The national table tennis team scored a breakthrough during its campaign in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Nonthaburi in Thailand last week.

Both the men’s and women’s teams claimed bronze medals in the biennial meet, ending a long medal drought for the Philippine Table Tennis Federation, Inc. (PTTF).

The men’s team last medaled in the SEA Games during the Manila edition in 2005 when local icons Richard Gonzales, Joseph Cruz, Ernesto Ebuen, and Harold Baring finished third.

Meanwhile, the women’s team’s bronze marks their first medal since Joan Rae Sanchez’s women’s singles bronze during the 1991 SEA Games in Manila—a gap of over three decades.

“This is a historic achievement for Philippine table tennis,” said PTTF secretary-general Rodolfo “Pong” Ducanes Jr. “These bronze finishes reflect the hard work and dedication of our athletes, coaches, and support staff. It’s a proud moment for the federation and the country.”

Both teams accomplished their feats in dramatic fashion under the guidance of their coaches Annabelle Comendador, Lauro Crisostomo, and Johanne Remaneses.

The men’s team, led by Gonzales along with 2021 SEA Games men’s doubles silver medalist John Russel Misal, Jann Nayre, University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 Most Valuable Player (MVP) Eljay Tormis of University of Santo Tomas, and Edouard Valenet, entered their final group-stage match against host Thailand with a 1-1 record.

To advance to the medal round, the Philippines needed a perfect 3-0 sweep against Thailand – a daunting challenge, as the country has never beaten Thailand in men’s team competition.

Despite the history and home-court advantage of their opponents, the Filipinos showed no fear.

Misal defeated Sanguansin Phakpoom, 12-10, 13-11, 11-6, while Nayre bested Tancharoen Sarayut, 11-5, 7-11, 11-4, 11-6.

In the decisive match, Valenet dug deep to outlast Preechayan Thitaphat, 11-7, 16-14, 9-11, 8-11, 11-6, securing a semifinals berth.

Gonzales, 54, now has three silvers and nine bronzes in his SEA Games career.

Meanwhile, the women’s team—comprising of UAAP Season 86 MVP Angel Laude of La Salle, 18-year-old Kheith Cruz, Rose Dadol, Emy Rose Dael, and Muse Baltabat—faced a do-or-die match against Vietnam after a 3-0 loss to Thailand.

Laude fell to Nguyen Khoa Dieu Khanh, 11-4, 10-12, 11-8, 12-10, before Cruz leveled the tie with a dominant 11-6, 11-3, 11-3 victory over Mai Hoang Trang. Fadol then put the Philippines ahead with a gruelling 11-8, 11-9, 4-11, 6-11, 11-7 win over Tran Mai Ngoc. Cruz sealed the tie with an 11-7, 11-6, 4-11, 11-7 victory over Nguyen.

Though both teams fell to Singapore in the semifinals, the bronze finishes offer a strong foundation moving forward.

“These results are crucial as we prepare for the Asian Games, the 2027 SEA Games, and eventually the Olympic qualifying tournaments,” Ducanes said. 

“It is the vision of PTTF President Ting Ledesma to build a program that allows our athletes to compete year-round, both in local competitions and international events, giving them the experience and exposure they need to excel.”