Wang Chuqin, Wang Manyu start strong at WTT Finals

China's Wang Chuqin and Wang Manyu clinched victories in the singles round of 16 as the World Table Tennis (WTT) Finals kicked off on Wednesday.

Wang Chuqin hits a return during the men's singles round of 16 match between Wang Chuqin of China and Matsushima Sora of Japan at the WTT Finals Hong Kong 2025 in Hong Kong, south China, Dec. 10, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei)

World No. 1 Wang Chuqin was pushed hard by Japan's 18-year-old Sora Matsushima in the men's singles. In the best-of-seven match, Matsushima led 3-1 after four games, 11-6, 11-9, 4-11, 14-12. The Chinese star then bounced back to take the next three games 12-10, 11-4, 11-9 and seal a 4-3 victory.

"I was not in good form today and tried to adjust myself during the match. I need to be more active. After winning the fifth game, I was more motivated to pursue the victory," said the 25-year-old Wang.

In the women's singles, Wang Manyu defeated Japan's Miwa Harimoto 11-6, 11-8, 11-13, 11-6, 9-11, 11-7, while China's Chen Yi edged Zhu Yuling of Macao, China in a seven-game thriller 11-6, 7-11, 11-6, 10-12, 11-9, 4-11, 11-8.

"We came to Hong Kong after taking the ITTF Mixed Team World Cup title last weekend. There was only a short period of time for us to adapt to the venue here," said Wang Manyu. "She [Harimoto] played tough today, and I kept patient throughout the match to clinch the victory."

In a Chinese derby, Chen Xingtong saw off Shi Xunyao 7-11, 11-3, 8-11, 12-10, 14-12, 11-8 to secure a berth in the women's singles last eight.

In the mixed doubles, Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha beat Indian pair Manush Shah and Diya Chitale 11-7, 11-6, 11-8, while China's Lin Shidong and Kuai Man cruised past Wong Chun Ting and Doo Hoi Kem of Hong Kong, China 11-9, 11-4, 11-4.