Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin ReportParis (France): Table tennis' tenth appearance at the Olympic Games concluded in thrilling fashion with two decisive matches that determined the Women's Team podium. China’s Women’s team continued their dominance in the event, securing their fifth consecutive gold medal with a 3-0 victory over Japan—marking China's historic 300th Olympic gold medal. Japan took home the silver. Meanwhile, Korea Republic earned the bronze, marking their first medal in the Team event since 2008.The conclusion of the Women's Team event at Paris 2024 marks the end of an extraordinary 15 days of table tennis held at the South Paris Arena 4, where more than 200,000 fans have created one of the best atmospheres of the Games. This thrilling Paris 2024 experience has elevated table tennis to new heights and showcased its growing global appeal, setting the stage for an exciting next chapter in Los Angeles 2028.China’s gold medal clash began with an intense doubles match, where Chen Meng and Wang Manyu faced a formidable challenge from Japan's surprise pairing of Hina Hayata and Miwa Harimoto. Despite the Japanese duo taking two games, the Chinese pair emerged victorious with a 3-2 win (9-11, 11-6, 6-11, 11-6, 12-10), giving China the critical first point. Building on this momentum, World No. 1 Sun Yingsha extended China’s lead with a dominant performance against Miu Hirano, winning 3-0 (13-11, 11-6, 11-6).The final match saw Wang Manyu secure the gold for China by defeating Miwa Harimoto 3-1 (12-14, 12-10, 11-7, 11-6). In addition to being China's 300th Olympic gold medal, this victory marks another significant achievement as Sun Yingsha, Wang Manyu, and Chen Meng become the first trio to win consecutive Olympic gold medals in the Women’s Team event. Meanwhile, with Japan's silver medal, 16-year-old Miwa Harimoto becomes the youngest table tennis medallist at Paris 2024."I was lagging behind when I came up, but I didn’t give up. Listening to everyone’s cheers, I became even more motivated. Each of us went all out today and played every position well. After these Olympics, I will take some time to reflect and continue working hard." - Sun YingshaIn the bronze medal match, Korea Republic ended their 16-year wait for a podium finish in the Team event by defeating Germany 3-0. The Korea Republic duo of Shin Yubin and Jeon Jihee started strong, winning the opening doubles match against Germany’s Yuan Wan and Xiaona Shan in a closely contested 3-2 victory (11-6, 11-8, 8-11, 10-12, 11-8). Lee Eunhye then delivered a commanding 3-0 win (11-8, 11-9, 11-2) over Germany’s player of the tournament, Annett Kaufmann, setting the stage for Jeon Jihee to clinch the bronze for Korea Republic. Jeon Jihee’s decisive 3-0 victory (11-6, 11-6, 11-6) over Xiaona Shan sealed the win, bringing immense joy to the Korean team and fans at South Paris Arena. Reflecting on their achievement, Korea Republic's Shin Yubin expressed her pride, stating, "I'm so grateful to my teammates for playing so well and helping us secure a medal. Yesterday, Lee Eunhye and I watched videos together and discussed strategies. It felt like we executed them perfectly. I told her she was doing an excellent job, and I also praised Jeon Jihee, saying today she was amazing—absolutely perfect." 

Sports Bulletin ReportParis (France): Thursday’s action at South Paris Arena 4 has set up a thrilling Gold Medal match in the Women’s Team event for Saturday at Paris 2024. Just like in Tokyo 2020, China’s Women’s Team will face Japan in a much-anticipated showdown as they battle for gold. China secured their place in the final after a dominant 3-0 victory over Korea Republic. The match began with Chen Meng and Wang Manyu winning the doubles encounter 3-1 (11-4, 11-5, 9-11, 11-9) against Shin Yubin and Jeon Jihee. Sun Yingsha then extended China’s lead with a commanding 3-0 (11-5, 11-1, 11-3) victory over Lee Eunhye. Wang Manyu sealed the win, defeating Jeon Jihee 3-0 (11-3, 11-7, 11-3), ensuring China’s chance to fight for their fifth consecutive Women’s Team Gold Medal at the Olympics. In the other semifinal, Japan's Women's Team advanced to the final with a dramatic 3-1 victory over Germany. The match kicked off with Miu Hirano and Hina Hayata securing a 3-1 (11-3, 11-3, 6-11, 11-8) win in the doubles against Xiaona Shan and Yuan Wan. Germany's 18-year-old sensation, Annett Kaufmann, levelled the score with a stunning 3-0 (11-9, 11-8, 11-8) victory over world number 8 and 16-year-old Miwa Harimoto, showcasing her remarkable talent on the world stage. However, Miu Hirano regained Japan's lead with a 3-0 (11-7, 11-6, 11-9) win over Yuan Wan. The tie was decided in the final singles match, where Miwa Harimoto delivered a dominant 3-0 (11-8, 11-5, 11-0) victory over Xiaona Shan, securing Japan's spot in the gold medal match and making Harimoto the youngest table tennis medallist at Paris 2024. 

