Wang Chuqin Triumphs at World Table Tennis Championships
In an electrifying display of skill and determination, China’s Wang Chuqin clinched his first major singles title at the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Table Tennis Championships Finals in Doha, Qatar.
The No. 2 seed faced off against Brazil’s Hugo Calderano in a thrilling men’s singles final on Sunday. After an intense first game tied at 3-3, Wang surged ahead, only to see Calderano level the score and earn a 10-7 lead. Unfazed, Wang rallied to secure five consecutive points, taking the game 12-10.
Wang dominated the second game, overpowering Calderano 11-3 to extend his lead to 2-0. Calderano fought back in the third game, building a 6-2 advantage and ultimately winning 11-4. However, Wang responded fiercely in the fourth game, starting with a 5-0 run and sealing it 11-2.
In the deciding fifth game, Wang maintained his momentum, staying ahead with a steady lead and closing out the match with an 11-7 victory. “I’m thrilled to win my first major title,” Wang said. “Calderano is a formidable opponent, and it was a tough match.”
On the women’s side, world No. 1 Sun Yingsha successfully defended her singles title, defeating compatriot Wang Manyu 4-3 in a nail-biting final that captivated fans worldwide. The match stretched over 88 minutes, with scores of 11-8, 12-10, 8-11, 5-11, 12-10, 11-13, 11-7.
“My faith wavered at one point, but I just hung in there and fought to the last point,” Sun reflected. “Manyu and I have been playing against each other since we were children. Our games are always very close.”
Sun’s victory adds to her mixed doubles crown from earlier in the tournament, solidifying her dominance in the sport. Meanwhile, Wang Manyu didn’t leave empty-handed, teaming up with Kuai Man to secure gold in the women’s doubles final against Austria’s Sofia Polcanova and Romania’s Bernadette Szocs with a straight-games win of 11-6, 11-6, 11-5.
The championships showcased the exceptional talent of China’s table tennis stars, inspiring young athletes across the globe.
