Loy Ming Ying won her quarter-final match 4-1 at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games on 4 Nov. Photo: OIS/ Hassan Wamwayi
Paddler Loy Ming Ying displayed remarkable nerve to save game points in a nail-biting fifth game en route to securing her place in the table tennis semi-finals at the Youth Olympic Games on 4 Nov.
The 16-year-old defeated fourth seed Nina Guo Zheng of France 4-1 (13-11, 11-8, 6-11, 11-4, 13-11) in a quarter-final encounter that saw the momentum shift several times at the Dakar Expo Center.
Loy, seeded 10th in the women’s singles, successfully fended off Guo Zheng’s attacks while forcing errors off the latter’s bat to take the first two games. The Singaporean recovered well from an error-strewn third game to extend her lead. She made a good start in the fifth game to go up 7-5, before European youth champion Guo Zheng went on a five-point streak to hold three game points. Loy saved them all and wrested back the lead, converting her second match point for victory.
“I’m very happy. I trained one hour before the match with my coach, doing some tactics that I might use against my opponent, like how to receive her serve,” said Loy, whose semi-final match is on 5 Nov.
“She’s a very good player and I had to fight for it.”
Coach Hao Anlin had advised her to adjust her serve at 11-11 in the fifth game, so that she could be in a better position to attack first. His guidance after she lost the third game was also effective.
Loy added: “She was prepared for (my shots) and I wasn’t as prepared. (Hao) just told me what tactics to focus on and to start from a new set, and not to think so much.”
The SEA Games medallist certainly kept her focus well amid the loud cheers in support of Guo Zheng. Loy was herself cheered on by a group that included sailor Kate Teo, who is her roommate in Dakar.
“I saw my roommate and I’m grateful for the support,” she said. “I could hear (the cheers) but not fully, because I needed to focus on the match.”
Coach Hao was proud of the way his protege handled the challenges on court, noting that she was better prepared than in the group stages.
“She played with greater composure and her tactical execution on the court was much better,” he added.
“Regardless of who the opponent is tomorrow, we’ve already made it this far. Our focus will be on preparing well for the opponent’s tactics and to be ready for the challenge. (I hope she) gives it her all and shows her true level, and plays as freely as possible.”
The Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games takes place from 31 October to 13 November 2026. For the latest Team Singapore coverage and news, follow Team Singapore on their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) or visit the official Team Singapore website.