SEA Games 31: Vietnam grabs gold medal in men’s singles table tennis

Vietnamese table tennis player Nguyen Duc Tuan brought home a gold medal after defeating his Thai rival Pharpoom Sanguansin in the men’s singles final match on May 20.

Vietnamese table tennis player Nguyen Duc Tuan (blue) grabs a gold medal in men’s singles table tennis  on May 20 (Photo: VNA)
Vietnamese table tennis player Nguyen Duc Tuan (blue) grabs a gold medal in men’s singles table tennis on May 20 (Photo: VNA)

This is the most awaited match by table tennis fans at the regional sports event.

Tuan was the last hope of gold of the Vietnamese table tennis team after his teammates lost in all six out of seven events at the tournament.

The Thai player had two points ahead of Tuan at the beginning of the first set. However, with his calmness, confidence, and solid defence, Tuan made good use of his "right-handed" attacks and won the first set 11-7.

He went on to win the second set with a score of 11-9.

In the third set, Sanguansin returned strong and beat Tuan 11-8.

However, Tuan reversed the situation and defeated the Thai rival 11-7 in the fourth set and 13-7 in the last set.

With this triumph, the Vietnamese table tennis team completed the gold medal target set for the tournament.

Thailand dominated the table tennis competitions at SEA Games 31, taking gold in the men's team, women's team, women's doubles and women's singles. Singapore took the title in the men's doubles and mixed doubles. Vietnam got the gold in the men's single event.