at the 2010 Japan Pro Tour Circuit, defeating 15 year old Chinese dark horse Zhu Yuling in the Finals. Wang captured her first Pro Tour Title in Japan in 2006. Since then, she won in the German Open and Brazil Open in 2006 and 2008 respectively.

Enrouting to the Finals, Wang defeated Austria's Li Qiangbing, Turkey's Hu Melek, host nation's Ishikawa Kasumi and the World's best defender - South Korea's Kim Kyung Ah. Zhu Yuling who is ranked 105 in the World beat Japan's Hirano Sayaka, Fukuhara Ai, Hungary's Toth Kristina and South Korea's Park Mi Young.

Up against someone who is her age, the 30-year-old Singaporean hardly broke a sweat. Wang showed no mercy to the recent crowned ITTF Junior Circuit Champion. She cruised to a 4-0 (11-7,17-15,11-6,11-1) victory in less than 30 minutes.

Other Singaporean players that took part in the event includes Yu Meng Yu, Li Jiawei and Sun Beibei. Yu crashed out in the opening round against Chinese Taipei's Cheng I-Ching. Li and Sun lost to Kim Kyung Ah in the round of 16 and quarter finals respectively.

ITTF Pro Tour Indian Open - Black Sunday for Singaporean Paddlers

2010-06-20T23:01:00.002+08:00

Upsets and more upsets was the order of play of the Indian Open for our paddlers.

Earlier the day before, South Korea's Seo Hyun Deok partnered Lee Sang Su to deny Gao Ning and Yang Zi in the doubles final. The Top Seeds - Gao and Yang faltered 4-2.

That Sunday morning, Seo Hyun Deok was the harbinger of gloom for the Singapore team. Seo foiled Gao Ning in the Men's Singles semi-finals, beating Gao Ning 7-11, 11-8, 8-11, 11-8, 15-17, 11-9, 11-6.

Later in the afternoon, 25-year-old Japanese paddler Sayaka Hirano stood in way of the Yu in the women's open singles final, with Hirano winning 11-7, 11-6, 11-8, 11-7.

What proved to be the silver lining was Yu's win in the finals of the U21 Singles Event which she dumped Japan's Kasumi Ishikawa 4-1.

World Team Table Tennis Championships - Singapore Triumph China to Win Historic Gold

2010-05-30T23:48:00.002+08:00

For the first time in its sporting history, Singapore trashed her nemesis China in the World Team Table Tennis Championships with an amazing score of 3-1! This is also the first time Singapore has won a world titled tale tennis event.

The Singaporean Team was represented by Feng Tianwei, Wang Yuegu and Sun Beibei. Feng and Wang was fielded in the finals of the world team championships in 2008 as well. Meanwhile, China was represented by players who are relatively inexperience. World No. 1 Liu Shiwen and Ding Ning, who are both 19 years old, were playing in their first World Team Championships, while veteran Guo Yan has never played in the finals before.

The first match saw Feng against the Beijing native Ding Ning, who was once under Singapore's Coach Zhou Shusen. Initially, Feng seems to have problems adapting to the unique service of Ding Ning's. However as the match progress, it was Ding Ning who appeared to be more nervous and made many unforced errors, allowing Tianwei to grab the game, 3-2.

The second game saw 2 players who were both from Liao Ning province - Wang Yuegu and Liu Shiwen. In the first game, Wang was playing fast but consistent and she moved into a 7-1 lead. Liu tried to recover but to no avail. Wang went on to clinch the 2nd and 4th game, winning 3-1.

The Chinese was represented by their most experienced player in the team, Guo Yan, in the third game, whilst Singapore fielded Sun Beibei. Clearly, Guo Yan wa the favourites but Sun did not give up. Sun Beibei played above her level to capture the first set. However, at critical moments, experience counts. Guo Yan played with a high level of consistency, aiming to keep the ball on the table than Beibei instead of attacking. Her tactics works and she won the next 3 sets.

Olympics Silver medalist Feng Tianwei entered the arena in the fourth game to take on Liu Shiwen. It is a match between the World No. 1 & 2. Feng and Liu had met 3 times on the international stage and it was Liu who won all of their encounters. However, things was not going the Chinese way that day. The atmosphere was tensed. Feng proved to be the more consistent player on stage. The game was stretched to the decisive fifth set and Feng held the Gold Medal Point at 10-6. Liu managed to save one point but it was Feng who won the next.

Singapore is crowned the Champions for the first time!

World Team Table Tennis Championships - Nominal Roll

2010-03-16T01:51:00.002+08:00

Below is the list of players representing Singapore in the upcoming World Team Table Tennis Championships in Moscow.

Men's Team
Gao Ning
Yang Zi
Cai Xiaoli
Pang Xuejie

Women's Team
Li Jiawei
Feng Tianwei
Wang Yuegu
Sun Beibei
Yu Mengyu

Preparation for YOG

2010-03-14T16:05:00.001+08:00

Our youth players will be participating more actively in the Junior Circuit as compared to previous years in their preparation for the Youth Olympic Games. Li Siyun Isabelle who has already qualified for the YOG will be garnering more points to achieve a higher seeding this August. She will be joined by Look Pei Yee Sylvia and Chau Hai Qing.

Meanwhile, Chew Zheyu Clarence will lead his charge of Tay Jit Kiat and Tan Kiat Yi Kerry in the Boys' Events.

The Team will be in Malta this week before heading down to Italy.

ITTF Egypt Junior Open - Double Gold for Singapore

2010-02-14T06:12:00.000+08:00

Li Siyun Isabelle won the Junior Girls’ Singles Title on New Year’s Eve, going one step higher one week ago. Isabelle has never lost a single set on her way to the semi finals. She defeated Poland’s Paulina Nowacka, Moldova’s Sofia Polcanova and Germany’s Anna Krieghoff to book a place in the Semi Finals before she crashed Top Seed Poland’s Magdalena Szczerkowska 4-1. Once again, Li was merciless in the finals. She beat Germany’s Winter Sabine in 5 games.

Chew Zheyu Clarence and Tay Jit Kiat bagged another Gold in addition to the Junior Girls’ Title. The partnering of Clarence and Jit Kiat was dominant in the Cadet Boys’ Doubles Event. En route to the Finals, they beat 3 pairs of paddlers from host nation Egypt. In the finals, they swept Hong Kong’s Huang Ka Tak/Huang Wah Tak 3-1.

Chew Zheyu Clarence was the lucky one on the last day of competition. Despite losing 3-1 to Daryl Hung in the Semi Finals, he managed to qualify for the finals as Daryl Hung’s paddle was found not accordance with the rules set by the ITTF. In the finals, Clarence took on Hung Wah Tak who is Daryl’s Teammate. The two boys had a great fight but it was the Hong Kong teenager that took the title. Clarence lost narrowly 3-2. It was also a great run for Clarence’s teammates. Tan Kiat Yi Kerry bagged a Bronze for the Singaporean Camp, also losing to Hung Wah Tak 3-2. Singapore also gain 4 out of the top 8 places in the quarter finals with Tay Jit Kiat and Chau Jialiang joining them.

Earlier in the Egypt Open, the team made up of Clarence and Jit Kiat won a Silver after losing to Hong Kong's Daryl Hung and Li Hon Ming in the finals. Jia Liang and Kerry settled for Bronze after losing 3-2 to the same opponents.

Striving for Excellence

2010-02-13T00:16:00.004+08:00

Singapore Table Tennis Association (STTA) hosted their inaugural Awards Ceremony at Toa Payoh yesterday where players are being recognised for their hardwork and results. World No. 6 Feng Tianwei was crowned the Best Player of the Year. Other winners include Sun Bei Bei who was the recipient for the Special Award of the Year. The spot light was on Local Paddlers Png Xuejie and Li Siyun Isabelle as well. Xue Jie bagged the Most Improved Player of the Year Award while Isabelle received the Most Promising Young Player Award.

During the award ceremony, the STTA President has also announced the team targets for 2010 which consists three medals at the Asian Games in Guangzhou in November, and four golds at October's Commonwealth Games in Delhi. She also stressed that players like Pang, Isabelle and Sim Kaixin Zena would receive the support required to turn them into world-class paddlers. These players will also be given the opportunity to participate in events like the World Championships and Pro Tours.

ITTF Bahrain Junior Open - Successful Outing for YOG Players

2010-02-06T09:18:00.000+08:00

It was success for Singapore with Tan Kiat Yi Kerry and Chau Jia Liang clinching the top prize in the Cadet Boys' Team Event, Li Siyun Isabelle securing a Silver in the Junior Girls' Singles Event and contributed 1 of the 4 Bronzes won by our paddlers. The other 2 came from Chew Zheyu Clarence and Tay Jit Kiat in the Cadet Boys' Singles Event, and the last Bronze was from Lam Tengsi and Yee Herng Hwee who are only 13 and 12 respectively.

It was a hard earned Gold for Kerry and Jia Liang. Both the Semi-Finals and Finals went the full 5 games distance. In the Finals, Chau Jialiang secured the last point defeating Iran's Matin Lotfollah Nasabi 11-9 in the deciding fifth game. The two other wins came from Kerry Tan who beat Matin Lotfollah Nasabi in the second match of the duel and won Seyed Pourya Omrani in the fourth match of the contest.

In the Junior Girls' Event, Isabelle came close to winning the title leading 3 matches to 1. However, matters went out of hand. Romania’s Camelia Postoaca recovered to take the game, 4-3. The same thing happened in the Cadet Boys' Event. In the Semi Finals, Chew Zheyu Clarence who was leading 2-1 was upset by Omrani Seyed Pourya. Tay Jit Kiat who was playing in the other Semi Finals match lost to Italy's Mutti Leonardo in straight games.

Our Cadet Girls' Team made up of Lam Tengsi and Yee Herng Hwee made it to the Semi Finals by clinching the 2nd spot in their group. However, it was simply not their luck as they lost to Sweden 3-2 eventually to settle for Bronze. The last Bronze contributed by Isabelle Li was an surprise for her. She paired with India's Bhandarkar Mallika for the first time and they reached the Semi Finals, before losing to the eventual winner.

YOG Players Clarence, Jia Liang, Jit Kiat, Kerry, Isabelle and Tengsi will be heading to Cairo next week for their last International Tournament before Chinese New Year.

ITTF Bahrain Junior Open - Largest Contingent at Manama

2010-01-29T07:35:00.001+08:00

Singapore will be sending one of her biggest contingent to the annual Bahrain Junior Open which will be held from 1st Feb 2010 to 5th Feb 2010. The Junior Circuit has attracted more than 120 participants, and Singapore will be fielding no less than 9 paddlers in this event.

Chew Zheyu Clarence will lead the charge in the Boys' events. Other junior paddlers include YOG Team member Tay Jit Kiat and Chau Jia Liang as well as those that have achieved good results in the recent 14th Char Yong National Youth Competition - Ang Jun Alcalvie and Lim Zheng Jie Edric.

Li Siyun Isabelle will head the Girls' events. Completing the Girls' Team are Lam Tengsi and Yee Herng Hwee.

As of 31st Dec 2009, Isabelle Li has already gained a place in the Youth Olympic Games which will be held in Singapore.

ITTF Petrol Slovenia Open 斯洛文尼亚公开赛

2010-01-18T23:20:00.000+08:00

Singaporean paddler Yang Zi will be the Republic's sole representative in the upcoming Petrol Slovenia Open. His opponent in the opening round will be a qualifier from the preliminary matches. Yang Zi is expected to reach the 3rd round with ease. He is likely to face Chinese Taipei's Chuang Chi-Yuan in the round of 16. The 2nd Seeds Chuang has met Yang Zi twice previously. Chuang defeated Yang right in front of our Singaporean doorstep in 2008 during the TMS Singapore Open. Within a few months, they met each other in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, where Yang Zi took revenge.

We wish Yang Zi ALL THE BEST in his quest and hope that he will bring us more glory!

乒乓好手杨子将是本次2010年斯洛文尼亚公开赛的唯一新加坡代表。左手横拍，快攻打法的杨子将只参加男单比赛。杨子首轮将遇到来自外围赛的选手，过关斩将应该没什么困难。最大的考验应该是在第三轮。杨子很有可能与二号种子，来自中华台北的庄智渊正面交锋。他们两曾经在2008年交手过。庄智渊在2008年的新加坡公开赛上就以－3险胜杨子。不过在几个月后的北京奥运会上，杨子以4－3报了一剑之酬。

杨子的状态自东运会就明显有了回升。我们在此祝愿他能再创佳绩。加油！

ITTF Pro Tour Grand Finals - One Step Higher for Yu Meng Yu

2010-01-09T19:59:00.004+08:00

20 year old Yu Meng Yu won the Under 21 Women’s Singles title at the ITTF Pro Tour Grand Finals in Macau today morning and in so doing went one step higher than in December 2008 when in the same event she had suffered in the gold medal contest at the hands of Japan’s Yuka Ishigaki.

The attacking style of Romania’s Daniela Dodean was much more to her liking than the stalwart backspin play of the Japanese star. Yu Meng Yu, who had beaten Dodean in the group stage in five games, was even more impressive in the final. She won in four straight games succeeding 11-9, 11-8, 11-5, 11-4. Singapore is likely to dominate this event again next year as Yu Meng Yu can still play in the U21 event next year. Yang Zi, Sun Bei Bei and Feng Tianwei were previous winners of the U21 events.

However, Gao Ning/Yang Zi had to settle for Silver after losing to Germany's Boll Timo/Christian Süss. Gao and Yang were completely overpowered by the Germans in the 1st set. In the 2nd set, Gao and Yang established an 8-4 lead, but were overthrown by the German duo, losing 11-9. Boll Timo/Christian Süss continued their brave run winning the 3rd set, 11-6. Gao Ning/Yang Zi gave their best in the 5th set, winning the 5th set 5-11. The Germans played error free after Gao Ning/Yang Zi levelled the score at 5 all. They won 11-5.

In the women's singles, Yu Meng Yu was the victim in the quarter finals. She lost to the talented China's Ding Ning. Ding Ning was dominating from start, winning the first 3 games with the score of 11-5 each. The fourth game saw the level of play rise with fast counter topspin rallies the order of the day, the proble for Yu Meng Yu was that Ding Ning was the superior player in the rallies, consistently changing direction with her fast forehanbd attacks to maintain her domination. Yu Meng Yu gave her best, in her efforts to be positive, Ding Ning did make errors but not enough; the game went the way as three before and the Chinese teenager duly booked a semi-final place.

Feng Tianwei will take on South Korea's Park Mi Young later.

ITTF Pro Tour Grand Finals - Gao Ning, Yang Zi & Yu Mengyu on Their Way to Gold.

2010-01-08T19:57:00.003+08:00

Singapore's Gao Ning/Yang Zi defeated 2nd Seeds Germany's Baum Patrick/Hislscher Lars to reach the finals of the Men's Doubles event. Earlier in the day, Yu Meng Yu secured another place in the final of the U21 Girls' Singles Event, ensuring that Singapore will not return empty handed.

2nd Seeds Yu Meng Yu accounted for Korea’s Park Young Sook to conclude her group stage unbeaten. In the Semi Finals, Yu had to take on Korea's Yang Ha Eun. After Yang established a two games to nil lead against Yu Meng Yu, Yu fought back and won four games in a row to secure her place in the finals. She will take on Romania's Dodean Daniela in the finals tomorrow. Yu Mengyu was the 1st runner up last year.

Meanwhile, Gao Ning/Yang Zi is working very hard in defending their Men's Doubles title. They recorded a five games win over the German partnership of Patrick Baum and Lars Hielscher in the Semi Finals, demonstrating clearly that they are determined to retain the title won in December 2008 in the same venue. Earlier on, they recorded a five games win over Austria’s Mathias Habesohn/Christoph Simoner to justify their third seeded position. They will take on Germany's Timo Boll/Christian Süss in the finals tomorrow.

