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Nigeria Table Tennis Federation.....
Doha, Qatar – May 25, 2025 — The 2025 ITTF World Table Tennis Championships in Doha concluded with thrilling finals as China’s WANG Chuqin and SUN Yingsha claimed the men’s and women’s singles titles, respectively, in a tournament that tested Team China like never before.
WANG Chuqin Wins Men’s Singles Title
World number 2 WANG Chuqin (CHN) delivered a dominant performance in the men’s singles final, defeating Brazil’s top player Hugo Calderano 4-1 (11-7, 9-11, 11-5, 11-6, 11-8) to secure his first world championship title. Calderano, who had shown exceptional form throughout the tournament, was no match for WANG’s speed and control in the final.
SUN Yingsha Triumphs in All-Chinese Women’s Final
In the women’s singles final, world number 1 SUN Yingsha (CHN) edged out compatriot and world number 2 WANG Manyu (CHN) in a dramatic seven-game thriller (9-11, 11-8, 11-7, 9-11, 11-6, 8-11, 11-9) to win her maiden world title. The match showcased the incredible depth of talent in Chinese women’s table tennis, with both players displaying world-class skill and mental toughness.
Tough Road for Team China
Despite winning both singles titles, the 2025 World Championships were far from smooth sailing for the Chinese team. Several unexpected defeats shook the squad across multiple events:
- Men’s Singles Upset: French star Simon Gauzy shocked LIN Gaoyuan (CHN) with a 4-2 win in the round of 32, marking one of the earliest exits for a Chinese male contender in recent memory.
- Women’s Singles Surprise: Japan’s Hina Hayata ousted rising Chinese talent SHI Xunyao in the round of 16, winning 4-2 in a confident display of aggressive play.
- Mixed and Women’s Doubles Woes: Chinese pairs suffered surprising eliminations in both the mixed doubles and women’s doubles events before the semifinals, a rare sight in major championships.
- Men’s Doubles Disappointment: Perhaps the biggest shock of the tournament was in the men’s doubles, where for the first time in years, no Chinese pair made it to the semifinals — a stunning outcome that raised eyebrows across the table tennis world.
Looking Ahead
While China once again asserted its dominance in singles play, the unexpected setbacks in the doubles and early-round singles matches show a growing global competitiveness in the sport. Teams from Europe, Japan, Chinese Taipei and the Americas continue to close the gap, setting the stage for an even more exciting .
The 2025 World Championships in Doha will be remembered not only for China’s continued excellence in singles, but also for the shifting dynamics of global table tennis.