Sports Bulletin ReportBangkok (Thailand): WTT Star Contender Bangkok 2024 has wrapped up in sensational fashion. With USD 250,000 at stake, the event delivered dramatic battles in the heart of the land of smiles. In the Women's Singles final, Mima Ito (JPN) triumphed over Honoka Hashimoto (JPN) in a gripping six-game battle, winning 4-2 (11:6, 12:14, 4:11, 11:5, 11:8, 11:5). Ito, competing in her first singles final since WTT Star Contender Ljubljana 2023, showcased her championship pedigree to secure her fifth WTT Series title. Hashimoto, who began her journey in the qualifying rounds, put up a valiant effort in her first-ever WTT Series final, making a memorable debut at her first WTT Star Contender event.“Facing Hashimoto is always a close match, just like the ones we had in Japan. We've had many matches where no one could predict the winner until the very last moment. Given the fierce competition and today's hot weather, we couldn't stop sweating and had to take a lot of pauses during the match for this reason. I'm glad I was able to compete calmly in such conditions.” – Mima ItoIn the Men's Singles final, Tomokazu Harimoto (JPN) delivered a dominant performance against defending champion Lin Gaoyuan (CHN), winning 4-0 (11:3, 11:8, 11:6, 11:9). Lin, the top seed and wildcard, entered the final as the defending champion from last year’s WTT Star Contender Bangkok, having equaled his best effort of the season from WTT Star Contender Doha 2024. Harimoto, who already boasts a WTT Star Contender title from Doha 2021, secured his second consecutive triple crown following his historic win at WTT Contender Tunis last week.“It’s incredible to have won the final 4-0 today. I gave everything in both the semifinals and the final, yet I still feel energized. This event has significantly boosted my confidence in my physical strength. Following last week’s victories in Tunis, securing a triple crown for the second consecutive week and winning six titles in two weeks is beyond anything I imagined. When I left Japan, I hoped for one or two titles. Achieving this is simply unbelievable, and I’m absolutely thrilled.” - Tomokazu HarimotoIn Mixed Doubles, Tomokazu Harimoto and Hina Hayata (JPN) dominated Wong Chun Ting and Doo Hoi Kem (HKG) with a 3:1 victory (11:3, 11:8, 9:11,11:8). This triumph marked their fourth Mixed Doubles title in 2024, continuing their incredible form following victories at WTT Contender Tunis and WTT Star Contender Ljubljana.Honoka Hashimoto and Hitomi Sato (JPN) claimed the Women’s Doubles title by defeating top seeds Jeon Jihee and Shin Yubin (KOR) 3:1 (9:11, 11:7, 11:8, 13:11). Hashimoto and Sato, unbeaten in WTT events this year, secured their second WTT Series Women’s Doubles title, having previously won at WTT Contender Rio de Janeiro and WTT Feeder Cappadocia.

