ABU DHABI, UAE — Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) based in Dubai brought pride to the Philippines by winning the gold medal in the men’s doubles table tennis competition at the Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026 (OMGAD) on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
John Suico and David Lo dominated the Men’s Doubles 45+ category at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC), showcasing the enduring skill of the Filipino sporting community in the Middle East.
A Dominant Performance The duo displayed clinical precision throughout the tournament, defeating two separate teams from India in the knockout stages:
- Semifinals: A commanding 3-0 victory against India.
- Finals: Another flawless 3-0 sweep to secure the gold medal.
Suico, a former varsity player for St. Mary’s College in Davao and a seasoned table tennis coach in Dubai, expressed his gratitude for the local support. “We’re very happy to win the gold medal. The support of the Filipino community here is overwhelming,” he told the Philippine News Agency.
Inspiration from Family The victory was particularly poignant for David Lo, who had taken a long hiatus from the sport.
- The Comeback: Lo had not played competitively since 1998. He was inspired to return to the table in 2022 after his 12-year-old son, Zach, began playing.
- A New Champion: Lo joked that his son, who has already won championships in the United States, is now the one teaching him. “He is already a champion now, like his son,” Suico added.
- Homecoming: Lo plans to bring Zach back to the Philippines in April to compete in local tournaments.
Individual Success In addition to their doubles gold, both Suico and Lo advanced to the quarterfinals of the Men’s Singles 45+ division. The partners even joked about the possibility of facing each other in the singles finals, ensuring that whatever the outcome, the Filipino flag would remain at the top of the podium.
The Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi continues to be a major platform for veteran athletes, and this golden finish underscores the vital role of the OFW community in representing Philippine excellence on the international stage.