In a thrilling final at the 2024 Paris Olympics, China’s top-ranked mixed doubles team, Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha, clinched the first table tennis gold medal of the Games. The duo showcased their dominance with a 4-2 win (11-6, 7-11, 11-8, 11-5, 7-11, 11-8) against DPR Korea’s Ri Jong Sik and Kim Kum Yong, delivering an exhilarating contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
This victory adds another accolade to Wang and Sun’s already impressive resume, which includes ITTF World Championship titles and multiple WTT Grand Slam victories. Their well-established partnership proved invaluable against the resilient challenge posed by Ri and Kim, the underdogs of the event who surprised many with their tenacity.
We are thrilled to have won this gold medal,” said Sun Yingsha. “It’s the result of years of hard work and the efforts of everyone on our team, from the coaches to the support staff. I’m especially grateful to my partner. We’ve known each other since childhood and have grown up together, so achieving this together is incredibly special. We’re happy with today’s outcome and hope to continue this success in future competitions.
The match saw China take an early lead, securing the first game 11-6. However, DPR Korea bounced back quickly, taking the second game 11-7 with Ri’s distinctive pimpled backhand creating problems for Wang’s powerful offensive shots. Despite this setback, Wang and Sun regained their momentum, winning the next two games with a mix of precision and smart tactics.
In the fifth game, DPR Korea mounted another challenge, keeping their hopes alive by securing a 7-11 win. The sixth game proved to be a tense, nail-biting affair, but Sun Yingsha’s calm under pressure helped China take the decisive game 11-8, securing the gold medal.
Reflecting on the victory, Wang Chuqin shared
Winning this gold medal lifts a great weight off our shoulders, but there are still many challenges ahead. We hope to defend our other titles in the days to come.
This gold medal represents a significant achievement for China, especially after their shock defeat in the mixed doubles final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where they lost to Japan’s Jun Mizutani and Mima Ito. With this win, Wang and Sun have reasserted China’s dominance in the sport and set a strong tone for the upcoming events in Paris.