SEA Games 2025: Izaac Quek completes second straight triple sweep with men’s singles gold

Izaac Quek retained his men's singles gold for a second straight SEA Games clean sweep. Photo: SportSG/ Kasem Theerapong

Having conquered South-east Asia twice, table tennis player Izaac Quek is now aiming for Asian glory. 

The 19-year-old retained his men’s singles title with a convincing straight-game win over Indonesia’s Muhammad Bima Abdi Negara for a second straight clean sweep of the men’s titles at the SEA Games. He also won the men's doubles and men's team gold medals earlier this week.

But he is not resting on his laurels as he hopes to replicate his form at the 2026 Asian Games and throughout the year, targeting a rise in the rankings. 

He said: “I’m definitely not trying to stop here. There’s much more that’s coming so I hope I can do better and do well in higher level tournaments. 

“The Asian Games will be harder, there’s China, South Korea and Japan who are the best teams in the world. I’m excited to be able to compete against the best in the world and see how I compare to them.” 

Izaac Quek in action during his men's singles victory on Dec 19. Photo: SportSG/ Kasem Theerapong

At the Westgate Hall on Friday (Dec 19), Quek was in control of the final from the get-go. Bima tried keeping the score close but Quek had an answer for everything. 

Trailing 3-0, Bima attempted to launch a late comeback, matching Quek point for point in the fourth game. But it proved futile as Quek stayed calm to see out the 4-0 (11-6, 11-8, 11-3, 13-11) win. 

World No. 139 Quek was pleased to retain all his titles and credited thorough physical and mental preparation for helping him stay in good shape. 

“In the previous edition, I had no pressure. This time was different because everyone’s eyes were on me, everyone’s trying to win against me. Every match was high intensity and there was a lot of pressure. 

“Coming into this, I know it will be much more difficult but I’m happy that I had good confidence in myself. 

“I know I have what it takes to get three gold medals again and these golds not only reflect that I have strong skills but also that mentally, I was very prepared for every match.”

Focusing on each match and point at a time, rather than thinking about the result, was also key for Quek who works with a psychologist on where to put his mind before and during matches. 

Izaac Quek is now aiming to do well at the 2026 Asian Games. Photo: SportSG/ Kasem Theerapong

But for now, what is on his mind is a good meal and family time. 

Quek said: “I’ve been trying to be careful of what I eat the past few days to not get sick. Today I can let myself go and eat as much good food as I can. I’ve been eating a lot of pad thai so maybe some mookata or other Thai specialties would be good.” 

Singapore men’s head coach Gao Ning said he was probably more pleased than Quek about his singles victory but is also already looking to build on this momentum.  

He said: “It wasn’t easier this time. It really depends a lot on your preparation before the matches and your ability to adapt. We prepared for every scenario.

“No matter the gap, every single point was fought hard for. We hope to take this momentum forward to the Asian Games. 

“There are still a lot of things we need to work on. As athletes, your job is to constantly improve. You can’t rest on your laurels just because you’ve won this gold.”

Earlier in the day, Ser Lin Qian clinched a joint bronze in the women's singles after valiantly falling 4-2 (6-11, 9-11, 12-10, 11-7, 12-10) to eventual champion Suthasini Sawettabut. 

Ser Lin Qian had a fruitful SEA Games outing with one silver and two bronze medals. Photo: SportSG/ Kasem Theerapong

The table tennis team, with an average age of 22, ended their campaign with four golds, one silver and two bronzes. 

The 33rd SEA Games are held in Thailand from 9 to 20 December 2025. For the latest Team Singapore coverage and news, follow Team Singapore on their social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) or visit the official Team Singapore website.