Table Tennis: Singapore's Women's Team Comes Close to SEA Games Gold but Falls to Thailand
BANGKOK: In a nail-biting showdown on Sunday (December 14), the Singapore women's table tennis team nearly clinched their first SEA Games gold medal since 2017, only to be edged out by the reigning champions from Thailand with a score of 2-3.
The match took place at the Central Westgate mall in Nonthaburi, where the home crowd was treated to an exhilarating display of skill and determination. The competition kicked off with Thailand’s Orawan Paranang, currently ranked 73rd in the world, defeating Singapore's Ser Lin Qian, who holds the 125th spot, with scores of 14-12, 11-7, and 11-8, putting Thailand in the lead early on.
However, Singapore quickly regrouped, thanks to a commendable performance by Zeng Jian, who is ranked 37th globally. Zeng faced world-ranked 98 Suthasini Sawettabut and showcased her resilience by winning the match after a tough five-game battle, with scores of 11-9, 6-11, 13-11, 5-11, and 11-7, bringing hope back to the Singapore side.
Following Zeng’s victory, Tan Zhao Yun, currently ranked 150th, further bolstered Singapore's position by overcoming unranked Tamolwan Khetkhuan with a decisive 11-1, 6-11, 15-13, and 11-9 triumph, which temporarily put Singapore ahead.
But the excitement didn't end there. In a dramatic turn, Orawan Paranang managed to defeat Zeng Jian in a closely-fought contest, winning with scores of 17-15, 7-11, 9-11, 11-4, and 11-6, leveling the match once again.
With everything on the line, it came down to Ser Lin Qian. The 19-year-old fought valiantly against Suthasini, but ultimately fell short, losing the match 11-9, 8-11, 11-5, 7-11, and 5-11 amid cheers from the crowd, marking an emotional end to the contest.
Previously, Singapore's women's team had secured a joint-bronze at the last SEA Games, making this close match a poignant reminder of their quest for gold.
Meanwhile, the Singapore men’s team, which currently holds the title of defending champions, is set to compete against Vietnam in the finals later this evening, raising hopes for another exciting chapter in the tournament.
