The Final Triumph

November 24, 2024. The Kitakyushu Arena in Japan buzzed with excitement, its atmosphere electric with anticipation. After a year filled with upsets, surprises, and fierce competition, the WTT Finals were drawing to a close in spectacular fashion. For the Chinese table tennis team, 2024 had been one of their toughest years in recent memory, with numerous unexpected defeats shaking their dominant reign. But as the final matches unfolded today, China’s resilience and skill were on full display.

Wang Chuqin, the world number one in men’s singles, had faced more than his fair share of challenges this year. From early losses in major events to an injury scare in the middle of the season, it seemed like 2024 might not be his year. But today, he put all doubts to rest in a dominating performance in the WTT Finals. Facing Japan’s Tomokazu Harimoto, one of the sport’s rising stars, Wang proved why he was still the best.

From the opening serve, Wang was unstoppable. His precise, rapid forehands and perfect placement left Harimoto scrambling. The Japanese teenager, who had made waves with his quickness and explosive style, couldn’t find his rhythm against the relentless onslaught from the Chinese number one. Wang won in an almost flawless 4-0 sweep, with scores of 11-2, 11-8, 11-7, and 11-5.

As the final point landed on the table, Wang raised his arms in quiet triumph. Harimoto, though disappointed, clapped his opponent on the back in respect. This was a victory for Wang Chuqin, but also a redemption for China, who had endured a tough year on the global circuit.

But the Chinese team wasn’t done yet.

In the women’s singles final, Wang Manyu—the world number two—faced off against her compatriot Chen Xingtong in what promised to be a thrilling all-Chinese affair. Their rivalry had been brewing for months, and today, it reached its boiling point. The match was a rollercoaster, with both players pushing each other to the limit.

Chen lose the first game 11-13, but  Chen , with her steely determination, fought back in the second, winning it 11-9. It was a game of momentum shifts—Chen raced to a 2-1 lead, but Wang, ever composed, clawed back, winning the fourth game 11-5. In the decider, with the tension palpable, Wang Manyu kept her cool under pressure. She sealed the win 11-5, taking the match 4-3.

The crowd gave them both a standing ovation as they shook hands, acknowledging each other’s incredible skill. For Wang Manyu, it was a hard-earned victory, and one that showed that even in a year full of upsets, China still had the firepower to come out on top when it mattered most.

But perhaps the biggest surprise of the tournament came in the men’s doubles event. Felix and Alexis Lebrun, the French brothers, had been quietly making waves in the international scene, but few expected them to be able to topple Japan’s dynamic duo, Hiroto Shinozuka and Shunsuke Togami. The Japanese pair had been dominant all year, and they were the favorites going into the final.

However, Felix and Alexis had other plans. The Lebrun brothers played with incredible cohesion, their seamless partnership outshining the Japanese team in a thrilling 3-2 final. The match was a back-and-forth battle of epic rallies, with both teams showing their skill and creativity at every turn. Felix and Alexis won 12-14, 8-11, 14-12, 11-6,7-11 and 11-4. The final point was a sensational rally, ending with a perfectly placed smash from Alexis, sending the crowd into a frenzy. It was a stunning victory for France, and a sweet moment for the two young brothers.

In the women’s doubles event, Japan’s Hitomi Sato and Honoka Hashimoto were victorious, defeating Japan’s Sakura Yokoi  and Satsuki Odo  in a tense 3-0 match. The Japanese duo’s resilience and tactical play gave them the edge, and they sealed the victory with a nerveless 11-8 win in the final game.

As the closing ceremony took place, the winners were presented with their trophies—Wang Chuqin, Wang Manyu, Felix and Alexis Lebrun, and Sato and Hashimoto. Despite the challenges of the year, 2024 ended on a high note for China, with Wang Chuqin’s dominant display in the men’s singles, while the French brothers’ victory proved that surprises were still very much a part of the game.

And as the lights dimmed over Kitakyushu, it was clear: despite the setbacks, the world of table tennis remained as exciting and unpredictable as ever.