Latest news with #ITTFWorldTableTennisChampionshipsFinalsDoha2025
Yomiuri Shimbun
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Japan Takes Historic Gold in Table Tennis
The Associated Press Japan's Hiroto Shinozuka, left, and Shunsuke Togami react during play against Taiwan's Kao Cheng-Jui and Lin Yun-Ju in the men's doubles final match for the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals Doha 2025 held at the Lusail Sports Arena in Doha on Sunday. DOHA — Shunsuke Togami and Hiroto Shinozuka gave Japan its first gold medal in men's doubles in 64 years at the World Table Tennis Championships, rallying to defeat their Taiwanese opponents in a thrilling final on Sunday in Doha. Togami and Shinozuka, ranked No. 5 in the world, fell behind 2-1 but came back to win the next two games and defeat Taiwan's Kao Cheng-Jui and Lin Yun-Ju 6-11, 11-5, 7-11, 11-6, 11-6. It was Japan's lone gold of the tournament, where it also took home a silver and two bronzes, and the first in men's doubles since the duo of Nobuya Hoshino and Koji Kimura triumphed in 1961. 'We had declared our intention of winning the gold, but we didn't really think we would do it,' Shinozuka said. The victory comes in the wake of the decision to restore the single-gender doubles events to the Olympic program for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. In Doha, Japan also got a silver medal in mixed doubles from Maharu Yoshimura and Satsuki Odo, and bronzes from Mima Ito in women's singles and Miwa Harimoto and Miyu Kihara in women's doubles.
Qatar Tribune
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Yoshimura & Odo shock top seeds Shidong & Kuai Man
Tribune News Network Doha Maharu Yoshimura and Satsuki Odo claimed an emotional victory at ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals Doha 2025, pulling off a stunning upset against No.1 seeds Lin Shidong and Kuai Man to move into the semi-finals of the mixed doubles, on the fifth day of the nine-day worlds. Yoshimura and Odo won 8-11, 11-5, 13-11, 12-10. Bronze medallists two years ago at the World Championships Finals in Durban, Lin and Kuai were hot favourites to bring home the gold in Doha, and the World No.1 duo made a promising start to the match, landing the opening game by a three-point margin. But it was clear things weren't going to be straightforward for the Chinese superstars as Yoshimura and Odo returned to the table with even greater determination, and it wasn't long before the scores were level once again. Suddenly, the feeling inside Lusail Sports Arena completely changed as Lin and Kuai began to realise they had a fight on their hands. Down 10-7 in the third, the top seeds chalked up four points on the bounce to hold a crucial game point opportunity, but fate would swing the other way as Yoshimura and Odo took an unlikely lead for the first time. Producing a championship calibre performance on the grandest of stages, Yoshimura and Odo were inching ever closer to etching their names in World Championships Finals history, and could see the finish line, opening up a commanding 8-3 lead in the fourth. There were some late nerves for the Japanese partnership, seeing their opponents claw their way back to 8-8. Lin and Kuai would then save match points at 10-8 and 10-9 to draw level, heaping the pressure on Yoshimura and Odo. With the tie in the balance, it was now or never for the Japanese underdogs, and they would embrace the moment, straining every sinew to close out a historic victory. An overwhelmed Yoshimura said, 'It's been a long time since I last won a medal at the WTTC - the last time was in 2019. To be paired with Odo and win a medal really exceeded my expectations. So many emotions rushed over me all at once, and I couldn't help but cry. I'm truly happy.' The surprises continued in the men's doubles as Romania's Ovidiu Ionescu and Spain's Alvaro Robles stunned Japan's fourth-seeded pairing of Tomokazu Harimoto and Sora Matsushima 3-2 (9-11, 14-12, 4-11, 11-9, 11-9). In the women's doubles, Germany's Sabine Winter and Yuan Wan added to the day's dramatic moments by eliminating Chinese Taipei's Tsai and Huang 3-2 (8-11, 9-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-7). Meanwhile in the men's singles, Germany's Patrick Franziska produced one of the most remarkable comebacks of the tournament, overturning a 0-3 deficit to defeat Korea Republic's Cho Daeseong 4-3 (7-11, 9-11, 7-11, 11-7, 11-8, 11-4, 11-3) in a breathtaking encounter. In the women's singles, Japan's eighth seed Mima Ito overcame a spirited challenge from Poland's Natalia Bajor to win 4-2 (11-7, 11-9, 11-9, 1-11, 2-11, 11-9), while her compatriot Hina Hayata had to work hard to defeat Czech Republic's Hana Matelova 4-2 (7-11, 11-7, 11-9, 11-6, 6-11, 11-10). Italy's teen Gaia Monfardini saw her remarkable run come to an end against South Korea's s ninth seed Shin Yubin, who prevailed 4-1 (11-5, 8-11, 11-9, 11-14, 11-6). Despite the defeat, Monfardini's breakthrough performance in Doha, which included a stunning upset of Hong Kong, China's 28th seed Doo Hoi Kem, marks her as a rising star to watch.
