SINGAPORE : Hundreds of supporters, including foreigners, gathered on Sunday at the Singapore Table Tennis Association, where a "live" screening of the Olympics table tennis finals match took place.

Singapore's paddlers brought the country's 48-year medal drought to an end by grabbing the second spot.

The crowd was glued to the screen, focusing on Li Jiawei's aggressive topspin and world number nine Feng Tianwei, who has become a national hero after she won the deciding match against South Korea in the semis.

"The last time we won a medal, I wasn't even born yet. So this is fantastic, to see one in the final... I think that's just fantastic," said Dr Bervyn Lee, director of the Singapore Sports Council.

Although many could have watched the finals on television in the comfort of their own homes, they've decided to come and celebrate and share this special Olympic moment with their fellow Singaporeans.

And fans said they'll never forget this historic moment.

"We are all very happy. We have been waiting for this moment for very long," said one supporter.

"They are all from China, but it doesn't matter... To me, if you wear the Singapore (jersey), it means you are fighting for Singapore," said another.

"We should feel proud of our athletes out there performing hard. And I think here, what we can do is give our best to support them. And that's the Olympics," said another fan.

Over in Beijing, not all Singaporeans there managed to get tickets to the table tennis finals between China and Singapore.

So some supporters gathered at the Singapore Embassy in Beijing to cheer the paddlers. - CNA /ls