Islamabad (Sports Desk): An incredible week in Fukuoka ends with Wang Manyu reigning as queen in a seven-game thriller and Wang Chuqin securing his third straight WTT Finals crown.
WTT Finals Fukuoka 2024 has brought the curtain down on an exhilarating season of world-class table tennis. With thousands of fans filling the Infinity ∞ Arena in Fukuoka, the energy and excitement have been off the charts. From shocking upsets to career-defining performances, this week has showcased the very best of the sport.
The Women’s Singles final was a nail-biter, as Wang Manyu (CHN) edged compatriot Chen Xingtong (CHN) in an epic 4-3 battle (13-11, 9-11, 4-11, 11-5, 5-11, 11-8, 11-5).
With both players competing in their first WTT Finals title match, the stakes were sky-high. Wang struck first in a marathon opening game, narrowly taking it 13-11. Chen responded with relentless aggression, claiming the next two games. But just when it seemed momentum was slipping away, Wang rediscovered her rhythm, unleashing blistering raw speed to dominate the fourth game.
In the decider, Wang's mental fortitude and tactical adaptability shone through. With Chen throwing everything she had into the rallies, Wang absorbed the pressure and turned the tide with calculated aggression. As the final ball dropped, Wang roared in triumph, clinching her third WTT Series singles title of the season and solidifying her status as one of the game’s brightest stars.
In a highly anticipated showdown, the king is back as Wang Chuqin (CHN) overwhelmed local hero Tomokazu Harimoto (JPN) in a commanding 4-0 victory (11-2, 11-8, 11-7, 11-5), winning three consecutive WTT Finals titles.
Wang wasted no time asserting his dominance, storming to a 10-0 lead in the opening game, silencing the home crowd while his traveling supporters cheered him on. Harimoto, in his third WTT Finals title match, tried to mount a response by mixing in tactical variations, including his signature backhand serve. While the adjustments helped him claw back some points, Wang’s precision and power proved unassailable.
Every rally was a showcase of Wang’s unmatched ability to turn defence into offence, leaving Harimoto reacting rather than dictating. From blistering forehands to his trademark banana backhand, Wang kept the Japanese star on the back foot throughout the match.
