Fans and players are in for an exhilarating experience as the Southeast Asia Regional Olympic Qualification Tournament kicks off on Wednesday, May 8 in Bangkok. All eyes are on Singapore’s top contenders, Yew En Koen Pang and Jian Zeng, who lead the charge as they vie for a coveted spot in the men’s and women’s singles events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The three-day tournament will feature 18 formidable athletes, comprising 10 men and 8 women, representing Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and the host nation, Thailand. Each player is determined to secure their passage to the Olympic Games in Paris.
Pang, a former U-18 world No. 1 and Southeast Asian Games (SAE) champion, faces stiff competition from his compatriot Izaac Quek, whose recent standout performances in WTT tournaments have garnered global attention. Alongside Quek, Pang will take on seasoned stars from Malaysia and Thailand, all eager to book their tickets to Paris.
In the women’s singles event, 27-year-old Zeng, a Commonwealth Games silver medalist, will need to deliver her absolute best to earn her place in the Paris Olympics.
The tournament will follow a two-stage format. In the men’s singles:
- The 10 entries will be divided into three groups
- The top two players from each group will advance to a knockout stage
- The winner of the knockout system will secure the Olympic berth
In the women’s singles:
- With 8 entries, players will be divided into two groups in the first stage
- The top two players from each group will progress to the knockout round
- The winner of the knockout system will claim the coveted Olympic spot
Prepare for an electrifying display of table tennis as the action unfolds in Bangkok. The matches will be played in a best-of-seven-games format, ensuring nail-biting moments and a thrilling spectacle for fans.
🔗 Source
