Practically unnoticed, PH table tennis also had its moments of glory in Thailand
A milestone went almost unnoticed in the recent Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, underscoring the slew of dramatic victories notched by Team Philippines there.
Filipinos ended a decades-long medal drought in table tennis after both the men’s and women’s teams won bronze medals at the 33rd edition of the biennial meet in Nonthaburi, Thailand.
Those twin podium finishes marked a breakthrough campaign for the Philippine national table tennis team and the Philippine Table Tennis Federation (PTTF), with both squads reaching the semifinals at Central Westgate.
The men’s team captured its first SEA Games medal since 2005, when the Philippines last finished third during the Manila edition. The current squad was led by veteran Richard Gonzales alongside John Russel Misal, Jann Nayre, Eljay Tormis and Edouard Valenet.
The women’s bronze, meanwhile, ended a wait of more than three decades. The country last medaled in women’s table tennis in the 1991 SEA Games in Manila, when Joan Rae Sanchez claimed bronze in singles.
“This is a historic achievement for Philippine table tennis,” said PTTF secretary-general Rodolfo “Pong” Ducanes Jr. “These bronze finishes reflect the hard work and dedication of our athletes, coaches and support staff.”
The men advanced to the medal round with a stunning 3-0 sweep of host Thailand in their final group-stage match, a result the Philippines had never achieved in any SEA Games men’s team competition.
Bemedaled veteran
Misal opened the tie with a straight-sets victory over Sanguansin Phakpoom before Nayre defeated Tancharoen Sarayut. Valenet then sealed the upset with a five-set win over Preechayan Thitaphat to send the Filipinos into the semifinals.
Gonzales, 54, added to his decorated SEA Games career, which now includes three silver and nine bronze medals.
The women’s team—composed of Angel Laude, Kheith Cruz, Rose Dadol, Emy Rose Dael and Muse Baltabat—earned its semifinal berth after a must-win tie against Vietnam following an opening loss to Thailand.
Cruz delivered two key victories in the tie, while Dadol scored the decisive point to put the Philippines ahead before Cruz closed out the series.
Both teams bowed to Singapore in the semifinals but were assured of bronze medals under SEA Games rules.
“These results are crucial as we prepare for the Asian Games (next year), the 2027 SEA Games and future Olympic qualifying tournaments,” Ducanes said. “Our goal is to give our athletes year-round exposure through local and international competition.”
Ducanes also acknowledged the federation’s partners, thanking the Huaching Foundation, the Philippine Sports Commission, the Philippine Olympic Committee and Ayala Malls Manila Bay for their continued support of the national program.
