SEA Games: Filipino duo secures PH’s first medal in table tennis

Richard Gonzales and John Russel Misal in the men's tennis doubles competition in the 31st SEA Games. PH Table Tennis Federation photo

Richard Gonzales and John Russel Misal in the men’s table tennis doubles competition in the 31st SEA Games. PH Table Tennis Federation photo

MANILA, Philippines — John Russel Misal and Richard Gonzales settled for a silver medal in the men’s doubles table tennis of the 31st Southeast Asian Games on Wednesday at Hai Duong Gymnasium.

Misal and Gonzales failed to utilize its rousing first set win, yielding to Singapore’s Clarence Zhe Chew and Ethan Shao Feng Poh in the final, 11-5, 8-11, 4-11, 10-12.

The Filipino pair unleashed a come-from-behind five-set victory over Singaporeans Josh Shao Han Chua and Yew En Koen Pang in the semifinal earlier.

Misal and Gonzales also displayed their perseverance in the quarterfinals on Tuesday, outlasting Thais Phakpoom Sanguansin and Padasak Tanviriyavechakul in five sets.

The duo of Misal and Gonzales gave the Philippine team its first medal in table tennis.

RELATED STORIES

PH table tennis chances still hinge on ageless veteran

Read more...