Nicholas Tan, 17, had a competition to remember when he won his first trophy on the WTT circuit, clinching joint-3rd in the U17 Boys Singles event at the WTT Youth Contender Havirov on Saturday.

The Singapore Sports School student took on Ryuusei Kawakami of Japan in the semifinals, and the Japanese teenager proved too strong for Tan, as Tan fell in straight sets, 6-11, 8-11, 9-11.

Tan had won three straight matches earlier, claiming top spot in his group with wins over China’s Le Hechen (3-2) and Poland’s Gracjan Kesik (3-0), before beating Wang Zining, also of China, 3-0 in the Quarterfinals.

The Singapore youngster will look to carry his form into the U19 Boys Singles Round of 32 on Sunday, where he will take on Rafal Formela of Poland.