Pn the other hand, Sun Beibei/Yu Mengyu settled for Bronze after losing to Hong Kong's Tie Yana/Jiang Huajun in the Semi Finals. They lost in 6 games, 4-11, 11-4, 12-14, 11-8, 11-6, 12-10. In their opening round, Sun and Yu caused an upset against South Korea's Kim Kyung Ah/Park Mi Young in 5 games.

ITTF Pro Tour Grand Finals - Gao Ning/Yang Zi Aims to Defend Title

2010-01-06T22:26:00.002+08:00

The partnering of Gao Ning/Yang Zi has a great chance of retaining their Men’s Doubles Title since none of the Chinese pairs have met the qualification criteria. Their main opponents are likely to be second seeds Baum Patrick / Hislscher Lars in the Semi Finals and Boll Timo/Suss Christian in the Finals. Both pairs came from Germany.

In contrast, our women paddlers will be facing strong resistance on their way to the finals. In the 1st round of the Women’s Singles Event, Sun Bei Bei will face the recently crowned the winner of the Tournament of Champion Competition as well as defending champion , China’s Guo Yan. Meanwhile Yu Meng Yu will have to take on Hong Kong’s Jiang Huajun. Feng Tianwei is bounded to meet Belarus defender Pavlovich Victoria. The latter have defeated her in the recent Tournament of Champions. If Feng manages to advance, she will then take on South Korea’s Park Mi Young. Feng has also lost to Park in the recent Polish Open.

Our Women Doubles , Sun Bei Bei and Yu Mengyu were not spared as well. They will take on South Koreans Kim Kyung Ah/Park Mi Young in the opening round. Their greatest opponent is likely to be China's Ding Ning/Liu Shiwen in the finals.

The U21 events will commence tomorrow. Singapore will be represented by Yu Mengyu and Ma Liang. She is drawn into group 2 alongside Romania's Dodean Daniela, Croatia’s Mirela Durak and Park Young Sook, also from Korea. Ma Liang is drawn into the 2nd group as well. He confronts Germany's Steffen Mengel and the Korean duo of Jeong Sang Eun anf Jung Young Sik.

The Straits Times Athlete of the Year - Nominees

2010-01-02T09:25:00.000+08:00

The annual Straits Times Athlete of the Year is back. This year's contenders are diverse - two males and three females from five different disciplines. There is a 15-year-old sailor and a greying 39-year-old footballer. There is a world-class table tennis star, a swimmer whose medals would fill a cupboard and an upcoming shooter who wears a shy grin but carries a rifle.

Below is a short introduction of the nominees:
Darren Choy (Sailing), 15
Darren spent the year knocking the wind out of sailors everywhere. At the inaugural Asian Youth Games in July, the teenager won nine of 11 races to win a near-perfect gold. Months later, he grabbed the Byte CII World Championship. Not bad for a kid who first got into a boat six years ago.

Aleksandar Duric (Football), 39
Duric should be lolling on a beach, sipping a Martini and enjoying his retirement, but the footballer probably thinks ageing is something that happens only to other people. The hitman continued to terrorise S-League defences, managed his body brilliantly, and emerged as the top scorer with Singapore Armed Forces FC for the third year running.

Feng Tianwei (Table Tennis), 23
All teams need leaders and Feng stood up and stepped forward. With Li Jiawei absent, Singapore needed Feng at her best and she was. She led the team to silvers at the World Team Cup and Asian Table Tennis Championships, she led them to gold at the SEA Games. She also led herself up the rankings, propelling herself to a career-high world No. 5 in November.

Quah Tingwen (Swimming), 17
It was supposed to be a year of textbooks not record books, but Ting Wen showed she could do both. Busy studying for her O levels, the elegant swimmer still found time to star at both the Asian Youth Games (four golds and the title of Most Valuable Female Player) and SEA Games (five golds, two silvers and a bronze and the title of Best Female Athlete). Did we mention the 14 national records?

Jasmine Ser (Shooting), 19
In the highly competitive and stressful world of 10m air rifle, Jasmine became the first Singaporean to reach a World Cup final in Changwon, South Korea. She did it again, in Beijing. Then, in a show of versatility, she won gold in her new event, the 50m three-rifle position, in the SEA Games. In a shoot-off no less.

ITTF Pro Tour Grand Finals - Confirmed Players

2009-12-28T23:21:00.003+08:00

As requested, below is the list of qualified players for the 2009 Pro Tour Grand Finals that will be held from 7th to 10th January 2010.

Men's Singles
01 - Ma Long, CHN
02 - Boll Timo, GER
03 - Hao Shuai, CHN
04 - Ma Lin, CHN
05 - Wang Liqin, CHN
06 - Oh Sang Eun, KOR
07 - Joo Se Hyuk, KOR
08 - Baum Patrick, GER
09 - Ovtcharov Dimitrij, GER
10 - Zhang Jike, CHN
11 - Xu Xin, CHN
12 - Steger Bastian, GER
13 - Suss Christian, GER
14 - Chen Weixing, AUT
15 - Chuang Chih-Yuan, TPE
16 - Leong Kin Wa, MAC

Women's Singles
01 - Liu Shiwen, CHN
02 - Park Mi Young, KOR
03 - Ding Ning, CHN
04 - Guo Yan, CHN
05 - Feng Tianwei, SIN
06 - Hirano Sayaka, JPN
07 - Kim Kyung Ah, KOR
08 - Jiang Huajun, HKG
09 - Sun Bei Bei, SIN
10 - Pavlovich Viktoria, BLR
11 - Tie Yana, HKG
12 - Yu Meng Yu, SIN
13 - Li Xiaodan, CHN
14 - Fukuhara Ai, JPN
15 - Wu Jiaduo, GER
16 - Cheong Cheng I, MAC

Men's Doubles
01 - Boll Timo/Suss Christian, GER
02 - Baum Patrick/Hielscher Lars, GER
03 - Gao Ning/Yang Zi, SIN
04 - Gavlas Antonin/Korbel Petr, CZE
05 - Lebesson Emmanuel/Mattenet Adrien,FRA
06 - Legout Christophe/Salifou Abdel-Kader,FRA
07 - Habesohn Mathias /Simoner Christoph, AUT
08 - Che Weng Heng/Leong Kin Wa, MAC

Women's Doubles
01- Ding Ning/Liu Shiwen, CHN
02 - Kim Kyung Ah/Park Mi Young, KOR
03 - Jiang Huajun/Tie Yana, HKG
04 - Hirano Sayaka/Hiura Reiko, JPN
05 - Dodean Daniela/Samara Elizabeta, ROU
06 - Schall Eike/Wu Jiaduo, GER
07 - Sun Bei Bei/Yu Meng Yu, SIN
08 - Chong Weng I/Ma Chao In, MAC

U21 Boys' Singles
01- Filus Ruwen, GER
02- MA Liang, SIN
03- Mengel Steffen, GER
04- Salifou Abdel-Kader, FRA
05- Ionescu Ovidiu, ROU
06- Jeong Sang Eun, KOR
07- Jung Young Sik, KOR
08- Zhmudenko Yaroslav, UKR

U21 Girls' Singles
01- Samara Elizabeta, ROU
02- YU Meng Yu, SIN
03- Dodean Daniela, ROU
04- Yang Ha Eun, KOR
05- Partyka Natalia, POL
06- Durak Mirela, HRV
07- Park Young Sook, KOR
08- Kang Mi Soon, KOR

Tournament of Champions - Singaporean Woes

2009-12-19T13:04:00.002+08:00

3rd Seeds Feng Tianwei suffered early round defeats in the 2009 Tournament of Champions. Once again, the cause of the defeat was that her opponent is a defender. Feng Tianwei met her in the 2009 German Open earlier. At that time, she lost 4-0.

Today, it is still Pavlovich Viktoria that held the upper hand. Feng extends the Belarus lady to 5 sets, and 4 of the sets were forced to go beyond the 11 points. Feng lost 14-12,11-6,12-10,11-13,11-9.

Feng reveals that she needs to overcome this weakness as soon as possible to further improve her game.

Feng Tianwei and Wang Yuegu also suffered opening round defeats last year. Our best results in this competition has been 3rd placing: 2006 - Li Jiawei, 2007 - Wang Yuegu, 2008 - Li Jiawei.

Tournament of Champions - Liu Shiwen Whitewash Wang Yuegu

2009-12-19T11:31:00.004+08:00

Top Seed and World Cup Champion Liu Shiwen beat Wang Yuegu 4-0.

In the first set, Liu's fast attacking forehand gave her a 8-5 advantage. Despite Wang Yuegu staying calm and determine, it was the fast attacking skills of Liu that set her winning, 11-7. In the second set, the lady from China was even more dominant. She established a 9-2 lead, and wrap up the set 11-5. However, it was Wang Yuegu who was leading in the third set, 5-3. However, Liu was never demoralized. She fought back, leveling the score at 6 all. Liu den went on to clinch the match point, winning 12-10.
The last set saw Liu leading 7-2. Wang fought back, but found the gap too large. Wang Yuegu lost 11-8.

Feng Tianwei will be taking on Belarus' defender in the match later on.

Notice

2009-12-17T21:30:00.003+08:00

The tagboard has been removed to protect our paddlers reputation and their interest. We will not tolerate childish acts from any of our readers.

We are utterly disappointed to see people using different nicknames to engage in their own conversation, at the same time flooding the whole tagboard.

For those innocent readers, we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused. We will be reconsidering the use of tagboard in the future.

We would also like to clarify that STTnews is not in any way affiliated to the Singapore Table Tennis Association. The editors only delete messages that we deem as inappropriate.

Welcome Back Team Singapore!

2009-12-15T23:58:00.002+08:00

Join us in welcoming our paddlers who will be returning back to Singapore tomorrow.

Date: 16th Dec 2009

Terminal: 2

Time: 1750 hours

Flight No. SQ 173

Be there to celebrate our paddlers' success. Come dress in RED!

SEA Games - Gold for Gao Ning and Feng Tianwei

2009-12-15T19:30:00.001+08:00

Gao Ning and Feng Tianwei justified their top seeded position by defeating 2nd seeds Yang Zi and Wang Yuegu in the Finals of the Men's and Women's Singles event respectively.

Defending Champion Gao Ning defeated teammate Yang Zi 11-5, 11-9, 9-11, 11-9, 11-2 in the final. Whilst Feng, who is playing in her first SEA Games beat World No. 13 Wang Yuegu 11-6,12-10, 11-9, 10-12, 11-6.

Our paddlers will finish their table tennis SEA Games campaign with six gold, four silvers and 2 bronze medals.

Below is the list of Singapore Table Tennis Medalist.

Gold

Men's Team - Cai Xiaoli, Gao Ning, Lim Jieyan, Pang Xuejie & Yang Zi

Women's Team - Feng Tianwei, Sim Kaixin Zena, Sun Beibei, Wang Yuegu, Yu Mengyu

Men's Singles - Gao Ning

Women's Singles - Feng Tianwei

Women's Doubles - Sun Beibei/Yu Mengyu

Mixed Doubles - Yang Zi/Wang Yuegu

Silver

Men's Singles - Yang Zi

Women's Singles - Wang Yuegu

Women's Doubles - Feng Tianwei/Wang Yuegu

Mixed Doubles - Gao Ning/Feng Tianwei

Bronze

Men's Doubles - Gao Ning/Yang Zi

Men's Doubles - Cai Xiaoli/Pang Xuejie

SEA Games - Singapore Secure 5th and 6th Gold in Table Tennis

2009-12-15T13:21:00.003+08:00

Singapore is assured of the Gold and Silver Medal in the Men's and Women's Singles Event with all our 4 paddlers reaching the Finals.

Feng Tianwei, Wang Yuegu and Yang Zi eased passed their opponents with a convincing margin of 4-0, while Gao Ning faced a little challenge from Phakpoom Sanguansin in the second set, winning 4-1.

Defending Champion Wang Yuegu crushed Malaysia's Beh Lee Wei 11-6, 11-4, 11-3, 11-6. World No. 6 Feng Tianwei beat Thailand's Nanthana Komwong 11-5, 11-9, 11-6, 11-5.

Defending Champion in the Men's Singles Event, Gao Ning, beat Phakpoom Sanguansin 11-6, 7-11, 11-6, 11-5, 12-10. Yang Zi swept Richard Gonzales 11-4, 11-9, 11-5, 11-6 in the other semi-final.

SEA Games - Sun Beibei/Yu Mengyu Retained Women's Doubles Title

2009-12-14T22:20:00.004+08:00

Singapore Sun Beibei/Yu Mengyu, the defending champions in the Women's Doubles Event, defeated colleagues Feng Tianwei/Wang Yuegu to capture Gold, retaining their title as the best doubles partner in South East Asia since 2007.

Although both Sun and Yu are ranked lower than Feng and Wang in their individual ranking, it is the perfect unison that brought about the Gold for Sun and Yu. In the 1st set, Sun Beibei/Yu Mengyu appeared to be a little nervous, making many unforced error. They lost quickly 11-3. But their tacit cooperation allowed them to come back, taking 3 matches at one go, thus clinching the title.

The Men's and Women's Singles event has commenced today, and it is good news for all our paddlers. Below is the list of results in their group stage.

Men's Singles
Gao Ning beat Ko Ko Gyi (Mya), 3-0
Gao Ning beat Muhd Shakirin Ibrahim (Mas), 3-0
Gao Ning beat Muhammad Hussein (Ina), 3-0
Yang Zi beat Rodel Valle (Phi), 3-0
Yang Zi beat Chai Kian Beng (Mas), 3-1
Yang Zi beat C. Khunladsuvannavong (Lao), 3-0
Yang Zi beat Phuchong Sanguansin (Tha), 3-0

Women's Singles
Wang Yuegu beat Khin Khin Win (Mya), 3-0
Wang Yuegu beat D. Seangdavanh (Lao), 3-0
Wang Yuegu beat Ceria Nilsari Jusma (Ina), 3-0
Feng Tianwei beat Chrisma Capistrano (Phi), 3-0
Feng Tianwei beat Rovani Silir (Ina), 3-0
Feng Tianwei beat Mai Hoang My Trang (Vie), 3-0

Gao Ning and Yang Zi will take on Thailand's Phakpoom Sanguansin and Philipines Gonzales Richard while Wang Yuegu and Feng Tianwei will face Malaysia's Bei Lee Wei and Thailand's Nanthana Komwong in the Semi Finals respectively.

SEA Games - Gold for Yang Zi & Wang Yuegu!

2009-12-13T20:13:00.000+08:00

Yang Zi, who won gold at the 24th SEA Games repeated his success 2 years later. Hw partnered Wang Yuegu to beat collegues Gao Ning/Feng Tianwei. Despite being an all Singaporean finals, the spectators were given the privilege to enjoy world class table tennis. Yang Zi and Wang Yuegu were stretched to the limit in a contest that boasted high level play, drama and heartbreak.

Gao Ning/Feng Tianwei began as the more confident pair, establishing a 6-1 lead in the 1st set. Yang Zi/Wang Yuegu tried their best to catch up with their opponents but found their efforts to no avail. They lost narrowly 9-11. However, Yang Zi/Wang Yuegu were not affected by the score line. They came back in the second game and leveled matters at 1-1. Yang Zi/Wang Yuegu went on to capture the 3rd set to establish a 2-1 lead for the 1st time. In th 4th set, Gao Ning/Feng Tianwei fought back and won easily 4-11. In the decisive 5th match, it was once again Yang Zi/Wang Yuegu that dominated the match. They were leading all the way, forcing Gao Ning/Feng Tianwei to call a time-out. Yang Zi/Wang Yuegu wrapped up the match, winning 11-4.

SEA Games - Paddlers Unable to Repeat 7 Gold Medals Haul

2009-12-13T18:55:00.000+08:00

Singapore is unable to repeat her success in Korat, sweeping all 7 Gold Medals available. Top Seeds, Gao Ning/Yang Zi suffered early round defeats, as did compatriot Cai Xiaoli/Pang Xuejie, allowing the vietnamese to capture both the Gold and Silver Medals in the Men's Doubles Event.

