Singapore’s Koen Pang and Zeng Jian have reclaimed the Mixed Doubles title at the SEA Games, after beating Malaysia’s Wong Qi Shen and Tee Ai Xin in straight sets in the final, 11-6, 11-7, 11-2.

Playing in their first major games as a pair, the Singaporeans put in a commanding display in the final to take home the gold.

The previous time Singapore won the title was in 2021, when Pang partnered Wong Xin Ru to clinch gold, when they beat Zeng and Clarence Chew in an all-Singapore final.

In 2023, it was Vietnam’s Dinh Anh Hoang and Tran Mai Ngoc that overcame Zeng and Chew to win the title.

This victory was especially sweet for Zeng, after having tasted defeat twice previously, and finally getting her hands on gold this time round.

The 29-year-old said: “I am very happy as I’ve never won it before. Over the course of the competition, we slowly found our footing and perhaps gave us confidence to compete in the final.”

With one gold and one silver in the bag, Zeng will now focus her attention on the Singles event, as she looks to defend her title.

Pang, 23, said: “This is probably my first major tournament with Zeng Jian, and definitely our partnership has been pretty good.

“There have been a few ups and downs, but yeah, just very happy to pull through this competition with her.”