Surat thani: "Aunt Paew" edged out a win by 1 point to claim the women's individual petanque championship at the 8th National Senior Games, "Tapi Games 69," held at the Surat Thani Provincial Stadium. Rain fell before the match, creating a tense atmosphere. "Paew" Jeerawan Kalaya, a Thai national petanque player from Samut Prakan and the 2025 SEA Games gold medalist in the women's team event, faced off against Waraporn Sripothiwang from Buriram. The game was highly competitive, with both players exchanging leads until the score was tied at 12-12. The match concluded with "Paew" securing a narrow 13-12 victory, earning the gold medal. This win followed her previous performance in the women's doubles event, where she claimed a silver medal. The 61-year-old "Paew" praised her opponent's skill and expressed relief at the win, noting the challenging match and her limited practice, despite some less-than-ideal throws.
According to Thai News Agency, in the men's individual final, an upset occurred when Rachen Khamprathom from Nakhon Sawan province showcased remarkable form in both placement and hitting, defeating the defending champion Phisit Yindisap from Nakhon Ratchasima with a decisive 13-0 score to secure the gold medal. Phisit settled for the silver medal.
In the table tennis final at Prince of Songkla University, Surat Thani Campus, in the men's singles 70+ age category, Mr. Tawiroj Pongtemsuk, a former Thai national team player from Bangkok, competing in this age group for the first time, took on Mr. Somchai Jaruchutharat from Suphan Buri. Mr. Tawiroj, demonstrating his national team skills, triumphed 3-0 (12-10, 11-7, and 11-6), earning the gold medal. Upon winning, Mr. Tawiroj, who recently celebrated his 70th birthday, shared that he has been playing table tennis for over 50 years and continues to play daily, alongside running. He emphasized the importance of strong eyesight for table tennis, mentioning he avoids using mobile phones and wears sunglasses to protect against the sun.
In the Standard Master IV Single Dance Waltz final at the Suratthani School's ballroom dancing hall, Pranom Tantikan and Surachai Krisanapiyawan, contestants number 108 from Bangkok, impressed the judges and clinched the gold medal. The silver medal was awarded to Thammanawan Lueangcharoenkul and Pisit Inthalaengkhanapong, also from Bangkok.
Today's program includes competitions for 143 gold medals in various events: Swimming (65 gold medals), Athletics (50 gold medals), Shooting (10 gold medals), Golf (7 gold medals), Bodybuilding (5 gold medals), Woodball (4 gold medals), and Gateball (2 gold medals).
The latest medal tally shows Bangkok leading with 78 gold, 71 silver, and 65 bronze medals. Closely following is Surat Thani (the host city) with 55 gold medals, Chiang Mai in third with 26 gold medals, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya in fourth with 17 gold medals, and Chonburi in fifth with 17 gold medals.