No. 1 pairing of Gao Ning and Yang Zi were up in a fierce match against Doan Kien Quoc/Dinh Qung Linh. The Vietnamese held their morale high, shouting and cheering for themselves with every point they won. On the other hand, Gao Ning/Yang Zi made many unforced error, causing them to lose 7-11, 6-11, 12-10, 6-11.

In the other semi-final, Cai Xiaoli and Pang Xue Jie lost to Tran Tuan Quynh and Nguyen Nam Hai 6-11, 9-11, 6-11.

Both Singaporean Teams will be awarded a Bronze Medal as there will be no Bronze Medal playoff.

On a lighter note, there were better news from our Women's Table Tennis Team. Feng Tianwei/Wang Yuegu reached the finals of the Women's Doubles Event together with defending champions Sun Beibei/Yu Mengyu. Feng Tianwei/Wang Yuegu beat Nanthana Komwong/Anisara Muangsuk of Thailand 11-8, 11-4, 6-11, 11-9, while Sun Beibei/Yu Mengyu beat Mai Hoang My Trang/Mai Xuan Hang of Vietnam 12-10, 12-10, 11-6.

They will meet in an all-Singaporean affair tomorrow. Channel 5 will be telecasting the match LIVE. You may also visit the Team Singapore website to view the match.

SEA Games - Gold and Silver for Singapore!

2009-12-12T17:43:00.001+08:00

Singapore's Gao Ning/Feng Tianwei as well as Yang Zi/Wang Yuegu emerge victorious to reach the Finals of the Mixed Doubles Event, thus securing the Gold and Silver Medal for Singapore.

Gao Ning/Feng Tianwei defeated teams from Philippines and Indonesia to reach the Semi Finals where they awaits Thailand's Phakpoom Sanguansin/Nanthana Komwong. Against Thailand, our paddlers made many unforced errors against their opponents in the 1st set, causing them to lose 10-12. However, that was the only set that the Thailand pair were able to take from the Singaporean duo. From the 2nd set onwards, Gao Ning/Feng Tianwei increased the speed of their game, and it was obvious that Thailand were not able to follow Singapore's pace. They faltered 11-6, 11-5, 11-3.

Not to be outdone by their counterparts, Yang Zi/Wang Yuegu did well to reach the Semi Finals as well, defeating players from Myanmar and Vietnam. In the Semi Finals, they faced Malaysia's Muhd Shakirin Ibrahim/Beh Lee Wei. In no time, our Singaporean duo establish a 2-0 lead, winning 11-5, 11-5. However in the 3rd set, just as the Singaporeans thought that victory was in their hands, the Malaysians struck a surprise, beating Yang Zi/Wang Yuegu 9-11. This did not affect Yang Zi/Wang Yuegu. In the 4th set, they did not let history repeats itself. They won by a convincing margin of 11-3!

Gao Ning/Feng Tianwei will face Yang Zi/Wang Yuegu tomorrow. There will be a live telecast on Channel 5.

SEA Games - Accepted Order Prevails, Singaporean Mixed Doubles Book Last Eight Berth in Laos

2009-12-12T12:01:00.002+08:00

After a one day break, our paddlers are back in action again. Our Mixed Doubles Gao Ning/Feng Tianwei and Yang Zi/Wang Yuegu emerge victorious in their opening round.

Top Seeds Gao Ning/Feng Tianwei thrashed Philippines' Valle, Rodel/Capistrano, Chrisma 3-0 to secure a Quarter Final place.

Second Seeds ang Zi/Wang Yuegu followed suit by ousting out Myanmar's Theit Ko Ko Latt/Khin Khin Win in straight games.

Gao Ning/Feng Tianwei and Yang Zi/Wang Yuegu won 11:6, 11:6, 11:5 and 11:4, 11:3, 11:5 respectively.

东南亚运动会－乒乓球队揽了团体赛的所有金牌

2009-12-11T01:59:00.001+08:00

由高宁、杨子、蔡晓黎、组成的我国男队，半决赛艰难淘汰了越南队之后，3比0击败泰国，赢得冠军。

越南老将团建国在首盘单打赛中发挥不错，在以5比11先丢两局后，以14比12、以11比8扳回两局，但却在决胜局中以9比11落败，让高宁为新加坡拔得头筹。随后上场的杨子遇到阮南海的有力挑战，在苦斗五局后，以13比11、9比11、11比13、11比3、7比11败下阵来，让越南把比分扯平。队中老大哥蔡晓黎在以11比6、11比7领先两局的情况下，让陈俊雄以11比4、11比8、11比2连扳三局，越南此时以2比1领先。眼看形势不妙，高宁不负众望，以11比7、11比9、11比9拿下阮南海，让新加坡扳平比数，保住了出线希望。杨子沉着应战，以12比10、11比2、11比9击退团建国，为新加坡夺取致胜的1分。

在半决赛中用辛苦换来的胜利，振奋了男队的士气，在决赛中轻松获胜。高宁以11比9、11比3、11比5打败帕普，拿下第一分。杨子随之以11比6、8比11、11比7、11比9擒住普冲，将比分改写成2比0。蔡晓黎没让大家失望，在决胜盘中以12比10、4比11、11比8、11比7战胜差斯，为新加坡写下最后比数。

我国女队则一路过关斩将，轻松夺冠。新加坡乒乓球女团一日两战全胜战绩夺冠。新加坡女队，一天之内连战两场。上午刚刚在半决赛淘汰马来西亚女队，她们又在下午的大决赛遇上了另一支东南亚强队、泰国。尽管这次出战东运会的阵容，和北京奥运夺得银牌时的不同，但是新加坡女队在东南亚乒坛的霸主地位，仍然没有人可以动摇。

在上午的半决赛中，以3比0淘汰马来西亚，泰国则在另一场半决赛以相同比数击败越南。落败的马来西亚和越南同享季军。次号女单球员王越古在半决赛中率先上阵，以11比4、11比2、11比6擒下范晓筠。冯天薇随后以11比3、11比6、11比5击败马国首号球员马莉薇，把比分改写成2比0。最后亮相的孙蓓蓓以11比4、11比6、11比5拿下周思瑾。

女队在决赛的首发阵容跟半决赛一样，泰国则掉换了第二号和第三号球员的位置。王越古以11比7、11比7、11比8击退泰国的南塔娜，冯天薇之后遇到苏塔斯妮的顽抗，及时稳住阵脚才以12比10、12比10、11比6胜出。在决胜盘中，孙蓓蓓以13比11、11比9、11比8击垮安妮莎拉，让新加坡实现六连冠。

我国男女队两位主教练陈平西与周树森对队员的表现感到满意。

SEA Games - Paddlers Contribute Two Gold Medals Onto The Medal Tally

2009-12-10T17:35:00.002+08:00

The men and women paddlers expectedly won their team events to secure two more golds, thereby reaffirming their position as the Table Tennis Powerhouse in South East Asia. Wang Yuegu, Feng Tianwei and Sun Bei Bei white-washed their opponents in the finals to win the womens’ competition as did their male compatriots of Gao Ning, Yang Zi and Cai Xiaoli triumphing 3-0 over Thailand in the final.

The Men's Team led by Captain Cai Xiaoli were determined not to let history repeat itself. They showed no mercy to their Thai opponents. Gao Ning started the ball rolling by crushing Phakpoom Sanguansin 11-9, 11-3, 11-5. Yang Zi then defeated Thailand's top male paddler Phuchong Sanguansin 11-6, 8-11, 11-7, 11-9. Cai Xiaoli finish off the game with a 3-1 win over Chaisit Chaitat. He won 12-10, 4-11, 11-8, 11-7.

Despite the strong resistance by the Thais, all three players won in straight sets in the Women's Team Finals. Wang Yuegu defeated Nanthana Komwong 11-7, 11-7, 11-8 in the opening game, Feng Tianwei then beat Suthasini Sawettabut 12-10, 12-10, 11-6 before Sun wrapped up the medal with a 13-11, 11-9, 11-8 win over Anisara Muangsuk.

Our Table Tennis Team will be taking a break on the 11th. The Mixed Doubles Event will commence on the 12th.

SEA Games - Men's & Women's Team Through to the Finals

2009-12-10T14:10:00.001+08:00

Singapore Men's and Women's Team successfully negotiated the Semi Finals, defeating Vietnam and Malaysia respectively to book their place in the Finals.

The Men's Team weathered a 3-hour-20-minute storm before overcoming Vietnam 3-2. Gao Ning got the Republic off to a bright start when he defeated Doan Kien Quoc 11-5, 11-5, 12-14, 8-11, 11-9. But Vietnam levelled matters through Nguyen Nam Hai when Yang Zi lost 13-11, 9-11, 11-13, 11-3, 7-11. In the third singles, Cai Xiaoli lost to Tran Tuan Quynh 11-6, 11-7, 4-11, 8-11, 2-11. Gao Ning stopped the rot by beating Hai in the reverse singles 11-7, 11-9, 11-9. In the rubber match, Yang Zi redeemed himself with a 12-10, 11-2, 11-9 win over Doan Kien Quoc.

Meanwhile the Women's Team continued their dominance, trashing Malaysia 3-0. Wang Yuegu made light work of the opening tie, beating Fan Xiao Jun 11-4, 11-2, 11-6. Feng Tianwei then took apart Malaysia's No.1 Beh Lee Wei 11-3, 11-6, 11-5. In the third singles, Sun Beibei defeated Chiu Soo Jin 11-4, 11-6, 11-5.

Singapore will contest Thailand on both the men's and women's final at 3pm later today.

SEA Games - Men's Team Crushed Cambodia!

2009-12-09T22:31:00.001+08:00

Singapore's Men's Table Tennis Team crushed Cambodia 3-0 in their final Group A fixture, despite already being assured of a semi-final matchup. The Men's Team represented by Gao Ning, Pang Xuejie and Yang Zi were dominant.

Gao Ning wasted no time in the opening singles. He beat Tang Hov 11-5, 11-5, 11-4. Pang Xuejie then cruised to a 11-5, 11-3, 11-5 win over Khun Phannith. Yang Zi finished off the tie by beating Ngoy Buthong 11-4, 11-1, 11-3.

The Men's Team will be facing Vietnam in the Semi Finals tomorrow.

SEA Games - Defending Champion in Unforgiving Mood

2009-12-09T17:27:00.001+08:00

Defending Champion - Singapore Women's Table Tennis Team completed her round-robin matches with an emphatic 3-0 win over the Philippine.

Feng Tianwei started the ball rolling by beating Beverly Villar 11-5, 11-5, 11-6. This was followed by Sun Beibei's 11-3, 11-4, 11-3 victory over Chrisma Capistrano. In the third singles, Zena Sim beat Henezey Aragon 11-2, 11-3, 11-3.

The Women's Team will be taking on Malaysia in the Semi Finals tomorrow.

SEA Games - Men's Team Follow Suit to Book Semi Final Places

2009-12-09T13:04:00.002+08:00

Gao Ning, Yang Zi and Cai Xiaoli gave Singapore a dominant 3-0 victory against ex-national coach Liu Guodong's Indonesia's Team.

Yang Zi gave the Singaporean camp a fine start with an easy 11-6, 11-7, 11-5 win over Muhammad Hussein. Gao Ning then extend the lead by defeating Ficky Supit, 11-2, 11-7, 11-5. Cai Xiaoli who resumed training only recently wrapped up the whole game by defeating Yon Mardiyono 8-11, 11-4, 11-3, 11-8, thereby securing a Semi Final place for the team.

Our Men's Team will be playing their last match in the group stage against Cambodia in the evening.

SEA Games - Yang Zi Recover in Time to Record Opening Round Success

2009-12-08T23:00:00.003+08:00

As opposed to our Women's Paddlers, our Men's Team faced much resistance from their opponents. Singapore's trio - Gao Ning, Yang Zi and Cai Xiao Li fought hard to record a 3-1 victory against Philippines.

Gao Ning got the team to a great start after recording a straight games victory against Valle, Rodel. However, Yang Zi allowed the opponents to level the game at 1-1. His opponent Gonzales, Richard showed great fighting spirit, stretching Yang Zi to the full 5 games distance. The three sets that Yang lost were by very narrow margin of merely 2 points. Yang Zi faltered 8 : 11, 13 : 11, 6 : 11, 12 : 10, 11 : 9. Singapore got back the lead after Cai Xiao Li's brave performance. He defeated Ledesma, Ting 11-3, 11-3, 11-3. Yang Zi then redeemed himself in the 4th game by crashing Valle, Rodel in straight games.

The Men's Team will be facing Liu Guodong's Indonesia Team tomorrow morning.

SEA Games - Women's Team Through to Semi-Finals

2009-12-08T21:17:00.002+08:00

Our women paddlers book their place in the Semi Finals after recording a second win on the evening on the 1st day of the competition. The team comprising of Wang Yuegu, Feng Tianwei and Sim Kaixin Zena showed no mercy to the Vietnamese. Wang Yuegu got Singapore to a good start by defeating Mai Hoang My Trangin straight games (11-2, 11-7, 11-1). Feng Tianwei then had the chance to play her 1st SEA Games match against Mai Xuan Hang, whom was also defeated in straight sets (11-5, 11-7, 12-10). Teenager Zena Sim wrap up the whole game by disposing Pham Thi Thien Kim 11-9, 11-4, 6-11, 11-2.

The Women's Team has secured a place in the Semi Finals after recording 2 wins. They will take on Philippines tomorrow.

SEA Games - Opening Round Success

2009-12-08T13:48:00.002+08:00

Singapore's Women's Table Tennis team is on a roll at the SEA Games in Laos, posting 3-0 wins against Laos in her opening game, despite not fielding our 2 best paddlers - Feng Tianwei and Wang Yuegu. The match against hosts Laos was a good start to the tournament for Singapore.

Yu MengYu led the charge with a 11-7, 11-5, 11-2 win against Seangdavieng. This was followed by Sun Bei Bei's 11-8, 11-5, 11-3 victory over Seangdavanh. Zena Sim wrap up the whole game by allowing her opponent to win a total of only 5 points in the 3 sets. Zena won 11-2, 11-1, 11-2.

Our Women's Team will be taking on Vietnam later in the evening.

ITTF Pro Tour Polish Open - Bronze for Feng Tianwei and Ma Liang

2009-11-29T23:58:00.001+08:00

South Korea's Park Mi Young performed a quite incredible comeback to end the hopes of 23 year old Feng Tianwei in the Semi Finals of the Women's Singles Event. Park trailed by three games to nil before mounting a revival that brought victory. Feng lost 9-11, 7-11, 7-11, 11-7, 11-5, 11-6, 11-7.

Earlier on in the Round of 16, Wang Yuegu and Sun Beibei both suffered defeats. Wang lost to the Chinese best defender Fan Ying, while Sun lost to a member of the South Korea, who learnt the art of attacking in China before going over shore - Seok Ha Jung. Meanwhile, Yu Meng Yu suffered 1st round defeat in the Women's Singles Event. She was ousted out by an European lady currently occupying the no.104 spot on the ITTF Women’s World Rankings and having almost bowed out in the group qualification stage - Ana-Marija Erdelji from Serbia. Once again, the reason that caused Yu to fail boils down to the fact that the Women's Team have not found the solution against defenders.

Gao Ning, the no.4 seed, had his aspirations quashed by Sweden’s Jens Lundqvist. The gap in ranking between Jens Lundqvist, world ranked no.55 as opposed to Gao Ning at no.26 is not that great and the Swede has arguably the most powerful forehand in the world. In Warsaw that forehand was in full flow as he defeated Gao Ning in five games; 11-9, 11-7, 12-10, 10-12, 11-9. Yang Zi and Ma Liang suffered 1st round defeats. Yang Zi lost in 5 games to Spain's Machado Carlos while Ma Liang was beaten by the higher ranked Russia's Kuzmin Fedor.

Our Men's and Women's Doubles suffered early round defeats as well. Top Seeds, Gao Ning/Yang Zi was defeated by South Korea's Kim Jung Hoon/Oh Sang Eun in straight games. Feng Tianwei/Wang Yuegu as well as Sun Beibei/Yu Mengyu were both ousted out by Chinese adversaries. Defensive Fan Ying/Wu Yang who progress to take the title beat Sun/Yu 4-1. Guo Yan/Wang Xuan defeated Feng Tianwei/Wang Yuegu in another 5 sets.

