By May Chen

IT ALL boiled down to a matter of strategy in the Schools National A Girls' tennis championships final at the Kallang Centre yesterday.

In the end, the close fight saw Victoria Junior College (VJC) relinquish their title to Raffles Institution (Junior College), who won 3-2.

Victoria Tan, captain of the Victorian girls' team, said: 'We were hoping to win a singles match and both the doubles to take the championship. But, unfortunately, the line-up favoured RI(JC) more.'

VJC won both the doubles matches, but conceded all three singles to RI(JC).

'I'm not disappointed even though we didn't manage to retain the title, because everyone did their best,' said Victoria.

Despite a side that boasted top local woman player Stefanie Tan, who won her singles comfortably, RI(JC)'s girls never felt the title was in the bag.

Said their captain Grace Pang: 'We were never sure of winning the title. VJC are a very strong side too, so we're really pleased with the result. I'm really proud of my team.'

RI(JC) also clinched the A boys' crown, dethroning defending champions Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) 4-1.

Said RI(JC) captain Ryan Teo: 'On paper, everyone knew it was going to be a very close fight - and it was, despite the scoreline.

'We're really delighted with how things turned out. The school has done very well this year and we're just glad to add to our school's achievements.'

Naturally, ACS(I) vice-captain Justin Low was disappointed with the loss, but the 17-year-old is confident the team will put up an even stronger fight next year.

He said: 'Things don't always go your way, but we will be back next year with the same positive attitude to win the title back.'

This article was first published in The Straits Times.