Isabelle Li

Singapore’s promising paddler, Isabelle Li. (Photo © Les Tan/Red Sports file photo)

Singapore’s up and coming paddlers Pang Xue Jie and Isabelle Li, both from the Singapore Sports School, have shone at the 2008 Taoyuan International – ITTF Junior Circuit. Both won the gold medal for the U15 Cadet Boys’ and Girls’ Singles category respectively.

Xue Jie overcame Noh Jiemin of Korea 4-1 to set up a final clash with Cho Jae Jun, also from Korea. He beat Noh 4-1 (18-16, 13-11, 5-11, 13-11, 11-6) in a tough and grueling match. Ranked 202 in the world, this is his first win in the circuit. Singapore’s other paddler Clarence Chow unfortunately crashed out early when he fell to Korea’s Choi Deok Hwa 1-4 (11-8, 6-11, 7-11, 8-11, 9-11).

Isabelle defeated Li Chingwan from Hong Kong in the final to notch a win. She beat Li 4-1 (11-9, 9-11, 11-2, 11-5, 11-4), notably giving her opponent a thrashing in the last three sets and winning for the second time in the circuit. Ranked 93 in the world, Isabelle won the Under 18 Junior Girls’ Singles and Doubles in 2007. Our Republic’s other paddler Zena Sim lost to Taiwan’s Cheng I-Ching 0-4 (7-11, 9-11, 4-11, 6-11) in the Junior Girls’ Singles.

In addition, Xue Jie and Clarence also beat the team from China 3-2 to emerge top in their group. However, they fell to Korea’s second team 3-1 in the semi final. Not to be disheartened, they overcame Korea’s first team 3-1 to clinch third place.

The girls’ doubles team consisting of Isabelle and Zena did not fare so well, crashing out of the tournament after losing to both Hong Kong and Korea in the first stage.

Read all about Isabelle Li:
Through the Eyes of a Rookie: Life in Singapore Sports School

For more information about the tournament, click here.