Team Singapore’s women paddlers pulled off a historic victory on Sunday, May 30 when they did what no other team could do for the past 19 years- they beat China in the women’s final of the World Table Tennis Championships in Moscow.
In a display of unerring confidence and determination, the team led by world No 2, Feng Tianwei, outplayed the Chinese 3-1 to clinch the gold for the first time in history.
Singapore Sports Council CEO, Mr Oon Jin Teik, paid tribute to the team for their hard work. “For the team to get to this level is not an overnight thing. They started preparing for this day since 2004.”
In the group stages, Singapore breezed past opponents Spain, Czech Republic, Germany, Netherlands and the United States of America, to top the group and seal a final showdown with China. The republic’s paddlers breezed past Hungary and Germany in the quarterfinals and semifinals, to set up yet another final with powerhouses China.
It seemed that the bridesmaid’s curse would strike once more, when Feng went two sets down to world No.4 Ding Ning. But the Singaporean lass displayed grit and determination to win the next three sets to seal the first game. Veteran Wang Yuegu then extended Singapore’s lead in the game with an unusually easy victory over world No 1, Liu Shiwen. China had a glimmer of hope when Guo Yan beat Sun Beibei to cut the lead to 2-1.
But just like she had done at Beijing 2008, world No 2, Feng stepped up and delivered the winning point, ending China’s dominance and ensuring a new name on the Marcel Corbillon Cup.
“Winning an Olympic silver medal was historic; winning the world championships is a miracle. This is the best day of my life”, said an ecstatic Feng.
The Singapore sports community was full of praise for the team’s historic achievement.
“This victory is sweeter than the Olympic silver medal the girls won”, said Mr Teo Ser Luck, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Community Development, Youth and Sports and Ministry for Transport.
President of the Singapore Table Tennis Association, Er Lee Bee Wah, however restrained caution. “This victory is a morale-booster, but we will not rest on our laurels.”
The Play Times salutes the Singapore women’s table tennis team. Well done, Team Singapore!