Story by Kenneth Tan/Red Sports. Photos by Les Tan/Red Sports

Youth Olympic table tennis

Isabelle Li continued her fine run in the Youth Olympic Games this afternoon when she beat Ayuka Tanioka 3-0 (11-7, 11-9, 11-7) to win the first point for Singapore in their quarter-final match up against Japan. (Photo 1 © Les Tan/Red Sports)

Singapore Indoor Stadium, Wednesday, August 25, 2010 — “So close, yet so far.” That was what Singapore Table Tennis Federation (STTF) president Lee Bee Wah said after Singapore’s duo of Isabelle Li and Clarence Chew’s bid to win Singapore’s first Youth Olympic Games (YOG) gold medal was ended in cruel fashion with a tough 1-2 loss to Japan in the mixed team quarter-finals.

It all came down to the crucial final fifth set in the doubles. All hope seemed lost when the pair lost the first two sets to Japan’s duo of Ayuka Tanioka and Koki Niwa, seeded first in the competition, 4-11, 5-11.

However, they gave the hugely-partisan Singapore crowd some hope when they pulled level by winning the next two sets 14-12 and 11-3. Ultimately, they could not ride on the wave of momentum, and lost the final set 6-11 to end their run in the competition.

Earlier on, Isabelle exorcised the demons of losing to Tanioka in the singles event when she beat the Japanese in three straights sets (11-7, 11-9, 11-7).

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However, Clarence lost 1-3 to men’s singles champion Niwa (1-11, 11-9, 11-3, 11-6), which meant that the match had to be settled by the doubles tie. Despite the heartbreaking defeat, the duo managed to face the media in calm fashion.

“I think we really tried our best and put up a very good fight,” said Isabelle. “Clarence was more attacking and fierce in playing his game while the Japanese guy made more mistakes. We took things slowly, one match by one match.”

“I’m satisfied with my performance,” echoed Clarence. “I felt I played quite well. I think I’ve displayed the years of training and skills in this match.”

The duo certainly still have a long way to go, according to STTA president Lee Bee Wah.

“They put up a very good show today and I’m proud of them. They still have room for improvement as they are still young. I told them there are many other opportunities to win. I hope one day, they can represent Singapore in the Olympics!”

With the competition finally coming to an end, Isabelle was a face of satisfaction.

“I’ll watch a bit of the remaining Games and then finally relax and get back with my family!” she exclaimed.

Youth Olympic table tennis

Playing a similar style to Isabelle, Tanioka was still no match for our girl. (Photo 2 © Les Tan/Red Sports)

Youth Olympic table tennis

Isabelle smashes during the third game. She came out of her traditional defensive stance on a few occasions to take the game to the Japanese. (Photo 3 © Les Tan/Red Sports)

Youth Olympic table tennis

Clarence Chew returns with a backhand in his game against Koki Niwa of Japan. Clarence lost 1-3 (11-1, 9-11, 11-3, 11-6). (Photo 4 © Les Tan/Red Sports)

Youth Olympic table tennis

Niwa’s superior reflexes saw him leave Clarence flat-footed at times. (Photo 5 © Les Tan/Red Sports)

Youth Olympic table tennis

Isabelle serving in the doubles game to decide the winner with the match tied at 1-1 overall. (Photo 6 © Les Tan/Red Sports)

Youth Olympic table tennis

Clarence Chew smashes a return. The doubles was an epic five-setter, with the Singapore pair coming back from 0-2 down to tie it up 2-2 and force a rubber. However, there was no stopping the Japanese. (Photo 7 © Les Tan/Red Sports)