Site Products
Suthasini

Southeast Asian Games (SEA) Table Tennis Event – Comments from Suthasini Sawettabut

Comments were received from Suthasini Sawettabut (THA) who participated in the SEA Games held in Hanoi, Vietnam from 13th to 20nd May 2022. She won two titles, women’s team and women’s doubles; also, she was the runner-up in the women’s singles losing against her compatriot, Orawan Paranang, in the final.

She recalled the event.

1. How important is the SEA Games for you and Thai athletes?

I think the SEA Games is one of the most important tournaments for Thailand even if it is not a big tournament like the World Championships or Olympics. SEA Games has its own value for Southeast Asian players, especially for Thai players. In table tennis, it is very difficult for Thai players to win a gold medal in the SEA Games since Singapore has many players with Chinese backgrounds. This is the reason why a gold medal in the SEA Games has a special value for Thai players and Thai fans.

2. Singapore had won the women’s team event nine consecutive times prior to the most recent edition; it is the first time that the Thai women’s team has won the title. How do you feel about winning the women’s team event with your sister Jinnipa?

It was a fantastic moment for me and my sister. We have never won a gold medal in the women’s team event before, so this was the first time for the Thailand team. I cried after my younger sister’s match; it was not because we had won the gold medal but because I was proud that my younger sister could overcome the pressure and secure the victory for Thailand. I think this is a big step forward at international level.

3. You won a silver medal in the women’s singles event. You won gold in 2015, so this time you must have really tried hard to win your second singles title at the SEA Games, but you lost against your doubles partner, Orawan Paranang. How are you feeling?

I have to accept that I’m not satisfied with the silver medal, but my partner performed very well during the tournament. However, this is sport, so whether I win or lose, it is a good experience for me to move forward and improve myself for the next tournament.

Earlier, Sawettabut had competed in the Nojima T.League tournament in the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 seasons from Nippon Paint Mallets. Before coming to Japan, she had commented: “I want to be stronger by practising in Japan and win matches there.” After her arrival in Japan her performance was strong enough to be chosen as the MVP for the first half in the 2019-2020 season. In addition, she made it to the top 16 in the women’s singles event both at the Tokyo Olympic Games and later at the 2021 World Table Tennis Championships Finals in Houston. She will definitely make the best use of the experience gained at the recent SEA Games to improve herself.

SuthasiniS

Stay “In The Loop” with Butterfly professional table tennis equipment, table tennis news, table tennis technology, tournament results, and We Are Butterfly players, coaches, clubs and more.

Latest News

Be Part of the MLTT Rally Crew

August 29, 2025
(by: Major League Table Tennis) Bring your energy and love for the game Major League Table Tennis kicks… Read More

When Do Most Errors Happen?

August 29, 2025
Robot plays short backspin to Backhand, Jhon Backhand push to long Backhand, robot plays very spinny topspin to… Read More

Back Up a Little Bit More

August 27, 2025
Robot plays short backspin ball to Forehand, Jhon Forehand push to long Forehand, robot plays very spinny topspin… Read More

My Road To The 2025 US National Champion by Sally Moyland

August 26, 2025
(by Sally Moyland) I was leading 3:1 in sets in the women’s single final at the US National… Read More

Take the Ball Off the Bounce

August 25, 2025
Robot plays short backspin to Forehand, Jhon Forehand push to long Forehand, robot plays very spinny topspin to… Read More

Eleven Tips For Playing Against a Quicker Opponent

August 25, 2025
(By Larry Hodges) We’ve all had those matches where the opponent was just quicker, and we felt rushed… Read More

Jessie Xu – Valuable Learning Experience at Junior Pan Am Games

August 25, 2025
(by Bowmar Sports) Jessie Xu recently returned from representing Canada at the 2025 Junior Pan American Games in… Read More

Americans Shine at Junior Pan Am Games

August 25, 2025
(by Steve Hopkins) The 2025 Junior Pan American Games wrapped up last week in Asunción, Paraguay, with solid… Read More
View All News

Get the latest from Butterfly

Stay “In The Loop” with Butterfly professional table tennis equipment, table tennis news, table tennis technology, tournament results, and We Are Butterfly players, coaches, clubs and more.