Sarah's mother Cheryl said her daughter left Australia at midnight last Sunday, experiencing 38-degree heat shortly after she landed in Taipei.

The Allansford 16-year-old competed in the class nine singles at the titles, enduring a round robin to advance to the semi-final, where she clashed with Japan's Megumi Ishikawa.

"They've met a number of times," Lazzaro said.

"(The Japanese) lady's got 30 years on Sarah."

The 53-year-old won to progress to the gold medal match while Sarah played off for bronze.

She duelled another older Asian player, triumphing in a hard-fought match.

Lazzaro said that many international table tennis players were paid to both train and play.

They also play with pimple balls, which tend to slow the game down and make it difficult for power players like Sarah.

Sarah has shifted her focus in Taipei to the team event, which will see her combine with fellow Australian team member Rebecca Julian.

"They both went to Beijing together so they've got a good relationship," Lazzaro said.

This year has seen Sarah compete in several able-bodied tournaments.

"She played in the country championships and won the under 18 title, so now she's up for selection in the Australian junior team for under 18s," Lazzaro said.

"She's got a lot happening.

"And in between all her table tennis is her school work.

"Emmanuel College have been fantastic."

The Victorian Institute of Sport scholarship holder's schedule doesn't show any signs of slowing down as next year is a qualifying year for the 2012 London Paralympic Games.