Wang Chuqin defended his Asian Cup title by defeating Zhang Benzhihe 4-2, celebrating wildly after the match and taking home a prize of 410,000 yuan.

On February 8th Beijing time, the men’s singles final of the Table Tennis Asian Cup ended with Wang Chuqin resisting pressure to protect the national team’s honor by defeating his tough opponent Zhang Benzhihe 4-2. He successfully retained his crown, took home $60,000 (about 410,000 yuan), and maintained his world number one ranking. This victory means the Chinese team claimed both the men’s and women’s singles championships at this tournament, showing their unwavering supremacy and bringing great happiness!

Wang Chuqin and Zhang Benzhihe are considered longtime rivals, having faced each other 16 times before, with Wang winning 13 of those matches. Last year in Yokohama, Zhang defeated Wang to win the title, but Wang quickly avenged that loss by beating him in the Asian Championships team event. Today marked their 17th encounter, and Wang still has the ability to overcome Zhang. This China-Japan showdown drew intense attention, and Wang had to withstand the pressure and crush Zhang’s arrogance!

From the start of the match, the tension between Wang Chuqin and Zhang Benzhihe was palpable, with the score going back and forth. At the crucial moment, Zhang took the first game 11-9. In the second game, despite Zhang’s fierce shouting, Wang patiently battled and won the key points to even the score at 11-8. The third game saw Zhang launch a strong offense, quickly taking the lead again by winning 11-7 to lead 2-1. However, Wang stayed calm in the following games, gradually asserting dominance and playing with ease. His powerful attacks overwhelmed Zhang, who struggled to respond, as Wang swept the next three games 11-5, 11-8, and 11-6 to win 4-2 overall and successfully defend his championship!

It must be said that Wang Chuqin played extremely composed in this match. Although he didn’t hold on in the first game, he grew stronger as the match progressed, eventually turning the tide. In the sixth game, he broke Zhang’s momentum. After winning the title, Wang celebrated wildly, pointing to Wang Hao and shouting to release his pent-up pressure. It was truly a tough battle. For now, Wang remains our most reliable player. If Fan Zhendong doesn’t compete at the Los Angeles Olympics, Wang will be our main hope, as others cannot be counted on!

Written by / Sports Novels