The Hi-tech Zone Sports Centre Gymnasium in Chengdu bore witness to captivating moments as the table tennis competition at the Chengdu FISU World University Games drew to a close. The event concluded with a captivating display of skill and determination, as athletes from across the globe showcased their prowess in the women’s and men’s singles categories.
In the women’s singles final, Qian Tianyi of China, holding the top seed with a world ranking of No. 6, emerged as the victor in an exhilarating match against Japan’s Idesawa Kyoka. The match, which extended to an intense seven sets, exhibited the players’ unwavering spirit and tactical finesse.
Qian’s journey to victory was marked by a series of thrilling comebacks. Despite facing an early setback, she rallied to secure the second and third sets. Idesawa Kyoka responded with equal determination, clinching the fourth set. The see-saw nature of the contest continued, with each player seizing alternating sets, ultimately leading to a climactic seventh set.
In the midst of heightened tension, Qian’s composure shone through in critical moments, enabling her to execute her game plan effectively. The final set saw Qian seize victory by a narrow margin, closing with a score of 11-9 and securing the coveted gold medal.
Reflecting on her triumph, Qian shared, “Idesawa and I competed in women’s team event before, so this time I made my tactics clearly targeted. I kept reminding myself to calm down when it came to key scores.”
The men’s singles finals provided another spectacle, featuring an intense duel between China’s Zhou Kai and Xu Yingbin. Zhou’s adept control allowed him to secure the initial sets, while Xu demonstrated resilience by claiming the third and fourth sets. Zhou’s consistency eventually sealed the victory as he triumphed in the fifth and sixth sets, earning the gold medal.
Zhou Kai, elated by his win, expressed his determination, saying, “This championship has bolstered my confidence for future competitions and my career trajectory. I hope to strive for further breakthroughs and reach a higher level in the future,” said Zhou.”
The women’s singles category also saw China’s Zhao Shang and Thailand’s Orawan Paranang secure the bronze medals, while in the men’s singles, China’s Xue Fei and Chinese Taipei’s Yang Chia-an shared third place, highlighting the global talent on display.
As the table tennis competition concluded, the Chengdu FISU World University Games offered a captivating showcase of sportsmanship, skill, and dedication. The athletes’ remarkable performances captured the essence of the event, celebrating the spirit of friendly competition on an international stage.