AT THE Toa Payoh Sports Hall yesterday afternoon, Singapore's chances of winning a second table tennis medal at the Asian Youth Games slipped out of Isabelle Li's grasp.

Despite a brave performance, the 14-year-old was on the wrong end of a seven-game thriller - losing 11-9, 7-11, 10-12, 12-10, 3-11, 11-8, 7-11 to North Korea's Kim Song I in the girls' singles quarter-finals.

The 300-odd spectators were treated to a match full of heart, lengthy rallies and turning points between two choppers engaged in a war of attrition.

The defining twist came in the third game when Isabelle raced to a 10-4 lead.

But the spunky North Korean strung eight consecutive points together to take the game and go ahead 2-1.

Not to be outdone, Singapore Sports School student Isabelle masterminded a comeback of her own - taking the fourth game after trailing 8-10.

As the match wore on to the seventh and deciding game, two other quarter-final matches on the adjacent table had already ended.

Finally, after close to 40 minutes of play, Isabelle's backhand slice went long on Song I's second match point.

Speaking to the media after dabbing away her tears, Isabelle paid tribute to her opponent.

'I think the better player won,' said the Singaporean, who picked up the mixed team bronze medal last Friday. 'I learnt a lot from her. She's got great fighting spirit - she didn't give up.'

Singapore's coach Xu Xiangdong said the difference was Song I's ability to make tactical adjustments at key moments in the match.

He said: 'Isabelle was forced to play on her opponent's terms. The Korean also dictated the rhythm of the game.'

Despite losing one of her longest and most intense battles to date, Isabelle said that she enjoyed every moment of the match.

So did the crowd, who reserved loud applause for both players.

Xu was also on hand to acknowledge his charge's effort.

He said: 'It's a real pity. Isabelle had her chances to win, and probably should have. But, even though she lost, I'm very proud of her effort.'