Lin Qian Bags Hat-trick, Jingyi Wins A Gold!
WTT Youth Contender Metz, France
WTT Youth Contender Vila Real, Portugal
All eyes were on the court when paddler Ser Lin Qian (Secondary 4) was having an intense battle against Germany’s Mia Griesal at the World Table Tennis Contender 2022 held in Metz, France. Both were vying for the championship title in the U17 Girls’ Singles event.
Lin Qian was able to find her form and took control of the first two sets with 11-3 and 11-2, before dropping a set in the third. This put her in a deciding fourth set where she made it an uphill task for her opponent to defeat her. She eventually swept her opponent with a convincing 3-1 victory to be crowned the U17 Girls’ Singles championship title.
On 16 February, just one day after she won the U17 Girls’ Singles championship title, Lin Qian once again tasted success. She defeated France’s Lucie Mobarek 3-1 (11-7, 10-12, 11-8, 11-9) to win another title in the U19 Girls’ Singles event.
Speaking on her success, Lin Qian attributed it to her give-it-all attitude. She said: “To be able to compete in overseas competition during this ongoing pandemic was already a bonus for me. Before all my matches, I told myself not to have any pressure and just play my best.”
This competition was also extra special for her as her coach, who was down with COVID-19, was unable to be at the court with her. As a result, she had to think independently, adapt to changes and conquer the difficulties she faced on court by herself. “It was definitely a challenge as I was definitely not someone who was confident enough to play my matches without a coach,” Lin Qian added.
“All the matches I played were tough and I managed to learn a lot from my opponents. I’m glad that I was able to emerge as the winner not just once, but twice, after many tough and exhausting matches. This achievement will spur me on to work even harder,” said Lin Qian who has emerged stronger and more confident after the competition.
Lin Qian continued her excellent performance at the next leg WTT Youth Contender series in Vila Real, Portugal, where she faced compatriot and schoolmate Zhou Jingyi in both the U17 and U19 finals. The all-Singapore and all-Sports School finals resulted in double happiness as both Lin Qian and Jingyi won 1 gold, and 1 silver medal each.
In the U17 Girls’ Singles, Jingyi played consistently throughout, edging out her teammate 3-1 (11-8, 11-13, 11-3, 11-2) to win the title. It was a similar scene the next day when the two of them faced each other again in the U19 Girls’ Singles finals. However, the tables were turned this time as Lin Qian bounced back and swept 3-0 (18-16, 13-11, 11-7) to become the U19 Girls’ Singles Champion.
WTT Youth Contender Vila Real, Portugal
All eyes were on the court when paddler Ser Lin Qian (Secondary 4) was having an intense battle against Germany’s Mia Griesal at the World Table Tennis Contender 2022 held in Metz, France. Both were vying for the championship title in the U17 Girls’ Singles event.
Lin Qian was able to find her form and took control of the first two sets with 11-3 and 11-2, before dropping a set in the third. This put her in a deciding fourth set where she made it an uphill task for her opponent to defeat her. She eventually swept her opponent with a convincing 3-1 victory to be crowned the U17 Girls’ Singles championship title.
On 16 February, just one day after she won the U17 Girls’ Singles championship title, Lin Qian once again tasted success. She defeated France’s Lucie Mobarek 3-1 (11-7, 10-12, 11-8, 11-9) to win another title in the U19 Girls’ Singles event.
Speaking on her success, Lin Qian attributed it to her give-it-all attitude. She said: “To be able to compete in overseas competition during this ongoing pandemic was already a bonus for me. Before all my matches, I told myself not to have any pressure and just play my best.”
This competition was also extra special for her as her coach, who was down with COVID-19, was unable to be at the court with her. As a result, she had to think independently, adapt to changes and conquer the difficulties she faced on court by herself. “It was definitely a challenge as I was definitely not someone who was confident enough to play my matches without a coach,” Lin Qian added.
“All the matches I played were tough and I managed to learn a lot from my opponents. I’m glad that I was able to emerge as the winner not just once, but twice, after many tough and exhausting matches. This achievement will spur me on to work even harder,” said Lin Qian who has emerged stronger and more confident after the competition.
Lin Qian continued her excellent performance at the next leg WTT Youth Contender series in Vila Real, Portugal, where she faced compatriot and schoolmate Zhou Jingyi in both the U17 and U19 finals. The all-Singapore and all-Sports School finals resulted in double happiness as both Lin Qian and Jingyi won 1 gold, and 1 silver medal each.
In the U17 Girls’ Singles, Jingyi played consistently throughout, edging out her teammate 3-1 (11-8, 11-13, 11-3, 11-2) to win the title. It was a similar scene the next day when the two of them faced each other again in the U19 Girls’ Singles finals. However, the tables were turned this time as Lin Qian bounced back and swept 3-0 (18-16, 13-11, 11-7) to become the U19 Girls’ Singles Champion.
