Sea Games: No fairytale ending for paddlers Javen-Qi Shen

Despite giving their opponents a brief scare, table tennis players Choong Javen-Wong Qi Shen were forced to settle
for silver in the men's doubles event today. - NSTP/MOHAMAD SHAHRIL BADRI SAALI

 PHNOM PENH: Despite giving their opponents a brief scare, table tennis players Choong Javen-Wong Qi Shen were forced to settle for silver in the men's doubles event today.

After a slow start to the final at the Morodok Techo Sports Complex, Javen-Qi Shen did well to level the match by taking the second game before eventually succumbing to a 11-3, 8-11, 11-8, 11-3 defeat at the hands of title favourites Koen Pang-Izaac Quek (Singapore).

It was nevertheless a commendable achievement for Javen-Qi Shen as no Malaysian pair had reached the Sea Games men's doubles final in 30 years. Yong Hong Cheh-Khor Kok Seong were the last Malaysians to win the silver.

Qi Shen admitted that their more experienced opponents were the better pair on the day.

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"We were able to give them some fight, but we are not quite there just yet. They were better prepared and also have more experience playing in finals," said Qi Shen.

Malaysia has a chance to win more medals in the men's and women's singles events which begins tomorrow.