Chinese table tennis players made a commanding start at the WTT Champions Doha this week, with top seeds securing decisive victories in both men's and women's singles draws. The tournament, which began on January 7, 2026, saw intense competition as athletes vie for early advantages in this crucial Olympic qualification year.
World No. 2 Lin Shidong set the tone with a dominant 3-0 victory over France's Flavien Coton, needing only 21 minutes to secure his place in the round of 16. The 20-year-old phenom displayed particular resilience during a tense second-game showdown that ended 12-10. Lin will next face Germany's Benedikt Duda on January 9.
On the women's side, second seed Kuai Man demonstrated why she's considered a title contender with a clinical 3-0 defeat of Romania's Elizabeta Samara. The 2025 Asian Championship silver medalist will meet Japan's Hina Hayata in what promises to be a thrilling cross-strait matchup.
Fourth seed Wang Yidi maintained China's perfect record with a hard-fought victory over Cheng I-Ching of Chinese Taipei. The three-time Grand Smash winner edged her opponent 12-10, 12-10, 11-8 in a match highlighting the growing competitiveness of players from across the Taiwan Strait.
