Crystal Tiong
SIBU: Crystal Tiong hopes to ink her name in the international arena when she takes part in the 6th Asean Schools Games (ASG) table tennis championship in Manila from Dec 1.
This will be her first international duty representing the country.
“Hopefully, I can bring back something for the country to share,” she said when contacted.
Tiong is currently undergoing intensive training at Bukit Jalil Sports School, Kuala Lumpur, polishing her speed and agility.
She is working out at the school with several national back-up players.
“This is a good opportunity for me to build on my reputation and I do not want to let slip this chance,” she added.
The 14-year-old student of SMK Methodist has shown her prowess in the state table tennis scene in recent years.
Last year, Crystal won accolades by becoming the youngest player here to represent Sarawak in the National Open Championship.
She is the current state schools Under-18 champion recently.
Earlier this year, she returned from the National Schools Championship with a bronze medal.
Her father, Tiong Soon Kiong, revealed that it had always been Crystal’s dream to represent the country.
He said his daughter was simply elated when she received the call-up for national duty.
“She is determined to go for the trip. She likes the game very much and, hopefully, her love and passion for the sport will remain intact as she pursues her dream for international success.”
Crystal will leave for Manila on Nov 30.