The highly anticipated WTT Champions Incheon 2025 has officially begun, marking another thrilling chapter in the elite series of table tennis tournaments. As expected, the competition started with a packed schedule, splitting the opening day into two sessions. In the first session of the Round of 32, several big names took to the tables, setting the stage for an intense week of action.
Zhu Yuling vs. Suh Hyo Won (3:1)
Zhu Yuling, who made a sensational return to international table tennis last year at the WTT Champions Macao after a four-year illness-related hiatus, continued her strong comeback. After six events, now ranked 37th in the world, she showcased her dominance against world No. 25 Suh Hyo Won, securing a 3:1 victory (11:8, 11:3, 10:12, 11:3). The two had already faced off earlier this year at the WTT Star Contender Doha, where Zhu also won convincingly. With today's win, Zhu extends her head-to-head record against Suh to an overwhelming 8:1.
Omar Assar vs. Xiang Peng (0:3)
China’s 22-year-old rising star Xiang Peng (No. 23) delivered a commanding performance against Egypt’s Omar Assar (No. 18), sealing a straight-game victory (6:11, 8:11, 14:16). Despite never breaking into the world’s top 20, Xiang continues to show promise, and with this win, he equalizes the head-to-head record against Assar at 2:2.
Xue Fei vs. Lin Yun-Ju (1:3)
Despite holding a 2:1 head-to-head advantage before the match, China’s Xue Fei (No. 39) was unable to stop world No. 14 Lin Yun-Ju. The 26-year-old Xue, who is not part of China's A-team, had previously beaten Lin in 2017 and 2018, but Lin has since developed into the stronger player. Xue took the first game, but Lin responded emphatically to claim a 3:1 win (11:9, 3:11, 11:13, 5:11).
Sofia Polcanova vs. Han Ying (3:0)
In a major breakthrough, Sofia Polcanova (No. 16) finally overcame her long-time nemesis, Han Ying (No. 56), in a dominant 3:0 win (11:7, 11:8, 11:4). Before this match, Han led their head-to-head 6:0, having last defeated Polcanova at the Europe Top 16 in 2023. Han, who recently returned from two Achilles tendon injuries, had a triumphant comeback at this year’s Europe Top 16. However, she struggled today against Polcanova, who capitalized on the opportunity to break her losing streak.
Tomokazu Harimoto vs. Alvaro Robles (3:1)
After a disappointing early exit at last week’s WTT Star Contender Chennai, world No. 3 Tomokazu Harimoto bounced back in style against Alvaro Robles (No. 34). Harimoto, who suffered a surprising loss to Tomislav Pucar in Chennai’s Round of 16, was eager to prove himself. Robles, too, had an underwhelming campaign in Chennai, losing to 16-year-old Flavien Coton. While Robles managed to steal the second game, Harimoto dominated the rest of the match to secure a 3:1 victory (11:4, 10:12, 11:4, 11:3). Interestingly, their only previous encounter was in 2017 when a 14-year-old Harimoto had already defeated Robles.
Finn Luu vs. Nicholas Lum (3:1)
In an all-Australian showdown, Finn Luu maintained his strong record against Nicholas Lum, winning 3:1 (11:6, 6:11, 11:9, 11:3). With this victory, Luu improves his international head-to-head record against Lum to 9:3 and reaches the WTT Champions Round of 16 for the first time—a significant milestone in his career.
Match Summary – Round of 32, Day 1 Session 1
Zhu Yuling vs. Suh Hyo Won – 3:1 (11:8, 11:3, 10:12, 11:3)
Omar Assar vs. Xiang Peng – 0:3 (6:11, 8:11, 14:16)
Xue Fei vs. Lin Yun-Ju – 1:3 (11:9, 3:11, 11:13, 5:11)
Sofia Polcanova vs. Han Ying – 3:0 (11:7, 11:8, 11:4)
Tomokazu Harimoto vs. Alvaro Robles – 3:1 (11:4, 10:12, 11:4, 11:3)
Finn Luu vs. Nicholas Lum – 3:1 (11:6, 6:11, 11:9, 11:3)
Qian Tianyi vs. Manika Batra – 3:1 (11:2, 8:11, 11:3, 11:6)
Joo Cheonhui vs. Yangzi Liu – 3:0 (11:6, 11:3, 11:9)
The action at WTT Champions Incheon has only just begun, and with the tournament heating up, fans can expect even more thrilling encounters in the coming days. Stay tuned for more updates!Photo source: WTT