Crystal Tiong downs Hsiao Hung to take Girls’ U-18 title
(From left) Hsiao Ling, Crystal and Hsiao Ching display the medals they won at the recent MSSM Championship in Kelantan.
SIBU: National paddler Crystal Tiong had to dig deep before overcoming Sia Hsiao Hung 3-1 (7-11, 11-9, 11-5, 15-13) to win the Sibu Division Table Tennis Under-18 title.
Finishing third and fourth were Sia Hsiao Ching and Su Kwong Ai respectively.
Tiong had just returned from the Malaysian Schools inter-state championship held in Kelantan with two gold (doubles and team) and a silver (singles).
Sia Hsiao Ching was her partner in the doubles.
In the Boy’s U-18, Kong Sien Kang edged Guang Ching Ming 3-2 (11-4, 7-11, 11-6, 8-11, 11-5) in a thrilling encounter that got the audience standing on their feet.
Wong Kong Yew was third and Chew Chin Hong fourth.
Ng Sing Yee beat Sia Hsiao Ling 3-0 to lift the Girl’s U-15 title followed by Su Jie Si and then Tiong Hui Liang.
Another tight final match was in the Boy’s U-15 when Su Kwong Sing edged Ng Jie How 3-2.
Third and fourth were Ng Jie Lie and Pau Chang Shen.
In his closing remarks, Sibu Table Tennis Association chairman Dr Clement Chen announced that the State Youth Championship would be held in Sibu from April 8-10.
April 9 is also fixed as date for the association’s annual general meeting.
Meanwhile, Crystal and Hsiao Ching have been co-opted into the national team for the upcoming Singapore and Bangkok Youth Championships.