Sports Bulletin ReportTunis (Tunisia): In an incredible turn of events at WTT Contender Tunis 2024 Presented by KIA, Japan has swept the champions trophies in all five categories, with top-seeded siblings Miwa Harimoto and Tomokazu Harimoto crowned champions in the Women’s and Men’s Singles events.Miwa Harimoto showcased her dominance by defeating Satsuki Odo 4-0 (12-10, 11-8, 11-8, 11-3), securing her second WTT Series Women’s Singles title since her win at WTT Contender Tunis 2023. Odo, making her first WTT Series Singles final appearance, showed remarkable resilience throughout the event, having won three WTT Feeder Series titles since her debut. In the Men's Singles, Tomokazu Harimoto emerged third-time victorious in Tunis in a 4-3 win (9-11, 11-7, 9-11, 11-6, 11-7, 4-11, 11-9) against qualifier Yukiya Uda, who made an impressive run to the final. Harimoto, whose last WTT Series singles title was at WTT Champions ESS 2022, added another feather to his cap with this victory. Uda's remarkable journey from the qualifiers to his first international singles final since 2020 showcased his unrelenting fight but ultimately fell just short in the deciding game. The Women's Doubles saw the Japanese duo of Sakura Yokoi and Satsuki Odo triumph over Diya Parag Chitale and Yashaswini Ghorpade of India with a commanding 3-0 (11-9, 11-8, 11-3) victory. Yokoi and Odo, fresh off their win at WTT Contender Zagreb earlier this June, continued their winning streak with this title.Tomokazu Harimoto and Sora Matsushima’s stellar performance in the Men’s Doubles, led to the defeat of Chinese Taipei’s Feng Yi-Hsin and Huang Yan-Cheng at 3-0 (11-9, 11-6, 11-5). This marked Harimoto and Matsushima's third WTT outing together as a pair and their first WTT Series Men’s Doubles final win.The Mixed Doubles crown went to Tomokazu Harimoto and Hina Hayata, who edged out Sweden’s Christina Kallberg and Kristian Karlsson in a thrilling 3-2 (8-11, 13-11, 12-10, 6-11, 11-7) match. This victory marks their third WTT Series Mixed Doubles title in June alone and their fifth overall.

ISLAMABAD (Sports Desk): The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) is proud to unveil its “Table Tennis Planet Ambassador” programme on the occasion of World Environment Day, celebrated annually on 5 June. This initiative aims to empower players committed to fostering a more sustainable sports ecosystem. The ITTF has appointed Adriana Diaz and Martin Perry as the first Table Tennis Planet Ambassadors. Both are professional table tennis and Para table tennis players willing to make a difference and to be more involved in sustainability efforts. Table Tennis Planet Ambassadors are elite athletes who demonstrate a commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability. These athletes actively work towards a more responsible lifestyle and a sustainable indoor sports ecosystem.Adriana Diaz, currently ranked World No. 12, is one of Puerto Rico’s most celebrated sports icons. She has achieved remarkable success at the Pan American Games and made history as the first female table tennis player to represent Puerto Rico at the Olympics in 2016. In 2019, she won the island’s first gold medals in the Pan American Games. Her exceptional achievements earned her the title of “Athlete of the Decade” in Puerto Rico in 2020. With her sisters, Adriana has launched a notebook collection designed and manufactured only with eco-friendly, alternative and sustainable materials."I am thrilled to be a part of this program as l strongly believe in the importance of promoting sustainability and being mindful of our impact on the world. I was fortunate to grow up on a beautiful island, rich in nature and biodiversity. As an indoor sport athlete, I know how important nature is to well-being and I want to act now, to ensure future generations can also have access to nature. I look forward to identifying some concrete actions I can support and encourage others to join." -- Adriana DiazMartin Perry is a Para table tennis player competing in class 6 representing Great Britain. He is a double European Team Champion and a World Championships bronze medallist. Perry will make his Paralympic debut at the Paris 2024 Games. Martin is also an advocate for reducing plastic waste and has been actively involved in campaigns promoting the use of reusable materials within the sports community.“I was unaware of the impact of climate change and the importance of living a more sustainable life until I started competing for Great Britain and was privileged to travel the world playing table tennis. It was an eye-opening experience for me as I was made aware of just how much waste we pollute and the impact it has on people’s lives, particularly in deprived countries and areas. It’s only now that I’m able to look back on my upbringing and understand the cost-effective lifestyle my parents had to live by, but now I am able to see the damage such a lifestyle and lack of available alternatives leaves not only on us as people but the environment and the world around us. I can’t for one second claim to lead the most sustainable lifestyle, who can? But what I can claim is to actively look for more sustainable solutions to my everyday actions. I am excited ITTF and table tennis are taking necessary steps and commitments to climate change and nature and look forward to playing my part and encouraging others to do the same as every action counts.” -- Martin Perry.

