The UST Tiger Paddlers are aiming to secure their fourth consecutive championship in the UAAP Season 86 men’s table tennis tournament, but they anticipate a more challenging competition this year.
According to UST head coach Jackson Que, the recruitment, preparation, and performance of other UAAP teams during the off-season have evened out the competition in this season’s men’s table tennis tournament.
“Mas humigpit ako ngayon compared to last season because ‘yung ibang teams, mas lumakas din sila,” Que told the Varsitarian. “Kung naghahanda tayo, naghahanda rin sila. The game always starts at zero.”
Que mentioned that a number of standout players were unable to secure a spot in UST’s lineup due to limited slots. As a result, they opted to join other teams, thereby strengthening the rosters of rival schools like Ateneo and DLSU.
“Merong mga pumasok na players na supposedly sa atin, kaso lang hindi natin matanggap kasi walang slot,” Que said.
In Season 85, the Tiger Paddlers were dominant, going undefeated with a perfect 12-0 record in the elimination round. They also swept Ateneo in the finals to secure the championship.
Yet, the preseason demonstrated a more balanced competition. In August, the Tiger Paddlers secured the bronze medal in the Huaching Intercollegiate Challenge, which served as their final pre-season tournament before Season 86.
Que expressed dissatisfaction with their performance in the tournament, attributing it to the team’s tendency to become overly complacent.
“Not satisfied because hindi nailabas ng team, ng mga athlete natin yung talagang skills nila. One of the reasons is probably because naisip nila is malalakas sila. Medyo relaxed yung team,” he said.
Drawing from his experience in the Cambodia Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, Eljay Tormis, Season 85’s Rookie of the Year, stated that he aims to boost the Tiger Paddlers’ confidence and resilience as they defend their title.
“Sa part ko, parang binabalik ko yung confidence nila, pinapakita ko na eager na eager akong magtraining, kasi minsan nawawalan sila ng focus,” Tormis told the Varsitarian. “Kailangan namin i-improve yung pagka-resilient sa mga game namin kasi nawawalan kami minsan ng tapang.”
Que said he would keep the Tiger Paddlers grounded to avoid their shortcomings in the pre-season.
“Kung yung thinking mo is very balanced, very humble, and grounded, mas-clear yung mind, mas prepared ka, mas malaki ang chance mong manalo,” he said. “Yun yung inayos natin. I think they’ve learned their lesson. Babawi tayo this coming UAAP.”
The Tiger Paddlers last achieved a four-peat from 2002 to 2005.
UST’s table tennis teams will kickstart their Season 86 campaign on Nov. 9 at the Amoranto Sports Complex in Quezon City.
