Singapore’s world number 8 doubles pair of Izaac Quek and Koen Pang successfully retained their SEA Games men’s doubles title after they defeated Javen Choong and Wong Qi Shen of Malaysia at Central Westgate in Nonthaburi, Thailand on Wednesday evening.

The final was a repeat of the 2023 edition, and while the Malaysian pair were hoping for a reversal of fortunes, it was not meant to be as Quek and Pang won in convincing fashion, 11-6, 11-6, 11-6.

The victory means that Quek and Pang became the first Singapore pair to win the event in successive SEA Games, while Pang became the first male Singapore paddler to win a Doubles Double – having earlier won the Mixed Doubles with Zeng Jian – the first time since Yang Zi did it in 2007 that the feat has been achieved.

On their doubles win, Quek said: “I think that me and Koen did a really good job throughout all the matches.

“Koen and I had some really good results this year in our men’s doubles, so we were very confident coming to the event.

“We knew that we got the gold medal last time, so we had what it took to get the gold medal again. But I knew that this time, everyone’s goal was to win against us.”

Pang also became the first paddler to clinch 3 gold medals at these Games, the maximum number that can be won.

“These SEA Games have definitely been exciting and have been the most perfect for me, even though the team event I wasn’t playing as well, but my teammates managed to pull through”, said Pang.

Izaac will be looking to emulate Koen’s feat of winning 3 gold medals at these games, and also to repeat his 2023 performance of 3 golds, when he continues his quest to defend his singles title.