This weekend in Chongqing, two table tennis stars lit up the arena at the WTT Champions event on the Chinese mainland. Former World No. 1 Wang Chuqin showcased his prowess with a commanding 3-0 victory over French competitor Alexis Lebrun, setting the stage for an electrifying tournament.
From the opening moments, both athletes adopted an aggressive style. Wang quickly built an early lead in the first game, finishing with an 11-8 scoreline. Despite a resilient comeback by Lebrun, Wang maintained his momentum. A strategic timeout, called by head coach Wang Hao during a tight 9-5 moment in the second game, helped Wang turn an 11-all tie into a brilliant 13-11 win.
The third game saw both players locked at 4-4, but Wang's tactical edge shone through as he stifled Lebrun’s counterattacks to secure an 11-6 win. The victory not only propelled him into the quarterfinals but also underlined his determination to reclaim the top spot in the ITTF Table Tennis World Rankings following a notable 47-week reign at the summit.
Adding to the excitement in Chongqing, competitor Chen also stormed into the quarterfinals. Although details of Chen's match remain under wraps, his impressive advancement underscores the high level of skill and competition at this international event.
Fans and enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting the next round, as the quarterfinal matchups promise further high-octane displays of talent and determination. The dynamic performances in Chongqing highlight why table tennis continues to capture the imagination of a global audience.
Reference(s):
Wang, Chen storm into WTT Champions quarterfinals in Chongqing
cgtn.com
