Gonzales eyes perfect ending

MANILA, Philippines — Richard Gonzales, the most decorated player in Philippine table tennis history, is playing his final Southeast Asian Games after representing for the country for more than two decades.

The 48-year-old World Championship veteran is going to make it a memorable one.

“This is his last SEAG and he will be part of the national coaching staff after,” said Philippine Table Tennis Federation, Inc. secretary-general Rodolfo Ducanes Jr. referring to Gonzales.

“He is looking for another podium finish,” he added.

Gonzales is the most bemedalled Filipino in the sport, having won the silver medal twice in Manila in 2005 and Singapore in 2015 and the bronze six times in 1999 in Brunei, 2005 in Manila, 2009 in Vientiane, 2013 in Naypyidaw, 2011 in Jakarta and 2017 in Kuala Lumpur.

He was also a bronze medalist in the World Championship of Ping Pong in 2014 in London and a gold medal winner in the Southeast Asian Championship in 2015.

Hopefully, Gonzales can save his best for last ,and claim his first SEAG gold on home turf.