SEA Games 2025: Izaac Quek leads men’s team to gold, women settle for silver

The Singapore men's table tennis team retained their title with victory over Vietnam. Photo: SportSG/ Yodsawat Ratanapitaktep

Singapore retained their men’s table tennis team title in dramatic fashion with a 3-2 victory over Vietnam on Sunday (Dec 14). 

Vietnam drew first blood through Nguyen Anh Tu 3-1, who beat Koen Pang (14-16, 11-8, 11-5, 11-7).

Reigning singles champion Izaac Quek then levelled the tie with a comfortable 3-0 (11-5, 11-3, 11-8) win over Dinh Anh Hoang. 

Josh Chua was dealt a blow in his match against Nguyen Duc Tuan when he fell and appeared to twist his ankle. He was taken off in a wheelchair and received treatment before the tenacious 24-year-old opted to return to complete the match. 

He put up a tough fight and eventually lost 3-1 (8-11, 11-6, 11-9, 11-8), but impressed many with his grit and resilience.

Josh Chua soldiered on despite injuring his ankle in the men's team final. Photo: SportSG/ Yodsawat Ratanapitaktep

Quek then sent the tie to a decider with a hard-fought 3-1 (11-9, 11-6, 7-11, 12-10) win over Tu. 

Pang was left to shoulder the pressure of sealing victory for Singapore. He faced an early setback, going 11-3 down to Hoang, but turned on the aggression to score crucial winners. 

Nearly 3½ hours after he kickstarted the team final and four match points later, Pang finally completed his comeback 3-1 (3-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-7), before promptly collapsing in happiness as Singapore retained their men's team gold medal.

Koen Pang in action during the men's team final on Dec 14. Photo: SportSG/ Yodsawat Ratanapitaktep

Pang said: “This result was the most meaningful one. Izaac is unwell, Clarence is injured, Josh sprained his ankle, I’m also down with flu, my hand is not in the best condition. This is probably the most emotional I have been after winning.

“This is my fourth SEA Games and I’ve played multiple finals already. I was not super nervous, but I just told myself to calm down and play what I had in my arsenal and just play around with it.”

Quek added: “We’re just really relieved as a team and I’m happy that we pulled through so many obstacles together. 

“This win definitely felt different. The last one was more smooth sailing. This time, there were a lot of obstacles. 

“Every match was very, very tough. We're just very happy that we were able to push through this marathon.”

Izaac Quek won both his matches to help Singapore retain their men's team gold. Photo: SportSG/ Yodsawat Ratanapitaktep

The team event is also a confidence boost for Quek ahead of the upcoming doubles and singles events in which he will be defending his singles and men’s doubles (with Pang) titles.

He said: “It’s definitely a very good confidence boost for me. Every competition definitely feels different. 

“Coming into this event, I know that it will be much, much tougher, since everyone's goal is to get the gold medal. 

“After the team event, I'm assured that I'm in good shape. So I hope to be able to bring the form to the singles and the doubles.”

Similarly, Pang will no doubt be taking important lessons from the team event with him. 

His biggest takeaway from the hard-fought win? “No matter what setbacks there are, as long as you focus on one point at a time, there will be ways for you to come back.”

The Singapore women's table tennis team clinched silver after defeat by Thailand. Photo: SportSG/ Yodsawat Ratanapitaktep

In another marathon final earlier in the day, it was heartbreak for the women’s team as they lost 3-2 to two-time defending champions Thailand. 

Ser Lin Qian put up a good fight against Orawan Paranang but unfortunately made a host of unforced errors, resulting in a 3-0 (14-12, 11-7, 11-8) loss. 

Defending women’s singles champion Zeng Jian then took Thai veteran Suthasini Sawettabut to the wire and displayed nerves of steel to triumph 3-2 (11-9, 6-11, 13-11, 8-11, 11-7) in a topsy-turvy match.

In the third match of the best-of-five tie, debutante Tan Zhao Yun took her opponent Tamolwan Khetkhuan by surprise with her steady defensive playing style and she convincingly took the first set 11-1. 

Debutante Tan Zhao Yun held her own to win her women's team final tie. Photo: SportSG/ Yodsawat Ratanapitaktep

But Tamolwan adapted quickly during the break, returning as a more patient player and attacking at crucial moments. 

In fact, both players became so patient that an official was introduced to implement the expedite system in which the server has to win the point within 13 returns. 

Despite the Thai winning the second game 11-6, Tan remained composed to see out the match for a 3-1 (11-1, 6-11, 15-13, 11-9) victory and put Singapore in the overall lead. 

With the pressure mounting and the home crowd getting more raucous, the pressure was on when it was time for Zeng to play Orawan for the gold medal. Another tight match saw Zeng lead 2-1 but Orawan edged ahead to claim a 3-2 (17-15, 7-11, 9-11, 11-4, 11-6) win and force a decider. 

Eager to make up for her opening loss, Ser returned with a more determined look in her eyes against Suthasini. She did well to get on the front foot and take a 2-1 lead. But spurred by a packed arena in Westgate Mall, Suthasini upped the tempo and came from behind to clinch a 3-2 (9-11, 11-8, 9-11, 11-7, 11-5) win and the gold.

Ser Lin Qian celebrating a point during the women's team final on Dec 14. Photo: SportSG/ Yodsawat Ratanapitaktep

An emotional Ser said: “After that last match, I kind of blame myself a little. I know my teammates won’t blame me, but I really wanted to do my part for this team and I really wanted us to get the gold because they didn’t win it as well the last edition.

“It’s been a very long two days… My teammates and I have fought through a lot, so regardless of the result, I’m really proud of every one of us. Although it’s a little bit sad that we didn’t win, I think that really spurs us to get stronger.” 

Zeng also rued her missed opportunities in her loss to Orawan, saying: “I felt there were some changes that I didn’t capitalise. Against Orawan, we’re pretty even and maybe I committed more mistakes and unfortunately lost. 

“My teammates are all very young and I’m very impressed with their performance. I’m disappointed in myself that I didn’t lead them to the gold. Overall, however, we gave it our all. 

“Pressure is bound to be there. As professional athletes, we face that every day. Ultimately, it was down to the mistakes that I made.” 

Zeng Jian is also the reigning women's singles champion. Photo: SportSG/ Yodsawat Ratanapitaktep

Despite the loss, Ser can keep her head high and will take the lessons learnt into the individual events. 

She said: “I’ve grown a lot mentally, especially being able to play a lot of the fifth sets. Last time when I played the fifth set, it was always really tough for me to win but I’m glad I’m slowly improving and getting stronger.

“I thought it would be very tense and anxious to be playing the first match, but I told myself that I’m here to enjoy the game. I’ve trained a lot and it’s my time to see what I’ve done right or what I need to improve on. Before the last match, it’s very pressurising, not going to lie, but I think I did well. 

“Suthasini is a really strong opponent and being able to play against her like that is already a very good achievement, but there’s still a lot for me to work on.”

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.