The WTT Champions Yokohama ended on Monday with thrilling finals as Chen Xingtong of the Chinese mainland and home favorite Tomokazu Harimoto lifted the singles titles.
In the womens draw, players from the Chinese mainland swept the semifinal slots, with Sun Yingsha, Chen Xingtong, Wang Yidi, and Shi Xunyao securing the final four in advance. Chen faced Sun in a high-stakes showdown, overturning a 9-3 head-to-head deficit with a 42 victory. After dropping the first game 611, Chen adjusted tactically to win the next three games (118, 113, 115). Though Sun rallied in the fifth, Chen sealed the title with an 115 triumph in the sixth.
To play against a strong opponent, I neither gave up nor was overwhelmed by the atmosphere, Chen said. I fought with all I had. Her win marks a return to form after a series of near misses on the world stage.
On the mens side, Japans rising star Tomokazu Harimoto overcame Chinas Wang Chuqin in a pulsating 42 final. Harimoto stormed into a 30 lead, only for Wang to fight back and force a sixth game. After a medical timeout, Harimoto delivered seven straight points to clinch the match 114 in the decider.
I focused on each point and stuck to my game plan, Harimoto said. The support from the home crowd gave me extra energy.
The WTT Champions Yokohama showcased the next generation of talent in table tennis, with tactical depth, fast-paced rallies, and mental resilience on full display. As both champions look ahead to the next stops on the tour, their performances underline a season of fresh rivalries and emerging storylines.
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Chen Xingtong, Harimoto win singles titles at WTT Champions Yokohama
cgtn.com
