Wang Manyu poses for a selfie during the awarding ceremony of the women's singles at 2026 World Table Tennis (WTT) China Smash in Beijing, China, Oct. 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Xie Han)
BEIJING, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) -- China's Wang Manyu successfully defended her women's singles title after defeating Japanese chopper Hitomi Sato 4-0 at the 2026 WTT China Smash on Sunday.
In the men's singles final, world No. 1 Sora Matsushima edged Chinese Taipei's Lin Yun-ju 4-3 in a seven-game thriller.
Wang had a 6-1 head-to-head record against Sato, although their most recent meeting, and their only previous encounter in the WTT Series, saw Sato win 3-0 in the round of 32 at the 2026 WTT United States Smash three months ago.
Wang stormed to an 11-2 win in the opening game. With the top seed leading 9-8 in the second, the expedite rule came into effect, under which the server must win the point within 13 strokes or the receiver is awarded the point.
Wang then won two consecutive points to take the second game 11-8 before prevailing 11-3, 11-9 to secure her fourth WTT Grand Smash title.
Despite the defeat, Sato made history as the first chopper to contest a WTT Grand Smash final.
"I had not expected the score to be 4-0. I had a stable mindset and resolutely executed my tactics in the match," Wang said.
Earlier in the day, Matsushima saw off home player Zhou Qihao 4-2, while Lin edged Brazil's Hugo Calderano in a seven-game thriller.
As the 11-day tournament came to a close, China won two of the five titles, with Wang also successfully defending the women's doubles crown alongside Kuai Man.
"I carried my momentum after the Asian Games into the China Smash, while facing difficulties and challenges during this process. Thanks to my coaches and teammates for their support, which helped me embrace these challenges with a positive mentality," Wang said.
South Korea's Lim Jong-hoon won two doubles titles, partnering Shin Yu-bin in the mixed doubles and Oh Jun-sung in the men's doubles. ■
Wang Manyu poses for photos during the awarding ceremony of the women's singles at 2026 World Table Tennis (WTT) China Smash in Beijing, China, Oct. 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Xie Han)
Sato Hitomi hits a return during the women's singles final match between Wang Manyu of China and Sato Hitomi of Japan at 2026 World Table Tennis (WTT) China Smash in Beijing, China, Oct. 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Xie Han)
Wang Manyu hits a return during the women's singles final match between Wang Manyu of China and Sato Hitomi of Japan at 2026 World Table Tennis (WTT) China Smash in Beijing, China, Oct. 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Xie Han)
Wang Manyu celebrates during the women's singles final match between Wang Manyu of China and Sato Hitomi of Japan at 2026 World Table Tennis (WTT) China Smash in Beijing, China, Oct. 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Xie Han)
Wang Manyu hits a return during the women's singles final match between Wang Manyu of China and Sato Hitomi of Japan at 2026 World Table Tennis (WTT) China Smash in Beijing, China, Oct. 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Xie Han)
Wang Manyu celebrates after winning the women's singles final match between Wang Manyu of China and Sato Hitomi of Japan at 2026 World Table Tennis (WTT) China Smash in Beijing, China, Oct. 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Xie Han)
Wang Manyu celebrates during the women's singles final match between Wang Manyu of China and Sato Hitomi of Japan at 2026 World Table Tennis (WTT) China Smash in Beijing, China, Oct. 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Xie Han)
Sato Hitomi serves during the women's singles final match between Wang Manyu of China and Sato Hitomi of Japan at 2026 World Table Tennis (WTT) China Smash in Beijing, China, Oct. 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Xie Han)
Sato Hitomi (L) hits a return during the women's singles final match between Wang Manyu of China and Sato Hitomi of Japan at 2026 World Table Tennis (WTT) China Smash in Beijing, China, Oct. 11, 2026. (Xinhua/Xie Han)
