Gonzales, Lariba rule table tennis

MANILA, Philippines - Richard Gonzales and Ian Lariba ruled the singles open events of the POC-PSC National Games table tennis competitions at the Amoranto multi-purpose stadium in Quezon City recently.

Gonzales, 42, a long-time national team member, outclassed fellow national player Rodel Valle of Philippine National Police, 11-7, 9-11, 8-11, 11-8, 11-9, to win the singles title of the competition participated in by more than 300 players nationwide.

“I just have to do my best while I can,” said the Cagayan De Oro City native, who also clinched the gold medal in Liha event with a 3-0 win over Tata Carreon. “I’m just playing everyday to stay fit and competitive.”

Lariba  defeated fellow La Sallian Donna Gamilla, 11-7, 11-5, 11-5, to grab the women’s singles crown.

The competitions were organized by Table Tennis Association of the Philippines headed by president Ting Ledesma as part of the POC-PSC national games.