On a lighter note, Ma Liang reached the Semi Finals of the U21 Boys Singles Event, defeating notable opponents along the way - Lin Gaoyuan from China.

Asian Championships - Bronze for Feng Tianwei and Wang Yuegu

2009-11-22T21:41:00.001+08:00

Singaporean paddlers Feng Tianwei and Wang Yue Yuegu settled for the Bronze Medal in the Women's Doubles Event bowing out to the World's best defending pairing of South Korea's Kim Kyung Ah/Park Mi Young. Feng and Wang made too many unforced errors, causing them to lose narrowly by a margin of 4-3. The increased ability of the Koreans to attack, especially in the guise of Kim Kyung Ah, proved a decisive factor in the crucial seventh game; mostly the Koreans relied on stonewall defence but the relatively infrequent attack from Kim Kyung Ah came at exactly the right time in the decider. It took the score from 7-6 to 8-6 and put the pressure on the Singaporeans; they made mistakes and patience had prevailed.

Earlier, Feng and Wang defeated another pair of defenders - China's Fan Ying and Wu Yang, to enter the Semi Finals successfully.

Meanwhile in the Women's Singles Event, Wang Yuegu put up a great fight against World Cup Champion Liu Shiwen. Fast counter attacking play was the order of proceedings; Wang strong from the backhand made full use of the table, spreading the direction of player. Fleet of foot, Liu Shiwen responded; the speed of the rallies, the reactions of he players; the forethought of anticipation bringing sighs of adulation from the crowd. Liu Shiwen captured the first two games, the third went to Wang but then the sheer speed of the Chinese teenager prevailed. The next two games went Liu's way and a semi-final place was reserved; furthermore, Liu made sure that all four players in the penultimate round were Chinese - Ding Ning, Li Xiaoxia and Fan Ying.

Feng Tianwei, Sun Beibei and Yu Mengyu suffered early defeats. In the Round of 16, the current World No. 5 lost to the soild defence of Chinese Fan Ying. Similarly, Sun Beibei lost to the World's best defender, South Korea's Kim Kyung Ah. On the other hand, Yu Meng Yu was the casualty of Hong Kong's Jiang Huajun. Teenager Sim Kai Xin Zena lost to Hong Kong's Yu Kwok See April in the 2nd round.

In the Men's Singles Event, Gao Ning and Cai Xiaoli was ousted out in the 4th round. Gao Ning lost to China's rising star, Ma Long while Cai was defeated by eventual winner, China's Ma Long. Yang Zi suffered in the hands of Hong Kong's Jiang Tianyi in the 3rd round. Pang Xue Jie managed to reach the second round before losing to host nation's Chakraborty Sourav.

Things were not going smoothly in the Men's Doubles Events as well. Cai Xiaoli/Pang Xuejie lost to Taiwan's Chuang Chih-Yuan/Wu Chih-Chi in the 3rd round. Also in the same round, Gao Ning/Yang Zi was upset by South Korea's Seo Hyun Deok/Kim Min Seok. Their Women counterparts, Sun Beibei/Yu Mengyu suffered earlier round defeats as well. They lost to the the left and right pairing of Kim Jong/Kim Hye Song from North Korea.

Singaporean paddlers all crashed in the 3rd round of the Mixed Doubles Event. Gao Ning/Feng Tianwei lost to South Koreans Jeoung Sangeun/Seok Ha Jung. Yang Zi/Wang Yuegu lost to the mysterious North Koreans, Jang Song Man/Han Hye Song. Cai Xiaoli/Sun Beibei and Pang Xuejie/Yu Mengyu were ousted out by Chinese opponents. Cai and Sun lost to Top Seeds, Ma Long/Li Xiaoxia, whilst Pang/Yu were defeated by Wang Liqin/Wu Yang.

Below is the list of winners for the respective categories.
Men's Team - China
Women's Team - China
Men's Singles - Ma Long (CHN)
Women's SIngles - Ding Ning (CHN)
Men's Doubles - Ma Long/Xu Xin (CHN)
Women's Doubles - Ding Ning/Li Xiaoxia (CHN)
Mixed - Doubles - Ma Long/Li Xiaoxia (CHN)

Asian Championships - Great Performance Put Up By Sun Bei Bei

2009-11-19T23:23:00.004+08:00

Singapore's women paddlers settled for silver in the Asian Championships in Lucknow, India after losing 1-3 to favourites and defending champions China in the team final on Thursday.

Despite the absence of world No.1 and 2, Zhang Yining and Guo Yue respectively, Singapore's trio of Feng Tianwei, Wang Yuegu and Sun Beibei found the going tough against the Chinese giants.

World No.5 Feng struggled against her lower-ranked opponent, Fan Ying, bowing out 8-11, 4-11, 10-12 in the first singles match-up.

This was followed by teammate Wang's 1-3 (11-6, 9-11, 6-11, 2-11) loss to Ding Ning.

Sun, who is ranked 22nd in the world, clawed her way back for Singapore after posting an 11-5, 6-11, 11-8, 11-8 upset win over Li Xiaoxia. This is the first time Sun has defeat the former World Cup Champion and World No. 4!

But it was a case of too little, too late, as Ding Ning claimed the gold medal for China with an 11-8, 11-8, 11-7 win over Feng.

Hong Kong and South Korea took home the bronze medal.

Meanwhile, our Men's Team was awarded the 8th position.

亚洲锦标赛 - 孙蓓蓓横扫李晓霞新加坡女队仍以3－1落败

2009-11-19T22:32:00.001+08:00

第19届亚洲乒乓球锦标赛在印度展开了女团决赛的争夺，随着丁宁战胜冯天薇，中国女队以3-1战胜新加坡队，成功卫冕亚锦赛女团的冠军，四盘比分分别是范瑛3-0冯天薇、丁宁3-1王越古、李晓霞1-3孙蓓蓓、丁宁3-0冯天薇。

范瑛3-0冯天薇（11-8、11-4、12-10）
第一局比赛，面对范瑛的削球，冯天薇进入状态较慢，范瑛时转时不转的球也让冯天薇一时之间难以适应，5-9时，冯天薇通过进攻连得两分，但随着冯天薇回球拉空范瑛10-7拿到三个局点，随着冯天薇回球出界，范瑛以11-8拿下第一局。

第二局比赛，范瑛一上来运气不错，一个擦边拿下第一分，随后两人比赛进入胶着状态，从3平到4平，随着范瑛由削转攻得手，范瑛取得了5-4的领先，随后范瑛再接再厉连得四分将比分瞬间拉大到9-4，此时运气再次站在范瑛这一边，冯天薇对一个滚网球准备不足，勉强回球被范瑛一板扣死，最终范瑛以11-4再下一城。

第三局的比赛，没有退路的冯天薇并没有慌乱，继续稳扎稳打，开局阶段双方打成3-3平，随后范瑛对一个滚网球准备不足，让冯天薇拿下一分，随后范瑛进攻中连得两分将比分扩大到6-4，而冯天薇在反击中抓住机会再次将比分追平，这几分范瑛有点乱，随后中国削球第一人稳定状态将比分反超至8-7，这种情况下新加坡队叫了暂停，但冯天薇并没有就此摆脱被动局面，10-8的时候，胜利在望的范瑛被对手挽回一个赛点，这时，为保险起见，中国队主帅施之皓叫了暂停，不过暂停之后冯天薇仍挽回了一个赛点，随着冯天薇回球下网，范瑛以12-10拿下这一局，以总比分3-0为中国队取的开门红。

丁宁3-1王越古（6-11、11-9、11-6、11-2）
首局比赛，双方比较熟悉，一上来之后没有过多适应就开始进攻，丁宁在5-4领先的情况下被对手连下三分，随后丁宁稍显急躁，随着自己的回球出界，丁宁以6-11输掉了第一局。

第二局比赛，王越古继续稳扎稳打，丁宁也不甘示弱，双方从1平一直打到3平，随后张怡宁在自己的发球轮连得两分，王越古也不甘示弱将比分追平，比赛过程中可以看出王越古的老道，而小将丁宁则显得没有完全放开，压力偏大。随着丁宁回球下网，王越古已经连得四分将比分扮成7-5，这时候，放手一搏的丁宁反而没有了压力，并最终以11-9扳回一局，将两人之间的大比分追成1-1平。

第三局比赛，丁宁做出调整，首先是站位比原来更加靠前，这样更便于自己的进攻，并在一开局就取得了4-1的领先，随着丁宁面对对手的追身球回了一个高质量并在最后一拍中，一个大角度打得对手没脾气。王越古在1-5落后的情况下开始反扑，首先把丁宁逼退台将比分追成3-5，已经逐渐打出了气势的丁宁稳住阵脚将比分再次拉大到8-5，随着王越古的滚网球出界，丁宁10-6拿到四个局点，并最终以11-6拿下这一局。

第四局比赛，彻底放开了的丁宁越来越有感觉，一开局就取得了4-1的领先，随后丁宁越打越有，变线。得分，大角度变线，得分。反观王越古回球屡屡出界。7-1领先时，王越古已经没有机会，最终丁宁以11-2拿下这一局，以总比分3-1战胜王越古，中国队大分2-0领先新加坡，距离卫冕只差一步。

李晓霞1-3孙蓓蓓（5-11、11-6、8-11、8-11）
由于之前中国队在大分上已经2-0领先，李晓霞实力又明显在孙蓓蓓之上，因此大家赛前大家都觉得李晓霞横扫对手没有悬念，没想到比赛开始后李晓霞上去后明显心态有些紧，自身连续失误让孙蓓蓓很快以10-4拿到6个局点，尽管李晓霞随后挽回一个局点，但仍以5-11输掉了这一局。

第二局比赛，李晓霞逐渐放开了，一开局就取得了5-0的领先，随后李晓霞在7-2领先的情况下再次出现急躁，孙蓓蓓勉强回过来的滚网球，李晓霞却因为急于进攻直接回下了网，失掉这一分的李晓霞仅仅以7-5领先，随后李晓霞稳定心态以10-6拿到四个局点，随着孙蓓蓓回球下网，李晓霞以11-6拿下这一局，将两人之间的大比分扳成1-1平。

第三局比赛，李晓霞力量速度优势发挥的更加出色，开局阶段便以4-3领先，终局阶段李晓霞越战越勇，8-4时，李晓霞再次显示出急躁的老毛病，随着自己的回球打飞，孙蓓蓓将比分差距缩小到只有1分，无奈之下中国队主教练施之皓叫了暂停，暂停之后李晓霞仍未能孙蓓蓓的控制，最终以8-11再输一局。

第四局比赛，李晓霞依旧没有摆脱急躁的状态，开局阶段还能顶住，随后连续失误让孙蓓蓓瞬间已6-2领先。随后孙蓓蓓再接再厉以10-4拿到六个盘点，尽管李晓霞随后连挽四个局点，但孙蓓蓓仍以11-8拿下这一局，以3-1战胜李晓霞，中国队在大分上2-1暂时领先新加坡。

丁宁3-0冯天薇（11-8、11-8、11-7）
第四盘，双方第一主力首局比赛出场，刚刚赢球的中国选手丁宁迎战第一盘失利的新加坡队队员冯天薇，首局比赛，冯天薇开局阶段博得比较凶，并取得了4-2的领先，随后丁宁加快进攻节奏，冯天薇几个漫不经心的失误让她由领先变成了落后者，终局阶段丁宁取得了8-4的领先，尽管冯天薇在7-10落后时挽回一个局点，但丁宁最终仍以11-8拿下这一局。

第二局比赛，冯天薇一开局就取得了3-1领先，关键时刻丁宁紧盯冯天薇正手中路，并以此作为突破口，随着丁宁接发球抢攻得手，丁宁5-3将比分反超，冯天薇对这个球也是直摇头。终局阶段冯天薇进攻开始发威，显示一个放高球逼丁宁退台，随后大角度回球得手，随后进攻中再得一分将比分追成8平，关键时刻丁宁没有手软，随着冯天薇接回球拉空，丁宁以11-8再下一城。

第三局的比赛，双方打得都比较顽强，开局阶段打成3平，随后丁宁紧盯冯天薇的正手，相持中冯天薇回球下网，丁宁5-3领先，这是没有退路的新加坡队不得不叫了暂停，暂停之后丁宁再接再厉，并取得了7-4的领先，尽管冯天薇随后将比分追至7-10，但是丁宁还是以11-7拿下这一局，以总比分3-0战胜冯天薇，中国队也以3-1战胜新加坡队，成功卫冕亚锦赛女团的冠军。

本次亚锦赛女团决战，新加坡女队教练周树森在赛前低调地表示，和中国女队打比赛的目标，就是争取破零，得分就完成任务。不过，他肯定没有想到，能从中国队身上得到一分的，不是第一单打冯天薇、不是老将王越古，而是孙蓓蓓。

Euro-Asia Cup - Asian Team Defeated Despite Gao Ning's Valuable Point

2009-11-12T13:05:00.003+08:00

Europe overcame Asia in a fantastic duel that presented table tennis in best possible way. The high-class encounters of biggest stars of today provided great suspense, beautiful performance and thrillers turn on. At the end, it was Europe that succeeded in "overtime". After 5:5 on aggregate and 20:20 in games Vladimir Samsonov kept his nerve and in 11th match of the Leg beat Li Ching.

The crucial moment was the great victory of Timo Boll against top player at the World rankings Chinese star Wang Hao. Boll beat Wang in straight sets. "I even surprised myself with the performance. When I won the opening game I was not sure that I will manage to keep in the same rhythm until the end. I succeeded and that win gave us some extra confidence;" explained Boll.

Head coach of the European team Richard Prause saw the great chance after the yesterdays 2:3. "It could easily be 3:3 for Europe, so we saw that we have enough space to improve and to force the match to the additional duel. We even had a chance to win before the Samsonov's match, but nevertheless ...The whole team played fantastic. Boll beat Wang and that is great success, but Schlager played well today too, and Vladimir had a tough task to get back in arena once again and to stay focus in additional encounter."

Werner Schlager bt Li Ching 3:1 (9:11, 11:5, 11:5, 11:7)
Li Ching gained the opening advantage with 7:4, but Schlager recovered and even had a lead in the first set at 9:8. That was not enough for safe finish, so with three points in the row Hong Kong's player sealed the opening set. Once again, in the follow up former World champion from Austria took control and in experienced manner left world's number 20 with only five points in second game to level the match.

After 5:1 in the in the third game Li Started to play better on Schlager's serve, but couple astonishing strokes from the cunning star prevented Li from taking the lead. Once again Li won only five points.

In superior style, Werner was heading to the victory, but at the middle of the fourth game, Li had other plans on his agenda. Once again, he brought the suspense in the match and leveled at 7 all. The pressure could not halt Schlager's progress and Hong Kong's player was stopped after seventh point.

Chuang Chih Yuan bt Kalinikos Kreanga (3:1 (7:11, 11:7, 13:11, 11:5)
Kalinikos Kreanga is yet to win the match after two legs of the Euro-Asia All Stars Event, but his fantastic performance once again was breathtaking. In the match against Chuang Chih Yuan of Taipei Greek star showed fabulous performance, as he always did, but just like against Ma Lin and Ma Long in Beijing the Asian adversary were too strong at Euro-Asia Cup. He took first set by the storm, but lost the pace in the second. After 6:6, Chuang was the player who dictated the rhytm.

Taipei's star leveled, but Kreanga's game becomes more aggressive. The third set was all about the speed. The fantastic strokes after stroke fired the crowd and brought the spectators on their feet. The cheering did not help Kreanga, it was Chuang who gained the first advantage after 10:10 and took the lead 2:1. Kreanga lost the match but he made Chuang sweat for every point.

Vladimir Samsonov bt Joo Se Hyuk 3:1 (11:8, 8:11, 11;7, 11:9)
There were no chinks in Vladimir Samsonov's armour when he faced Korea's JOO Se Hyuk. Like day before against Timo Boll the player with defensive skills showed great performance, but the winner of last month's World Cup was on the top of the game in the opening set.

