KHEITH Rhynne Cruz bagged two gold medals for the Philippines in the 2023 SEA Youth table tennis championships in Brunei over the weekend.
Cruz ruled the girls’ Under-17 singles competition, beating Wirakarn Tayapitak of Thailand 11-7, 11-4, 8-11, 11-4, 7-11, 11-3. She also captured the title in the Under-19 doubles together with Chrishien Mae Santillan, defeating Wirakarn and Wanwisa Aueawiriyayothin 11-2, 11-9, 11-7.
Cruz, 16, earlier won a silver medal in the Southeast Asian Table Tennis Association event along with Santillan, Althea Jade Gudes, Jelaine Monteclaro, and Zachi Chua in the girls’ 19-Uner team event and a bronze medal in the Under-19 girls singles.
The Philippine Table Tennis Federation Inc. thanked the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Huaching Foundation Bill Yap, Topcoms Marketing, Astiga Pilipinas – Brian Alva and Ian Villacuel, Volunteer Team Managers in Brunei – Steffy Chua, and Mr. and Mrs. Esguerra for their support.
“These remarkable victories, coupled with the unwavering support of our coaches, staff, and the PTTF showcase the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines our athletes,” said PTTF president Ting Ledesma. “This momentous achievement not only etches a golden chapter in Philippine table tennis history but also propels our nation to new heights on the global stage.”
Also winning medals for the Philippine team were Jigsaya Cabrido and Joanna Isabelle Esguerra (bronze — cadet girls doubles), Khevine Khieth Cruz and Carl Benjamin De Los Reyes (bronze — cadet boys doubles), and Ray Joshua Lawrence Manlapaz (bronze — U17 boys singles).
The team’s coaches are Annabelle Commendador, Lauro Crisostomo, and Johann Remaneses.