Sports Bulletin ReportJeddah (Saudi Arabia): The countdown started here as the top seeds and dark horses alike gear up for a groundbreaking showdown at Saudi Smash 2024 and the singles lineup set to land in Jeddah has been unfolded. The second WTT Grand Smash will take place from May 4 to 11 May in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).Headlining the Men’s Singles action will be newly-crowned World No.1 Wang Chuqin. With the Men’s Singles title at Singapore Smash 2024 catapulting him to the top spot, Wang will be out to ride the momentum and add a green trophy to his collection when he steps into the Infinity ∞ Arena in Jeddah.On the hunt to take back the throne is two-time WTT Grand Smash singles champion Fan Zhendong. Having been leapfrogged by Chinese compatriot Wang at the top of the ladder, Fan will be to aiming to make up for an early exit in Singapore last month and close the gap on his rival.But the race for the top of the podium will be brimming with international superstars, hungry for their first WTT Grand Smash title. French sensation Felix Lebrun, who recently became the third youngest athlete in history to crack the Top 5, will be chasing more milestones when he touches down in Saudi Arabia. But there will be no easy path to claiming top honours, with multiple WTT Series titles winners Lin Yun-Ju, Tomokazu Harimoto and Hugo Calderano, all coming in hot and ready to add another trophy to their collections.In the Women’s Singles, the spotlight will be on World No.1 Sun Yingsha. After a quarterfinal exit at last month’s Singapore Smash, redemption will be on Sun’s mind when she gets ready to compete on the shores of the Red Sea. But challenges will come from every corner of the draw with a fully loaded lineup out to take her throne.Sun’s Chinese compatriots could prove the biggest threat to her title intent. Wang Manyu, fresh off her maiden WTT Grand Smash singles win is building plenty of momentum this season and back-to-back titles in the tier would send a clear signal to the rest of the field of her World No.1 ambitions. Meanwhile, Chen Meng will be out to replicate the form that saw her win the inaugural Singapore Smash title back in 2022. With each of the Chinese triumvirate holding one WTT Grand Smash trophy a piece, Saudi Arabia could prove the event to break the deadlock.Waiting in the wings to rock the boat will be four-time WTT title winner Hina Hayata. The leading athlete from Japan has been producing standout performances this season and is showing she has what it takes to go all the way. Also stepping out will be Top 10 global stars Shin Yubin from Korea Republic, Bernadette Szocs of Romania and Puerto Rico’s Adriana Diaz, all poised to make an impact in Jeddah.Set to be staged from 4 to 11 May 2024, Saudi Smash features 64-player singles and 24-pair doubles main draws. Offering an unprecedented prize pool of USD 2,000,000, the highest for any officially sanctioned table tennis event, both the Men's and Women's Singles champions will earn USD 65,000 and 2,000 ITTF Table Tennis World Rankings Points.

Sports Bulletin ReportBeijing (China): Beijing has been selected to host the China Smash from 2024 to 2028, a decision that shines a spotlight on China by introducing it as the newest host for a WTT Grand Smash event. This decision follows a competitive bidding process, earning the endorsement of the World Table Tennis (WTT) Board, with the support of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF). The selection brings the event to Shougang Park in Shijingshan from 23 September to 6 October, uniting top table tennis players in a setting rich with history and tradition.This recognition not only highlights Beijing's status as a global sports hub, with its unique Olympic legacy of hosting both the Summer and Winter Games, but also aligns with the city's forward-looking aspirations. As Shougang Park gears up to host the world's table tennis elite, vying for supremacy and 2,000 world ranking points this October, it symbolises a celebration of Beijing’s evolution and the rich interplay of its culture and sporting excellence.Steve Dainton, Chief Executive Officer at WTT reflects on the selection said: "We're honoured to be back in this Olympic city, which has not seen a major international table tennis event of this scale since the 26th World Table Tennis Championships