Paddlers nip Thailand in team event

The Philippine men’s table tennis team pulled off a thrilling 3-2 win over Thailand on the first day of team event in the 23rd Southeast Asian Games.

Veteran Richard Gonzales delivered the decisive win by edging Seksak Khomkham, 11-3, 11-5, 11-9.

Gonzales rallied from a 1-5 deficit in the final for a 10-4 lead en route to the win.

Earlier Gonzales trounced Chaisit Chaitat, 3-1, Ernesto Ebuen II whipped Seksak Khomkham, 3-1. Julius Esposo, however, lost to Sithichok Vipawatanakul, 2-3, and Ebuen Chaitat, 2-3.

The women’s team bowed to Thailand, 0-3 and Myanmar, 1-3.

"We gave them a good fight, we we were in good shape. My drives went in," said Gonzales, who rallied from a 1-5 deficit in the final set to turn back the Thai.

The men’s team will next face Indonesia and Malaysia tomorrow. A win would guarantee the team of at least a bronze medal. — Jose Bimbo Santos