The next game brought different picture. Samsonov trailed and his patience was challenged when Joo made a lead. Problems with Joo's service, opened the space for Vladimir in the third game, but not for long. The middle of the set brought the duels at the edge of the knife. In furious exchanges of ralies it was Samsonov who reached the 11th point first, and left Korean just with 7.

However, Joo showed no signs of capitulation and Vladi increased the pressure. Belarus left no space for Korean to threaten him in the final game.

Timo Boll bt Wang Hao 3:0 (11:6, 11:7, 11:6)
Timo Boll beat the best Chinese player at the World and he did it in fantastic style. Wang Hao lost in straight games and failed to jeopardize the German in any moment of the game. Only minute after the start of the fourth duel of the day German star Timo Boll was one game up against the world racquet number one Wang Hao. After German's dreamy start World champion tried to return in game in the second set. Triple European champion attacked and forced WANG into errors.

Boll's aggressive play did not give Wang minimal chance to react and with 2:0 German was step closer to the great victory. In final set Boll showed no mercy and did not lose the grip. He finished the match in furious style.

Gao Ning bt Michael Maze 3:1 (11:9, 3:11, 15:13, 11:9)
On the wings of great BOLL's victory Michael MAZE took an early lead against Gao Ning of Singapore. Nevertheless, he failed to capitalize on the good start and Gao was the first player to reach the 11th point. The situation changed in the second game. There were only one player at the table. Maze dominated.

When both players put a game in their pocket, the real battle stated. The spectators were given the chance to enjoy the high class performance and crowded hall embraced that opportunity. Applauses followed every stroke of the players. In nervous wrecking duels, Gao was always one step closer to the victory and he forced Maze to play at his best. At 10:9 Gao took time out, and it did not pay of. Dane saved first game ball after they returned and leveled. Maze saved four more before he had first one. It was Gao's turn, he leveled and finally took advantage of the fifth set ball to make the 2:1 lead.

His confidence grew even further . Gao was at the top of the game with 6:1 in a moment. His advantage started to melt after Maze made a series for 6:7.

Additional match (by lot): Vladimir Samsonov bt Li Ching 3:1 (11:8, 4:11, 11:9, 12:10)
The competitors in final duel of the second leg of Euro-Asia All Stars Serial were decided by the draw. Vladimir Samsonov drew Li Ching the former teammate from the Belgium's Sharleroi. After the fifth duel of the day and Maze's defeat, it was 5:5 in matches on aggregate and 20:20 in games.

Hong Kong's player exceeds his rankings and put Vladimir on serious test in the opening game. He lead 7:5, but Samsonov prevailed at the end of the opening set.

Li was in the driving seats in the second game. He left Samsonov only with four points. In the third, it was 7:7, 9:9, but Vladimir was the first to reach the 11th point. With the standing ovation Samsonov fought on his way to victorious finish. The fantastic closing stages of the match brought Europe to great triumph.

In the exhibition match Joo Se Hyuk beat Gencay Menge 3:0 (11:7, 13:11, 13;11).

Euro-Asia Cup - Gao Ning Contributed the Valuable 1st Point!

2009-11-11T16:09:00.002+08:00

Under the huge coverage with 10 TV cameras on the spot, the second leg of the Euro-Asia All Stars Event started this afternoon in Istanbul. Biggest stars of world sport gathers in ultimate challenge in the prestigious battle between the crème de la crème of two Continents.

Although Asia is at the lead 3:2 at the end of the opening day of the second leg of Euro-Asia All Stars Event, Old Continent still has a chance tomorrow. China's Wang Hao, Singapore's Gao Ning and Chuang Chih Yuan of Taipei collected the points for Asia whilst the victories from German Timo Boll and Dane Michael Maze keep the European dreams alive.

"The match is still open," said Timo BOLL who played fantastic duel against Joo Se Hyuk. "It is shame that Vladimir Samsonov could not do more against WANG Hao after 1:1. Anyway we will try to make a turnover tomorrow." Not only the fantastic duels , but the fully crowded hall, enthusiastic fans, and enormous TV coverage gave a mark today.

Gao Ning bt. Kreanga 3:1 (8:11, 11:8, 12:10, 11:6)
Kalinikos Kreanga of Greece and Gao Ning of Singapore play at the opening. Asian player gave his team advantage in the match. Kreanga took an early led and with superb finish won the first game of the match. Gao Ning had very few answers to Kalinikos lethal attacks. Nevertheless the in second game, it was the world's number 26 from Singapore that forced Kreanga to run for his points. The pressure just pulls out the best of World's number16. The play at the edge of exhibition and superb style that Kalinikos is famous of, heated the crowded hall in the Istanbul.

Unfortunately, for the European team after 5 each Gao took the control and leveled the match eventually. Gao leveled and after fierce battle in the third game and 12:10 for the Asian player the match had only one way.

Michael Maze bt. Li Ching 3:1 (11:9, 11;9, 9:11, 11:9)
Michael Maze won both matches in Beijing, and he kept his record clean in Istanbul. In the second match of the day, European champion from Stuttgart Maze put himself in the similar position like Kreanga before. European star won the first game easily against Li Ching and only minutes latter, he trailed 5:7 in the second game. Hong Kong's player failed to capitalize on that advantage; Dane leveled and took the second game.

Li finally took the chance in the third set and recovered from two games reverse. Hong Kong's player ranked no. 20 in the world even led in the fourth game 7:6, but Maze stayed unbeaten in the Euro-Asia All Stars Series.

Wang Hao bt Vladimir Samsonov 3:1 (11:5, 4:11, 11:9, 12:10)
The duel between world's number one WANG Hao of China and newly crowned World Cup champion Belarus Vladimir Samsonov showed great display of power from the Chinese star. In furious start, Wang took the lead in the first game and left Samsonov with only five points.

Samsonov forced Wang to taste some of his medicine in the second game. In a split second, he had a led 6:1 and eventually left WANG on 4 points on his way to level the game. With game in the pocket of each player the real battle started. Wang raised the pressure at the finish, but Samsonovsaved three game points before Asian coach Chan Kong Wah was forced to take a time out at 10:9. The decision was right and Wang was in the lead once again.

Cheered by the enthusiastic crowd Samsonov had 10:9 for two games all. However, Wang sealed the match with the victory in superb style.

Boll Timo bt. Joo Se Hyuk 3:2 (11:6, 11:4, 4:11, 10:12, 11:4)
The Europe's no. 1 Timo Boll maintained his patience to overcame the defensive skills of Korea's Joo Se Hyuk. He had dominated the meters at the start of the match. German closed any opportunity for adversaries to threaten him in two opening games.

In third set Joo had a chance for a first time in the match. Korea's player had a lead 6:4 and the change of rhythm gave him further advantage before he took the third set.

Boll struggled at the beginning of the fourth game, but not for long. German set the pace and though it looked like he will end the match, Joo raised the game and leveled the match. At two games each, once again spectators were given a chance to watch a thrilling duel. The outstanding strokes put the crowd in to the fire and pull out the best from both players. At the end Boll brought back Europe in the match escorted with the standing ovations from the tribunes.

Chuag Chih Yuan bt. Werner Schlager 3:0 (11:9, 11:6, 12:10)
Chuang Chih Yuan of Taipei gave Asia an opportunity to have a rest between two competition days with the lead in the second leg of the Euro-Asia All Stars Series. Taipei's player overcame experienced Werner Schlager. Ranked number 17 Chuang exceeds his rankings -and beat former World champion in straight games. Schlager put some extra pressure on Chuang only in the final set, but then it was too late to reverse the game.

First competition day finished with Li Ching exhibition match vs. Turkey's hope Gencay Menge. LI Ching won 3:0.

Today's line up will be as follows:
Li Ching vs Werner Schlager
Chuan Chi Yuan vs Kalinikos Kreanga
Joo Se Hyuk vs Vladimir Samsonov
Wang Hao vs Timo Boll
Gao Ning vs Michael Maze

November World Ranking - Career High for Feng Tianwei

2009-11-06T01:00:00.001+08:00

Men's Team World Ranking
26 - Gao Ning
63 - Yang Zi
150 - Ma Liang
173 - Cai Xiao Li
207 - Liu Zhong Ze
535 - Pang Xue Jie
1016 - Chew Zhe Yu Clarence
1069 - Chong Hur Ying Darren
1104 - Lim Jie Yan
1360 - Tay Jit Kiat
1417 - Ban Hoe Hian Dylan
1494 - Teo Yi Sen Bryan
1556 - Teo Yi-De Benjamin

Women's Team World Ranking

5 - Feng Tianwei
11 - Wang Yue Gu
14 - Li Jia Wei
22 - Sun Bei Bei
32 - Yu Meng Yu
231 - Ma Ming Lu
315 - Li Isabelle Siyun
330 - Sim Kai Xin Zena
369 - Kwa Hui Qi
516 - Look Pei Yee Sylvia

Welcome Back! Singapore National Women’s Table Tennis Team!

2009-10-31T18:15:00.000+08:00

Let us welcome back our National Women's Table Tennis Team this coming tuesday (3/11/09) at the Singapore Changi International Airport. Our ladies have done well in the recent World Team Cup held in Linz, Austria, where they successfully clinched the Silver medal, retaining the title as the 2nd Women's Team in the World! They will be arriving in Singapore at 1455hrs by SQ319.

Well Done Feng Tianwei, Wang Yuegu, Sun Beibei and Yu Mengyu!

Euro-Asia Cup - Gao Ning to Represent Asia Against Europe

2009-10-31T07:56:00.001+08:00

Gao Ning, Singapore's Top Male Paddler is the new addition to the already mighty Asian Team against Europe in the forthcoming Euro Asia ALL Star Event.

World's number 1, Olympic silver medalist in singles and World's champion, WANG Hao will lead the Asian team in Istanbul on November 10th and 11th. The Chinese star will be at the top of the list that includes the names of the best ranked Korean, Taipei's and Singapore's players as well as Hong Kong's star.

The team coach Chan Kong Wah from Hong Kong will have new line up compared to the first step in the Beijing on August 25th -26th. Instead of Ma Lin and Ma Long, China will have only one representative, nevertheless the top one - Wang Hao.

On the list is Joo See Yuk of Korea who already played in China, beat Swede Jorgen Persson and lost against German Dimitrij Ovtcharov. Also Chuan Chih Yuan of Taipei is a familiar Euro Asia All Star face. Ranked number 17 in the World lost against Dane Michael Maze beat Persson in Beijing in August.

The list of the players that already felt the heat on the Event stops there. The last two names belong to newcomers. The former Chinese player, now member of Hong Kong's team Li Ching, Olympic silver medalist in doubles from Athens, will have premiere in Istanbul. Gao Ning of Singapore will join him. He reached the quarterfinal of the Doubles Event in Yokohama this year.

Europe will also be representing with the strongest names at the Old Continent. Europe's no 1 Timo Boll of Germany will lead the top guns at his premiere at the Event. Newly crowned European Champion Michael Maze of Denmark will be part of the team for the second time, as well as a new World Cup champion Belarus Vladimir Samsonov. Another World Cup participant Greek's Kalinikos Kreanga will join the team once again, whilst European vice champion Werner Schlager of Austria will have premiere. Gencay Menge received wild card as a host nation representative. Turkish player will play two exhibition matches.

Coach Richard Prause will be with Timo Boll and he will help Michael Maze, Aleksandr Petkevich with Vladimir Samsonov, Konstantinos Vatsaklis with Kalinikos Kreanga and Ferenc Karsai with Werner Schlager.

Turkey's city Istanbul already staged the unforgettable presentation of the Event this summer on the closed Bosphorus Bridge, and the hosts once again prepares great spectacle for the crème de la crème of World's table tennis.

In first step in Beijing at Euro-Asia All Stars Series Europe lost 6:4 (on aggregate).

世界少年兵乓巡回赛九个冠军荣衔的背后

2009-10-28T13:07:00.001+08:00

　　咚，咚，咚，我的背轻轻打在椅子的靠背上。这时，我那种期待见到家人的感受是大家所无法想象的。飞机降落在新加坡樟宜机场第一航厦，这意味着两天的飞行终于结束；更让我松一口气的是自己终于完成了任务，成功囊括了九个参赛项目的冠军。

　　还清楚记得我接到乒乓总会的正式通知，得知将和队友周哲宇到厄瓜多尔、阿根廷和智利参加三站世界少年巡回赛时，我是既兴奋又期待的。但是当时的我并没有想过这趟旅程会遇到这么多的问题，这么多的挑战，而且全都要我一个人去解决，去承受。

　　在厄瓜多尔、阿根廷、智利这三个巡回赛中所遇到的对手，比赛的安排，如出一辙。简单地说，只是国家不同、场地不同。当我们终于到达厄瓜多尔，第一个挑战就是克服身体上的疲劳——不只把手表上的时间往回调13个小时，还得把昼夜颠倒过来。隔天的比赛逼得我忘记身体上的疲劳，马上带着高昂的斗志上场迎战。由于自己的技术水平比对手略胜一筹，所以在四天的比赛里，我并没有遇到劲敌，顺利地夺得团体冠军及15岁和18岁以下的单打冠军。虽然自己平日训练有素，但是4天的比赛让我在精神上和体力上有些疲劳，而我却不能松懈，因为接下来等着我的还有两站世界少年巡回赛。

　　这时的我已经开始想家……自己一年来在新加坡的时间加起来不到4个月，我开始倒数返家的日子。也许是这一年来一直不停地在世界各地参赛，还是因离家20多小时的飞行时间让我格外想家，我心情变得有些低落。但是身肩比赛重任的我，是不能让任何人看见自己脆弱的一面的，又有谁能够听我诉苦？这一切，让我好想回到温暖的家，回到学校做个普通的学生。

　　阿根廷和智利的赛程又是四天。我感到自己的身体和精神越来越疲劳，意志越来越消沉。我参加两个年龄组的单打与团体项目，每一项都一路打到决赛，一天最少有8场球，有时连享用午餐的时间也没有。随着时间每一秒，每一分钟过去，我依然卸不下比赛的压力，只好尽全力调整自己的心态，积极地迎接比赛。好不容易撑了4天，又摘下了3项的冠军……我已经很累很累，好想放下一切飞回新加坡。但是，作为代表新加坡的运动员，只要我胸前贴着新加坡的国旗，就一定要对得起它，就没有说累的权利。我提醒自己，再困难，再累我都得坚持下去。

　　到了智利巡回赛的最后一天，场上的我因为疲劳而无法投入比赛，想取得胜利再也不是易如反掌。赛场上的反应，应变能力都因为身体的疲劳而受到影响，有一场还差一点输掉了。那时，我两度以6-10 落后，幸好我冷静地摆脱了困境，最后拉开差距，以4-1 战胜那位去年夺得冠军的对手。在决赛中，我的目标更明确了，那就是拿下冠军。我的对手是来自美国的希望之星，Ariel Hsing，我以4-0压倒性的比数，干脆利落地把他拉下马，这一来，我着实松了一口气，我终于完成任务了。那时获胜的心情真是非笔墨所能形容，那种“称霸”的满足感也如人饮水，冷暖自知。

　　只有自己知道这些胜利是得来不易——胜利的背后是坚持，坚持再坚持。在一个遥远、陌生的地方迎战，一战接着一战，什么事情都得一个人去做，什么问题都得一个人去承受，的确很辛苦。我选择了和一般少年不同的路，这是一种在教室里所学不到的知识，一种老师无法传授的人生经验。“台上三分钟，台下十年功”，大家看到的永远是风光的一面，背后的汗水和泪水都只有自己知道。这段过程虽然充满坎坷，但是依然美丽。

　　接下来的路还很长，要面对的还很多，要牺牲的也许更多。但是，一点一滴的经验积累，让我一步一步地靠近梦想。

　　“Mummy I'm back!” 我紧紧拥抱妈妈，我终于到家了！

作者：我国女子乒乓球选手, 李思韵

来源：联合早报

世界杯乒乓球团体赛 - 我女队0比3不敌中国

2009-10-26T13:33:00.001+08:00

我国国家女队昨天在奥地利举行的世界杯乒乓球团体赛决赛上，以0比3不敌世界冠军中国，只能屈居亚军。

被列为次号种子的新加坡女队，继去年的世界团体锦标赛和奥运会后，再次败给实力雄厚的中国女队。不过，我国女队这次却少了主将李佳薇的助阵；李佳薇今年4月起请假，并在两个星期前生子。中国也没有派出最强阵容出征；世界首号女将张怡宁一个多星期前在北京举行婚礼，无法随队参赛。尽管如此，中国还是派出世界二至四号好手郭跃、李晓霞和刘诗雯，以及世界排名第九的丁宁应战。

中国在女团决赛中收起刘诗雯，再次让19岁小将丁宁挑起大梁。刘诗雯在前天对垒香港的半决赛中输给姜华珺，相信是缺席决赛的主要原因，而丁宁也不负众望，再取两分，表现令人满意。亚洲杯季军丁宁在半决赛中拿下单打两分，为中国立下大功。

我国首号女将冯天薇昨天在第一单打中，以11比9、11比13、5比11、8比11不敌丁宁，让中国拔下头筹。两人曾在今年的中国俱乐部超级联赛中交手，丁宁两次都以3比1胜出。新加坡小将于梦雨在第二单打中，以11比13、6比11、9比11败给郭跃。于梦雨跟着在双打中，与王越古搭档，两人以7比11、6比11、11比2、6比11输给了李晓霞／丁宁，结束了比赛。

这是于梦雨首次在这项比赛中亮相，在决赛中被她取代的是我国第四号女将孙蓓蓓。

香港和日本并列女团季军。

我国女队在2008年北京奥运会上，同样以0比3不敌中国，但在去年的世锦赛上，新加坡却是以1比3败北，唯一的一分来自李佳薇。

World Team Cup - China Crashed Singapore 3-0

2009-10-26T08:36:00.001+08:00

As expected, China retained the women's World Cup Team crown in Austria on Sunday, cruising 3-0 past Singapore. There was no stopping the defending champions as Ding Ning first picked off Feng Tianwei 3-1 before compatriot Guo Yue, despite facing some resistance, put away the Republic's Yu Meng Yu in straight sets in the second singles.