Qatar Tribune
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
World TT – Doha 2025: Shidong strats strong on day of upsets
Tribune News Network Doha The second day of the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals Doha 2025 produced spectacular action and significant upsets as the tournament continues to highlight table tennis excellence from all corners of the globe. Midway through the day, upset results sent shockwaves through the Lusail Multipurpose Hall and Qatar University venues. Among the home paddlers, Teenager Sultan Al-Kuwari battled gamely before falling 1-4 to Belgium's world No. 82 Martin Allegro (11-9, 6-11, 6-11, 1-11, 4-11) at Qatar University Hall. Wild-card Ahmed Korani was out-gunned 0-4 by Chinese Taipei attacker Kuo Guan-Hong (7-11, 7-11, 6-11, 4-11). In the women's draw, Maryam Ali bowed out 0-4 to Chile's Zhiying Zeng (2-11, 7-11, 1-11, 1-11), while Aia Mohamed salvaged a single game yet succumbed 1-4 to Cuba's Rosalba Aguiar (3-11, 7-11, 8-11, 11-7, 8-11). In mixed doubles, Mohammed Abdulwahhab/Aia Mohamed fell 0-3 to Thailand's Thitaphat Preechayan/Kulapassr Vijitviriyagul (5-11, 6-11, 6-11), ending Qatar's interest in the discipline. Lin Shidong makes statement Top seed Lin Shidong of China made a powerful start to his Men's Singles campaign, dispatching England's Liam Pitchford 4-0 (11-9, 12-10, 11-2, 11-9) in a commanding performance that demonstrated why he's considered the favourite for the title. France's Lutz stuns Korea Republic star In what must be considered one of the event's most stunning upsets so far, France's Charlotte Lutz produced a sensational performance to defeat Korea Republic's highly-rated Lee Eunhye 4-2 (7-11, 8-11, 11-9, 11-8, 12-10, 11-8). After dropping the first two games, Lutz showed remarkable mental fortitude to win four consecutive games. Czech Republic's Matelova Dismantles 27th Seed The Czech Republic's Hana Matelova delivered a clinical performance to eliminate Egypt's 27th-seeded Dina Meshref in straight games (11-7, 11-3, 11-3, 11-7), sending a clear message that rankings count for little at this elite level of competition. Australian duo stuns German Stars The 15th-seeded Australian pair of Bae and Sareen pulled off a remarkable victory against the German combination of Franziska and Ovtcharov. The young Australians, featuring ITTF Hopes Programme alumnus Aditya Sareen, dominated proceedings with a straight games 3-0 win, highlighting the effectiveness of the ITTF development pathway. African excellence shines through Madagascar's Hanitra Raharimanana produced one of Day 2's standout performances, defeating Singapore's Loy Ming Ying in a six-game thriller. Meanwhile, Egypt's duo of Abdelaziz and Alhodaby decisively handled Australia's Bae and Psihogios with a commanding 3-0 victory. Harimoto siblings shine Japan's teenage sensation Miwa Harimoto (5) lived up to expectations in her World Championships Finals debut, defeating Ukraine's experienced Margaryta Pesotska 4-1. Her brother Tomokazu Harimoto (4) claimed a convincing 4-1 victory over Korea Republic's Lim Jonghoon in their highly-anticipated clash. Croatia's Arapovic wins marathon match In one of the day's most gripping contests, Croatia's Hana Arapovic edged Kazakhstan's Zauresh Akasheva 4-3 (8-11, 11-7, 11-1, 6-11, 4-11, 11-9, 11-8) in a match that showcased the fighting spirit that defines championship table tennis. European march European champions continue to make their mark, with Germany's Ying Han and Sweden's Christina Kallberg securing impressive victories. The Lebrun brothers of France survived a scare in their Men's Doubles opener, coming from 0-2 down to win 3-2 against Spain's Berzosa and Perez. Asian domination Japan's top-seeded Women's Doubles pair Odo and Yokoi dominated their Ukrainian opponents, while the Harimoto/Matsushima Men's Doubles pairing looked equally impressive in their 3-0 victory, while China's Shi Xunyao delivered a flawless 4-0 performance against Hong Kong, China's Lam Yee Lok.
