In a repeat of the 2023 SEA Games Men’s team final in Cambodia, Singapore once again clinched bragging rights over northern neighbours Malaysia at the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships in Busan, Korea on Sunday afternoon.

Despite a sluggish start, including trailing 1-8 in the first set at one point, 17-year-old Izaac Quek rallied to secure Singapore’s first point of the contest by defeating Javen Choong in straight sets, with scores of 11-9, 11-9, 11-6

Continuing the momentum, Koen Pang, 21, extended Singapore’s lead to 2-0 by defeating Wong Qi Shen in straight sets, with scores of 12-10, 11-6, 11-9.

The task of securing victory for Singapore fell upon 2020 Olympian Clarence Chew, but Leong Chee Feng had different plans, pushing the 28-year-old to the limit. Despite the challenge, Clarence managed to maintain his composure and emerge victorious also in straight sets, 15-13, 12-10, 11-9.