SEA Games 2025: Singapore showcased grit and resilience to retain the Men’s team gold medal with a hard fought victory over Vietnam in the final of the men’s team event on Sunday, 14 December.
The team of Koen Pang, Izaac Quek and Josh Chua had to dig deep after injuries to Pang and Chua left Singapore in a 2-1 hole after three matches.
Struggling with a shoulder injury, Pang began strong against Nguyen Anh Tu, taking the first set 16-14. He could not carry the momentum though, and was upset by his 814th ranked opponent, losing the next three games 8-11, 5-11, 7-11.
Defending SEA Games singles champion Quek warmed up nicely for the singles event starting on 17 December, when he quickly put Dinh Anh Hoang to the sword, coasting to a 11-5, 11-3, 11-8 win in the second singles.
Next up was Chua in the third singles, who took a commanding 1-0 lead in his match against Nguyen Duc Tuan. However, midway through the second set with Nguyen leading 9-5, the Singaporean fell and twisted his ankle and had to be helped off court for treatment. After getting taped up, the 255th ranked Singaporean returned to court to continue his match, to the applause of the crowd. However, it was clear that he was hindered by his injury, eventually losing the match 11-8, 6-11, 9-11, 11-8.
However, 19 year-old star boy Quek delivered when it mattered the most, leveling the tie at 2-2 with victory over Tu, 11-9, 11-6, 7-11, 12-10, and giving Pang the chance to win it for Singapore, albeit injured shoulder and all.
And Pang duly did, rallying to beat Hoang 3-11, 11-9, 11-9, 11-7, collapsing to the floor in a mix of joy and relief.
Quek said: “We are just like, really relieved. There were difficulties on court… each person getting injured but I’m very, very happy that we pulled through together as a team.
“This time was very different from last time, because last time was quite smooth, but this time, there were much more difficulties. We’re happy that we just trusted each other and fought through the end.”
Singapore had began their campaign with a come from behind 3-1 win over Indonesia in their first group match, followed by another 3-1 win over Vietnam. Resting Izaac and Clarence in their final group match against Myanmar, Chua and debutant Ellsworth Le, along with Pang, breezed to a 3-0 win.
Quek and co then beat the Philippines 3-1 in the semifinals, who had pipped hosts Thailand to the final four.
After the prize presentation ceremony, Chua was sent to hospital for X-rays and the initial results indicate a high ankle sprain. He is set to partner Clarence Chew in the Men’s Doubles starting on Tuesday, 16 December, and a decision will be made on his availability on Monday, 15 December.
