Chen Meng has once again proven her dominance on the global stage, successfully defending her Olympic women’s singles title at the Paris 2024 Games. In a thrilling final, Chen defeated world number one Sun Yingsha 4-2, adding another gold medal to her illustrious career. The victory, with a scoreline of 4-11, 11-7, 11-4, 9-11, 11-9, 11-6, places Chen among the few legends of table tennis to win consecutive Olympic titles, joining the ranks of Deng Yaping and Zhang Yining.
From the start, the match was a highly anticipated showdown between the two Chinese stars, each showcasing their immense talent and fierce competitive spirit. Sun Yingsha, fresh off her mixed doubles gold, entered the final as the top seed and reigning world champion, aiming to secure her first Olympic singles gold. She made a strong start, winning the first game 11-4 with her precise and powerful shots putting Chen under immediate pressure.
But Chen Meng, the reigning champion and fourth seed, refused to let Sun take control. She quickly adjusted, using her experience to claim the next two games, 11-7 and 11-4, and take a 2-1 lead. Chen’s ability to stay calm and execute her strategy showed why she remains one of the sport's most formidable players. Sun Yingsha, however, wasn’t backing down. In the fourth game, she fought back with an 11-9 win, leveling the match at 2-2, keeping the final on a knife's edge.
With the match tied, the fifth game became a critical moment. Chen regained her composure and delivered another 11-9 victory, putting herself back in the lead and just one game away from gold. The sixth game saw both players pushing their limits, but Chen’s mental toughness and precision proved decisive. She closed out the match 11-6, securing her second Olympic singles title and cementing her place in history.
After the match, Chen Meng expressed her pride in the victory, acknowledging the intense rivalry with Sun.
It was a hard-fought battle, and I’m incredibly happy to defend my title. Sun Yingsha is an amazing player, and I knew I had to give everything to win today,” she said.
For Sun Yingsha, the loss was a bitter disappointment, as the Olympic singles gold continues to elude her. Despite the setback, her journey to the final and her dominance throughout the tournament reaffirm her status as one of the sport’s top players.
Chen Meng’s victory marks a significant moment in her career, solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest table tennis players of her generation. As the Paris 2024 Games continue, the table tennis world will look forward to more exciting matches, but Chen’s triumph will stand out as a defining moment of these Olympics.