Some consolation came Singapore's way in the doubles when Wang Yue Gu and Yu pulled a game back after trailing 2-0 in the set against Li Xiaoxia and Ding Ning. The Chinese pair were caught napping and were duly punished 11-2, but returned to wrap up the set 11-6 and hand China victory.

It was the second straight meeting for the two countries in the final of the competition, following China's 3-1 triumph in Guangzhou last year.

Speaking from Austria, coach Jing Junhong said: "China are always difficult to beat, but this time we went in without fearing them. I think the Chinese were luckier, and in my estimation, we have closed the gap by between 10 and 20 per cent."

Results (China first):
Ding Ning beat Feng Tianwei 9-11, 12-11, 11-5, 11-8
Guo Yue beat Yu Meng Yu 13-11, 11-6, 11-9
Li Xiaoxia/Ding Ning beat Wang Yue Gu/Yu Meng Yu 11-7, 11-6, 2-11, 11-6

(Source: Channel Newsasia)

本地乒乓大姐剖腹产爱儿

2009-10-13T22:40:00.000+08:00

李佳薇今天6时进入康生医院，9时22分进行剖腹生产，诞下爱儿李天睿。小天睿重达3.575公斤，高51公分。天睿生性好动，父母不排斥让他也成为一个乒乓球运动员。

生产后，李佳薇将在家里坐月子，等到孩子满月，并询问了医生的意见后，才会带孩子回北京老家。另外，李佳薇也透露，乒总希望她能够在明年二月份，农历新年后恢复训练，因此，她有大概4个月的产假。

STTnews 在此恭贺李佳薇喜得贵子！

National paddler Li Jiawei gave birth to a baby boy

2009-10-13T22:30:00.002+08:00

National paddler Li Jiawei gave birth to a baby boy, Tian Rui, at 9.22am in Thomson Medical Centre. The paddler was married to Li Chao last September, and they had planned to have a baby before the next Olympics in 2012.

The name "Tian Rui", which loosely means "astute and far-sighted", reflects the parents' desire for their son to grow up bright and intelligent. Tian Rui was delivered through Cesarean section and weighed in at 3.575kg. The couple have decided that their child will be a Singapore citizen.

Li Jiawei is expected to return to the international arena by February next year.

STTnews congratulates Li Jiawei on the arrival of her first baby.

Women's World Cup - Day 3 Results

2009-10-12T23:48:00.000+08:00

1000 hours - Guo Yue (CHN) beat Feng Tianwei (SIN)
1100 hours - Liu Shiwen (CHN) beat Li Xiaoxia (CHN)

2030 hours - Feng Tianwei (SIN) lost to Li Xiaoxia (CHN)
2130 hours - Guo Yue (CHN) lost to Liu Shiwen (CHN)

Women's World Cup - Day 2 Results

2009-10-11T23:42:00.000+08:00

Group 1
1000 hours - Guo Yue (CHN) beat Wang Yuegu (SIN)
1000 hours - Li Jiao (NED) beat Paskauskiene Ruta (LTU)
1400 hours - Guo Yue (CHN) beat Paskauskiene Ruta (LTU)
1400 hours - Wang Yuegu (SIN) lost to Li Jiao (NED)

Guo Yue and Li Jiao were promoted to the main draw.

Group 2
1045 hours - Li Xiaoxia (CHN) beat Jiang Huajun (HKG)
1045 hours - Liu Jia (AUT) beat Fukuhara Ai (JPN)
1445 hours - Li Xiaoxia (CHN) lost to Fukuhara Ai (JPN)
1445 hours - Jiang Huajun (HKG) lost to Liu Jia (AUT)

Li Xiaoxia and Liu Jia were promoted to the main draw.

Group 3
1130 hours - Liu Shiwen (CHN) beat Park Mi Young (KOR)
1130 hours - Hirano Sayaka (JPN) beat Miao Miao (AUS)
1530 hours - Liu Shiwen (CHN) beat Miao Miao (AUS)
1530 hours - Park Mi Young (KOR) beat Hirano Sayaka (JPN)

Liu Shiwen and Park Mi Young were promoted to the main draw.

Group 4
1215 hours - Feng Tianwei (SIN) beat Kim Kyung Ah (KOR)
1215 hours - Tie Yana (HKG) beat Toth Krisztina (HUN)
1615 hours - Feng Tianwei (SIN) beat Toth Krisztina (HUN)
1615 hours - Kim Kyung Ah (KOR) beat Tie Yana (HKG)

Feng Tianwei and Kim Kyung Ah were promoted to the main draw.

Womn's World Cup - Day 1 Results

2009-10-10T23:14:00.003+08:00

Group 1
Guo Yue (CHN) beat Li Jiao (NED) - 11-8, 11-6, 7-11, 11-5,11-13,11-8 (4-2)
Wang Yuegu (SIN) beat Paskauskiene Ruta (LTU) - 6-11, 11-6, 11-1, 4-11,11-7,11-4 (4-2)

Group 2
Li Xiaoxia (CHN) beat Liu Jia (AUT) - 11-8, 11-3, 11-7, 11-5 (4-0)
Jiang Huajun (HKG) lost to Fukuhara Ai (JPN) - 5-11, 11-8, 12-14, 11-13,7-11 (1-4)

Group 3
Liu Shiwen (CHN) beat Hirano Sayaka (JPN) - 9-11, 11-6, 12-10, 11-3,11-3 (4-1)
Park Mi Young (KOR) beat Miao Miao (AUS) - 11-8, 11-4, 6-11, 11-7,11-1 (4-1)

Group 4
Feng Tianwei (SIN) beat Tie Yana (HKG) - 11-7, 13-11, 11-2, 6-11,12-10 (4-1)
Kim Kyung Ah (KOR) beat Toth Krisztina (HUN) - 13-11, 13-15, 11-6, 11-9,11-7 (4-1)

October World Ranking - Clarence in the Ascendancy

2009-10-05T20:32:00.003+08:00

A climb of 321 places sees Chew Zhe Yu Clarence leap into the top 1050 of the Men’s World Rankings for the very first time in his young career. This is the result of his outstanding performance in the South America Junior Tour, where he swept the Gold Medals in Ecuador Junior & Cadet Open, winning Bronze in the Chile Junior Open, repeating successes week after week. Li Siyun Isabelle was another player who shone brightly in her South America Tour, winning all the titles for the Singles event in all 3 Junior Opens! Her effort paid off, with her world ranking climbing up 35 places.

In the U15 World Ranking, Clarence Chew achieved his career high ranking, moving a total of 106 places, into the top 100 places! He is now at 64. Meanwhile, Isabelle Li regain her U15 World No. 8 position after losing it 2 months ago.

Below is a summary of Singaporean players.

Men's Team
Gao Ning - 26
Yang Zi - 64
Ma Liang - 154
Cai Xiao Li - 174
Liu Zhong Ze - 196
Pang Xue Jie - 536
Chew Zhe Yu Clarence - 1046
Chong Hur Ying Darren - 1082
Lim Jie Yan - 1118
Goh Yi Long - 1182
Tay Jit Kiat - 1379
Ban Hoe Hian Dylan - 1482
Teo Yi Sen Bryan - 1525
Teo Yi-De Benjamin - 1565

Women's Team
Feng Tianwei - 7
Wang Yue Gu - 11
Li Jia Wei - 13
Sun Bei Bei - 22
Yu Meng Yu - 32
Ma Ming Lu - 229
Sim Kai Xin Zena -322
Li Siyun Isabelle - 330
Kwa Hui Qi - 357
Look Pei Yee Sylvia - 508

Launch of ST Electronics – NSS GRLs Yishun Zone Centre

2009-10-01T10:33:00.004+08:00

Catch our Olympic Silver Medalist Feng Tian Wei and Asian Youth Games Bronze Medalist, Isabelle Li at the Launch of ST Electronics – NSS GRLs Yishun Zone Centre this Saturday, 3 October 2009! It’s not just a launch, but this is a rare opportunity to watch the exhibition match between Feng Tian Wei and Isabelle Li.

What’s more? Feng Tian Wei and Isabelle Li will be flying autographed balls to fans and supporters at the Launch! Goodie bags to be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis! There will be a sparring session with the national paddlers, Yu Meng Yu, Sim Kai Xin Zena and Pang Xue Jie.

Come and join us at 9am at the Yishun Sports Hall.

Source: STTA Website

ITTF Chile Junior Open - Isabelle Repeats Success from Previous 2 Junior Opens

2009-09-28T07:39:00.000+08:00

Defensive ace Li Siyun Isabelle remained unbeaten on the final day at the Chile Junior and Cadet Open in Coquimbo. The 15 year old won the final in her age category (Cadets) as well as in the Junior event, repeating the success she enjoyed 7 days ago. This is the fourth title for Isabelle on the ITTF Junior Circuit and already the third this year. She emerged as winner of all three Latin American Junior Circuit events this September in Ecuador, Argentina and Chile.

Neither Brazil’s Caroline Kumahara nor Ariel Hsing of the United States found a way to deal with Li’s style and were unable to challenge the Asian. The 15 year old Cadet-aged Singaporean was just a class of her own. In the Girls' Singles Final, Li crashed Ariel in straight games. She showed no mercy in the Cadet Girls' Event as well, defeating Caroline Kumahara with a 3-0 victory.

Earlier on, Li was part of the Asian Team that won the Girls' Team event. Together with Hong Kong's Shermaine Joey Lam, they beat Americans Lily Zhang and Ariel Hsing. The defensive player, Isabelle, masters spin variations that most of her young opponents have never seen before.

However, Li suffered early round defeat in the Girls' Doubles Event. Together with Hong Kong's Shermaine Joey Lam, they fell in the 2nd round to host nation's Katherine Low and Cristal Meneses. The Chilean played patiently and cleverly, waiting for an opportunity before they strike. And finally their tactic worked! They prevailed in four games 11-6, 11-8, 6-11 and 11-9.

Meanwhile, Chew Zhe Yu Clarence brought home a Bronze Medal from the Cadet Boys' Singles Event. It was a tiring journey for Clarence having to play many matches that stretched to the full games distance. Nonetheless, Clarence put up a good fight before faltering and his performance is definitely commendable. In the same morning, Clarence had to play Ecuador’s Tapia Rodrigo in the Cadet Boys' Singles, where he won 3-2, to secure the Bronze Medal. Minutes after the match, he had to take on Venezuela’s Ascaso Gustavo in the Junior Boys' Event. It was yet another match than went the full 7 games distance. The 2 matches had obviously exhausted the 14 year old Sports School Student. He tried his best to progress in both events, but his opponents proved to be better. He played Jean Lauric after his victory in the same morning, but found the 2nd seed too strong, faltering 4-0. He then lost to Argentina's Saragovi Pablo by the faintest margin of 3-2 in the Cadet Singles Event, settling for Bronze.

李佳薇成为浩康企业形象代言人

2009-09-22T22:06:00.000+08:00

近日，新加坡乒坛一姐李佳薇与河北浩康体育用品有限公司签约，正式成为浩康体育用品公司形象代言人。

据了解，河北浩康体育用品有限公司成立于2003年，是一家集研发、生产、销售运动地板产品的企业。该公司引进德国进口生产设备，采用百分之百全新的原材料，产品性价比极高，深受专业人士及广大消费者的好评和青睐。

李佳薇6岁开始打球，1990年进入北京什刹海体校，1994年进入北京队，1996年远赴新加坡。今天，李佳薇凭借不懈努力和不断突破，曾跻身于乒乓球世界排名第三、新加坡乒坛一姐的地位，在乒乓球界具有举足轻重的地位和权威，这和河北浩康体育用品有限公司的发展历程和经营理念暗相契合，相得益彰。

据相关人士透露，浩康的产品销往国内所有省市自治区，并出口印尼、马来西亚、泰国、新加坡、丹麦、法国、美国、加拿大、捷克、韩国、越南等十几个国家和地区。李佳薇积极、时尚、充满活力，活跃在世界各级大赛中，在世界上享有很高知名度，而浩康一直以来在全球市场开展业务。此次浩康决定让李佳薇做为形象代言人，正是由于李佳薇的这种国际化形象与浩康的全球化品牌战略不谋而合。

“浩康运动地板——世界冠军的选择。”如今，河北浩康体育用品有限公司携手李佳薇，展示了雄厚的企业实力和优质完善的产品体系，打造全新品牌形象，推动市场业务的发展，实现公司发展的战略规划。

ITTF Argentina Junior Open - Youth Paddlers Aiming for World Junior Circuit Finals in Japan

2009-09-21T09:12:00.004+08:00

One week earlier at the Ecuador Junior Open in Guayaquil, Li Siyun Isabelle won the Girls’ Team, Girls' Singles and Cadet Girls’ Singles titles; in Buenos Aires, one week later on Sunday 20th September 2009, she achieved exactly the same feat at the Argentina Junior Open. On the other hand, Chew Zhe Yu Clarence managed to clinch the Gold Medal in the Cadet Boys' Singles and 2 Bronze Medals.

In the girls' singles, Isabelle Li succeeded in six games, winning 4-11, 13-11, 10-12, 11-6, 12-10, 11-4, having earlier ousted Paraguay’s Lucero Ovelar, Hong Kong’s Shermaine Lam and Sandy Gavilan, also from Paraguay. Similarly in the Cadet Girls’ Singles, Brazil’s Caroline Kumhara did pose some questions to Isabelle in the finals. However, having lost the opening game, Isabelle Li seized control to eventually record a definitive victory; she succeeded 10-12, 11-6, 11-1, 11-2.