in 1961. With China being our largest market and Beijing the capital, we couldn't be prouder to bring the China Smash to such an iconic location. This is a testament to the sport's growth, the appeal of the WTT Grand Smash and the city's enduring appeal." Li Xin, Head of the Beijing Shijingshan District People's Government, said: "Shijingshan District, celebrated for hosting two Olympic Games in Beijing, has gained invaluable experience and international acclaim for organising large-scale events. Selecting Shougang Park as the venue highlights our Olympic heritage and leverages its multifaceted capabilities in science, technology, culture, and sports, ensuring the seamless execution of this event. This choice not only honours our past but also fortifies our commitment to enhancing the sports industry, improving infrastructure and service quality to guarantee the success of every hosted event."Petra Sörling, International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) President said: “After a joint jury decision by the ITTF and WTT, Beijing has successfully and deservedly secured the right to host the China Smash for the coming five years. We look forward to welcoming the world's top players to the Shijingshan Shougang Park in Beijing. Notably, Beijing is the inaugural Chinese city to host the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships. Given its rich heritage in table tennis, Beijing is an ideal venue for the China Smash. I am delighted that Beijing has been chosen to host this event and thank all partners for their efforts. We have every reason to anticipate that the China Smash will be a monumental success, further enriching Beijing's illustrious table tennis history.” Liu Guoliang, Chinese Table Tennis Association President said: "Beijing, the capital of China, is also a globally renowned sports city. It has proudly hosted both the Summer Olympic Games and the Winter Olympics. Now, with the arrival of a WTT Grand Smash, the premier international table tennis event, Beijing's esteemed capability to host major sporting events is once again highlighted. I am confident that we will not only honour our rich history but also forge new milestones."

Sports Bulletin ReportBusan (Korea): Table tennis legend Ma Long has etched his name in World Championships history one last time, leading China to a monumental 23rd Swaythling Cup at the ITTF World Team Championships 2024 in Busan. In what marks his final appearance at the World Championships, Ma Long's exceptional performance sealed a commanding 3-0 victory over France in Sunday's Men's Team final, solidifying China's position as a dominant force in the sport.In a highly anticipated rematch of the 1997 World Championships final, France made a formidable return to the Men's Team title match after 27 years. However, their aspirations to upset the reigning champions were thwarted by a determined Chinese team, led by Ma Long in his farewell appearance on the grand stage.The opening match set the stage for an intense showdown as Wang Chuqin and Felix Lebrun took centre stage, captivating spectators at the BEXCO Convention Centre. Despite Lebrun's stellar performance throughout the event, Wang's prowess secured an early lead for China.In the subsequent match, World No.1 Fan Zhendong faced off against Alexis Lebrun in a gripping display of skill and strategy. Despite a valiant effort from Alexis and a match point, Fan's relentless determination ensured victory for China, further solidifying their dominance.With victory within reach, Ma Long delivered a commanding performance against Simon Gauzy, extinguishing any hopes of a French comeback and cementing China's supremacy in the sport.Ma Long said: “Every World Championships is memorable to me, but this one is especially unforgettable. After a hard-fought semi-final yesterday, the team had a reset and came in today with a much better state of mind. I’ve had the support of my team and teammates, and I’m really happy I was able to help Team China win that one point and secure the title. At the same time, I’ve witnessed the growth of Fan Zhendong, Wang Chuqin, Lin Gaoyuan and Liang Jingkun, and I believe the team will only continue to grow stronger from here. I think this can be considered the last event of my World Championships journey. It’s a perfect end to conclude this journey with this victory.” 

