As the five-star red flag rose slowly at the London Wembley World Table Tennis Championships arena, the Chinese table tennis team once again stood at the pinnacle of the world. Coinciding with the centenary of the International Table Tennis Federation, the Chinese team swept both the men’s and women’s team titles on May 10 in London, inscribing a profound “Chinese footprint” in the sport’s century-long history. While such victories are familiar to the Chinese people, their significance today extends far beyond “continuing glory,” as the global table tennis landscape undergoes a quiet reshaping.
At this tournament, the performances of the national team’s core players vividly reflected the squad’s overall strength. On the men’s side, world No. 1 Wang Chuqin remained the team’s most reliable cornerstone. Facing sustained challenges from top players across Asia and Europe, he grew increasingly steady in key matches, excelling in physical clashes and critical points, maturing with a big-match temperament. Insiders praised his steady development, as he step by step shoulders the leadership mantle amid the transition between generations of Chinese men’s table tennis.
Veteran Liang Jingkun repeatedly stepped up in perilous situations, acting as the team’s stabilizing force. In numerous tough contests, he staged comebacks from deficits, drawing on his rich tournament experience and tenacious fighting spirit to guide the squad through difficult moments, fully showcasing the excellent psychological resilience and pressure-handling ability of national team players.
On the women’s side, Sun Yingsha maintained world-class consistency, calmly controlling the rhythm with a composed and cool demeanor, exemplifying the mature style of a core player. Wang Manyu displayed exceptional endurance and execution, playing with decisive composure throughout the matches. The Chinese women’s team delivered a stable performance across the board, vividly demonstrating the depth of talent in China’s table tennis program.
This campaign not only solidified China’s dominance but also highlighted the evolving strengths of opponents. The improved competitiveness of players from Japan, South Korea, Germany, and other nations intensified every match. The Chinese team’s ability to adapt swiftly and overcome challenges underscored the effectiveness of their training system and strategic planning. Standing at the top, there is never an easy moment—every triumph demands relentless effort and adaptation. This “new answer sheet” from London reflects not just victory, but the spirit of continuous reinvention in the face of ever-growing global competition.