Earlier on, Hong Kong’s Shermaine Lam in partnership with Isabelle Li captured the top prize in the Girls’ Team competition. At the semi-final stage, Isabelle and Shermaine proved too secure for the Brazilian partnership of Amanda Marques and Karin Fukushima. The Brazilians captured the doubles to provide a glimmer of hope but the defensive skills of Isabelle Li were too safe for both Amanda Marques and Karin Fukushima with Shermaine Lam overcoming the latter to add the one further vital win. In the finals, Isabelle and Sherrmaine succeeded without the loss of a single game.

Isabelle did not take part in any doubles event.

Meanwhile, Clarence partnered Spain's Robles Alvaro in the Boys' Team Event. However, they settled for Bronze, having found Top Seeds Belgium too strong. Clarence also suffered early round defeats in the Boys' Singles Event. Attacking strongly from both wings and with a definitive goal in mind, Lauric Jean accounted for Clarence in the Quarter Finals.

Defeat for Clarence in the Boys’ Singles event but just as seven days earlier in Ecuador, it was success in the Cadet Boys’ Singles competition. In Ecuador he had recovered from a 10-8 deficit in the final fame of the gold medal contest to beat top seed, Argentina’s Pablo Saragovi. In Buenos Aires he defeated top seeded Saragovi once again and once again in a thrilling five games duel; only this time it was in the quarter-finals and he was not required to save match points. A quarter-final win over Pablo Saragovi was followed by a semi-final success against Nicolas Galvano, also from Argentina and a final success over Brazil’s Eric Jouti. Clarence emerged successful, winning 11-5, 20-18, 14-12.

Clarence Chew pocketed another Bronze Medal in the Doubles Event. Partnering his teammate from the team event, they charged into the Semi Finals causing upsets against higher ranked oppositions. But history repeated itself once again. Clarence and Robles Alvaro suffered in the hands of Belgium!

Clarence and Isabelle will be heading towards Chile Junior Open, which is also the last ITTF Junior Open in the 2009 Junior Circuit.

Dr Ng Eng Hen Cup - It is Jason Once Again!

2009-09-16T11:26:00.004+08:00

After an intense 9 days competition, Jason Ho Jia Ren and Chau Hai Qing emerge as the Champion in the Men's and Women's Category respectively. Earlier this year, Jason grab the title in the Men's Singles in the National Table Tennis Championships, proving to be one of Singapore's best local player. In the finals, Jason defeated the Wong Hong Wei Daniel, 4-2, to clinch the title.

Asian Youth Games Bronze Medalist Chau Hai Qing was in great form as well. She beat Lu Chun Qi Patricia and Wong Hoi Ching along the way to reach the finals, before crashing Han Ee Jing Althea in 5 games.

Below is the list of Winners n their respective categories.
Men's Singles
1st - Ho Jia Ren Jason
2nd - Wong Hong Wei Daniel
3rd - Deng Yao Liang

Boys' U18 Singles
1st - Ansel Lee Liang
2nd - Woo Jun Yuan Julian
3rd - Lim Jie Yan

Boys' U15 Singles
1st - Tan Kiat Yi Kerry
2nd - Teo Yi Sen Bryan
3rd - Ansel Lee Liang

Boys' U12 Singles
1st - Yin Jing Yuan
2nd - Poh Shao Feng Ethen
3rd - Tan Ming Han Maxie

Women's Singles
1st - Chau Hai Qing
2nd - Han Ee Jing Althea
3rd - Lim Yi Xuan

Girls' U18 Singles
1st - Lam Teng Si
2nd - Chau Hai Qing
3rd - Lim Yi Xuan

Girls' U15 Singles
1st - Chau Hai Qing
2nd - Lam Teng Si
3rd - Tan Sherilyn

Girls' U12 Singles
1st - Ang Wan Qi
2nd - Ng Xue Qi
3rd - Tang Jia Wen Cheryl

ITTF Ecuador Junior Open - Singapore's Biggest Gold Medal Haul

2009-09-14T07:24:00.001+08:00

Singapore ruled supreme at the Ecuador Junior Open in Guayaquil which concluded play on Sunday 13th September 2009, winning a total of 6 out of the 8 gold medals available, despite fielding only 2 players. Clarence Chew won both the Junior Boys’ Singles and Cadet Boys’ Singles events whilst his female compatriot, Isabelle Li succeeded in both the Junior Girls’ Singles and Cadet Girls’ Singles competitions.

Throughout the tournament, Isabelle Li was in a class of her own. In the final of the Girls’ Singles event, her exquisite defensive skills proved too great for Ecuador’s Tania Almendariz, whilst in the final of the Cadet Girls’ Singles competition it was the same story in opposition to Sweden’s Maria Engelson. The model of composure Isabelle Li beat Tania Almendariz 11-7, 11-2, 11-5, 11-5 whilst in opposition to Maria Engelson she succeeded 11-9, 12-10, 11-8.

Between matches at the Ecuador Junior Open, Isabelle Li had sat quietly in one of the bedrooms at the local National Olympic Committee’s Headquarters, reading the Bible. Coolness brought Isabelle Li success and it did the same for Clarence Chew but he was tested to the very limit.

In the final of the Cadet Boys’ Singles event he trailed Argentina’s Pablo Saragovi 8-10 in the vital fifth game; he levelled at 10-all, then saved another match point before securing victory. Clarence Chew won 7-11, 11-5, 11-9, 7-11, 13-11. A tough Cadet Boys’ Singles win and a hard fought Junior Boys’ Singles success. In the battle of the left handers he beat Chile’s Manuel Moya in six games. Clarence Chew, displaying outstanding control, succeeded 7-11, 11-5, 11-4, 6-11, 11-4, 11-8.

Earlier on, Isabelle alongside Sweden’s Josefin Lund, was awarded the Girls’ Team crown. Not to be outdone, the combination of Singapore’s Clarence Chew and Samuel Galvez enjoyed success as well.

The talented left hander, Clarence Chew proved the backbone of the final victory. He beat both Pablo Saragovi and Emir Baca whilst teaming with Samuel Galvez in what proved the vital doubles. The inter-continental duo secured success by the very narrowest of five game margins. The one success for Argentina came in the second contest of the fixture with Emir Baca defeating Samuel Galvez.

Meanwhile, throughout the Junior Girls' Team event, the defensive skills of the Singaporean proved too secure for her adversaries, none could read the varying degrees of spin on the ball and really possessed the technical skills to penetrate the solid backspin skills of the Asian teenager. Equally, the forehand topspin play when required by Isabelle Li was equally secure. In the final, Li accounted for both Judith Morales and Karen Rojas in straight games with the one further win against the vanquished being in the doubles. The one success for the South Americans came in the opening match of the duel when Koren Rojas defeated Josefin Lund in four games.

王越古享受爱情甜蜜 2人正在热恋中婚期还没定

2009-09-12T08:37:00.001+08:00

最近，代表新加坡乒协的鞍山名将王越古MSN个人空间的个性照片换了，那是她与男友在德国天鹅堡时拍的合影。正在四川备战世界杯的她昨日告诉记者，她正在热恋之中。

今年6月，王越古利用假期去了一次台湾，拜会男友的家人。“他的家人对我很热情，感觉亲切，很温馨。”这次去台湾，也说明两个人的关系已经正式确定了下来：“哈哈，感情的事儿不好说。正在恋爱之中，但是婚期还没有定呢。”

王越古的男友在德国一个机场工作，喜欢乒乓球。“我在德国打球，他来看我，就这样，我们就相熟了。人很不错。”提到男友，王越古心情不错。王越古的爱好是旅行，男友也是如此。在德国时，男友经常驾着车带着她到各地走一走。王越古说，去年在新加坡时她就开始学习驾车，但是由于平日里训练忙，一直没有太多的时间练，因而到现在她也没有拿到驾驶证。如果今年她能拿到驾驶证，那么她打算在德国买车：“德国车的品质应该是值得信任的，我要求不高，价格合理就行。”

目前，王越古正跟随新加坡女乒在四川眉山封闭训练，备战下个月开始的世界杯的比赛：“我要参加世界杯单打、团体两项比赛，现在队里要求比较严，一天至少两练，有时候一天三练。身体都吃不消，好像又回到了小时候苦练那阵子。”

打完世界杯的比赛，王越古将返回德国，参加俱乐部的比赛，对于自己下一步的计划，她说：“我要坚持、坚持、再坚持，下一届奥运会我想参加，虽然时间还很长，但我要力争挺到那个时刻。”

（来源：千山晚报）

Women's World Cup - More Intense Than Previous Years

2009-09-04T18:06:00.005+08:00

The annual Women's World Cup is back. This year, it will be held in the city of Guangzhou offering US$150,000 in prize money. The traditional world title event introduces a new format this year. The umber of players is increased from 16 to 19. Beside the World Cup title holder and six continental representatives, the top 11 players are invited according to the September World Ranking plus the world’s No.1 junior (U-18) player completes the list as one of the Wild Card selections.

Singapore will be represented by 2 of our best players - Feng Tianwei and Wang Yuegu. Li Jiawei will have to give this prestigious event a miss owing to her pregnancy.

Other players participating in the events include China's Guo Yue, World Cup Holder Li Xiaoxia, Liu Shiwen, Hong Kong's Tie Yana, Jiang Huajun and Republic of Korea's Kim Kyung Ah, Park Mi Young. In addition, the Continental Champions has also been invited.

Feng Tianwei's best result in tis event was during last year, when she defeated colleague Wang Yuegu to clinch Bronze. Wang Yuegu's best result was also from last year, where she clinched the 4th position.

September World Ranking - Splendid Performance by Bei Bei & Gao Ning Make Progress in the Higher Echelons of the World Rankings!

2009-09-03T23:28:00.001+08:00

Men's Team
Gao Ning - 23
Yang Zi - 60
Ma Liang - 153
Cai Xiao Li - 176
Liu Zhong Ze - 196
Pang Xue Jie - 553
Chong Hur Ying Darren - 1152
Lim Jie Yan - 1157
Goh Yi Long - 1220
Chew Zhe Yu Clarence - 1367
Tay Jit Kiat - 1406
Teo Yi De Benjamin - 1511
Ban Hoe Hian Dylan - 1520
Teo Yi Sen Bryan - 1528

Women's Team
Feng Tianwei - 6
Wang Yue Gu - 10
Li Jia Wei - 12
Sun Bei Bei - 20
Yu Meng Yu - 31
Ma Ming Lu - 231
Sim Kai Xin Zena - 327
Kwa Hui Qi - 356
Li Isabelle Siyun - 365
Look Pei Yee Sylvia - 519

All China National Games - Men's Team invited to help Sze Chuan in their Preparation

2009-09-01T17:20:00.007+08:00

The 11th All China National Games will begin on the 24th of this month. In preparation of this major event in China, the Sze Chuan Provisional Table Tennis Team has invited our Singapore Men's National Team to have a friendly game with them tomorrow. This will not only be a chance for Sze Chuan to examine their preparation so far, but also a learning experience for our Men's Team. The Sze Chuan Women's Team has invited the Chinese Taipei's Women's Team for the friendly match.

第十一届全运会乒乓球决赛阶段比赛本月24日在青岛打响，为了更好备战，四川乒乓球队早在上个月就前往眉山进行全封闭集训，而这次四川乒乓球的目标也很明确，全力冲击奖牌。昨日，从四川乒羽中心副主任代天云透露，一场为全运会热身的国际公开赛明日将在眉山举行，四川男乒将与新加坡男队展开较量，四川女乒则与中国台北女乒展开角逐。

ITTF China Junior Open - Gold, Silver & Bronze!

2009-08-30T12:56:00.002+08:00

Singapore had a successful outing at the recent China Junior Open, clinching a total of 1 Gold, 2 Silvers and 2 Bronze. The Silver Medals were contributed by Li Siyun Isabelle in the Junior and Cadet Girls' Singles Event earlier in the competition. However, Isabelle was not satisfied with the 2 Silver Medals. The Cadet Girls' Team event saw Isabelle winning a Gold Medal, together with teammate Leong Yau Yeak Aldrea and Thailand’s Suthasini Sawettabut.

It was a fantastic performance by the Sports School student, winning every Singles and Doubles matches. En-routing to the finals, they defeated players from India, Egypt and more notably, Hong Kong. In the finals, Isabelle Li and Suthasini Sawettabut recorded a final victory over India’s Narashima Priya and Monika Batra in 3 straight games!

The team which comprises of Teo Yi Sen Bryan and Thailand's Tunviriyavejchakul Padasak beat another Singaporean Team to clinch Bronze. Woo Jun Yuan Julian and Ban Hoe Hian Dylan lose out by the faintest margin of 3-2. However, the Singapore-Thailand Team had a taste of their own medicine when China gave them a 3-2 defeat in the Semi Finals. Wang Pengcheng and Zong Hua was completely dominant over Bryan, causing him to lose all 3 points.

The last Bronze medal came from our Cadet Boys' Team Event as well. Similarly, they lost to China players. Once again, it is by the smallest margin of 3-2. The team formed by the strongest Chew Zhe Yu Clarence, Tay Jit Kai and Ban Hoe Han Benjamin fell short against Wang Ke and Li Minghao.

World Team Cup - 1st Time in History

2009-08-29T11:51:00.001+08:00

The World Team Cup will be held from 22nd to 25th October 2009, by the Austrian Table Tennis Association. The World Team Cup will be featuring a total of 12 top Men’s and Women’s teams competing for the glory as well as for the US$ 300,000 prize money. These teams are selected base on their continental results as well as the World Team Championships last year, where our Women's Team won Silver. The number of the invited teams was increased from eight to twelve since the last hosting of the World Team Cup two years ago. The main reason is to give a chance to the teams from Africa, Latin America, North America and Oceania. Thus the qualifiers are the top seven from the Evergrande Real Estate World Team Table Tennis Championships, the host association Austria plus the best from the above mentioned continents.

The teams from Africa, Latin America, North America and Oceania will play in the newly named Intercontinental Cup on the first day of competition (round robin group matches) and the winner will challenge the no.8 seeded team in a play-off match to decide which team is promoted to the second stage of the World Team Cup (direct knock-out main draw of eight teams).

The World Team Cup will follow the Olympic team system (maximum four singles and one doubles matches), the same as in 2007.

Ironically, the very strong women’s team, Olympic bronze medallists South Korea, did not qualify for Linz finishing only on 11th place at the Evergrande Real Estate World Team Table Tennis Championships in 2008, due to the absence of the world's best defenders Kim Kyung Ah and Park Mi Young.

This is the first time Singapore is sending a team to participate in the event, and the ladies have a very high chance of winning a medal despite Jia Wei not being able to join them yet. The previous time (which was 2 years back), the Women's Team only went there as a spectator and to understand their opponents better. This time, their target is a medal!

Below is the list of invited countries:
Men’s teams:
China (Olympic champion and World Cup title holder), Korea Republic, Japan, Hong Kong (runners up in 2007), Czech Republic, Chinese Taipei, Germany (Olympic silver medallists), Austria (semi-finalist last time), Egypt, Brazil, Canada, Australia

Women’s teams:
China (Olympic champions and World Cup title holders), Singapore (Olympic silver medallists), Hong Kong, Japan, Hungary (semi-finalist last time), Austria, the Netherlands, Romania, the United States, Australia, Venezuela, Egypt

ITTF China Junior Open - Outstanding Performance

2009-08-27T22:26:00.002+08:00

Li Siyun Isabelle was the only Singaporean paddler to win medals at the 2009 Taiyuan Junior Open. Not 1, but 2 so far! Seeded No. 1 in both the Junior and Cadet Girls' Singles Events, Isabelle duly booked her place in the finals. However for both events, it was this final hurdle that seperated her from the Gold. Isabelle was no match against Thailand's Sawettabut Suthasini and Host Nation's Cui Chenxu in the Cadet and Junior Singles respectively.

Her route to the finals was not easy. In the cadet girls' singles event, Isabelle top her group to qualify for the Main Draw, and her 1st opponent was China's Hu Jiarong. But still, Isabelle's solid defensive skills prove to be stronger than her opponents. Her journey in the Junior Girls' event is even more exciting. She defeated players from table tennis powerhouse like Hong Kong before enrouting to the Semi Finals, where she had a hard fought 7 games duel with Batra Monika from India. Her victory has definitely proven that Singapore is on the right track in developing local talents and fans will long to see Isabelle Li donning National Colours in the Olympic Games in the near future.

