THE Philippine Table Tennis Federation Inc. hailed the recent performances of their team in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games held at the Central Westgame in Nonthaburi, Thailand.
Richard Gonzales, John Russel Misal, Jann Nayre, Eljay Tormis, and Edouard Valenet pocketed the men’s team bronze medal for the first time since 2005 in Manila when Gonzales was still with Joseph Cruz, Ernesto Ebuen, and Harold Baring.
Rising star Kheith Cruz, Angel Laude, Rose Dadol, Emy Rose Dael, and Muse Balatbat also took home the women’s team event in the SEA Games, a first by any Filipina table tennis netter to capture the bronze since Joan Rae Sanchez bagged the women’s singles bronze in the 1991 SEA Games in Manila.
The teams were mentored by Annabelle Comendador, Lauro Crisostomo, and Johanne Remaneses.
PTTF secretary general Pong Ducanes said the medals at the SEA Games which is dominated by Singapore is a major breakthrough.
“This is a historic achievement for Philippine table tennis,” said Ducanes.
“These bronze finishes reflect the hard work and dedication of our athletes, coaches, and support staff. It’s a proud moment for the federation and the country.”
For the first time ever, the Philippines was able to beat Thailand in the final group stage match of the men’s team event.
Misal defeated Sanguansin Phakpoom, 12-10, 13-11, 11-6; Nayre bested Tancharoen Sarayut, 11-5, 7-11, 11-4, 11-6; and Valenet outlasted Preechayan Thitaphat, 11-7, 16-14, 9-11, 8-11, 11-6, to clinch the semifinals, assuring themselves of a bronze medal.
The women’s team also edged Vietnam to also progress to the medal round, winning the final three matches of best-of-five tie.
Cruz pulled off a 11-6, 11-3, 11-3 victory over Mai Hoang Trang; Fadol won over Tran Mai Ngoc, 11-8, 11-9, 4-11, 6-11, 11-7; and Cruz came back with an 11-7, 11-6, 4-11, 11-7 victory over Nguyen Khoa Dieu Khanh.
Both teams were defeated by Singapore, but PTTF remained optimistic with the results.
“These results are crucial as we prepare for the Asian Games, the 2027 SEA Games, and eventually the Olympic qualifying tournaments,” Ducanes said.
“It is the vision of PTTF President Ting Ledesma to build a program that allows our athletes to compete year-round, both in local competitions and international events, giving them the experience and exposure they need to excel," he continued.
“We sincerely thank the Huaching Foundation, led by Mr. William Yap; the Philippine Sports Commission, under Chairman Pato Gregorio; the Philippine Olympic Committee, headed by President Bambol Tolentino; and Ayala Malls Manila Bay for their continued support. Their partnership is instrumental in helping our athletes reach new heights."
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