The anticipation builds for the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals Doha 2025, with the doubles competitions promising exceptional matchups from the very first round. As players prepare to showcase their partnerships on the global stage, several opening encounters stand out for their competitive intrigue and potential for memorable table tennis.
The doubles events have historically provided some of the Championships’ most captivating moments, with tactical nuance and partnership chemistry often producing unexpected results. This week’s opening rounds continue this tradition with several contests that could set the tone for the entire competition.
Lim Jonghoon / Shin Yubin vs Chan Baldwin / Zhu Chengzhu
The Korean partnership of Lim and Shin enters Doha with growing confidence after their WTT Star Contender Chennai 2025 triumph. Their fluid coordination was evident when they previously defeated Chan and Zhu in the quarterfinals of that event. The rematch offers Chan and Zhu an opportunity to demonstrate their evolution as a partnership, with tactical adjustments likely to determine the outcome of this intriguing contest.
Wang Chuqin / Sun Yingsha vs Jishan Liang / Amy Wang
Few partnerships in table tennis history have achieved the consistency of Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha, who arrive in Doha pursuing a remarkable third consecutive Heydusek Cup. Their opening match against Jishan Liang and Amy Wang presents the first hurdle in this historic quest. While Wang and Sun’s championship pedigree establishes them as clear favourites, the opening round often produces surprising intensity as new partnerships seek to make their mark against established champions.
Men’s Doubles:
The Men’s Doubles competition features several compelling first-round contests, with established partnerships facing emerging combinations.
Lin Gaoyuan / Lin Shidong vs Carlo Rossi / John Oyebode
The Chinese pairing of Lin Gaoyuan and Lin Shidong brings technical precision and tactical sophistication to their opening match against Italy’s Carlo Rossi and John Oyebode. While conventional wisdom favours the Chinese partnership, Rossi and Oyebode demonstrated remarkable potential by reaching the Men’s Doubles final at WTT Feeder Doha 2025. Their familiarity with local conditions and uninhibited approach makes this contest particularly intriguing.
Women’s Doubles:
The Women’s Doubles draws features several generational contests that highlight the evolving landscape of international table tennis.
Charlotte Carey / Anna Hursey vs Ng Wing Lam / Zhu Chengzhu
The all-Welsh partnership of Carey and Hursey represents one of the tournament’s most intriguing combinations. Hursey’s exceptional 2025 form includes victory at WTT Feeder Manchester and multiple WTT Youth Series successes, highlighting her rapid development. Together with the experienced Carey, they confront the sixth-seeded pair of Ng Wing Lam and Zhu Chengzhu in what promises to be a technically fascinating contest between contrasting styles and approaches.
Home Nation Hopes
Sabine Winter / Yuan Wan vs Aia Mohamed / Maryam Ali
The unique atmosphere of a home Championships awaits Qatar’s Aia Mohamed and Maryam Ali as they prepare to compete before passionate local supporters. Their encounter with Germany’s Sabine Winter and Yuan Wan, recent finalists at WTT Feeder Dusseldorf 2025, represents a significant test of their partnership. The supportive environment of the Lusail Multipurpose Hall provides an ideal stage for the Qatari duo to produce their best table tennis against established European opponents.
