Lin Shidong etched his name into table tennis history on Sunday by capturing his first-ever WTT Champions title at the WTT Champions Macao 2024. In a flawless performance, the 19-year-old sensation swept past Germany's Dang Qiu with a commanding 4-0 victory (11-5, 11-6, 11-8, 11-8) in the men’s singles final.
Coming off an impressive triple crown victory at the WTT Contender Almaty 2024 just a week earlier, Lin continued his red-hot streak in Macao. The rising Chinese star toppled a series of top contenders on his way to the final, including Tomokazu Harimoto, Lin Yun-Ju, and two-time Macao champion Wang Chuqin, further cementing his status as a force to be reckoned with on the world stage.
For Dang Qiu, the final represented a historic moment as well. The German ace became the first European player to reach a WTT Champions final, and his path to the title match showcased his remarkable skill and tenacity. However, the final hurdle proved insurmountable, as Lin Shidong's relentless pace and precision left little room for error.
A Bright Start for Lin
Right from the outset, Lin took control of the match, displaying composure well beyond his years. Qiu, aware of the significance of the occasion, fought valiantly but struggled to find his rhythm early on as Lin clinched the opening game with ease. The Chinese teenager, undeterred by the pressure of the big stage, quickly extended his lead to 2-0.
Qiu’s best chance to turn the tide came in the third game when he mounted a fierce comeback from 8-3 down to narrow the gap to 8-6. However, Lin’s team called for a timely timeout, allowing him to regroup. The break paid off, as Lin snatched the next three points to take a commanding 3-0 lead. With the momentum fully in his favor, Lin surged through the fourth game, securing the title and sending the Macao crowd into a frenzy.
Lin Reflects on a Breakthrough Moment
After his victory, Lin reflected on what this title meant for him. “
I’m really excited to have won this series for the first time. It’s an amazing feeling,” Lin said. “I’ve played against Dang Qiu before, so I knew what to expect. He’s one of Europe’s top players, and he’s beaten several top Chinese players. I think I played really well because I was thoroughly prepared and stayed focused throughout the match. This tournament exceeded my expectations—I didn’t expect to make it to the final, let alone win.
Lin’s triumph in Macao marks his 10th consecutive singles victory, following back-to-back winning weeks in Kazakhstan and Macao. With this latest achievement, Lin joins the ranks of WTT Champions event winners alongside the likes of Wang Chuqin, Fan Zhendong, and Liang Jingkun, signaling his arrival as one of the sport's top contenders.
Dang Qiu's Historic Run
Although Dang Qiu fell short in the final, his performance throughout the tournament was nothing short of remarkable. As the first European to reach a WTT Champions final, Qiu made history and showed he can compete with the best in the world. Despite the loss, Qiu left Macao with his head held high, having demonstrated immense skill and resilience. The German star will no doubt return to the circuit even hungrier to take the next step toward a major title.
With Lin Shidong’s breakthrough and Qiu’s inspiring run, the WTT Champions Macao 2024 will be remembered as a tournament of milestones for both players.