Men’s Doubles
Chinese Taipei’s Kao Cheng-Jui and Lin Yun-Ju are set to face Japan’s World No. 2 duo, Hiroto Shinozuka and Shunsuke Togami, in a highly anticipated final for the Iran Cup. Kao and Lin have been one of the standout stories of the tournament, navigating a challenging draw with remarkable composure and resilience. Their impressive run has included victories over both Chinese pairs—Huang Youzheng/Liang Jingkun and Lin Gaoyuan/Lin Shidong—as well as a commanding win against the World No. 1 French brothers, Félix and Alexis Lebrun.
In contrast, the Japanese pair have progressed to the final with relative ease, securing expected wins throughout the draw and benefiting from a walkover in the semifinals, following the withdrawal of French duo Florian Bourrassaud and Esteban Dorr. However, they will face a formidable challenge in Kao and Lin, who come into the final with strong momentum and growing confidence, bolstered by their outstanding performances. Notably, the Chinese Taipei pair also hold the psychological edge, having defeated Shinozuka and Togami 3-1 in their only previous encounter at the 2025 Singapore Smash. A thrilling title clash awaits.
Women’s Singles
The Women’s Singles final promises a classic showdown between the top two seeds, as World No. 1 Sun Yingsha and World No. 2 Wang Manyu face off in an all-Chinese battle for the prestigious Geist Prize. Both players will be aiming to capture their second World Championship title—Wang Manyu having claimed the crown in 2021 with a win over Sun in the final, while Sun Yingsha secured the title in the most recent edition in 2023.
This will mark the 25th international meeting between the two, with Sun currently leading the head-to-head 15–9. However, Wang enters the final with a slight psychological advantage, having convincingly defeated Sun in straight games at the ITTF-ATTU Asian Cup 2025—her first win over Sun after six consecutive losses.
The matchup is expected to deliver high-paced, close-to-the-table rallies, with both players known for their quick reflexes and aggressive playing styles. As regular training partners, Sun and Wang are intimately familiar with each other’s strengths and strategies, which could lead to extended rallies and fine tactical adjustments. With no coach available to either player in this intra-national final, the contest will ultimately be a test of instinct, adaptability, and mental fortitude—setting the stage for a compelling and high-quality finale.
Men’s Singles
The Men’s Singles final is set to be a blockbuster encounter, featuring World No. 2 Wang Chuqin of China against World No. 3 Hugo Calderano of Brazil. With history on the line, Calderano—the “Thrill from Brazil”—enters the final riding a wave of momentum, aiming to become the first-ever Latin American World Champion in table tennis history.
Calderano’s recent form has been nothing short of sensational. He is undefeated since his landmark victory at the ITTF World Cup Macao 2025, where he notably edged past Wang in a dramatic seven-game semifinal. His confidence was further bolstered by a gripping semifinal win over Liang Jingkun last night, reinforcing his credentials as one of the most in-form players on the circuit.
For Wang Chuqin, a finalist in Men’s singles at the previous edition of the World Championships and a consistent force in team, doubles, and mixed doubles events at both the World Championships and Olympics, this final presents an opportunity to capture his first major singles title on the world stage. The pressure will undoubtedly be high, but so too will be his motivation.
With both players known for their explosive shot-making and ability to dominate rallies from all areas of the table, fans can expect a thrilling spectacle. The contest for the prestigious St. Bride Vase promises not only world-class table tennis but also the potential for a historic moment in the sport’s legacy.
Women’s Doubles
China’s No. 2 seeds Wang Manyu and Kuai Man will face the Austria–Romania duo of Sofia Polcanova and Bernadette Szocs in the Women’s Doubles final, with the prestigious W.J. Pope Trophy on the line.
Polcanova and Szocs have already made history, becoming the first non-Asian pairing since 1975 to reach the Women’s Doubles final at the World Championships. Remarkably, the last European player to feature in a Women’s Doubles final was Romania’s Maria Alexandru—Szocs’ compatriot—who captured the title in both 1973 and 1975, partnering Miho Hamada and Shoko Takahashi, respectively. Szocs now has the opportunity to follow in Alexandru’s footsteps as she and Polcanova vie for a maiden World Championship crown.
On the other side of the table, the Chinese pair enter the final as strong favourites. The experienced Wang Manyu—already a two-time Women’s Doubles World Champion (2019, 2021)—provides steady leadership to her younger partner, the talented left-hander Kuai Man. Both teams feature a left-right hand combination, setting the stage for an intriguing tactical battle that will showcase contrasting playing styles.
With history, skill, and legacy all in play, this final promises to be a captivating conclusion to what has been a riveting stretch of world-class table tennis over the past few days. Follow all the live action on the WTT YouTube channel and stay updated with results here.