Another 2 players that have showed great performance are Asian Youth Games Bronze Medalists Chew Zhe Yu Clarence and Tay Jit Kai. Both of them are the Youth Olympic hopefuls and both of them are left handed players. They managed to reach the Quarter Finals of the Cadet Boys' Singles Event, missing out the medal by just an inch.

Playing in their 1st international tournament, Ban Hoe Han Benjamin and Leong Yau Yeak Aldrea did well to progress into the Main Draw of the Junior Boys' and Girls' Singles Event. However, both fell to China players in the 1st round. Benjamin was no match against Wang Xingyu while Aldrea was defeated by Cui Chenxu, the lady whom denied Isabelle of the Girls' Singles Crown!

Singapore sent a huge contingent to the China Open this time, hoping to expose our junior paddlers to more competition. Many were participating in their 1st overseas competition. Although most of them failed to progress further, it is a good learning experience for our youths and a huge step in developing local youths.

ITTF Pro Tour Korea Open - Tianwei Justify Top Seeded Position

2009-08-23T17:37:00.006+08:00

Feng Tianwei justified her exalted position in the draw by winning the Women’s Singles crown at the KAL Cup Korean Open. In the final of the Women's Singles Match, Feng Tianwei completed the job with ruthless efficiency. She dominated matters from start to finish, succeeding in four straight games against Hong Kong’s Jiang Huajun. Tianwei won 11-2, 11-8, 11-8, 11-9.

In the Semi-Finals, Feng Tianwei prevailed in the all Singaporean duel by beating Sun Bei Bei in a close seven games encounter. It was a great performance by Feng Tianwei, but for Sun Bei Bei, she has something to celebrate about as well. Not only has she pocket the Bronze Medal in the Singles event, she defeated higher ranking counterparts along the way in the likes of Wang Yue Gu and Hong Kong's Tie Yana. China's Shen Dandan suffered under her bat as well.

Yang Zi had a rather good outing as well. Pairing up with Tokic Bojan for the 1st time, they managed to qualify for the main draw. He did well in the Singles event as well. However, he found not solution to the fast attacking skills of the former Olympic Champion, Korea Republic's Ryu Seung Min.

Meanwhile in the Women's Doubles, the ladies maintained their form, with both Feng Tianwei/Wang Yuegu and Sun Bei Bei/Yu Meng Yu reaching the Quarter Finals. However, they found Hong Kong and Japan too strong and faltered against them respectively.

The team will be heading to China for training after the competition.

ITTF Pro Tour China Open - Double Happiness for Feng Tianwei

2009-08-16T17:42:00.003+08:00

Feng Tianwei became the biggest Singaporean winner at the 2009 China Open in Tianjin. She bagged both the Bronze Medal in the Women Singles and Doubles Event together with Wang Yuegu. Gao Ning is another hero who caused an upset against the 6th Seed, Denmark's Michael Maze. It is one of Singapore's best outing this year and there will be more to come.

2nd Seed, Feng Tianwei duly booked her placed in the Semi Finals, after defeating China's Cao Zhen and Japanese Fukuhara Ai. However, her progress is stopped by 17th year old chopper Wu Yang. Host Nation's Wu Yang turned the tables to reach her first ever Women’s Singles final on the ITTF Pro Tour; in fact her previous best was in Bremen at the 2009 German Open, where it was Feng Tianwei who prevented her from progress. The unseeded Wu Yang defeated the Feng Tianwei 7-11, 11-3, 12-14, 11-1, 11-6, 11-1. The other 3 ladies faltered in the round of 16, where Sun Bei Bei faltered against Top Seed Liu Shiwen and Yu Meng Yu and Wang Yuegu lost to Dang Ye Seo and Cao Zhen respectively.

In the Men's Singles Event, Gao Ning was in splendid form, beating higher ranked opposition. It was for him a continuation of the good form he displayed earlier in the year at the Commonwealth Championships in the Scottish city of Glasgow, when he guided Singapore to the gold medal and in some style won the Men’s Singles title. Gao Ning succeeded 6-11, 12-10, 8-11, 11-7, 11-7, 9-11, 11-2 agiainst Michael Maze. However, he was defeated by Top Seed and China's Wang Hao in the Quarter Finals. Gao Ning lost 12-10, 11-8, 11-7, 11-7.

In the Women's Doubles Event, Feng Tianwei/Wang Yuegu was ousted out by teenagers Ding Ning/Liu Shiwen. They lost to the eventual winners in 7 games, 8-11, 11-6, 8-11, 11-6, 12-14, 11-4, 12-10.

Our paddlers also pocketed 1 Silver and 1 Bronze in the U21 Events. Ma Liang settled for Silver after losing to Japan's Oya Hidetoshi. The 21 year old Japanese won 11-6,11-4,10-12,13-11,11-8. Meanwhile, Yu Meng Yu was awarded a Bronze after losing to Chinese Taipei's Ching I-Ching. In confident mood, the 17 year old posted a five games victory (5-11,11-13,12-14,14-12,8-11) over Yu Meng Yu.

Most of the members will be eading to South Korea next week, where Pang Xue Jie will be joining them. However, Gao Ning will be giving it a miss as he will be returning to his club in the Chinese Super League.

ITTF Korea Junior Junior Open - Silver for Isabelle and Hai Qing

2009-08-16T16:09:00.001+08:00

Youth Olympic Team paddlers Li Siyun Isabelle and Chau Hai Qing won the Silver in the Cadet Girls' Team Event. Together in their team is Meshref Dina from Egypt. The girls did not disppoint. Seeded 2, they defeated Teams from host nations as well as mixed teams from Japan and Thailand. In the Finals, the girls lost 3-0 to South Korea 'A'.

Chew Zhe Yu Clarence and Tay Jit Kai had to play the Junior Boys' Team event due to Pang Xue Jie being overage for the Cadet Boys' Event. Despite playing against older boys, they put up a very good fight and clinch the 10th place in the whole event. Pang Xue Jie was the hero for the team, clinching 2 points in most matches they played.

However, our youths suffered in the Singles and Doubles Events. Chau Hai Qing lost in the first round of the Cadet Girls' Event while Isabelle failed to qualify. Clarence Chew and Jit Kai were victims in the opening round as well. All of them lost to South Koreans oppositions! Pag Xue Jie managed to progressed to the 2nd round before losing to another player from the host nation.

Chau Hai Qing/Isabelle Li lost narrowly to a medal after losing 3-2 to yet another pair from South Korea. The left handed pairing of Clarence Chew/Tay Jit Kai were not let off either. They lost 3-1 to South Koreans again! The Republic of Korea seems to be much against our players. Pang Xue Jie who partnered Japanese Matsuda Naoki in the Junior Boys' Doubles Event suffered under them as well. Something to be happy about is that all of them lost in the Quarter Final stage!

ITTF Pro Tour China Open - Singaporean Leading Ladies Enjoyed Success on 1st Day

2009-08-14T22:44:00.003+08:00

The Women's Team led by Feng Tianwei, enjoyed success in their opening matches in the Women's Singles Event. 4 out of 5 ladies negotiated the 1st and 2nd round with much ease. The only tense moments was by Yu Meng Yu in her 1st and 2nd round. Against the very experienced Jun Hye Jung, Yu Meng Yu kept her fighting spirit and fought all the way to take the game, 4-3. In the 2nd match against Japanese Fujii Hiroko, it was another full distance duel. Yu Meng Yu was 2-1 down, before coming back strong to take the game. She will be facing Olympic Bronze Medalist South Korea's Dang Ye Seo in tomorrow's match.

For the other ladies, 4-0 or 4-1 were the orders of the day. Sun Bei Bei swept France's Li Xue 4-1, before overcoming Japan's Jirano Sayaka in straight games. Top Seed and China's Liu Shiwen will be awaiting for Sun in the round of 16. Meanwhile, Wang Yue Gu was in merciless mood. She crashed both her opponents 4-0! Feng Tianwei faced another South Korean in the 1st round, beating her 4-0. She then took on Fukuoka Haruna from Japan, whom she defeat in 5 games. Wang Yue Gu will be facing China's Cao Zhen tomorrow and Tianwei will be meeting Japanese Prodigy, Fukuhara Ai.

Gao Ning is the only one standing in the Male counterpart. Ma Liang and Lu Zhong Ze suffered 1st round defeat. Liu Zhong Ze lost to the higher ranked Poland's Kosowki Jakub, while Ma Liang was upset by a qualifier, South Korea's Kim Gang Woog. He beat Ma Liang 4-2. Gao Ning and Yang Zi recorded wins over India's Ghosh Soumyajit and Saha Subhajit respectively. However in the 2nd Round, Yang Zi was no match against Hong Kong's Jiang Tianyi. He faltered by the faintest margin of 4-3. Meanwhile, Gao Ning taught South Korea's Lee Sang Su a lesson, defeating him 4-1. He will be taking on Denmark's no. 1 male player Micheal Maze.

Our male paddlers continue to fare badly in the Men's Double's Event. Top Seeds, Gao Ning and Yang Zi were crashed by Denmark's Groth Jonathan/Sternberg Kasper. Ma Liang/Liu Zhong Ze fell short against Hong Kong's Jiang Tianyi and Tang Peng. On the other hand, our female players fare slightly better. Feng Tianwei/Wang Yuegu successfully negotiated the 1st round beating India's Das Mouma/Ghatak Poulomi. Their next opponent is Romania's Dodean Daniela/Samara Elizabeta. However, Sun Bei Bei/Yu Meng Yu were defeated by Hong Kong's teenagers Lee Ho Ching/Yu Kwok See. This could be due to the tireness of Yu Meng Yu who had to play 14 sets in the Singles match.

The U21 Events will begin tomorrow and end tomorrow. This will be even more taxing for Yu Meng Yu who still have her Singles Match.

ITTF Korea Junior Open - Xue Jie give up China Open for Korea Junior Open

2009-08-11T23:55:00.002+08:00

National Paddler Pang Xue Jie will be joining his Juniors, Clarence Chew Zhe Yu, Tay Jit Kai, Li Siyun Isabelle and Chau Hai Qing in the Korea Junior Open. Commencing tomorrowing is the Team events. Singapore will be participating in the Junior Boys' and Cadet Girls' Team Event.

The Junior Boys' is represented by Xue Jie, Clarence and Jit Kai. They drawn into group A, where they will be facing stronger teams such as the Korean 'A' and another combine team of Japan and Egypt.

The Cadet Girls' will consist of Isabelle, Hai Qing and another lady from Egypt. They are the 2nd Seeds and their opponents in Group B all hails from the host nation. 2 teams from each group will prgress to the main draw.

ITTF Pro Tour China Open - Better Luck for the Male Paddlers Next Time?

2009-08-11T22:34:00.001+08:00

The Team Singapore contingent receive another unlucky draw in the China Open which will commence tomorrow. The male paddlers expecially whom really hoped to do well in this competition to erase all the terrible memories in the past. Our ladies also hoped to prove themselves, after a series of disappointing performance in the Pro Tour.

Gao Ning is drawn into the 1st quarter of the draw, where he is likely to be facing Denmark's Michael Maze in the round of 16. Maze was the Bronze Medalist in the 2005 World Championships. Yang Zi's progress is likely to be halted in the 2nd or 3rd round where he will be facing Hong Kong's Jiang Tianyi and Olympic Champion, China's Ma Lin respectively. Ma Liang will be playing against the defensive style of Chen Wei Xing in the 2nd round.

Singapore's Feng Tianwei is the 2nd Seed after the withdrawal of China's Guo Yan. She is surrounded by Japanese players in the 2nd and 3rd round. In the quarter finals, she will either play teammate Wang Yue Gu or China's Cao Zhen. Sun Bei Bei is likely to be facing Top Seed and China's Liu Shiwen in the round of 16. Yu Meng Yu is the relatively more lucky of all. She is likely to progress to the quarter finals when she will take on Liu Shiwen or Sun Bei Bei.

Liu Zhong Ze and Sim Kai Xin Zena are in the group stage which will begin tomorrow.

Meanwhile, in the Men's Doubles, Gao Ning/Yang Zi is the Top Seed. Their challenge come in the 2nd round, where he will meet former Olympic Champion, South Korea's Ryu Seung Min/Le Sang Su. The rest of the Seeded pairs should not pose much threat to them.

In the Women's Doubles Event, Sun Bei Bei/Yu Meng Yu and Feng Tianwei/Wang Yuegu are likely to proceed to the Semi Finals where they will meet the 1st and 2nd Seed respectively. They are Hong Kong's Jiang Huajun/Tie Yana and China's Ding Ning/Liu Shiwen.

ITTF Hong Kong Junior Open - Wrong Move to Put Isabelle in 3rd Singles

2009-08-08T20:54:00.000+08:00

The Girls' Combine Team of Li Siyun Isabelle, Thailand’s Suthasini Sawettabut and Egypt’s Dina Meshref was defeated by Hong Kong 'A' by 3 matches to 1. It was obviously a wrong move by the coach to put the best player Isabelle in the 3rd Singles Match, indirectly causing the whole team defeat. The Thailand lady gave the team a good start by recording a 3-2 win over the stronger Lee Ho Ching. Suthasini Sawettabut was 2-0 behind before she increased her attack and turn the table around. Dina Meshref lost 2 points for the team, faltering against Guan Meng Yuan and Lee Ho Ching in the 2nd and 4th match. Isabelle lost the 3rd match to Ng Wing Nan. It was a pity for Isabelle as she had defeated her one month earlier in the Asian Youth Games. Although letting Isabelle play 2 singles matches may not definitely secure victory for the team, at the least, the team will have higher chance of creating an upset. The combine team had to settle for a Bronze.

On the other hand, Pang Xue Jie's medal hopes crashed as he and his partner Matsuda Naoki lost to Chinese Chen Xi/Zhou Yu. They lost in straight games, 11-9,11-7,11-7. The Chinese teenagers were dominant in all events. They are the Champions for the Boys' and Girls' Team Event. They are also title favourites for other events. Chen Xi, who upset Top Seed and World Junior Champion Chen Chien-An is further joined by Feng Ji and Zhou Yu in the Semi Finals of the Boys' Singles event. They occupy 3 out of 4 places in the Semi Finals. Their medal hopes were also kept alive in other events, with Luo Yue successfully negotiating the Quarter Finals of the Girls' Singles Event, Chen Xi/Zhou Yu in the Boys' Doubles and Luo Yue/Xiong Xinyun in the Girls' Doubles.

ITTF Hong Kong Junior Open - Another Medal from Xue Jie?

2009-08-07T22:36:00.000+08:00

National Team Player Pang Xue Jie could well win another medal after Li Siyun Isabelle's Medal in the Girls' Team Event (position not decided). Pang Xue Jie qualified for the Quarter Finals after defeating New Zealand's Kevin Wu/Philip Xiao alongside with Matsuda Naoki from the land of rising sun. They were merciless in the round of 16, defeating their opponents in straight games. Pang and Isabelle are the republic's only hope left for a medal.

Meanwhile, the 2 left handed pairing of Tay Jit Kai and Chew Zhe Yu Clarence suffered defeat in the same round. They faltered against Japanese Higshi Yuto/Otsuka Masahiro. Earlier on, they crashed Hong Kong's Tang Hoi Yen/Yim Man Cheuk in straight games.

Li Siyun Isabelle was another victim in the round of 16 Girls' Doubles Event. She and her Thailand's partner Sawettabut Suthasini fought very hard but found themselves inferior to Lam Shermaine Joey/Mo Hei Shim. They lost by the faintest margin of 3-2. She was also ousted out in the Girls Singles Event losing out to another Hong Kong player, Guan Meng Yuan.

Our boys were unable to make further progress in the Boys' Singles Event. They were drawn into the consolation round. Xue Jie and Clarence managed to reach the Quarter Finals after defeating Yim Man Cheuk and Wong Shing Chung Anthony respectively. However, Jit Kai fell against Hong Kong's Hung Daryl.