Chinese Star Overcomes Rivalry; Japanese Favorite Delights Home Crowd
China's Chen Xingtong captured her first major title in years with a dramatic 4-2 victory over world No. 1 Sun Yingsha at the WTT Champions Yokohama, while Japan's Tomokazu Harimoto electrified local fans by defeating China's Wang Chuqin in Sunday's men's final.
The women's event saw Chinese players dominate all semifinal spots, with Chen battling through three consecutive games against Wang Yidi before facing Sun. Despite trailing in their head-to-head record, Chen turned the tables through tactical adjustments, later telling reporters: "I fought with all I had against a strong opponent."
Defensive Mastery Seals Victory
Chen acknowledged physical disadvantages against her compatriots but credited her defensive strategy: "Every point required maximum focus – we pushed each other to new levels." The win marks a significant comeback for the 26-year-old, last ranked world No. 5 in 2020.
Harimoto Ends Chinese Streak
In men's action, 19-year-old Harimoto overcame a 12-2 historical deficit against Wang Chuqin, surviving a late comeback attempt. The Japanese phenom's aggressive play secured Japan's first WTT Champions men's title since 2022, ending China's three-tournament winning streak.
The event highlights Asia's continued table tennis dominance, with regional players claiming all medals. Analysts note the results could influence seeding for upcoming Asian Championships in September.
