Wang Chuqin’s comeback leads China to final in ITTF-ATTU Asian Team Championships

China's Wang Chuqin made a stunning comeback to guide his team to a 3-2 win over Japan in the ITTF-ATTU Asian Team Championships semifinal. Hong Kong defeated Chinese Taipei 3-2 to reach the final, while India finished sixth

Hyderabad: China once again showcased its steely resolve and unmatched depth as World No. 1 Wang Chuqin produced a stunning comeback to steer his team into the final of the 28th ITTF-ATTU Asian Team Championships at the Athletics Centre, Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

Despite a spirited challenge from Japan, led by the brilliant Tomokazu Harimoto, the defending champions held firm when it mattered most. China eventually won 3-2.

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World No. 4 Harimoto had set the tone early, stunning World No. 2 Lin Shidong in the opening rubber before Sora Matsushima edged past Wang in a gripping five-game duel to give Japan a 2-0 lead. But China, famed for thriving under pressure, found its lifeline in the third rubber as Lin Shidong, World No. 2, clawed one back before Wang levelled the tie at 2-2.

The clash between Harimoto and Wang turned into a pulsating spectacle—a battle of precision, power, and nerves. The two traded games relentlessly, refusing to concede an inch. In the decider, Wang’s superior angles, sharp rallies, and composure under pressure proved decisive as he clinched the final few points to seal victory and China’s place in the final.

Earlier, Matsushima came agonizingly close to pushing Japan ahead once more, leading World No. 7 Liang 10-6 in the decider, and the pattern followed in the fourth as well. But the Chinese star mounted a spirited comeback, saving five game points as Matsushima faltered in the closing stages—a costly slip that tilted the momentum firmly back in China’s favour.

Hong Kong (China) edged out Chinese Taipei 3-2 in a thrilling men’s team semifinal to book their place in the final. The victory, led by standout performances from Wong and Chan Baldwin, underlined the team’s growing confidence and composure under pressure.

Wong delivered a dominant display against Kuo Guan-Hong, winning 11-1, 11-7, 11-2, before Chan sealed the tie with a gritty 11-4, 4-11, 0-11, 11-6, 11-5 win over Liao Cheng-Ting. Earlier, Wong Chun Ting had given Hong Kong a strong start by defeating Liao 11-4, 8-11, 11-7, 10-12, 11-8. Despite spirited resistance from Taipei’s Kuo and Chang Yu-Aan, who took the second and third rubbers, Hong Kong’s depth and determination proved decisive in the final stretch.

Salvage for men

India’s men’s team concluded their campaign in sixth place after losing 0-3 to the Republic of Korea in the second classification match, after winning 3-2 against DPR Korea in the first. Despite the defeat, the team ensured its spot in the prestigious Champions Division for the next edition, two years from now. In the 5-6 playoff, youngsters Snehit Suravajjula and Payas Jain were fielded, with senior Manush Shah and Ankur Bhattacharjee rested.

After Manav Thakkar lost the opening tie 1-3 to Oh Junsung, Snehit fought hard but fell to Park Gyuhyeon despite claiming a game. Payas began promisingly against An Jaehyun, even taking an early lead in the first. He also won the third game, but the seasoned Korean fought back strongly to clinch the contest and secure victory for his side.

The Indian women’s team finished eighth after a 2-3 loss to Hong Kong in their final tie and will now be relegated to Division One from the Champions Division.

Relegation for women

After Manika had given a walkover to Kim Kum Yong of DPR Korea in the fourth rubber, she was rested to give youngsters a chance in their match against Hong Kong. Debutant Swastika Ghosh and Dia Chitale impressed with 3-1 wins over NG Wing Lam and Kong Tsz Lam, respectively. However, Yashaswini Ghorpade went down in a five-game thriller to Su Tsz Tung, and Swastika lost to Su by the same margin in the reverse singles.

Earlier, India had fallen 1-3 to DPR Korea, led by the formidable Kim Kum Yong, whose solid defence and sharp counterattacks dominated proceedings. Both Manika and Dia struggled for rhythm, with Manika losing to Cha Su Yong (1-3), and Kim benefited from the walkover. Yashaswini provided a brief spark with a gritty 7-11, 11-9, 11-6, 7-11, 11-6 win over Pak Su Gyong, but Manika’s 8-11, 5-11, 4-11 defeat to Kim sealed India’s exit and eventual demotion.