Singapore-born Isabelle is a silver star

Born and bred right here in Singapore, Isabelle Li (picture) is doing her best to prove she can one day join the likes of imports Feng Tianwei, Li Jiawei and Wang Yuegu at the main table of the Republic's top women paddlers.

Yesterday, Isabelle, who turns 16 on Saturday, won a silver medal in the girls' singles event at the Youth Olympic Games. Cheered on by some 2,000 fans, including Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, the Singapore girl tried her very best against China's top seed Gu Yuting, but was beaten 11-8, 11-5, 11-8, 11-9. MORE