China unequivocally cemented its authority at the 28th Asian Table Tennis Team Championship, delivering a stunning double victory at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. The incredible display on Wednesday underscored their unwavering reign in the sport.
The women’s team kicked off the celebrations by avenging their 2024 final defeat against Japan, securing a comprehensive 3-0 win. Following this, the formidable Chinese men’s team effortlessly overcame Hong Kong (China) with an identical 3-0 score in a one-sided final, clinching their remarkable 25th continental title.
In the women’s final, World No. 2 Wang Manyu faced an initial challenge from Japan’s defensive specialist Honoka Hashimoto. After dropping the first game, Wang strategically adapted, focusing her shots on the center line. This clever adjustment successfully limited Hashimoto’s movement and allowed Wang to dictate the play, ultimately giving China a crucial lead.
Next, World No. 1 Sun Yingsha delivered a masterclass in speed and precision, dismantling Miwa Harimoto in straight games and bringing China tantalizingly close to victory. The record-extending 20th women’s team title was then sealed by World No. 4 Kuai Man, who showed remarkable resilience to recover from a game down against the left-handed Hina Hayata.
The men’s team ensured a perfect finish to the championship. After a nail-biting semifinal against Japan the previous night, China demonstrated clinical efficiency against Hong Kong (China), dropping a mere single game across their matches.
In the opening rubber, the top-ranked Wang Chuqin was briefly tested by the in-form Chan Baldwin, who initially matched his speed and placement. However, Wang’s undeniable class ultimately shone through. Liang Jingkun, hailed as the hero of China’s semifinal triumph, then secured the title with yet another dominant performance, sparking joyous joint celebrations as both Chinese teams proudly ascended the podium.
This double triumph resoundingly reaffirmed China’s undisputed dominance in Asian table tennis, sending a clear message that their next generation of talent remains as formidable and unstoppable as ever.
The final scores were as follows:
Women’s Final: China def. Japan 3-0
- Wang Manyu def. Honoka Hashimoto: 10-12, 11-3, 11-6, 11-3
- Sun Yingsha def. Miwa Harimoto: 11-9, 11-5, 11-7
- Kuai Man def. Hina Hayata: 8-11, 12-10, 11-6, 11-9
Men’s Final: China def. Hong Kong (China) 3-0
- Lin Shidong def. Wong Chun Ting: 11-8, 11-4, 11-4
- Wang Chuqin def. Chan Baldwin: 12-10, 11-9, 5-11, 14-12
- Liang Jingkun def. Yiu Kwan Go: 13-11, 11-6, 12-10