By Yvonne Yap/Red Sports
“I think he is scary,” admits Hai Qing about Jit Kiat’s play. She was filled with praise for her doubles partner, as Jit Kiat had been very encouraging throughout the competition. “He taught me techniques as he has paired with Clarence (also a left-hander) in doubles before, while I always pair with right handers (in Raffles Girls’ School).” (Photo 1 © Les Tan/Red Sports)
Singapore’s Isabelle Li, Clarence Chew, Tay Jit Kiat and Chau Hai Qing clinched the bronze medal for the table tennis mixed team event after losing out to the eventual champions China in the semi-finals of the recently concluded Asian Youth Games.
This group of four have traveled a long way since they entered the world of Table Tennis, especially Isabelle, who is ranked World Number 8 (Under-15 by International Table Tennis Federation).
“She will tell me to calm down once in a while,” shared Clarence, on his mixed doubles partner, after their AYG run ended. Clarence was paired up with Isabelle for the mixed doubles, and more often than not, we saw his nerves getting the better of him during the start of the competition.
“He shouts a lot more during the match,” Jit Kiat reveals about his roommate. It turns out that in the past, Clarence used to play a quiet game without any cries or celebration for each point scored.
Jit Kiat’s slight frame would not ring alarm bells for his opponent at first glance. However, he has outdone himself on court, exuding confidence and dogged perseverance even as he was matched up against better players.
Hai Qing can be proud of herself as well – despite losing her only singles match to World No. 1 Chen Meng, she took the lead during the game at times, giving Chen Meng a scare and her supporters a hope at an upset.
On the last day of the competition, the four of them seemed more relaxed and enjoyed watching the remaining table tennis matches, being out of the pressure zone for the moment. The boys were busy eating their favourite snacks, while the girls went off to catch up with their friends.
“I have not eaten Twisties in 4 months!” said Clarence while munching on tomato-flavoured Twisties as he watched the Singles Finals on Monday. He cited that his busy training and competition schedule prevented him from buying his snacks, especially when he goes out of the country as “there are no Twisties there”.
Post competition, what will they be doing? “We have no time for a break,” Clarence said seriously. The four of them will be heading to Jaipur, India on 20 July for the 15th Asian Junior Table Tennis Championships, where they will meet the same group of paddlers as faced in the AYG.
Considering the fact that the paddlers who took part in AYG will be Singapore’s main competition as they move on from youths to adults, it is indisputable that Isabelle, Clarence, Hai Qing and Jit Kiat have a chance to shine and take Singapore to greater heights – with our support and encouragement.
Clarence started his AYG campaign with butterflies in his stomach. However, as the competition progressed on, Singapore soon saw a confident athlete on court, playing his heart out for victory. We got a sneak preview of his potential when he managed to steal a game from World No.1 Yin Hang in the Boys Singles round of 16, despite being ranked 147 places below him. (Photo 2 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
“Okay I rate him 8 la…” After much questioning, Isabelle gives her mixed doubles partner a rating, but still refuses to comment much on why she gave him that score. “Nobody is perfect!” she replies. Despite being ranked No. 8 and getting mobbed by fans during the awards ceremony, Isabelle stays grounded and can often be seen encouraging her teammates, especially during the mixed doubles with Clarence. (Photo 3 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
This is the soft-spoken girl’s first major competition, as she has only played in national level competitions prior to this. Hai Qing only made 2 appearances during this Games, but gave Singapore a glimpse of what she has in store – determination, potential and a hunger to improve herself. (Photo 4 © Les Tan/Red Sports)
Jit Kiat did have some complains about his roommate though. “He always steals the smaller bed. It is more comfortable!” The duo were bickering over who had done more work during the games, such as setting up the tripod to videotape their opponents’ games. (Photo 5 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
The Chinese players had commented after their mixed team win, when asked how they think their opponents felt about them, “Other players are intimidated of us.” On a separate occasion, Singapore Coach Xu Xiang Dong has this for his players – “When you get on court, there is nothing to fear. If you lose, admit that your opponent is stronger than you.” (Photo 6 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
Jit Kiat has outdone himself on court, exuding confidence and dogged perseverance even as he was matched up against better players. He was certainly a force to be reckoned with despite looking a little cute. 🙂 (Photo 7 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
It was unfortunate that the paddlers could not take home a medal in the singles or mixed doubles category after narrowly missing out. But they definitely did everyone proud with their medal from the Mixed Team category. (Photo 8 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
Isabelle Li definitely deserved a hug for her performance during the competition. (Photo 9 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
The quartet definitely have their share of laughs and spoils behind the scene, but they certainly have what it takes to become Singapore’s rising stars in the sporting arena. Good luck in your sporting careers! (Photo 10 © Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports)
What a delightful read! I heart warmandfuzzy off-court stories like this, good job Yvonne! : )