SINGAPORE — Since tasting glory in the inaugural Asian Youth Netball Championships (AYNC) in 1994, Singapore has not managed to win another title.

But the Republic’s youth side are quietly confident of ending that streak in this year’s 10th edition of the region’s Under-21 tournament which is held in Jeonju, South Korea.

Led by head coach Huang Po Chin, Singapore completed their group stage campaign on Wednesday (May 10) afternoon with a 79-15 victory over Taiwan.

Coupled with earlier wins against hosts South Korea (108-6) and India (walkover due to late arrival), and a narrow 50-53 loss to Malaysia, it was enough to see them finish second and qualify for the semi-finals as Group B runners-up behind Malaysia.

While they still have to overcome current title-holders and three-time champions Sri Lanka in the semi-finals on Friday, Singapore have set their sights on winning the championships after finishing third at the last four editions from 2008 to 2015.

“Certainly (we want to win the title),” Huang told TODAY after their win over Taiwan at the Jeoju World Cup Stadium.

”I’ve already shared with the girls that it is probably a pretty good time for Singapore to eye the title and we are very hyped up for that.”

The competition appears to be more even this time. While top seeds Sri Lanka topped Group A, they did suffer a shock loss to Thailand (5), as compared to 2015 when they cruised to the crown without dropping a game.

The other semi-final sees Hong Kong, whom Singapore beat in a friendly earlier this February, face five-time champions Malaysia. The latter are expected to make the final and should Singapore do so as well, they will draw confidence from their close group stage loss.

“I think we have done pretty well so far and it was evident against Malaysia, where the scoreline was very close even though we only had one game (against Korea) to prepare against them,” said Nur Aqilah Andin, who is co-captain with Olivia Wu.

“All of us are hungry to win the AYNC...we are excited and fired up, and we are working hard at a high intensity.”

Huang is happy with how her charges have grown from strength to strength since being assembled last October, with their preparations bolstered by the players’ participation in the Netball Super League (NSL) and an overseas training tour in Perth, Australia.

The inclusion of five players who participated in the last AYNC in 2015 also adds experience to the team.

“I think our team is really looking good thus far,” she said. “They have been very focused.

“We started very strongly against Korea and we had a very good game against Malaysia as well and today (against Taiwan),

“They have proved that they are able to back each other up, even during difficult times, so I think the connection (within the team) and the confidence we have displayed on court is something I am very pleased about.”

Huang did single out their play in the attacking third as an area for improvement.

She said: “In terms of our attacking, (such as) retaining ball possession...and (also) in terms of decision-making, we can certainly still do better.”

Aqilah, the only member of the squad who has been capped at senior level, will use her experience to guide her newer team-mates along in their quest for glory.

“For many of them, the NSL was their first ever high-performance (level) competition,” noted the 20-year-old, who has 33 caps.

“I will be there to support and encourage them and guide them, on and off the court.

“We are not over-confident, but we are confident we can put up a good fight; for now, we need to take it one game at a time, focus on the process and do our best.”

*Singapore plays Sri Lanka in their semi-final on Friday, May 12, at 2pm SGT.*