07-07-2025
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Wang Chuqin gives China fans 2028 LA Olympics boost, as men suffer shock losses at US event
Table tennis world champion Wang Chuqin has given Chinese fans a boost after announcing his intention to play on until at least the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
In a pre-recorded video interview with state media, Wang said he needed the target in three years to determine his 'next direction' after that.
And he reassured supporters that LA 'would not be an end', rather a point at which he would examine his future.
The news was a much-needed jolt of optimism for Chinese table tennis after a poor day for the men's team at the WTT Grand Smash stop in Las Vegas, where the 25-year-old was the only one of the nation's players in the bottom half of the draw to make it into the second round.
While the world No 2 was beating Romania's Julian Chirita 3-1, compatriots Chen Yuanyu and world No 5 Liang Jingkun both lost. Chen, the 16th seed, lost 3-1 to England's Liam Pitchford, while French qualifier Lilian Bardet saw off Liang in a five-game battle, 5-11, 11-8, 8-11, 11-8, 11-8.
Baldwin Chan (front) still has an opportunity to make it into the second round, but doubles partner Wong Chun-ting is already out. Photo: Xinhua
'I think my opponent played very well and he's quite a strong player too,' Wang said. 'He also gave me a lot of difficulties during the match.