Mohammad RizwanBusan (Korea): China clinched their 23rd title, narrowly avoiding an upset in a fiercely contested Women's Team final at the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals Busan 2024 Presented by BNK Busan Bank. In a nail-biting battle, they clinched victory with a hard-fought 3-2 triumph over Japan, showcasing their enduring dominance on the global stage.The clash between China and Japan promised an evening of excitement, and it certainly delivered. The BEXCO Convention Centre was filled with electric energy as spectators witnessed the clash of titans under the bright lights. The showdown began with World No.1 Sun Yingsha facing off against 15-year-old sensation Miwa Harimoto. Despite Harimoto's valiant effort, Sun Yingsha's dominant performance secured an early lead for China with a commanding 3-0 victory.In the second match, Chen Meng and Hina Hayata battled fiercely, with the Japanese pulling off a stunning win against the Olympic singles champion in a thrilling four-game encounter. The unexpected turn of events levelled the match for Japan, adding an extra layer of excitement to the competition.With the pressure mounting, Miu Hirano extended Japan's lead with a magnificent 3-0 victory over Wang Yidi, leaving China on the brink of defeat. However, Sun Yingsha rose to the occasion, delivering a flawless performance to level the scores and force a decisive fifth match. The fate of the Corbillon Cup rested on the shoulders of Chen Meng and Miwa Harimoto, with both players giving their all in a tense battle. Despite Harimoto's spirited efforts, Chen's experience ultimately prevailed, securing China's victory and their 23rd Women’s Team title. Sun Yingsha said: "It was a really tight but exciting match for us today, and I’m really thankful for my teammates – not just the three of us who played but also Wang Manyu, Chen Xingtong, our coach Ma Lin and every teammate within Team China. We’re delighted with this final victory as the fifth match was anything but easy for Chen Meng. Her performance today really touched our hearts and it’s thanks to her that we managed to secure today’s victory." This thrilling final showcased the incredible talent and resilience of both teams, with China extending its remarkable reign in the Women’s Team at the World Championships Finals. As the countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games begins, the thrilling upsets witnessed in Busan showcase the emergence of more contenders, injecting a new level of excitement into the sport. The list of teams already qualified is available here. More teams will qualify by ranking on 4 March 2024.

Mohammad RizwanBusan (Korea): Day 6 of the ITTF World Team Championships Finals 2024 brought the tournament to a fever pitch as teams clashed in a battle for quarterfinals and Olympic qualification. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as players left their hearts on the table, striving for their chance to make history on the world stage. Eleven more teams joined the ranks of Olympic qualifiers. In the women’s teams, the stakes were higher than ever for the host nation, Korea Republic, as they squared off against Team Brazil in a pivotal match that would determine their Olympic fate. With the crowd roaring in support, the Korean team delivered a stellar performance, overcoming a fierce Brazilian squad to secure their place in Paris. Shin Yubin, Team Korea Republic said: I’m really grateful for all members of our team, and I’m happy now. As I think about the Olympics, I want to make sure I leave no stone unturned. I'm aiming to go out there and give it everything I've got. My goal is simple: no regrets. I want to finish every match knowing I've left it all on the table and given my absolute best." - Across the court, Chinese Taipei battled against a determined Indian side in a nail-biting encounter that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Chinese Taipei fought back from a 0-1 deficit against India, crushing the early optimism of the Indian side. India was unable to maintain their momentum and Chinese Taipei ultimately secured their Olympic berth, leaving India heartbroken at the round of 16 hurdle. Japan's powerhouse squad left no doubt about their Olympic aspirations, delivering a dominant performance against Croatia, leaving spectators in awe of their tenacity. The women stamped their authority with a commanding display and will now face the Elizabeth Samara led Romanian team. In the men’s teams, Korea Republic's dominant performance against India ignited the crowd with fervour and anticipation. Their straight set win not only secured their place in the quarterfinals but also confirmed their spot in Paris 2024. Meanwhile, Portugal achieved their goal of Olympic qualification with a thrilling victory over Croatia, earning them a hard-earned ticket to the next round against Team France. Germany's gritty victory over Iran also saw them securing their spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics. As the intensity of the competition continued to escalate, Chinese Taipei's gripping encounter with Sweden unfolded in a five-set thriller that kept spectators on the edge of their seats until the final point. Despite the valiant efforts of the European Champions, Chinese Taipei emerged victorious, securing their passage to Paris and adding another remarkable chapter to their storied campaign. The final ticket to Paris in Busan was claimed by Denmark, whose resilience and determination were on full display in a gruelling match against Slovenia. Anders Lind, Team Denmark, said: “I feel absolutely amazing. This is one of the happiest moments in my career. What makes me even happier is my team, because we had a lot of matches in the last 24 hours and we’re very tired. I’m so proud of them and myself, we’re all happy.” Qualifiers are joining the ranks of teams already bound for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Among the women's teams, China, Australia, Egypt, Germany, USA, and Brazil had already secured their spots, while in the men's division, China, Australia, Egypt, Sweden, Brazil, and Canada had already booked their tickets to Paris. As the dust settled on an exhilarating day of competition and Olympic spots secured, teams are now shifting their focus to their pursuit of medals in Busan.