The stage is set for one of the most highly anticipated events in international table tennis as the ITTF Men’s and Women’s World Cup returns to Macao from April 14-21. With the full roster nearly complete—aside from the final host association wildcards—the tournament promises world-class action at the Galaxy Arena.
Women’s Singles: Can Sun Yingsha Defend Her Crown?
World number one Sun Yingsha is back to defend her title, but the competition will be fierce. Wang Manyu, who recently bested her in the Asian Cup final, will be looking to repeat that success. Japan’s Hina Hayata, Romania’s Bernadette Szocs, Puerto Rico’s Adriana Díaz, and Africa’s rising star Hana Goda are all in the mix, each eager to make a deep run in the tournament.
Men’s Singles: Wang Chuqin and Lin Shidong Lead the Charge
The men’s draw is just as competitive, with Wang Chuqin aiming for his first-ever World Cup title. Fresh off his WTT Champions Chongqing triumph, he enters as one of the favorites. Meanwhile, world number one Lin Shidong, who claimed the Singapore Smash title, is another powerhouse to watch. They’ll be joined by top contenders like France’s Félix Lebrun, Brazil’s Hugo Calderano, and Japan’s Tomokazu Harimoto. Representing other continents, Omar Assar and Nicholas Lum bring the African and Oceania challenge, showcasing the global nature of the event.
A Unique Format Raises the Stakes
The World Cup features a two-stage format designed to maximize intensity. In the first phase, 16 groups of three players will battle in a round-robin format, with only the top player from each group advancing. The knockout stage then ramps up the excitement, shifting from four-game matches in Stage 1 (each match will be four games long) to best-of-seven showdowns in Stage 2.
With high stakes, fierce rivalries, and the legacy of the Evans and Hammarlund Cups on the line, Macao is set to witness a spectacular display of skill, strategy, and determination. The countdown has begun—who will rise to claim the prestigious titles?Source: ITTF