Qatar Tribune
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Sheikh Joaan conducts field visit to World Table Tennis Championships venue
DOHA: President of Qatar Olympic Committee HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani has conducted a field visit to Lusail Arena, one of the venues for the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals Doha 2025, which Qatar is hosting for the second time following the successful 2004 edition. The world-class championship will feature 640 top-ranked male and female players competing in 443 thrilling matches from May 17 to 25 at Lusail Arena and Qatar University. The Qatar Table Tennis Association (ATTA) has provided full support for the athletes to ensure they represent Qatar with pride in this global event.
Qatar Tribune
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar's magnificent seven ready for home glory at ITTF Doha 2025 Worlds
Tribune News Network Doha As the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals Doha 2025 approaches, seven of Qatar's finest table tennis athletes prepare to represent their nation with pride on the global stage from 17-25 May at the prestigious championship event. When the first ball is struck on Saturday, players from across the international table tennis community will begin their campaigns. For the seven Qatari representatives, the opportunity to compete at a World Championships on home soil represents a significant milestone. Qatar will field competitors across all five championship events, demonstrating the nation's comprehensive participation: Men's Singles: Ahmed Korani, Sultan Al-Kuwari, and Mohammed Abdulwahhab will test their skills against the world's elite. Women's Singles: Maryam Ali and Aia Mohamed carry Qatar's aspirations in the women's competition. Men's Doubles: Two partnerships take to the table with Rawad Alnaser/Sultan Al-Kuwari and Abdullah Abdulwahhab/Mohammed Abdulwahhab. Women's Doubles: Aia Mohamed and Maryam Ali form Qatar's women's partnership. Mixed Doubles: Aia Mohamed/Mohammed Abdulwahhab and Maryam Ali/Ahmed Korani represent Qatar in the combined event. The Qatar players have prepared for the major event by participating in global, continental, and local tournaments, alongside both local and international training camps to reach their peak performance. The team's extensive experience, gained from previous international competitions, positions them well to achieve impressive results. The draw has placed the Qatari players in tough matches in the early rounds. In men's singles, Sultan Khalid Al Kuwari will meet Belgian Martin Allegro, ranked 82nd, while Mohammed Abdulwahhab will meet 108th-ranked New Zealand's Alfred Dela Pena. In women's singles, Aia Magdy plays Cuba's Rosalba Aguiar, ranked 185th, and Maryam Ali faces Chile's Zhiying Zeng, ranked 165th. The men's doubles team of Mohammed Abdulwahhab and Abdullah Abdulwahhab will compete against Cuba's Andy Pereira and Jorge Campos. In women's doubles, Aia Magdy and Maryam Ali will face Germany's Sabine Winter and Yuan Wan. In mixed doubles, Mohammed Abdulwahhab and Aia Magdy will meet Thailand's Thitaphat Preechayan and Kulapassr Vijitviriyagul, while Ahmed Korani and Maryam Ali will face Algeria's Milhane Jellouli and Amina Kessaci. The championships will see the participation of 640 players, with 256 competing in singles, 256 in men's and women's doubles, and 128 in mixed doubles in 443 matches. The Qatar Table Tennis Association (ATTA) has provided full support for the athletes to ensure they represent Qatar with pride in this global event. With the home support creating an exceptional environment, Qatar's athletes aim to deliver performances that will resonate with local supporters while showcasing their capabilities on the World Championships stage. The seven Qatari representatives carry the aspirations of their nation as they prepare to participate in what promises to be a memorable championship tournament. Mohammed Abdulwahhab, a member of the Qatari team, said that the competition would be challenging but expressed his determination to go as far as possible in the tournament. He called on the fans for support and to help make the championship a success. He also expressed confidence that the event would be organized exceptionally well. Aia Magdy shared similar sentiments, noting that while the competition would be tough, playing in Qatar was a great honor and motivation for each player to perform at their best. Member of QTTA Board of Directors and Chairman of the National Teams Committee Thani Al Zarraa said that the players were fully prepared to represent Qatar honorably, stressing that the Association has provided full support to the players at all levels to ensure proper preparation for the Championships. He also expressed confidence in their ability to use their experiences to excel in the competition, noting that the players had achieved significant success in previous championships, even reaching semifinals and defeating top-ranked players. Participating in the World Table Tennis Championships is seen as a golden opportunity for Qatari players to prove themselves among the world's elite, despite the tough competition. The event is highly anticipated, with the expectation of a historic, world-class organization. Qatar is the first Arab and GCC country to host the World Championships for the second time, having previously hosted it in 2004.
