Singapore leaders congratulate women paddlers on semi-final win
By Dominique Loh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 15 August 2008 2303 hrs

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	Related News • Olympics: First medal in 48 years for Singapore Special Report • Beijing Olympics 2008

BEIJING : A gutsy and sterling performance from Singapore's women paddlers have ended the country's nearly five-decade long medal drought.

Singapore is guaranteed at least a silver medal, after beating South Korea 3-2 in a tight semi-final.

Singapore's President SR Nathan watched with Singapore supporters as the country's women table tennis team fought every point into the finals.

"I was somewhat hesitant because we are (up against) a very formidable team and we have young players. And I wasn't very sure how we would fare, but I think they did us proud," said President Nathan.

Singapore's Defence Minister, Teo Chee Hean, who is also the president of the Singapore National Olympic Council said: "All the team members played well. All three of them contributed to the 3 precious points... which brought us into the final.

"For the finals, we are the underdogs. The team has everything to gain and nothing to lose, so I think they'll go in with a proper mindset."

For the players, no one had more pressure than anchor woman Feng Tianwei. Her win in the final match assured Singapore of at least a silver medal at the Beijing Olympics.

"Everyone faced pressure, but we use the pressure to propel us, so I could play more freely," said Feng, table tennis player, Team Singapore.

Fellow team member Li Jiawei said: "Seeing so many supporters cheering us on, I was pressured, but we did it, and we're happy."

The women table tennis team will play against China for the gold on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has also congratulated Singapore's women paddlers for their performance.

Mr Lee said he is very happy that the team has made it into the finals, and that all Singaporeans are just as thrilled.

He added that Singaporeans are looking forward to the match on Sunday night, and will be cheering for Li Jiawei, Feng Tianwei and Wang Yuegu.

He said the team has already done Singapore proud and urged the paddlers to do their very best on Sunday, and bring home a gold medal for Singapore. - CNA /ls